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Is there a preferred manufacturer for Arisaka's?

4140 Views 14 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  dand38s
I am trying to get into collecting Japanese rifles. I have collected many Mosin's, Mauser's, Steyr's and others, but have never got around to the Arisaka's. I know that most other types of rifles there are always "preferred" manufacturers for one reason or another.

Is there a preferred manufacturer when it comes to collecting Japanese rifles? If there is, what would be the reason for the preference?

I am currently looking at a couple of type 99 rifles in 7.7. I do not have pictures yet and really did not know what I was looking for so I am trying to find information before I go back and look at them again. I will probably have to print out a cheat sheet when I go back and look so I can try and figure out what I am looking at.

Is there a web site that shows all of the marks and proofs? Also, is there a site that shows the differences between the types? I am still confused how you tell the 38 from the 44 from the 99 and so forth. When it came to telling the Mosins apart including the Finn versions it seemed easy to me, but I have not been able to figure out the Japanese rifles.
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Here's an interesting site that has some pretty good info. I matched all my 99's up and bayonets'.

http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/japanese_markings.html

And for Jap Pistols ya can't go wrong here.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/tju/jhg.htm

enjoy
Explore ALL the stickys on this site; have a look at Castle-thunder.com.

Then, heaven forbid, buy Military Rifles of Japan before you start buying rifles!
I had a good friend that has let me borrow his copy of Military Rifles of Japan, but so far it just has not clicked. That is why I was trying to find more information to see if I can finally get the information to sink in. I guess I will just have to make up a cheat sheet so I can pull it out and compare pictures and markings when I see a rifle. I have tried to find my own copy of the book, but they are not that easy to find and they are proud of them. I dont think I paid as much for both of my Mosin collectors books. I guess cheap rifles equals cheaper books.
You can order MROJ from the author right here and get it direct from Mr. Fred H. himself. Great deal on a good book. A must have.
Check out the sticky entitled books and links, I believe it is still only $42 or so from the author!

Go back and read several months posts here, study the pictures too; it will click.

You have a copy of the best introductory guide in your hands.
Ok, I finally found where I can get it from the author. I have looked at that sticky I do not know how many times and have missed it every time. I guess the $42.00 includes shipping? I really need to get my own copy and give my friend his copy back before something happens to it.
You can pm fredh here and ask him about the total price.
Ive always favored the Torimatsu Nagaoyas myself. I sold off the stuff that was not of that maker.
Ive always favored the Torimatsu Nagaoyas myself. I sold off the stuff that was not of that maker.
I went through that phase myself. Nagoya was there from start to finish on the T-99s and also made cool stuff like the T-2 and snipers.
All the makers are pretty cool. It's a matter of personal preference I suppose.
You can pm fredh here and ask him about the total price.
If you find that out, please post here what he says. I've been wanting to order that book myself.
My own two cents are "It Depends"

Some people like Toyo Kogyo since they survive to this day as Mazda, others like the rarer variants like Howa Jukyo or the overseas Mukden/Jinsen Arsenals. To me, Kokura and Nagoya are not unlike Springfield and Rock Island Arsenals respectively.

Semi-related, should be kicking myself for passing on a blued, scabbardless, Type 30 bayonet made by Mukden for $85?
I collected one of each series of the Nagoya type 99's. I did this because they start at a no series and go through series 12. Collecting the Kokuras also would be way too many for me to have . With Nagoya and Kokura togeather you would have to have about 40 different series of rifles. 12 is enough for me although I still need a series 12.
I collected one of each series of the Nagoya type 99's. I did this because they start at a no series and go through series 12. Collecting the Kokuras also would be way too many for me to have . With Nagoya and Kokura togeather you would have to have about 40 different series of rifles. 12 is enough for me although I still need a series 12.
The only problem with Nagoya series collecting is the 6th & 7th series. So many changes happened during the production of these two series that it could add quite a few more rifles to an otherwise simple collection.
I went about as far as I felt I could with the Nagoyas & ran out of room. I thinned them out quite a bit last year & now go for anything that's primo or unique. Kinda nice not having a set goal for a change :) I knew I'd never find that 12th series but my late 11th 2-nail rope hole was pretty close.
If you find that out, please post here what he says. I've been wanting to order that book myself.
Here is part of the pm that I received from fredh. "Please send check or mo in the amount of $42 for postpaid shipment to: Fred Honeycutt, 5282 Ridan Way, Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 33418.". So the $42.00 does include the shipping costs. I will be sending him the money this week so I can get my own copy.

Thanks for all of the information that all of you have provided. I look forward to learning more about the Japanese rifles.
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