+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Confirm Type 38 original

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    kenr602's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Last On
    06-18-2017 @ 08:36 PM
    Location
    phoenix az
    Posts
    2
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    07:26 AM

    Confirm Type 38 original

    Hi all, I recently inherited a sporterized type 38. When I hunted with it as a kid my Dad and Grandfather just referred to it as "the Jap" rifle but never shared particular ammo. I believe it is still chambered to 6.5x50. I don't see marking to indicate a .257 or similar on the barrel. Short of having the gun slugged or cast is it possible to make a reasonable determination that the gun is indeed a 6.5x50 based on the markings and serial numbers? The serial number is 51451 and I've attached a pic of the markings.

    Attachment 82036Attachment 82036
    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
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    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
    10:26 AM
    All Type 38's as made were 6x5. What someone converted them into after the war is not going to show up in any markings unless they themselves stamped a new chambering on it. Odds are, it is still in the original caliber but you should check to make sure.

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    Legacy Member bob q's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last On
    03-20-2024 @ 10:15 PM
    Location
    north texas
    Posts
    444
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    09:26 AM
    The popular conversion was to 6.5x57mm or 6.5mm/ .257 Roberts . The rifle still had the original 6.5mm barrel , just the chamber reamed longer to let you use .257 Roberts brass with a .6.5mm bullet in it . It was not meant to shoot .257 Roberts [ other than to fire form the brass ] as the .257 dia bullet in a .266 dia groove would have poor accuracy . If your rifle will CHAMBER a .257 Roberts cartridge , it was rechambered . If it will not it should be 6.5x50 Japaneseicon . Even if you fire a 6.5mm J in it and it IS 6.5mm /.257, it will not really hurt anything .

  6. #4
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    kenr602's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Last On
    06-18-2017 @ 08:36 PM
    Location
    phoenix az
    Posts
    2
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    07:26 AM
    Thread Starter
    Thanks for the quick replies. I took out the bolt today and found what looks like another piece of evidence. The bolt itself seems to be hand stamped with .260. I assume likely the same thing as .257/6.5? Now to get the bolt back in, kinda fun to re-learn the gun that I used as a 12 y.o.

    Attachment 82141

  7. #5
    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
    10:26 AM
    That's the assembly number. Probably find it on other bolt parts and if you are lucky the rest of the rifle. It is different than the serial number on early rifles.

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. Broken original type one band vs replacement. Legit?
    By HDSledge in forum M1/M2 Carbine
    Replies: 37
    Last Post: 12-31-2016, 07:35 PM
  2. Original finish on arisaka's type 99's
    By mil-surp60 in forum The Restorer's Corner
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 02-27-2014, 05:59 PM
  3. Picked up my first Type 38 carbine and a Jinsen Type 99
    By bingeebob in forum Japanese Rifles
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 03-12-2012, 01:20 PM
  4. derf's nambu type 14 pistol and type 99 7.7 arisaka
    By DERF in forum Japanese Rifles
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-19-2010, 09:10 PM
  5. Type 99 Long Rifle; What Type Of Wood?
    By kar98k in forum Japanese Rifles
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 06-17-2010, 10:32 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