In Canadaicon, the Type 1 rifles are rare as hen's teeth. I had been looking for one for close to 40 years. Even back in the day when I could just order them from across the Line. A few came up for sale, every once in a while but never in any quantities.

I tried on several occasions to purchase one or even two. The only ones I passed on were real beaters. Anything in VG or better condition was sold before I could get at it. Back in those days, we got the magazines about a month later than the folks in the States. Usually the places adverizing them would have less than 50.

The rifles you show here, would go for at least 50% more than you paid for them.

I finally managed to find one last year, minus a bolt. Not a big deal though. My local gun shop had an Italianicon issue bolt that fits perfectlyl and from what I can tell so far, the head space is good.

The bolts on the Type I are different only in the bolt guide/ejector slot. The Type I has the slot cut dead centre and the Italian Carcano has the slot offset about 3/32 in.

I was a bit worried that widening the slot to allow it to fit all the way into the receiver would weaken the bolt and make it unsafe. Then my mind went into gear and I realized that as long as I don't have to cut the locking lugs, all will be well.

Thanks for posting those pics. I can see now that the bolts should be blued. I will blue mine.

My stock is a dull reddish color and has a bit of damage around the rear grip area. Nothing serious. The stock, looks to be Beech.

It is my understanding that the rifles were left unmarked purposely, so that they could be stamped in Japan, just like many were shipped with unfinished wood.

It is also my understanding that they were bought exclusively for the Japaneseicon Navy. They supposedly had problems with breaking off bolt handles and never issued many of the rifles, nor finished all of them.