Series 3 Arisaka T99 ?

Wow, thanks Aragorn! After reading on here, I came to the same conclusion: NOT a field pickup even though he said so! He might have picked it up, but from a warehouse, not the ground. I was disappointed to find the mis-matched numbers! Thanks for the heads up on the screws! Since they appear to have been removed, how much does that de-value the gun?? And yes the barrel is chromed, just couldn't get good pics lol! With the condition of the gun (I know, hard to really tell from pics) is it worth restoring it? I would go for actual parts, not repros if I did. If I don't sell it, I'll either use it to hunt with on occasion, or restore it and leave it alone. I was drawn to it because I was born on Okinawa (military baby), so the gun kind of has SOME meaning to me, even though it was not a hand me down from a vet family member. Thanks again!

Jimhow, There's no reason for any kind of restoration. Any "restoration would just damge it's collectibility. It looks great as is and retains its history. Leave it as is and enjoy it. Salt Flat

Good deal Salt, makes sense! Thanks!

Depends what you intend with restoration. There isn't anything you need to do to the rifle but there are things you can do that will not harm its value. Whether that makes it more or less collectible is debatable.

Finding the aircraft sights and installing them would be relatively easy and not expensive. Buying an original monopod for a mismatched rifle would not be cost effective but the monopod will retain its value if sold separately. Dust covers are usually serial numbered to the rifle so will not necessarily enhance it with a mismatched one but again, they will retain their value if sold separately.

For my personal purposes, I prefer my rifles to look and be equipped in the same manner as when they were used. I don't care if the parts are original or reproduction so long as they are accurate and meet original specs. To me, they are replacement parts. I put on displays and demonstrate the various rifles I own periodically and I can demonstrate a monopod, dust cover or anti-aircraft sights if my rifle is missing those items. Same with the slings. I can't really afford true collectors pieces so it makes no real difference.

You do what you like. If you are going to use it for hunting, you don't need any of the accessories. So long as you take care of it in the woods, you aren't likely to harm it. Stay away from heavy brush to avoid scratches but it is a good feeling to bring down a deer with one of these old rifles.

The only real reason I would restore it would be to increase it's value, but since 1. it won't and 2. I'm leaning more towards keeping it, I think I'll leave it as is. I might look for the AA sights just because they're interesting! As far as hunting with it, I won't be bush busting with it! lol My feelings too, I think it would be cool to take a deer with it! After one is down, we'll see what it becomes, I do like my .270 too!

This all really started for me when I started researching it recently to get a value on it to sell for my pistol permit. I picked up a little info since owning it, but nothing like I've learned in the past few days! I'm now leaning towards keeping it since I doubt I'd get what I'd like for it, I really like it, and you can never have enough guns!

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Originally Posted by Salt Flat

Jimhow, It’s a little hard to tell from the picture if the screw has been turned or not. I’m leaning towards not turned. Look over all the other screws to see if any of the stake marks touched both the screw and the edge of the hole. It will be easy to see if those have been turned. Also look for buggered screw slots which is a tell tale sign. If you determine that it has never been disassembled you will have a somewhat rare occurring piece. Also I notice the drain holes (in front of trigger guard and right side of receiver) have been filled with something and should carefully cleaned out. Salt flat

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Sorry I missed this reply Salt. The only other screws that don't looked messed with are the front band. They are staked and untouched, the rest are 'buggered". The drain holes...are those drilled holes in the stock? If so, they're open, just bad pics! Camera flash, angle or both. I'll run a q-tip through them anyway.

Thanks!

As many times before, they do not make those any more. Best to hold on to it,
I have brought several of mine back to military spec. and it can become costly but nice..
I would suggest that you get some ammo and take it out and shoot before any restoration. You will be shooting history!

Thanks A.F., I already bought a box of Hornady! I have only shot it 3 times, 2 by string and after checking the cases, 1 from my shoulder. It was a sobering yet cool feeling, knowing the last time that gun went bang was during war!

After learning so much more about it on here, I'm keeping it. I'll probably sight it in and take it out as my deer rifle this year!