Type 38 Carbine

[Aragorn243]

Success at the Auction From Hell this morning. Picked up a decent Type 38 carbine, a model I did not yet have with a bayonet and dust cover. It's not museum quality, someone refinished most of the stock and the mum is ground but it has a great bore and is in pretty good shape overall. Photos will follow maybe tomorrow.

I had to let a K98 go for less than $300 as it went just prior to this one. I know, tough decision but my funds were very limited. It had a good bore and no Russian markings. People at this auction just make no sense sometimes. This is by far the cheapest I've seen a K98 go in years, anywhere. Not a single number on it matched and someone slathered a thick coat of varnish on it but that could have been easily removed.

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.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Awaiting photos of the latest score.

[Aragorn243]

Rifle cleaned up and ready for presentation. Didn't need much, just a little light rust removal from a couple of spots and a wipe down. Ground mum, rifle probably turned over for school use as it has 00 in front of the serial number. Condition is very good. Excellent bore, most of original finish is present. Stock from the rear barrel band to the butt appears to have had it's original finish removed. Does not look sanded as wood is still very strong around all the metal parts. Worst rust was on the magazine plate with some on the trigger guard and butt plate. Numbers do not match although I have not taken it apart to see if assembly numbers match. Kind of doubt it as I see three different numbers on the exposed parts. Bolt does match itself. Bayonet and rifle are both Kokura, no series mark so part of original Kokura serial number run. Dust cover came with rifle but not original to it. It has some bad pitting. Bayonet blade is clean, rust free, with most of it's original bluing. Paid $280 which is pretty decent considering the bayonet and dust cover.

















The rifle is very well balanced and just seems to "fit" Makes me wonder why they stuck with the long rifle as standard, especially with the smaller stature of the average Japanese soldier.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Having a carbine hole in the safe waiting to be filled I would have paid 280 +. Nice rifle/bayonet combo very fair price.

[Aragorn243]

I'd like to get the stock matched. Might try some tung oil I bought for my bayonet drawers. I don't think BLO will do the trick this time. Trying to locate a correct sling for it also. Cleaning rod I've found but everyone seems to be sold out of carbine slings.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

"You can't get the wood (anymore)!"

Flashback time:

The Siege of Fort (K)night
Vintage Goons Series, Episode 13

See also:

CRUN: Hooray, it's working.

MINNIE: That's more than British Leyland

Serious "enthusiasts" can go here for way too much more!

[cipherk98]

Nice find! Glad you finally got lucky at that sale.

[Aragorn243]

Yeah, it doesn't happen often.

[Aragorn243]

Anyone know the correct length of a carbine sling. None available so I ordered a regular Type 38 sling and am going to cut it down. Repro obviously.