Arisaka prices on average?

[three0three]

I need to eventually add a Japanese rifle to my collection as my goal is to build a WWII display (main players only) but I have no idea what is a fair price for which model.

I have an option of getting a lightly sported last ditch rifle for $350 but is there a market for rebuilding parts for these and i was also told that the rifles vary to the point that one part may only interchange with 1 out of hundreds of rifles.


lets say I found a nice early war production(good craftsmanship) arisaka, as a ball park figure what would be a good price and at what price would too high?

thanks,
three0three

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[riceone]

Lets say an early featured rifle, with mum, matching, cleaning rod, nice original wood and metal finish should be had for $300 to $400. Nice wood and metal, matching with mum ground and rod inplace $200 to $300. Most people prefer a matching with mum ground over a miss matched with mum. riceone

[jmoore]

Oddly enough, that's how they seem to show up too: Mum-mismatched, defaced mum- matching.

[three0three]

oh wow, I tought i'd be spending 5-$600 thanks for the good news!!!

[Arisaka99]

There is no such thing as "lightly sporterized". It is either original or buggered. The rifle you describe in your original post is worth about $75-$100. I would not take any more helpful advice from your local "expert". While there were some variations such as Naval Specials that were hand fitted, the bolts on most Japanese rifles will work on others. However, they will need headspaced to be safely fired.

[STU1]

Oddly enough, that's how they seem to show up too: Mum-mismatched, defaced mum- matching.

or matching unground and sporter butchered.

[me2]

I just saw a T-38 Mexican Arisaka go for $1200.00 +. There's GOLD in them thar hills!!!

[mawkie]

oh wow, I tought i'd be spending 5-$600 thanks for the good news!!!

Funny thing is that every time I go home to SW PA to visit the family there seems to be an abundance of Japanese milsurps in the area. I've always wondered if any local units served in the Pacific theater. Last show I attended was in "little" Washington last summer and saw about 4 or 5 decent examples ranging from early to last ditch. Even saw a very nice Type 38 trainer. So I think you shouldn't have a difficult time finding just the right example for the collection.

[riceone]

With the low esteem that most people hold for Japanese rifle I bet you can't find a gunsmith that would have any gauges to check headspace. Headspace is a much over used complaint. Best way is to tie the rifle to an old tire or something and pull the trigger with a string. Then look at the fired case. If the primer is still in you are fine. riceone

[Bob Loughlin]

I think I've asked this before, but here goes. Were the trainers also called type 38, or did they have their own nomenclature? The receivers have no number stamping on them. Not even a mum. Also, what value do these trainers have in ment condition ? TIA for any help with these questions. Bob.