No Gas Port Hole??

[aadams22]

Yup, that's polygonal rifling. Hills and valleys vs lands and grooves. Just making sure you didn't have some out of left field hybrid.

Yes, you need the rough welded safety to be correct. Here's a link to a popular parts supplier. https://www.libertytreecollectors.co...?idCategory=83
FYI, the late war substitute standard aka last ditch rifles are every bit as serviceable as any other T99. Production steps where curtailed but not the quality of materials.

I didn't know that! So they were made from the same steel but just not finished as nicely?

That also explains why I've thought every nice T99 I've looked at was shot out....lol

[WarPig1976]

I've thought every nice T99 I've looked at was shot out....lol

Now use the knowledge to your advantage and tell a seller he should pay you to take his "shot out" rifle off his hands. Just joking of course,,,,or am I....

[Marines55]

Indeed, this is a 25th series Kokura made Type 99 short rifle. The absence of a vent hole is cool and is likely the result of hurried production. Since this is the very last series of 99s made by Kokura before war's end, anything is possible. if it were me, i would buy the safety, firing pin, and spring. it shouldn't cost you anywhere near $100 to replace those parts.

---------- Post added at 12:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 PM ----------

Oh, and the rifling is medford type, not polygonal. The medford rifling causes the lands to appear rounded, but they are perfectly accurate and serviceable. keep in mind type 99s were one war rifles, with most of them seeing only limited service and wear. 38s and 44s however were in service all over the world and have seen some very heavy use/refurbishment/etc.

[WarPig1976]

Oh, and the rifling is medford type, not polygonal.

Brain fart on my part.

[aquici]

Marines55 - thanks for chiming in. Re my question above regarding the type of safety button. I haven't acutally saw first hand many T99s, and my matching bolt has the smoother type handle.

[Salt Flat]

Aquici, Some late war Arisakas still had the plum shaped bolt handle and used the rough welded safety. I will see if I can find a picture of series 25. Salt Flat

[Salt Flat]

Aquici, Here's a shortcut to a 25th series Kokura on this forum. It shows the bolt has the plum shaped handle with the crudely welded safety knob. Maybe Afmedic (the OP on that thread) can verify if these parts were matching to the receiver. Salt Flat

My last Ditch rifle..

[aquici]

Thanks Salt Flat for sharing. I feel now feel better knowing the welded knob with "plum" handle would be correct.

I'd appreciate everyone's comment regarding the follow method for removing rust:

Surplusrifle Forum View topic - Rusty Type 99 found inside a wall - UPDATED - NEW PHOTOS!!

The images are impressive, but I've never heard of this method before and have concerns. Moderators - sorry if I broke a rule posting this link - it wasn't intended.

[Salt Flat]

Aquici, I would not do too much regarding the finish. It really doesn't look bad. Just dissassemble the rifle and wipe all the parts down with oil including the bore. (Check to see if the trigger guard screws are still staked, if they are do not take the rifle apart) I know some people will disagree but once you remove rust (patina) you have destroyed the history and the natural aging of the piece. Your rifle looks untouched (except for bolt) and there is no need to start messing with it now. Just my opinion. Salt Flat

[aquici]

Unfortunately the trigger guard screws were turned. I actually need a tang and those two screws. I didnt mention it earlier since they are minor parts. Any ideas on where I can get a rusted welded safety and tang with Burnt Umber #5 patina?