Is this worth buying for $250?

[rondog]

I have a chance to buy this locally for $250, FTF. Is it worth it? Collector's Firearms

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[kar98k]

looks like a nice one to me (assuming the bore's not a sewer pipe)

[rondog]

So, is that a yes? I know NOTHING about Japanese rifle values.

[mark1]

Well, the bolt is mismatched, and has a repo sling and mono pod. It looks to be a put to gether. If you are looking for a nice one take a look at Gun Broker item 157137256.

[rondog]

Turns out that's not the rifle for sale, just a link to another one "just like it". I'm going to go check it out, but basically, would a WWII Jap rifle in good shape be worth $250? I know Mausers are more, and Mosins are less, but Mosins are imported by the boatload. Don't know that Arisakas were ever imported.

[Bob Loughlin]

If you are wanting a type 99 to add to a WWII colection, I would say the price is less than one that would be correct. One like the one you show. in correct, all matching, no aftermarket parts go for twice that price here in Central Texas.

[mark1]

Bob is right. IF you find an all matching T99 rifle be ready to pay around $450 to $550. I sold one to $675 a little while ago and it was all matching with a great bore.

[rondog]

At this point, I don't know WHAT it is. Here's what he said,

"This is a real nice pc (95% or better), only difference in the photo there and mine is it has the shorter stock overall it is 43" supposedly a little more rare. I have only seen 2 and then the ones on the internet collectors site."

Sounds like a carbine of some kind. Did the Japanese have carbines? Or some kind of short rifles?

I'm going to go check it out, I figure for $250 it's worth a look. I just hope it's not a sporterized hack job. His original ad only says "Jap 7.7 WWII sniper rifle, surrender gun Excellent condition some ammo 250.00", so who knows....

Knowing how I am, I'll probably be dragging it home.

[Bob Loughlin]

If you look at Riceone's WWII at the top of the forum, it shows all the T-99 and T38s. Look before you you go. Remember what is shown, and you should be able to ID any rifle or carbine made in Japan. Better yet, run what is shown through the copier.

[enfield303t]

To me the most important feature is the Mum.....anything with the Mum was owned by the Emperor of Japan and they would never disgrace anything he owned by surrendering it so the Mum was ground so it was no longer the property of the Emperor. A rifle with the Mum is usually a battlefield capture brought back by a Allied Soldier. Personally I would rather have a Arasaka in poorer condition but with the Mum. But that is just a personal opinion...and my son has a Mum rifle.