Is this a Type 38 Trainer?

Hello guys, I have this Arisakai I recieved in a trade from a guy. I would like some help with some info on this rifle such as is this an actual rifle or a trainer rifle? I took the whole rifle apart and on the bottom of the barrell and the bottom of the receiver it has the numbers 566. on the inside of the handguard and forearm it has 566 in ink. There are no inport stamps or serial numbers. There is also no arsenal stamps that I can see and zero cartouches on stock. The stock finish seems to be original and I can not read the stamps on the top ( I do not read Japanese). I can also send more pics of anything else that is needed. I have quite a few european milsurps and they are easy for the most part but this one has me stumped! I appreciate any help!

I found this for you:

Translation Help Please - Japan - Gentlemans Military Interest Club

Not sure of its validity but one of the true experts should be able to advise you correctly. Nice rifle!

Thanks! It’s a nice rifle but definitely a mystery.

Bthomas, Check out the trigger guard and lower tang. If they are cast together in one piece it is more than likely a trainer. Also use a bore light and see if there is rifling present. If no rifling it is most likely a trainer. Salt Flat

Thanks salt flat for replying! The trigger guard, magazine box and the tang behind the trigger guard are all one piece. Can send a pic if needed. The barrel is rifled near the chamber and very lightly rifled near the muzzle. Would go as far as saying almost non existent. Also the link that singer b put on this thread earlier, the gun on the link and the gun I own have the same top markings. Those being “ Isawa Type”. Starting to sound like.a trainer?

Bthomas, Yes, I am sure it is a training rifle - (don't try to shoot of course). I have had a few of these over the years. They have become collectible of late although still not real valuable. They are quite interesting and I'm sure there is more information about them on the net. Pretty cool! Salt Flat

Thanks for the help guys. I’ve wondered about it for some time cause it’s such a strange rifle. Trainer rifle with 50 percent rifling and a firing pin. No wonder that had such a bad rap when I was younger. Guess it will be a safe queen unless somebody needs it more than me. Thank you’ll again!

From all my research 2 ways to tell pot metal chamber and the Barrel is SMOOTH no rifling hope it helped, chamber will take the 6.5 arisaka NEVER use that to tell "Trainers & School Rifles" fire blanks only