So glad you are documenting the guns from Johnson. - Lou Johnson, Grandson of the inventor.

Never thought that Ian McCollum would ever film himself playing with his Johnson.

It's remarkable how similar this gun is to the FG-42, given they probably had similar design requirements being both used by paratroopers.

I recently re-read my copy of "The Black Rifle" concerning the development of the AR-15. I was reminded that Melvin Johnson was, for a while, employed by Armalite, working with Eugene Stoner. The multi-lug bolt head of the AR-10, AR-15, and AR-18 was derived from Melvin Johnson's patent. Anyway, in this video, I also noted the very "Armalite-ish" recoil buffer tube on the Johnson LMG. So maybe Melvin Johnson is due a little more respect than he normally receives. Great video!

30 06 always surprises me when the first couple shots are fired after not shooting very often

The Johnson kicks hard enough to make up for all the Johnsons that have been kicked.

I don't know why but I like all the side fed guns.

Johnsons are known for wearing down recoil springs. I got a new recoil spring for my Johnson rifle and replaced the original one which was a full inch shorter than the new one. It's much more pleasant to shoot now.

Seeing the recoil from the first shot in semi auto I said that sumbitch is going to go wild on full auto. It seemed as controllable as a full auto M-14. The stripper clip reload option was cool.

Another user of the Johnson was the 1st Special Service Force, an very interesting unit of American and Canadian troops trained for specialized fighting.

Unlike the Garand and BAR, which had gas systems, the Johnson used a short recoil action. As I understand it, this means the whole barrel, not just the bolt, recoils back when the action cycles. I expect this means a relatively large moving mass compared to a gas gun, which may be why it kicks hard.

It would be interesting to see a side by side from a bipod prone shooting comparison of the Johnson and a BAR. Great video, Ian.

Interesting to see the Madsen LMG style of magazine used somewhere other than just the Madsen Family!

With the through chamber top-off feature and the way it is setup with a removable barrel it’s amazing that you didn’t see some kind of redesign in a belt fed format

Always love seeing Ian play with his Johnson

That looks cool, if this saw more action in Europe and with paratroopers it would be just as well known as the BAR

I've always wanted to see footage of the Johnson LMG in action. Cool!!

The magazine used in Johnson LMG, greatly resembles the used LMG Madsen magazines used on a large scale by the Brazilian Army until the early 1970s and today, seen in some Brazilian police forces.

Still a cool looking gun. Just that retro-futuristic feel. Like the Savage autopistols.

It would be nice to see a comparison video between this and the fg42. Very similar platforms, in some ways.

Ian is a left handed expert about right handed equipment. 👍

I had one of these with a GI Joe and never knew what it was as a kid even though I was a huge nerd and went well out of my way to research all the usual suspects. Really cool to see this, in action, thanks again Ian.

Maybe a stronger recoil spring and/or redesigned receiver to allow for longer bolt travel, could have made the gun more controllable. I don't necessarily think you'd have to add a lot more weight to it.

When you need to get the job done, send in some Marines with big Johnsons.

Now immagine this, but in .276 Pedersen... That magazine was a surprise, such an old idea.

Glory to Elbonia!!!

such a cool design

I once had the opportunity to shoot an FG42 and a Johnson LMG in the same afternoon. My assessment was that the FG42 kicked harder but easier to do controlled bursts as the recoil was a bit more straight line. I very much enjoyed both. Both seemed to be a bit finicky, but either one would do well in battle.

Thanks for this episode… I’m sure there is an upcoming episode on the Johnson Spitfire and the MMJ 5.7 cartridge.. !

Now go and ice that shoulder... The M14 included a charger clip guide for the same reason; in fact, they were issued with only two mags for riflemen. Early publications stressed reloading the rifle with stripper clips, similar to the Lee Enfields. This was the case when I was issued an M14 at Marine Corps OCS, in 1975. AR-men, who used M14s with the selector switch activated, would carry more magazines.

Interesting and original weapon, with its pros and its cons. Thanks Ian for showing it "at work"'!

The sound of that gun reminds me of the original opening for the channel

Whenever I see you shoot Ian, it’s always pleasant to see you with your left hand on the trigger; the reason why is I used to be left handed on my rifles or long guns. But now I have a problem with my left arm and hand where I can’t shoot anymore. Thanks for the time and effort you put into making your videos.

I would think that charger reloading feature would be really valuable during those aggressive Japanese attacks. Seems to fulfill all the requirements of the FG42 before the FG42 was a thing.

MMJ’s most innovative breakthroughs were the final development of his rifle/LMG, the ‘Daisy Mae’ carbine, and his 5.7mm, a .223 projectile for a necked down .30 carbine cartridge. The Carbine was a mix of an LMG lower with a rifle upper fed from a BAR round. Short, compact, full barreled and under 10lbs, it predated every modern main battle rifle.

Thanks again as always Ian Very good video learning once again about a very interesting and important gun that we all wanted to know more about.

I remember finding this gun exactly once while playing Medal of Honor Pacific Assault, and then never again. I thought my memories as a kid were lying to me but recently I discovered the name of the gun and found out it only ever drops if a specific allied soldier in a specific mission happens to be killed and drops it.

