Japanese T44

[Calfed]

Several months ago I bought this from a friend that runs a pawn shop. Apparently someone had pawned it and never came back. I wasn't that familiar with it, but it looked nice, with a very nice bore and bluing. The stock has the usual dings, but is solid with no cracks. Came with a sling.

Alas, the mum has been ground.








Almost all the parts except the receiver match. The bolt, extractor, bayo hinge, floorplate, bolt release, and some of the sight parts all have a character followed by 81. The receiver is numbered differently...odd

[vintage hunter]

The #81 is an assembly number, it should also be on the bottom of the reciever ring between the gard screw boss and mag well. If it's an 81 your carbine is all matching. Nice, have you shot it yet?

[Bill Hollinger]

Wow, that looks very nice! Of all the Japanese rifles I've had over the years and have now, this is one I would like to have. I would also like to have a paratrooper take down.

[shep]

Nice Type 44 carbine. Do you have the book : "Japanese rifles of world war II" by Duncan O. McCollum? Has good pics. and explainations of various markings. I have intact MUM and matching serial numbers but lack the cleaning kit from the butt storage area. I think I purchased book from Amazon.com. I also have a typ3 99,type 38 and a nambu pistol type 14. Would love to have a paratroop model and tripod with aerial sights.
Bob

[GUTS]

It appears that you have a first variation Type 44, the two screws on the bayonet housing are very close together. The screws were further apart on the next two styles.

[Calfed]

Thanks, guys

I didn't know about the assembly numbers being the key to matching on this one. Not sure I want to take it apart to make sure. It seems likely that with all the other parts matching, the receiver would also.

I checked the butt trap and found nothing in there. Haven't shot it yet.

I really like the longer variants of military rifles, usually. My favorite Japanese rifle in my collection is my long version of the Type 99--the one with the 31" barrel.

However, this is a nice rifle and is in good shape.

Any ideas on the value of this one?

[vonmazur]

CalFed and Guys: Here is one I got today, it does match by assembly# and last three digits in the usual confusing pattern of Japanese guns. It was cheap and other than the ground crest, rather nice! 1st series Kana, Kokura...

Dale