Type 38 covers generally have a steel bracket on the inside toward the rear end, and the overall length is slightly longer than a type 99 cover.

 

The shape of the bolt handle cutout is also different between the two. The T99 covers have offset wings vs. the T38 that are symmetrical. Top 2 below are T38. Bottom is T99.

 

That's good to know about the offset wings. Never realized that. Thanks

 

Thank you so much !

 

You have been given misinformation on the T-38 dust covers. The “off set” slots started during T-38 production. The off set slot gives the cover a bit of a kick to the rear as the bolt handle is lifted. This helps when the action gets dirty or icy.

 

Thanks, actually I found a dust cover with "offset wings" and 6 1/16" inches long, it does fit perfectly on my T-38 (early type) but not so good in the T-99.

 

Some previous threads on same question.

https://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?1155437-Dust-Cover-Type-38-or-99&highlight=dust+cover

https://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?1121505-Dust-covers&highlight=dust+cover

 

A warning on dust covers is that mismatched covers are likely to mar the finish on the receiver. These were fitted items

 

From left to right, late Type 38, "early" Type 38 (which covers the majority of production), and Type 99. Note that there are some reallllllly late Type 38s that lack the bracket and some reallllllly early Type 99 long rifle dust covers that have the bracket. That probably has to do with the fact that the early Type 99 longs started production in 1940, while the last Type 38s rolled out in 1942.

 

Type 38 dust covers are 6 1/16" long and Type 99 covers are 5 7/8"

ukrifleman