Type 38 Carbine, Need Advice

[aadams22]

Alex, I think the handguard you have was modified to fit your rifle and as such is not really saleable as an original T38 rifle handguard. Also, Bubba really hacked up the front receiver ring. I would watch the gun shows for a replacement receiver. They are pretty easy to find. Salt Flat

OK that makes sense, I had my suspicions as I couldn't find anything like it...as for the receiver ring can you show me an example of what your talking about? A replacement receiver?? Are we talking about a cosmetic or a safety issue here? I'm no gunsmith so thats probably getting in to costs beyond what this rifle is worth...I bought it as a cheap shooter/japanese example and that's how I plan to keep it beyond cleaning and restoration

[Salt Flat]

Alex, As Aragorn stated -- It could be cleaned up (by the right person). However it has been pretty much mutilated on the grinder. This was probably done in an attempt to clean up a ground Mum. In the process the Type 38 marking was obliterated and the contour of the receiver destroyed. Occasionly you see receivers for sale but this would require a barrel change. If it doesn't bother you than I guess I'd say leave it alone and don't spend anymore money on it (except for the handguard). Salt Flat

[aadams22]

Alex, As Aragorn stated -- It could be cleaned up (by the right person). However it has been pretty much mutilated on the grinder. This was probably done in an attempt to clean up a ground Mum. In the process the Type 38 marking was obliterated and the contour of the receiver destroyed. Occasionly you see receivers for sale but this would require a barrel change. If it doesn't bother you than I guess I'd say leave it alone and don't spend anymore money on it (except for the handguard). Salt Flat

OK I see your talking about where its been nearly flattened by the grinder...yeah only bothers me if its a SAFTEY issue. Which if it is please do tell me as I have near nothing invested in this and I will just sell it/part it out an get another one. While I agree its not pretty I think a rebarrel and reheadspacing job would be cost prohibitive on a 200-300$ rifle

[Aragorn243]

From the photos, I'd say it's just cosmetic but I can't really see how deep they ground it down. It would have to be pretty deep to weaken it.

I'd start off with some hand files to get the worst of it cleared up and then emory cloth strips in various grades to get it smooth and round again. You'll have to take it out of the stock. Do it while watching your favorite program. It will take some time but will look a lot better.

[aadams22]

From the photos, I'd say it's just cosmetic but I can't really see how deep they ground it down. It would have to be pretty deep to weaken it.

I'd start off with some hand files to get the worst of it cleared up and then emory cloth strips in various grades to get it smooth and round again. You'll have to take it out of the stock. Do it while watching your favorite program. It will take some time but will look a lot better.

I agree, after looking at some photos of stripped barrels, the threads are much deeper than the barrel ring.

Here are some better photos of what I've got. I think I will attempt to clean up the grind marks as you suggested. I would also like to clean up the stock a bit as it appears to be refinished anyways. Or maybe just really dirty. You guys can help me with deciding that . My goal is just to have a correct, decent looking shooter.

[Marines55]

its your rifle, but theres no need to mess with it. i have seen a few ground rifles done exactly like this where all markings are removed. no safety issue is present.

if you are worried about it looking pretty, thats on you to screw up your rifle by messing with it. theres no need to fix what isn't broken...but then again its your rifle and you should do as you wish.

as for the hand guard, no way to tell if it has been modified until you remove it from the carbine. it is indeed from a 38 long rifle as evidenced by the barrel seat cut out on it where the rear band sits on a 38 long rifle....dead giveaway.

i think you are being mislead by bad information in a few of these posts though. be careful what you do with this rifle

[aadams22]

its your rifle, but theres no need to mess with it. i have seen a few ground rifles done exactly like this where all markings are removed. no safety issue is present.

if you are worried about it looking pretty, thats on you to screw up your rifle by messing with it. theres no need to fix what isn't broken...but then again its your rifle and you should do as you wish.

as for the hand guard, no way to tell if it has been modified until you remove it from the carbine. it is indeed from a 38 long rifle as evidenced by the barrel seat cut out on it where the rear band sits on a 38 long rifle....dead giveaway.

i think you are being mislead by bad information in a few of these posts though. be careful what you do with this rifle

I think you are right, after looking on GB ive seen several ground in a similar way as well. Additionally the fact that is not white bare metal shows that it was ground a long, long time ago

I will leave the receiver besides a simple cleaning. The stock is a little dark and dirty, but your right, its not broke so maybe i should just leave it. The fact that im highly allergic to poison ivy should be enough to deter me from messing with it lol

[Salt Flat]

as for the hand guard, no way to tell if it has been modified until you remove it from the carbine. it is indeed from a 38 long rifle as evidenced by the barrel seat cut out on it where the rear band sits on a 38 long rifle....dead giveaway.

i think you are being mislead by bad information in a few of these posts though. be careful what you do with this rifle

The handguard is obviously modified. Take a look at an original --there is no step there for that rear band on the original. Actually the rear band on a type 38 rifle seats at the front of the handguard. What specifically do you believe to be bad information in the previous posts?

[Marines55]

you need to look at a type 38 long rifle hand guard. i can guarantee you that all 43 type 38 long rifles i own have that exact hand guard on them.

[Salt Flat]

Marine55, Aadams third picture shows his handguard has a step cut for a band that is close to the rear sight. An original t38 handguard has no step in this area as the band mounts at the FRONT of the handguard. Sorry to disagree-- respectfully Salt Flat