While the M1 Garand is the iconic US rifle of the WWII era, it had a strong competitor, the Johnson Semi-Automatic. Developed as a possible replacement for the Garand, it addressed several of the drawbacks of the M1: a larger 10-rnd rotary magazine that could be topped up with strippers, the ability to take a vertical external magazine and had a fully automatic light machine gun version as well.
This 'handbook' seems to actually be a long form promotional booklet created by Johnson to help promote and sell its virtues to various government customers about the advantages of his rifle vs. the M1 Garand. There is even a section comparing the two point by point. It covers description, a detailed explanation of functioning, operation and disassembly (with diagrams/photos).
It is a terrific resource for the historian or for those with in interest in military arms. Of note, the Johnson while not adopted by the US Army was used in small numbers in the early Pacific campaigns by the US Marines, and one USMC Cap. Robert Hugo Dunlap carried one into battle on Iwo Jima, subsequently winning the Medal of Honor based on his actions. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the Johnson rifle and how it works.
