Finely Got it Arisaka Type 99 carbine

[usabaker]

One thing about collecting Japanese firearms is, one should never say never, but I have never seen a rear sight on a Kokura manufactured rifle,

Not sure why my picture did not attach to my last post but here it is again. From looking at your pictures I think mine is identified as a TK?




What book would be the best to buy to better understand and learn about the Arisaka Type 99, I doubt this will be the last one I buy.

[jangle]

Your ladder is a Kokura made sight.
Probably what has happened back through its life, all the "bells & whistles" were removed (mono-pod, cleaning rod, AA wings etc) and someone then found a pair of loose wings to install on the rifle, not knowing the manufacturing differences.

As far as books go, "Military Rifles of Japan" by Fred Honeycutt, 5th edition, first published in the 1970's is still a top notch reference. You can buy it directly from Fred if you frequent the Rising Sun Board on GunBoards.
"The Japanese Type 99 Arisaka Rifle" by Don Voigt is out of print, but sometimes can find a copy on auction sites.
"The Type 38 Arisaka", revised edition, by Francis Allan & Harold Macy, again purchased from Author on GunBoards.

These will cover 99% of anything that you might have an interest in. There are other books that specialize in snipers, early Japanese firearms etc.

[usabaker]

Your ladder is a Kokura made sight.
Probably what has happened back through its life, all the "bells & whistles" were removed (mono-pod, cleaning rod, AA wings etc) and someone then found a pair of loose wings to install on the rifle, not knowing the manufacturing differences.
As far as books go

Thank you, James I appreciate you taking the time to help me. I discussed it with the original owner now in his 80's, and if the wings were changed, it happened before it was shipped to his family during WWII. The rifle was shipped to his father by his uncle who was a Marine serving in the Pacific during World War II. He remembers when the rifle came in the crate soaked in oil, with some other stuff, but it was with the Bayonet (now lost), it did not have the Bi-Pod. He and his brother used to play with the rifle as kids and since his family has had it had only been shot twice. When his father died, he took it, and it was sitting in a closet until my friend bought it. No changes were made to the rifle in the time his family had it. My friend bought it from him in Aug of 2021 and has since put 40 rounds through it and asked if I wanted to buy it (along with a S&W 357 from the same gentleman) which I did. (the Military papers for the rifle are lost in time, I did ask about them).

I contacted Fred Honeycutt on GunBoards thanks for the lead and the names of the other books...

[dannytoro1]

I have a Kokura much like this. But for some reason the floorplate/trigger guard is a stainless steel affair. Someone tried to remove the sights[scope attempt I think]. The spring for the ladder sight and the arms are gone. And I assume maybe a front sight hood is gone.

The gun shoots well and is in great condition. The stock is not beat to heck and the blueing is very good. I used the default peep and it does a paper plate at 50 yards. Not bad for a loose ladder sight.

The cleaning rod is gone.

[m4a3sherman]

I can confirm that The Type 38 Arisaka, by Francis Allan & Harold Macy is excellent,and at least as of late last year, is still available from the authors. Spiral bound, but beautiful colour photos. That is of course for the type 38, and not the 99, but in for a rifle, in for a carbine! I have had my eyes peeled for a copy of the type 99 book (as well as the Siamese mauser book!) for a little bit.

Now you need a nice type 30 bayonet to go on your rifle! You can find them all over ebay and often at bigger gunshows for between $125-200 for one worth owning with such a nice rifle. Repro slings are widely available, and some are even remotely accurate to originals, but not many. Original slings are out there, but pricey. I managed to score a very solid leather one from a Tulsa show two years ago for right under $100. Good luck! Be sure to send a few rounds down range with it if you haven't already!

[J-ROD]

I can confirm that The Type 38 Arisaka, by Francis Allan & Harold Macy is excellent,and at least as of late last year, is still available from the authors. Spiral bound, but beautiful colour photos. That is of course for the type 38, and not the 99, but in for a rifle, in for a carbine! I have had my eyes peeled for a copy of the type 99 book (as well as the Siamese mauser book!) for a little bit.

Now you need a nice type 30 bayonet to go on your rifle! You can find them all over ebay and often at bigger gunshows for between $125-200 for one worth owning with such a nice rifle. Repro slings are widely available, and some are even remotely accurate to originals, but not many. Original slings are out there, but pricey. I managed to score a very solid leather one from a Tulsa show two years ago for right under $100. Good luck! Be sure to send a few rounds down range with it if you haven't already!

Most of Frank’s books are now electronically available on Amazon…a lot cheaper than printed copies and easier to reference walking around gun shows. Just download the kindle app and presto! Instant references. I keep my paper copies in my mancave now.

[m4a3sherman]

Most of Frank’s books are now electronically available on Amazon…a lot cheaper than printed copies and easier to reference walking around gun shows. Just download the kindle app and presto! Instant references. I keep my paper copies in my mancave now.

LEGEND! Holy hell you just made my night.

Thank you!

[J-ROD]

LEGEND! Holy hell you just made my night.

Thank you!

You’re welcome, always willing to hook up a fellow collector.