Nice to see you adding slow motion shots again.

Glad that the KZfaq issues got worked out an you can bring us these machine gun clips here.

The report of that gun in full auto--even on computer speakers--is terrifying. And it does look like you are getting quite a shaking too! Great video once again!

I've always loved this gun. The Johnson LMG is an underrated gem of a weapon!

Wonderful Ian! Loved this video, would love to see a weapon that is more “friendly”for left handed shooters like Ian and me!

Made me happy when you did the magazine dump at the end

It sounds so good. I can't believe how beautiful it sounds.

have had the opportunity to shoot a Johnson rifle that belonged to a friend years ago.. the recoil impulse was quite unique.. odd somewhat.. can only imagine that in full-auto... jealous of your range experience..

These Johnson machine guns are just absolutely one of coolest machine guns ever 👍 Super Coo!

More great content from Ian, keep it coming good sir!

Really Sweet LMG Ian! Way to take the hits on the full auto recoil. 🙏👍

3:10 I've noticed that with a lot of guns, actually. If it hits the back of the receiver, there's more kick and barrel climb. But if the recoil spring stops it from doing that, it's more pleasant to shoot.

The 101st jumped with BARs. A friend of mine carried one in WW II. He went out the door, weighing almost 400 pounds. He dropped the two 60-pound leg packs of ammo before he hit the ground. He was 6' 2" at the upper limit the paratroopers would take. His only combat was a truck ride to Bastone for Christmas.

Ian, his camera, and his Johnson.

Stripper clip reloading definitaly makes sense considering the marines didnt get Garands in large numbers until later in the war. (43 I think - not sure) Anyway, makes sense from a early war logistic standpoint.

Once again you nailed it Ian! I have always been curious about the Johnson Down here in NZ many good things were said of the Johnson after WW2 . Maybe its attraction with US troops was because the BAR held on too long! Compared to the Bren there are many points it comes second, but it would have been better than the BAR in use! Obviously the tendency to move round due to recoil is a negative , compare to the "pinpoint" accuracy of the Bren it is second. really cute clip loading feature! Great performance Thank you.

Awesome as always Ian!

I didn't even know the USMC was using this thing. Thank you.

I was so enthused by this machinegun a couple decades ago, I bought several Remington model 8 rifles, semiauto, but using essentially the same long recoil action. I really enjoy shooting them. A good gun collection ought to have quite a few "oddballs" in it. Thanks Ian!

Many years ago I was designing a role playing game. Specifically a cyberpunk RPG. I wanted to make the combat as realistic as possible. One of my go to research books was a Gun Digest book of Assault Weapons. It had a very good article on the Johnson weapons. It was the first I'd heard of them. Nice to see one of them in action. Thanks.

That’s a Mighty Big Johnson you got there GunJesus

The ability to top off using a stripper clip is neat. I don't know of another gun that's mag fed but can also take clips like that.

I look at the Johnson and I can't help but think that there was some missed potential. The firing chamber is located above the magazine action. I can't help but think that if the magwell part of the action could have be enlarged enough to use BAR magazines. Then since it used a side mounted magazine they could have developed 40 round magazines for it that would have been about the same overall length as the 20 round single stack magazines. I also wonder if someone could have come up with a belt fed version that could have looked similar to what would later be seen on the HK-21 machine gun. What do you think Ian @ForgottenWeapons ?

This has to be of the best looking guns of all time.

Thats just awesome! I never heard of this firearm before, but then again, you are kind of my oddity firearm gurus

What an amazing piece. "That'll rattle your bell"! Perfect. I can see why proud and burley US Marines loved this thing.

I always wish you would show the target just for an idea how easy or tough it is to keep on target.

On the final mag dump - to my ear the rate of fire varied a little bit. Would that be due to the ammo or the gun?

Ian has a knack for handling his Johnson

Ian Just wanted to let you and the viewers know about an issue you stated. The "floating" of the last 2 or 3 rounds of ammo from a magazine is ONLY an issue if you are shooting the weapon in SEMIAUTOMATIC. When running the Johnson in full auto with either short bursts or with a mag dump, the issue disappears every time. I own a Johnson LMG and to be honest it is my pride and joy. Of all of the machine guns.I own it was the HARDEST to find. I purchased it in 2011 in PA when I lived there. It came from the widow of the man whose father carried it on TARAWA. When I acquired it the rifle did not have the bipod. I figured I would NEVER find a bipod, but the lady contacted me about 2 months later and asked if I could come by and see if a box of "stuff" that was labeled "Johnson parts" she had just found were parts for the Johnson I bought. When I arrived at her home, she led me to the garage and there was a foot locker from WW2 with "JOHNSON PARTS" painted in military stencil. I opened it and almost had a heart attack. The bipod was there, along with 20 magazines that looked brand new, several still had oiled paper wraps on them. Also was a sling, and 200 03 Springfield stripper clips. Several other little things were there as well. I asked how much she wanted for the foot locker and was told if those are parts for that "WEIRD RIFLE" take them, they are yours. When I picked it up I saw a other foot locker marked BAR STUFF. I asked if I could look at that box and she said I could have it for $100. I handed her $100 and put both foot lockers in my truck. The BAR stuff was a bipod, 50 magazines, sling, a bolt, 2 barrels, and some small parts. I asked if she had any other guns she wanted to sell. She asked me if I had been in the Marines. I showed her the tattoo on my arm and she said, come on in and see what you want. I had to call a friend who owns a gun store to come over so we could do a ton of paperwork. She sold me a BAR, a Garand, 3 M1 Carbines, and 3 1911s, and a 1917 Colt. I felt as though I had taken advantage of her because of how little money she wanted for all of it. I explained how much the guns were worth but she did not seem to care. She said none of her family wanted the weapons around and that she and her husband had discussed the guns before his death. He wanted them to go to " A GOOD HOME, HOPEFULLY A MARINE HOME",.that is where they are and where they will STAY. GREAT VIDEO.ON THE JOHNSON LMG. They TRULY ARE FORGOTTEN WEAPONS!!!!!

