Chapter 1

From the October 2001 issue, pages 264 - 267.

Model 13 Prototype

In the summer of 1878, Murata began making prototypes of his rifles at the small arms plant of the Artillery Arsenal in Tokyo using steel imported from France.

The above photograph shows what is believed to be one of these prototype rifles. Unfortunately the stock has been cut down but all else appears original except as noted below. (Note: This rifle is not to be confused with Murata single shot bolt action shotguns. Murata single shot rifles modified into shotguns as well as single shot bolt action shotguns of Murata style but of non-military manufacture are described in Part 6 of this series.)

The reasons for believing this to be a military rifle are as follows:

1. From the bluing wear on the barrel the original stock was a full length stock with two barrel bands.

2. The barrel is heavy and rifled (5 grooves, right-hand twist, same as subsequent Murata military rifles.)

3. All parts, including the stock, bear the same serial number.

4. Near the muzzle is a brazed area, approximately where a bayonet lug would be.

5. The rear sight is the usual military ladder type, graduated (in English numerals) from 4 to 9. (See photograph below.)

6. The buttplate is steel, of the same general shape of the buttplate used on the Model 13.

The one feature that is immediately different from a standard Model 13 is the shape of the bolt handle. However [1] on page 16 shows a Model 13 cavalry carbine with a similar bolt handle and receiver tang. Also, the bolt fits perfectly into a standard Model 13 receiver.

There are no markings on the rifle other than the serial number.

Bibliography

1. World Arms Picture Book (Japanese Book), Tokyo 1973 (In Japanese).