What should be my next WWII era firearm?

[Eaglelord17]

Look up photos of Arisaka Type 99s, you will see the stock has a fairly reddish tinge to it. Not saying that this particular example is wrong, just that it looks odd from the photos.

It can be hard to tell sometimes if things aren't 100% correct, and not everyone is a expert (I know I am not, and most people aren't either). The rifle might be original, or the seller might think it is original, its hard to know without actually having a good look at it.

[browningautorifle]

its hard to know without actually having a good look at it.

Exactly...really, really good close , clear pics.

[I.H.1989]

There's lots of pics here of these with original finish. It to me looks more like a shellac finish when in good shape. If it's been oiled, it's already been sanded. I'm not sure that matters to you though, it looks good from the pics. Here's some pics on another thread from a couple years back. Have a look and compare to yours...

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread....t=Arisaka+Type

Hard to say for me by looking at your pics.

It is difficult. It could be the lighting, but I have asked him to send beter pictures, and if the stock has a shellac finish on it. That should clear up any questions.

[browningautorifle]

Yes to all that...if you express your concerns he will likely co-operate...

[Aragorn243]

The stock simply looks too smooth. The original finish on nearly every Arisaka that I've seen that did not see heavy use was rough. They painted that stuff on by hand and it's thick and heavy. This just looks too smooth, not like it was sanded perhaps but chemically stripped with linseed oil put on afterwards. The gouges from what I can see don't seem to have rounded edges which would indicate sanding which is why I'm not sure on the sanding part. It's also very clean.

It is a nice looking rifle no matter what. If the price is right, I'd go for it. Just trying to do my best to appraise it for you.

[I.H.1989]

Thanks for the info. Even if it does have a "refinished" stock, I can always purchase one later down the line. I just have to make sure to find the right kind, and make sure I am not overpaying

[Aragorn243]

Don't do that, you end up paying double. These stocks aren't cheap anymore, you're looking at about $200 just for a stock these days. Make sure you are happy with what you are getting, don't plan to improve it later.

The thing with linseed oil on an Arisaka finish is it just provides a bit of a shine to it and will darken any scuff marks. It can't penetrate the original finish and won't replace it where it exists. I oiled mine just to get the grime off of it and it shined it up nice but did nothing for the roughness of the stock.

Finish on this could very well be fine. One reason I prefer buying in person but I have gotten a few off auctions. Don't forget the shipping fee and the transfer fee if required where you live. This may have to go to an FFL dealer for transfer to you.

[I.H.1989]

Don't do that, you end up paying double. These stocks aren't cheap anymore, you're looking at about $200 just for a stock these days. Make sure you are happy with what you are getting, don't plan to improve it later.

The thing with linseed oil on an Arisaka finish is it just provides a bit of a shine to it and will darken any scuff marks. It can't penetrate the original finish and won't replace it where it exists. I oiled mine just to get the grime off of it and it shined it up nice but did nothing for the roughness of the stock.

Finish on this could very well be fine. One reason I prefer buying in person but I have gotten a few off auctions. Don't forget the shipping fee and the transfer fee if required where you live. This may have to go to an FFL dealer for transfer to you.

I will keep that in mind.

I'll wait and see what the seller has to say before I make a decision. I also enjoy doing things in person, however, all of the gunshows and stores that have Arisakas usually are asking for at least $400 for one with a ground mum. Seems a little high so I am limited in what i can do.

[I.H.1989]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]Ok, the guy eventually asked for too much so I passed, but i found another that a guy was sell, that included a bayonet. From what he could tell me, he was getting rid of some of his WWII collection and having to downsize.

The Arisaka has matching serial numbers as far as he can tell, the rifling and bore look good, but he cannot tell if the barrel has been chromed. The mum has been ground off as well, and as far as he knows, there has been no restoration work. I'm waiting to hear from him if there has been any work done on the stock.

[browningautorifle]

Small pic but that one looks decent.