Can’t help looking at that weapon, and thinking about a belt fed version 😎

I really like that weapon. I wonder how much they are? It would be a great investment and fun to shoot. They are rare, $65,000 rare. I'm still going to keep my eyes open. I should do a video on class 3 firearms. Go into the special safe and put some ammunition through them. I just don't like to shoot them that much. Well the old ones and rare ones not that the safe is full but capital wise it is.

I really love the sound signature of this weapon. Such a simple yet satisfying, meaty bang.

I particularly like the Johnson lmk cause they some at canal. They played a pivotal roll in fire power supremacy defending the airfield. Really cool

My first thought when I saw this was like: "Wait isn't this an FG-42?" but I see they have some distinct differences. This is a pretty cool example of convergent design to overcome the same issues for paratroopers.

I imagine it was some officer reading through the history of paramarines and the Johnson that led to IAR being a thing.

That gun has the sweetest sound in full auto.

Never heard of it, this is why I watch. Thanks mate

What would happen if you selected full auto with a round in the chamber, closed bolt and fired?

Fantastic! Just one question: When you changed from semi to full you should have activated the bolt and ejected an active ammunition. In the case of going from full auto to semi, do you have to do any specific action? Greetings from Patagonia Argentina

I just realized something huge. Ian is concentrated kryptonite to the anti-gun crowd and narative. He's 100% non-threatening, he looks and sounds like an educated left-leaning intellectual, he educates others about guns in a fun and interesting way, and naturally dispells gun control myths and misunderstandings. The more popular Ian gets, the better.

Morphy’s is an excellent auction house and I can vouch for that 100%!! Great video as always!

hah. Jeez. The recoil nearly took your hat off man. Bouncy as heck lol. Cheers Ian

First of all thank you Morphys Auctions. Also thanks you Ian for showing us this Iconic machine.

That is one of thee most smooth actioned weapons I have ever seen in military action ever. Beautiful .

My father was with the First Special Service Force in world war 2 and the Johnson LMG was the weapon he used in Italy.

Hey, very interesting to hear about machine gun plastic belts! Thank you.

Now that's a cool weapon! Thanks Ian!

Nobody ever said the 30-06 was a pleasurable plinking round . Good vid .

I'm sold on it. Absolutely beautiful.

Awesome, thanks all !

Such a cool MG!

My father was a Marine and was a Johnson user in combat. One thing he spoke of was turning the SMG on it's side with the magazine up and using it from the hip that way. He stated that in this configuration it's downward ejection made the SMG "float" and was easier to control. He also stated that he was several times asked to go to the front lines and "let off a clip or two" to stir up the enemy. Seems they were drawn to the sound and assumed that "something" was up" and gathered for combat, which let the line know where they were and where to aim and call in mortars or shelling. He loved the SMG and hated giving it up.

Nice. This gun really sounds good. Strong and powerful.

Great video and content!

That was really nice of the auction house to let you take it out and shoot it. .

He said sturm and drang in reference to the Johnson. This man deserves a doctorate.

I love this gun. Just by looks and mechanics

Awesome, thanks for making this video

Fun fact. The 1st marine Para troop regiment equipped with 12 Johnson Rifles(not the Johnson LMG yes there were two types for those who didn't know) , 1-3 Johnson LMGs, and the rest were M55 reisings every marine that had a reising traded it in for either a Johnson Rifle or LMG when they were re-arming due to how poorly made or unreilable the M55's were. Also a marine had a confirmed kill count of 42 with the Johnson Rifle.

Gotta love the sound of that slow “PAP-PAP-PAP” cyclic rate. The quintessential world war video game machine gun noise

Ahhhhhh yes, the famous Johnny Gun! My fav video to date...thankyou Ian!

Over 30 years ago I was looking in M&I Surplus in Pomona, Ca and there was this 4x4 creight full of these magazines. They were $10 each, I thought they were Madsen mags but many years later I found out otherwise and watching this video reminded me they were Johnson magazines! I wish I had bought at least one as my great uncle had served in the 1st Special Service Force and no doubtedly were around them in Italy.