type arisaka unknown.... no serial numbers

[joshkeefer]

i bought a arisaka rifle without really researching them first, but after researching for days now i still can't figure out what model it is. the mum is still intact, there is writing similar to those of the type 30 and type 35 (4 symbols under the mum). the barrel is stamped with a "B" and a "T" and a "circle with a triangle in it". the arsenal mark is either Koishikawa Arsenal (Tokyo), or the Kokura Arsenal, and it appears that there's final inspection marks to the left of the arsenal mark, too small to tell, but definitely there. there are also 3 very small stamps in between the rear sling swivel and the butt stock, 1 appears to be and circle with a "odd flower" inside, and the other two appear to be shields... also the bolt is exact to the type 35, and has it's serial number, but the barrel is to the type 30 ( I'm assuming because of no dust cover rails) as well as the stock (type 30 I think), type 30 bayonet ( unknown model, no blood groove).... anyways i'd like it if someone could possibly tell me why there would be no serial numbers? i'm thinking prototype, type 35 naval, or 02/45, "last ditch" rifle. ANY COMMENTS ARE APPRECIATED!, i paid 400 for it, i'm a very sad individual at the moment... pictures to come soon!

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[jmoore]

Pictures would surely help!

Just as a first impression, it sounds like a training rifle.

[Aragorn243]

Training rifles don't normally have a mum as that indicated imperial army. The triangle in a circle marks sound the same as a type 38 school rifle I've been looking at that also has it's mum. School rifles may have been modified at an arsenal before being turned over to the school. The one I'm looking at has had it's barrel and stock cut short which would fit for removal from army service if it had been damaged.

[joshkeefer]

it's a last ditch rifle and i messed up when i said the barrel step had a "T" stamped on it... it's actually an "x" meaning it was a reject barrel, otherwise unfit to meet qualifications, i'm excited though because there's only 1 other documented account of an "x" stamp on a 02/45, and with only 12,000 produced I believe i have a real find. also the barrel is that of either a type 30 or 38, has strong rifling. the book says any educational training rifles would have had a smooth bore....and whether it's okay to fire such a gun (02/45), it's perfectly fine.. apparently all the myths about the guns safety are bogus

[joshkeefer]

scratch that apparently there are some bad issues with the gun as far as safety goes. some were made with inferior parts, and can be dangerous to shoot