MMJ 5.7mm
(5.7mm Johnson)
(22 Spitfire)

Historical Notes:

This cartridge, also known as the 5.7mm Johnson or 22 Spitfire, was introduced in 1963 for the Johnson Guns, Inc. alteration of the U.S. M1 Carbine. This was a clip fed semi-auto with a folding stock advertised as a survival gun. Production was later undertaken in limited numbers by Plainfield in New Jersey. This package was designed by Melvin M. Johnson, author, Marine colonel, and the man responsible for the Johnson semi-auto rifle and light machinegun of WWII fame.

General Comments:

The MMJ 5.7mm is based on the 30 Carbine cartridge necked down to 22 caliber. It is a very efficient cartridge and, like others of this class, gives performance out of all proportion to its size. As a sporting round, its use would be limited to small or medium game and varmint shooting. In a survival situation, it would certainly kill a deer, but 22 caliber rifles are not classed for big game in most states. Down in Mexico or South America where animals are not nearly as tough or tenacious as in Africa, the 5.7mm Spitfire would make a dandy explorers weapon. One could handle anything found in the jungle with it, two or four legged. A similar wildcat is know as the 22 Carbine.

Source: Cartridges of the World

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