+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Type 38 Questions

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Legacy Member Jet Fixer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    03-29-2021 @ 07:37 PM
    Posts
    71
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    07:09 AM

    Type 38 Questions

    I'm thinking of making an offer on a Type 38 but have a couple of concerns that I'm hoping you guys can help clear up.

    The biggest thing is that it has a rather large oval stamping on the right side of the butt with characters in it that translated to "for the practice of training only". I had this translated by a native Japaneseicon lady so I'm pretty confident in the translation.

    There are no other markings on the rifle that I know of that would indicate that it was in fact a training rifle. It has a full mum, no circles stamped over it. There is no extra character stamped on the receiver above the type 38 characters to indicate a school rifle. There are no extra zeroes in front of the serial number.

    I have not been able to physically inspect it yet, so I don't know what the bore or bolt is like. There is some surface rust. Cleaning rod is there. Stock looks to be in fair to good shape considering the age. I don't know if it is shoot-able or not.

    Seller is asking $250.

    My questions are.

    1) Do you think this is a training rifle?
    2) Any idea why it would be stamped on the stock as a trainer but the other markings show it stayed in service? Possible bore or chamber issue maybe?
    3) Fair price? I know without pics it's a crap shoot. I just have concerns about it being something that may be un-shootable because of head spacing or bore or chamber issues and being priced unreasonably.

    I'm not really looking for a shooter. More likely it will just be a display piece, but I don't want to overpay for something that it isn't.

    Thanks
    Information
    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Contributing Member Aragorn243's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 09:10 PM
    Location
    Pennsylvania, United States
    Posts
    6,974
    Real Name
    Steve
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    11:09 AM
    Some training rifles were removed from service due to wear issues. These were usually overstamped on the mum. Could be it got missed. Could be someone else swapped out the stock.

    Pricing is tough. $250 isn't a lot for one with the mum but the training stock would be a concern. Bore condition might be the deciding factor. If it's bad, I wouldn't pay that much. If it is good, I'd have some thinking to do.

    Training rifles have their own collectors but in general they are not worth as much as a service rifle. A future purchaser is always going to question that stock.

  4. Thank You to Aragorn243 For This Useful Post:


  5. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  6. #3
    Legacy Member Jet Fixer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    03-29-2021 @ 07:37 PM
    Posts
    71
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    07:09 AM
    Thread Starter
    That's pretty much the same as I was thinking.

  7. #4
    Legacy Member Jet Fixer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    03-29-2021 @ 07:37 PM
    Posts
    71
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    07:09 AM
    Thread Starter

  8. Thank You to Jet Fixer For This Useful Post:


  9. #5
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    303tom's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Last On
    10-27-2018 @ 12:55 PM
    Location
    missouri
    Posts
    249
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    11:09 AM
    For the practice of training only = 訓練の実施にのみ...................

  10. #6
    Advisory Panel

    jmoore's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    06-09-2023 @ 04:20 AM
    Location
    US of A
    Posts
    7,066
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    11:09 AM
    I would have to go with the instructions written on the stock. Not for live ammo. But if it's matching and in generally good appearance, it seems worth US$250 as a variant.

  11. #7
    Legacy Member seabot2's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Last On
    07-03-2021 @ 02:13 PM
    Location
    Gil's Plains, USA
    Posts
    115
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    08:09 AM
    With the proof marks on the barrel, it was once a first rate rifle. But with the training stamp, maybe not anymore.

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. Some questions about my Type 99!! w/ 8 pictures
    By lauth12 in forum Japanese Rifles
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 02-01-2012, 03:52 AM
  2. Type 38 and Type 99 Rifle/Ammo Questions
    By masterdiver330 in forum Japanese Rifles
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-31-2011, 07:10 PM
  3. New Type 99 with Questions.
    By Rolan_Kraps in forum Japanese Rifles
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-24-2011, 08:22 PM
  4. Type 38 Questions
    By digby in forum Japanese Rifles
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 06-25-2010, 03:02 PM
  5. Type 38 Questions
    By 5025LH in forum Japanese Rifles
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 01-16-2010, 09:12 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Raven Rocks