Type 38 Carbine, Need Advice

[aadams22]

Salt Flat you are right about it being step cut. I don't know if its meant to be that way or not, a heck of a good job if not. I know its not a standard T38 long rifle hand guard at any rate.

[Marines55]

you are correct salt flat. i hadn't noticed that picture! it is indeed a standard type 38 long rifle hand guard modified to fit a 38 carbine. the notch for the barrel seat give it away.

[echo1]

For what it's worth, new repo carbine stock and matching hg, no hardware. PAX

Stock & Handguard Set, 6.5 Cal., Military Carbine Gun Parts | 952500 | Numrich Gun Parts

[aadams22]

For what it's worth, new repo carbine stock and matching hg, no hardware. PAX

Stock & Handguard Set, 6.5 Cal., Military Carbine Gun Parts | 952500 | Numrich Gun Parts

Maybe I will call and see if they will just sell me the hand guard. 155 + 125 = 280 -50 for my stock = $230. Would be a nice looking shooter with a repro stock. Not a bad option considering all original are 300-400.

Since the hand guard that's on it is already modified maybe i can just lengthen it, and stain it to match. Would be easy and keep my total investment low

Could keep searching for an original...

Could see if anyone wants to trade me up plus money for an already correct one...

There are plenty of options still lol, I'll keep you guys updated

[butlersrangers]

I just inherited a Type 38 Carbine, (Nagoya series 5, I believe), that was brought back by my Wife's Uncle, from WW2.

He stored it well and I am in the process of cleaning possible original grease. The bore is mint and there is hardly any wear on the bolt bluing. The parts are all matching, except the inside of the magazine floor-plate. It has been 'de-flowered' and does not show any marks of ever having a dust cover.

Since I have it apart, I shot some pictures of the carbine hand-guard and clearing/cleaning rod. I hope this is helpful to the original poster and others.

Attachment 69470Attachment 69471Attachment 69472Attachment 69473Attachment 69474Attachment 69475

[aadams22]

I just inherited a Type 38 Carbine, (Nagoya series 5, I believe), that was brought back by my Wife's Uncle, from WW2.

He stored it well and I am in the process of cleaning possible original grease. The bore is mint and there is hardly any wear on the bolt bluing. The parts are all matching, except the inside of the magazine floor-plate. It has been 'de-flowered' and does not show any marks of ever having a dust cover.

Since I have it apart, I shot some pictures of the carbine hand-guard and clearing/cleaning rod. I hope this is helpful to the original poster and others.

Thanks for sharing, and beautiful rifle! One series ahead of mine. In the mean time I have fixed the magazine issue and removed all of the shellac/varnish from the stock, looks to be original underneath. Debating on leaving it or rubbing it down with something to bring a little more color out and preserve it better. It would have to hide or not affect the wood grain. Even shot some ammo through it, has trouble feeding the norma soft points but shoots like a laser beam (granted it hits wayy right). At this point I just need that darn hand guard. Then it will be complete and all matching minus the floor plate. Feeling a lot better about this purchase than I did at first - very cool little gun!!

[aadams22]

Anybody know of anything I can rub the stock down with to even out the color and hide some of the grain?

[Aragorn243]

The original finish on these is near indestructible but it looks like someone managed. Looks like some sanding was involved. The Japanese didn't finish their rifles like most everyone else did with an oil finish so it's very hard to duplicate and beyond my abilities to explain. A hard coat finish of some sort would be closest to original. The original is called urushi and is made from a tree sap that has properties similar to poison ivy. You can buy it but it's very expensive and who knows how many of those little tubes it would take to do a rifle.

[vintage hunter]

The original is called urushi and is made from a tree sap that has properties similar to poison ivy.

Looked Urushiol up a while back, can't seem to locate the website I came across then and this is all I can remember:
Urushi is the Japanese word for Lacquer Tree, which is a member of the Anacardiaceae family of plants, as are Mangos, poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac.

You can buy it but it's very expensive and who knows how many of those little tubes it would take to do a rifle.

According to what I read applying a urushi finish is an art that takes a lot of skill to get right.
Also seem to recall sanding a urushiol finish can cause an outbreak if you're allergic to poison oak, ivy or sumac.

[aadams22]

Yes the color is correct, I've seen many that are brown from wear. The finger grooves look good, there is orange urushi in the corners and the edges are well defined. The stock is a little wider than the butt plate, I don't see much evidence of sanding. Most of where the finish is missing is in front of the bolt handle which could be from use, or a mistake from when I removed the shellac. Not looking to refinish, just to even out and preserve