Need some help with a Japanese rifle ID

My uncle Carl was a Marine during WWII and served during the battle of Saipan. Uncle Carl had little to say about the war and regrettably, I did not know him as I wished I had ... he died in 2010.

When Carl returned from the war, he brought with him a rifle. My dad, also a former Marine, has the rifle in his gun cabinet. With some coaching, Dad mailed some images of the rifle and asked that I help identify the make and model.

I grew up hunting and shooting. I shot competitively for years and to this day, I shoot and reload on a regular basis. I own numerous modern rifles, shotguns, pistols and revolvers ... I own and shoot two Garand's, an M1 Carbine, and several Chinese and Russian rifles BUT I know nothing of Japanese rifles.

So, If I may ask, I would like some help, please ... Any input that will help me identify this rifle will be greatly appreciated ... Thank you

By the way, the rifle, regardless of value, is not for sale ... one day, my grandkids will have it stored safely in their gun safe ... telling their kids about their great-great-great uncle Carl ... a Marine during WWII.

It's got the 2nd series marking that's associated with the Nagoya arsenal.

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Originally Posted by seabot2

It's got the 2nd series marking that's associated with the Nagoya arsenal.

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Thank you. Where might I look to research the model and caliber?

Looks like a Type 99 made at Nagoya between 1939 and 1945?

it is a Type 99 in 7.7x58mm

Home - The Japanese Collector and BANZAI might be a good place to start along with previous posts here on milsurps.
If it were me I would shop around on ebay for an original but plat to replace the "aftermarket" recoil pad if you deside to do that one day.
Nice rifle, nice story. Document as much of the history as you can while you can and keep it with the rifle. Your grandkids might love to have that as well and to help them appriciate the sacrifice Uncle Carl made for them/us.

Thanks, I will check out the sites. I intend to replace the recoil pad with an authentic butt plate. Uncle Carl loved to hunt and shoot ... My dad tells me that Carl actually shot this rifle. I tend to believe it otherwise Carl would not have been concerned about recoil. Still, we will check it out before we ever shoot it ... assuming I can ever find any 7.7 ammo.

I spoke to dad earlier today and found out that Carl served in the 2nd Marine Division on Saipan and then later as part of the occupying force on mainland Japan. The rifle appears to be a surrender rifle as the mum is de-faced. And yes, I intend to keep records and documentation ... my two boys are in college but both love to shoot every chance they have. As for me ... I most enjoy watching my dad watch his grandsons shoot ... particularly when they are shooting an M1 Garand or an M1 Carbine or a 1911. Though my boys never met Carl, they are both interested in his story and have tremendous respect for all vets. I'm a lucky guy.

Thanks for all of the help.

Attachment 29820
Thought you might like this (Coke Plant Siapan)
Fortunate indeed.
Last I checked Cabelas and Sportsmans Guide have the Hornaday ammo in 6.5 and 7.7. Good stuff. Fairly reasonably priced.
I think one of the sites has a spec sheet where you can document the serial number all markings etc.. You can print it fill it out and pass it on.

I had an Uncle Carl who passed away in 2010. He was 92. He sent a type 99 and bayonet to my Grandfather and told him to keep it till he got home. He told me he took it from a case of rifles that was captured on Bouganville. It hadn't been issued and had the Mum, dust cover. monopod. Air craft sights intact. It's a beautiful gun. I wish he had sent the whole case home.

Just checked Cabela's and I see that I can purchase 7.7x58JAP. I intend to order (backorder) just so that my dad has a box. That photo is very interesting. I googled Coca-Cola Saipan and found this site Coca-Cola: The Pause That Refreshed The National WWII Museum Blog

It seems the Japanese seem to be looking down and away from the camera. I suspect that might have something to do with their culture.

I have an original of the photo. Stumbled across it on e-bay. Small world via the internet. Check Sportsmans Guide on line for the 7.5 http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=606393 in stock.

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Originally Posted by Doug Rammel

I had an Uncle Carl who passed away in 2010. He was 92. He sent a type 99 and bayonet to my Grandfather and told him to keep it till he got home. He told me he took it from a case of rifles that was captured on Bouganville. It hadn't been issued and had the Mum, dust cover. monopod. Air craft sights intact. It's a beautiful gun. I wish he had sent the whole case home.

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Could you be convinced to post a photo?

Hooked on History

I'd love to but he gave the rifle to a niece before he passed away and it's in Idaho now.

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Originally Posted by Doug Rammel

Hooked on History

I'd love to but he gave the rifle to a niece before he passed away and it's in Idaho now.

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I hope she appriciates the story/ rifle as much as you obviously do and passes it to someone who will preserve Umcle Carls legacy. Thanks for sharing it with me.

I posted on 8/13/2011 regarding my 99 that was actually marked Saipan and is a battle field pick up. You might want to look at that post. A.F Medic