Talk me into a type 44

[jeep]

Why do I need one and whats up with them??? Who dey and what dey??!!!

Information

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[Badger]

I'm sure Riceone will add more color when he logs in, but here's a start ...

Japan Milsurp Knowledge Library

Regards,
Badger

[riceone]

Why do you need one??? I suppose it would depend on what direction your collecting is taking. If you have T38 carbines you would need a T44 as it is the same as the 38 carbine with the addition of a folding bayonet. I have always been facinated by them - they are just mean looking. There are three major division of these carbines based on the bayonet housing. First variation has a short housing with a snug fit over the end of the barrel. This was found to retard accuracy so next was the Second variation which had a longer housing with screw further apart and the end over the barrel was made larger so it did not contact the barrel. Accuracy was acceptable. The Third variation had ears on the back of the housing to move the screws further apart to give more rigidity to the bayonet. These rifles were used extensively in China on the backs of men riding horses. I had one that had ridden so long on the back of a soldier that the wood was wornd down so that the bottom of the magazine showed and the wood at the receiver was down to a sliver and the serial numbers were barely readable. That was a First Variation and it had seen alot of miles but the bore was pristine. I am fortunate to have the three majory variation with the mums and matching. I hope this encourages you to buy one. riceone

[jeep]

Hum master Yoda theT44 force is strong in you. I am on the hunt for a T44 and T38 carbine. I can feel the urge. Love these carbines from the far east empire. Best Dave,I have heard that Marines found alot of T44,s on Iwo Jimo . I have read that the island was boosted by troops from china that were heavy on the T44 carbines before the big battle. A handy rifle for cave fighting and tight places. The last Korean war vet I talked to said his Gunny was there in Iwo and had a T44 that killed alot of marines. Which he took from a dead Japanese trooper. The jap was a mean fighter and fought to the last drop of his blood trying to spill ours.

[Mike D]

I came very, very close to buying a T44 at the last gun show. It was all matching, with mum, and I think had a mismatched dust cover? Not sure about the cover. I looked at a few. Anyway, the T44 was in very good condition. Nice blue and wood. Looked original to me, but I don't know much about them so I passed. I think the price was $350-375. That seemed like a decent price for a matching #, intact mum, lots of finish remaining gun, no matter what the "Type". Does that sound like a good deal? The T44's really interest me, also.

[riceone]

Nice ones with mum and matching, original finish and etc are going for $1000 plus. Sounds like you passed up a good one. riceone

[jeep]

yes I would have ran and scooped it up like a hawk!!!!!

[442nd]

got mine from the son of a ww2 vet that served with the 41st infantry division. he was a supply sergeant that was part of the occupation force in japan. my rifle was taken out of the armory at sasebo. Mum, matching numbers and in a conservative 95%+ condition... Any idea to a value?

[Lancebear]

Jeep,

Why you need one. Have a second variation 44, matching but the floor plate, one screw, and firing pin. All of the assembly numbers match and the carbine is in fine shape. The quality of fit and finish is the equal of the best made military bolt rifles from any nation. Beautiful wood was used. Only Japanese carbine or rifle that has an integral folding bayonet, and very interesting butt plate mechanism for retaining the cleanin' rods. Good matching ones are highly sought after and thus a good investment. That's why ya' need one. Think it's the coolest of all the Japanese WWII firearms.

LB

[Mohawk]

There will be a 2nd variation Type 44 at the Centralia, WA gunshow on the 15th of Jan 2011. Price is $425. Nice correct piece with all marking intact. I will not be buying, just drooling. Guys name is Ned. He will be on the back wall to the right. There will also be 2 all matching Type 99's. One ground one un ground. Prices are going up. It is a good time to collect as they are coming out of the woodwork, the economy being what it is....