In contrast to his M1941 Rifle, Johnson's M1941 Light Machine Gun was well received by the troops. While it never entered major production, it did see service with the US Army's First Special Service Force as well as the Marines Paratroop and Raider battalions. There are also unconfirmed reports of US Army Rangers having been issued M1941 LMGs.
The primary drawback to the Johnson LMG was that it was considered to be a bit too fragile and delicate for extended military use. The long, unsupported barrel as well as some internal components were not durable enough, being prone to rust or breakage. There was also a tendency to jam during extended firing.
Johnson corrected most of these problems with his M1944 LMG, but by this time in the war, it was felt that changing horses in midstream would not be a good idea.
Perhaps the best view of the M1941 Johnson LMG came from the 4th Raider Battalion on New Georgia, "Men now armed with them wouldn't trade them for any other." This is the highest possible praise for any weapon.
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The reason that the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices chaos on a daily basis.
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