What’s the best made and accurate Japanese rifle?

[KneverKnew]

Just getting into Jap rifles and wanted to start with an example of their best workmanship. Thanks.

Information

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[J-ROD]

When it comes to Japanese rifles with iron sights, in my opinion, the best made rifle is a Type 99 long rifle made in the Toyo Kogyo arsenal (Mazda in todays world). The bluing and workmanship is the best of all arsenals. The blueing is so excellent, most people will think the rifle has been reblued and mismatched. This is because their excellent. Also know these rifles have assembly numbers that don’t match the rifle serial number…so they think the bolts are mismatched.

As for accuracy, the Type 99 long rifle is very good…depending on condition. If you want a scoped rifle, seek out a Type 97.

Take this information knowing I just arrived in Aruba for vacation and I’m 3 sheets to the wind right now! Haha!

[KneverKnew]

Enjoy your vacation! As far as iron sights, go versus scoped, I tend to try and get a good example of the military configuration of a rifle, hopefully one that still shoots well for its age. Once I have my good as issued example, then I tend to try and find something more serviceable For my old eyes with a scope or able to take a scope. I’ve also been looking into the rear site base mounted scout scopes that are available for my Swedish M 96/38. It’s made in 1903 and still shoots under an inch with my good reloads .

[Eaglelord17]

I would say a Type 99 is likely going to be your best example. Chromelined bores on most of them which protected the bores (only the last ones didn't) vs most other Arisakas which didn't and usually have poor bores. Also Type 99s used 7.7x58 which is a very easy round to load vs the 6.5 Japanese which is more difficult.

[Singer B]

When it comes to Japanese rifles with iron sights, in my opinion, the best made rifle is a Type 99 long rifle made in the Toyo Kogyo arsenal (Mazda in todays world). The bluing and workmanship is the best of all arsenals. The blueing is so excellent, most people will think the rifle has been reblued and mismatched. This is because their excellent. Also know these rifles have assembly numbers that don’t match the rifle serial number…so they think the bolts are mismatched.

As for accuracy, the Type 99 long rifle is very good…depending on condition. If you want a scoped rifle, seek out a Type 97.

Take this information knowing I just arrived in Aruba for vacation and I’m 3 sheets to the wind right now! Haha!

Can you expand upon Toyo Kogyo using manufacturing numbers rather than matching serial numbers? Where would they be and how did the system work? I have a 1941 with non-matching serial numbers and a 1944 TK with all all-matching serial numbers so now I am confused. Thank-you!

[KneverKnew]

Thanks again for the info. A quick search shows some pretty high prices. At least more than I can spend at this time. I’ll keep looking around.

[J-ROD]

Can you expand upon Toyo Kogyo using manufacturing numbers rather than matching serial numbers? Where would they be and how did the system work? I have a 1941 with non-matching serial numbers and a 1944 TK with all all-matching serial numbers so now I am confused. Thank-you!

Singer,

TK long rifles are ALL assembly numbers except for the serial number on the receivers left side. They (all numbers except the left side receiver) will match the assembly number under the receiver (gotta remove the action from the stock). The same goes for early series 30 Type 99 short rifles and then over a short time frame, there was a mix of assembly numbers and receiver numbers. By series 32, all numbers should match the serial number on the receiver.

As a caveat, I am even more 3 sheets to the wind…Aruba has too many bars….but I’m not too far gone to forget the excellence of TK rifles.

If I remember my dazed post, I’ll confirm when I get home.

[KneverKnew]

Found a 99 at auction. Not sure it’s an early version with chrome bore.
Any input on value?

WWII Japanese Kokura Arsenal Type 99 7.7x58mm caliber bolt action Arisaka rifle. Series 20. Intact Mum. Knurled safety. Serial numbers match on receiver and bolt handle. Bolt stamped "234". Blued finish. Wood stock. Adjustable rear sight. Sling mounts. Cleaning rod. Monopod. Barrel cover. Caliber / Gauge: 7.7x58mm Barrel Length: 26" Serial Number: 63766 Condition: Overall good. Moderate to heavy wear. Bore is fair with moderate wear. Mechanically good.

This is assuming they’ve labeled correctly. This company has mislabeled in the past, to my benefit.

[Singer B]

Singer,

TK long rifles are ALL assembly numbers except for the serial number on the receivers left side. They (all numbers except the left side receiver) will match the assembly number under the receiver (gotta remove the action from the stock). The same goes for early series 30 Type 99 short rifles and then over a short time frame, there was a mix of assembly numbers and receiver numbers. By series 32, all numbers should match the serial number on the receiver.

As a caveat, I am even more 3 sheets to the wind…Aruba has too many bars….but I’m not too far gone to forget the excellence of TK rifles.

If I remember my dazed post, I’ll confirm when I get home.

Cool, thanks! I know the Type 38s all used manufacturer codes but I always thought the Type 99s used the serial number system! Love the Caribbean and wish I was there with you!

[J-ROD]

Found a 99 at auction. Not sure it’s an early version with chrome bore.
Any input on value?

WWII Japanese Kokura Arsenal Type 99 7.7x58mm caliber bolt action Arisaka rifle. Series 20. Intact Mum. Knurled safety. Serial numbers match on receiver and bolt handle. Bolt stamped "234". Blued finish. Wood stock. Adjustable rear sight. Sling mounts. Cleaning rod. Monopod. Barrel cover. Caliber / Gauge: 7.7x58mm Barrel Length: 26" Serial Number: 63766 Condition: Overall good. Moderate to heavy wear. Bore is fair with moderate wear. Mechanically good.

This is assuming they’ve labeled correctly. This company has mislabeled in the past, to my benefit.

It’s very hard to put a value on a rifle without seeing pictures and/or holding it in my hands. Early Type 99 rifles that are matching with accessories typically top $1k at auctions…again…depending on condition. There are so many variables to determine if a rifle is “correct” when it comes to collector grade rifles.

If you PM me a link, I’ll take a look at it and give you my opinion. I also promise not to bid against you as all my money is going to booze, hotels and food in Aruba! Haha!




---------- Post added at 09:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 PM ----------

Cool, thanks! I know the Type 38s all used manufacturer codes but I always thought the Type 99s used the serial number system! Love the Caribbean and wish I was there with you!

Only Kokura and TK Type 99 rifles used assembly numbers when switching over from Type 38 rifles. Kokura stopped early Series 20 but TK went longer…not sure why. I’m pretty sure Nagoya ditched assembly numbers on their last few Type 38 rifles and believe all their Type 38 / 44 carbines did not have assembly numbers at all.

I’ll check my books when I get sober and back in the states.