Cranston Arms Model of 1941 .30-06 Semi-Automatic Rifle – First-Year Production, Sporterized Monte-Carlo Stock
Serial block 6915 places this Cranston Arms Model of 1941 in the inaugural year of production, making it a scarce example of the famed WWII-era Johnson rifle. It retains the distinctive short-recoil action, 10-round rotary magazine, and quick-detachable 22-inch barrel, while wearing a thoughtfully reshaped Monte-Carlo walnut stock and Pachmayr recoil pad for modern handling. Factory markings—including the Cranston triangle and Dutch five-point star—remain clear, underscoring both its collectible status and historical pedigree.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – Shows signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks; rifling remains well-defined.
Specific Condition Notes: Light scratching, scuffing, and small dings are present on the metal and wood. A professionally mended crack is located on the stock at the right rear of the receiver.
What’s Included
- Owner's manual
- OD green rifle sling
- Bayonet with frog
- 1941-dated spare barrel for Johnson Model 1941 rifle
Produced between 1941 and 1945, only about 22,000 Model 1941 rifles left Cranston Arms, and examples from the first year are especially hard to find. This rifle carries early meter-graduated sights and the perforated steel handguard that earned the “radiator” nickname among Marines.
The walnut stock has been reshaped with a Monte-Carlo comb and pistol-grip contour, delivering a 14-inch length of pull. A ventilated Pachmayr recoil pad further tames .30-06 recoil, making the rifle more comfortable for extended range sessions while retaining sling swivels for field use.
Mechanically, the short-recoil system feeds from a 10-round rotary magazine and allows the 22-inch barrel to be removed in seconds. A spare 1941-dated barrel accompanies the rifle, providing both convenience and added collector appeal.
Sights consist of a protected front post and a rear tangent aperture graduated 1–9 meters with a windage knob—features specified for the Dutch contract rifles. The bolt is a later non-matching replacement, electropenciled 9483, yet the receiver still shows the correct Cranston and Dutch star proofs.