New to me Japanese Rifle- Many Questions + Pics

[chuckchili]

I got this rifle at an auction this weekend for a song (as chuckindenver says). Prior to auction I noticed that it had an intact MUM, its cleaning rod and dust cover. After I got it home, I noticed the bolt was stuck in the "half mast" position and I thought it was bound up on the dust cover. Turns out someone moved the bolt halfway and engaged the safety preventing any movement of the bolt. I know absolutely nothing about this rifle and am looking for someone to shed some light for me. Any opinions or suggestions appreciated.

Information

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[Badger]

Looks like the T99 I have in my own collection, even complete with the Anti-aircraft sight, although like you, I don't know much about mine either ...

Type 99 Japanese Arisaka Short Rifle

Here's a manual for it for sale in the Quartermaster Stores ...

JAPANESE 7.7mm ARISAKA 99 RIFLE WORKSHOP HANDBOOK - Quartermaster Stores (Member Classifieds)

Check the MKL …

Japan Milsurp Knowledge Library

Milsurps - 33rd series T99 Arisaka Rifle (Mfg by Toyo Kogyo)

I think Advisory Panel member riceone will be able to help you more …

Regards,
Doug

[lthilsdorf]

Nice looking rifle! That might be the original sling too, which is worth quite a bit on it's own! Looks like the only thing it's missing is the monopod, but depending on when it was made it may not have ever had one to begin with. Like you I just kinda bought an Arisaka Type 99 a few weeks ago on a whim, but I learned alot about them online so now I have a better idea of what I have.

Is it all matching? Places to look are on the bayonet lug, the ejector, the bolt handle, the firing pin, the safety knob, and the dust cover. Matching dust covers can be a bit tricky to find. I tried to figure out what series you have, but the marking is kinda weak. It's the little Japanese character to the left of the serial number on the receiver. They made these in batches of 99,999, so yours is pretty close to the end of the series. This link has pictures of the series number markings. Maybe you can figure out which one it is, ha!

http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/japanese_markings.html

Either way, nice and desirable rifle. Looks to have the original finish too. How much did that set you back?

[fernleaf]

That is a Series 21 Kokura manufactured Type 99. Probably made around 1941-42. Unfortunately missing its monopod, and it did used to have have one - I think I can see the impression in the wood from it near the upper barrel band...

The sling is a big plus, is the rifle all matching?

All in all, I'd say you did very well buying a rifle you know nothing about.

[chuckchili]

Thanks for the tips and advice. I looked it over a little closer and the bolt handle, firing pin, dust cover, safety button and bayonet lug all match the last three of the serial. I'll have to wait on the ejector- not sure where to look on that piece. (Do I have to remove it or is it something that can be seen while its still on the bolt?) The lower band sure looks like a mono pod should have been there and there is rub marks near the bayonet lug where it would have rested.

I knew that I wanted one and the only real criteria I had to have was an intact mum- so I guess I got a little lucky.

Paid $110 out the door.

[fernleaf]

The extractor should be numbered at the end near the bolt handle root - no disassembly required.

That is a pretty good buy.

Can you post a photo of the sling?

[chuckchili]

I found the serial on the safety knob but not the extractor- its not marked unless I'm not looking in the right place.

Here's some additional photos of the sling-

[lthilsdorf]

The extractor is the marked piece on the right side of the photo.



That was a great deal by the way! I paid $300 for a similar condition Nagoya example a few weeks ago. It was also missing the monopod but from what I have researched it probably never had one to begin with. Great rifle!

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Great find! Was this an estate sale find? I stumbled on a type 38 and am wanting find it some company. Wondering where the best place to start looking. Can't afford the GunBroker prices. If you are interested Lots of type 30 bayonets with Kokura markings on E-bay in various conditions and price ranges.

[chuckchili]

Thanks for the photo for the serial on the extractor... mine is not marked. I have been poking around looking for bayonets casually, haven't gotten serious yet. I think my rifle was part of an estate which was included at an antique auction. I really liked that all the big time rich gun buyers weren't interested in "lowly" milsurps. I picked up a pretty sweet Mauser too. And to think I was just there to buy and sell antiques!