Type 99 information

[frankderrico]

I'm an M1 carbine guy but was at an estate sale and could not pass this one up. I hope some of you can tell me more about this Type 99.

Thanks.....Frank

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Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

That looks like an excellent example of a T99.
Plus points are :
All present and correct.
The "Mum" is intact - it has not been defaced or ground.
The backsight still has the wings for shooting at aircraft (the wings have notches to take a rough lead on the aircraft)
The wood appears to be "un-Bubbaed". Finish looks original but that is very difficult to tell from a photo.
A low level of "dings". (Note: no dings at all would be suspicious on an ex-service rifle.)

I cannot tell which series it is. Please post a close up of the markings on the left side of the receiver. The leading mark is a kanji symbol that indicates the series. These are often unclear or ambiguous, so a real close-up please!
The kanji is followed by the number within the series. After the number there follows a symbol for the arsenal:
Two circles, one on top of the other, looking like a fat-headed 8, within an outer circle, is the symbol for Nagoya Arsenal. That is what I think I can see, but I am not quite sure.
Three circle segments around a central circle, reminiscent of a clover leaf, is the symbol for Kokura arsenal.

You instinct was correct - you found a rifle that is rarely seen in such good condition.

Congratulations, and please post some close-ups for further identification!

Patrick

[jmoore]

If the stake marks restraining the action screws are undisturbed, as they seem to be, then it's probably original finish on the stock, as it would have never been apart!

That would be quite an added bonus. Imagine, no one's been inside the rifle since it left the factory!

Otherwise, the coloration does seem a little light as regards the stock finish and the front edges of the LH finger groove appears more rounded than usual , but more close ups would help.

[frankderrico]

Patrick and jmoore, thank you for getting back on this. Hope these are the pictures that will help. Yes I believe the staked screws have never been turned. I also believe it's the original finish on the stock. The bluing is very good. It does have marks from the monopod. The bolt does not match. Should it have a dust cover?
The nephew of the man that owned this rifle settled the estate. The uncle had died 27 years ago and the aunt past about a year ago. No children so the nieces and nephews were left. The uncle sold cars and car parts. He took this rifle in as payment on some tires in 1947.

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I went to the sale thinking I might buy something to resell, now I'm going to keep the rifle.....Frank

[Patrick Chadwick]

I still can't make out the inital kanji clearly. However, since this is a Nagoya T99, the only possibilities are Nos. 1-12.Looking at those only, the slightly diagonal top stroke leads me to guess it is No. 1, i.e you have a v.g. example of the first series. So it probably had a monopod nd a dust cover. But the monopod wasn't very effective, and the dust cover could turn into a dirt trap. I believe the Japanese soldiers often ditched these items in the field, to reduce weight. Since the mum was not defaced, these details could indicate a battlefield capture. Against that is to be said that the condition is almost to good to be true for a rifle that has been in action.

Let's see what jmoore has to say!

Patrick

[jmoore]

Get some of the Hornady ammo and try it out. It'll likely hit a bit high at 100yds, but they are often fairly good grouping rifles. (The 150 gr variety seems especially good.)

It's not a "pretty" design, but it's light, tough, and powerful. A refined design over the Type 38, but without the "froo-froo" fine polished metalwork. Some do have bling, though...(Monopods, anti-aircraft sights and dust covers.)

I'm not a collector's info source, unfortunately. I gotta dive into the books like everone else!

[frankderrico]

Patrick, I'll get a close up of the "kanji?" in the morning. Can you estimate the date of manufacture of 1st. series and the serial number?
jmoore, I'm looking forward to putting some rounds throught it.
I live in a very rural part of Wisconsin. The town that this rifle came from is very small.
It sat in that little house since 1947. I would think that is a vet bring back/sent back rifle from the Pacific.
Any more information would be appriciated. You guys are great. Thank you.....Frank

[jmoore]

Sorry, I haven't more historical data for you immediately, no computer at the house, and that's where the books are! Hunnicutt's book breaks down these rifles very well as regards features, etc. but he provides only the most general dates of manufacture, usually related to factory/ arsenal moves and reorganizations. (My copy is older, there may be more in newer editions.)

Your rear nosecap screw has definitely been turned. Make sure that there's metal protuding into the screw slots on the action screws before assuming they're "unturned".

The metal finish is definitely OK. As regards the wood, if it has an orangish to reddish tone in natural lighting, then it's likely original. Another common trait is for the pores in the wood to be slightly to noticably raised in certain areas.

Lemme, see if i've any good photos to illustrate. Pardon the delay, I've also got a big post in the works (Range report and ammo discussion vis. 6,5 Japanese) and I'm a horrible typist and a pitiful photo editor.

[frankderrico]

jmoore, thanks for that info. I'm liking this rifle. I'll be gone for most of the day and will get some more pics up later today. The screws in the trigger housing definetly have metel in the slots from the stakings. The only one that doesn't line up is the rear nose cap screw. In natural light it has an orangish look, and that raised look were it doesn't get handled, wiped etc.....Frank

[303Nut]

frankderrico:

Looks like to me you have a Series 1 T-99 and was mfg. late 1941. It looks real nice and should make you even happier when you get to shoot it.