Type 38

[NP2650]

I picked up my first Japanese rifle, a Type 38. It's a Kokura made 23 series. Can anyone tell me about when it was made? Also, there is a three digit number and an inspection mark stamped on the underside of the receiver (hidden by the stock when it's assembled). Most of the parts on the rifle match this number, including the stock, handguard, tangs, trigger, trigger guard, etc (but not the bolt unfortunately). These three digits are not the same as the last three digits of the serial number. I had assumed that the parts should be numbered with the last three digits of the serial number. Any idea why there's a second number on this rifle? I apologize if these are simple questions, but I'm new to these rifles.

I bought this rifle because it's in real nice shape. The Mum is intact, it has what appears to be the original cleaning rod, and the bore is nice.

Information

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[gerry]

I picked up my first Japanese rifle, a Type 38. It's a Kokura made 23 series. Can anyone tell me about when it was made? Also, there is a three digit number and an inspection mark stamped on the underside of the receiver (hidden by the stock when it's assembled). Most of the parts on the rifle match this number, including the stock, handguard, tangs, trigger, trigger guard, etc (but not the bolt unfortunately). These three digits are not the same as the last three digits of the serial number. I had assumed that the parts should be numbered with the last three digits of the serial number. Any idea why there's a second number on this rifle? I apologize if these are simple questions, but I'm new to these rifles.

I bought this rifle because it's in real nice shape. The Mum is intact, it has what appears to be the original cleaning rod, and the bore is nice.

Number on the bottom of reciever is called the assembly number and all the parts should match that number. Im sure someone with more knowledge will tell you more about that and when it was made.

[NP2650]

Thanks for the information on numbering Gerry. Can anyone point me to where I might find information on about when it was made?

[Milsurp Collector]

According to "The Type 38 Arisaka" by Francis Allan (which is the Type 38 reference) estimated dates of production for 23rd Series was February 1939 through October 1939. That's a 9 month period and they made 100,000 rifles in that series. 100,000 divided by 9 = 11,111 a month. Using your serial number you should be able to narrow down an approximate month between February and October in 1939 when it was made.

[NP2650]

My serial number is just over 14,000, so I guess that would put it at about March 1939. I just ordered that book; I can't wait until it gets here. Thanks!

[riceone]

The book is the best money you can spend. It's and exhaustive study of the T38 series of rifles. riceone