[injb]

So far I only have European and US milsurp stuff. I'm looking for a Japanese WW2 era rifle. But that's all I know so far! I'm not into rare collector rifles, but I would like to have something that's a good representation of what Japanese troops used in that war. I think this means I'm looking for a Type 99 in 7.7mm, right? It has to be a good shooter, and it has to be something I can get ammunition for. I don't care that much if it was actually used in the war or not. For me, the historical interest is as much in the design as it is in the specific example, so I tend to care more about condition than provenance.

Can someone point me towards a good guide or something I can use to educate myself about Japanese rifles, what to avoid, how to avoid overpaying etc.

Thanks!

 

[swjXE]

Probably the best starter book is " Military Rifles of Japan" by Fred Honeycutt.

 

[Andibular]

Lots of info in the forum here. Books are of course the way to go. YouTube also has lots of informative videos.

Make sure you aren't buying a school or training rifle, those were made to fire wooden blanks.

Keep an eye on the Japanese trader board for a type 38 or type 99. Both were used in WW2. Youll likely get a better price here rather than gunbroker or an auction

Ammo is available but not cheap. $1+/round

 

[bachmanw]

arisaka1

A Guide to the Japanese Type 99 Arisaka

A website dedicated to identifying models of the Type 99 Arisaka

type99arisakas.weebly.com

BANZAI

Nambu World: Other Japanese Weapons

Markings on Japanese Arisaka Rifles and Bayonets of World War II

www.exordinanza.net - Carcano-Arisaka Type 1

sito italiano armi ex ordinanza

www.exordinanza.net

arisakatype99page

A lot of these are very basic (with the exception of Conrad's site) but should get you started until you get a good reference book. +1 on Youtube, Forgotten weapons, C&Rsenal etc. There is a lot of content there.

Research before you buy - these are not tomato stakes anymore.

 

[panzerfaust44]

If looking for a Type 99 rifle, plan on spending roughly 300+ for a decent example, it will have a ground MUM.

Repro 99 sling, 20/30.00

Original Type 30 bayonet, 125.00 & up

And collecting Japanese rifles/militaria can become habit forming!

 

[hittavainen]

I would like to have something that's a good representation of what Japanese troops used in that war. I think this means I'm looking for a Type 99 in 7.7mm, right?
Thanks!

If you consider the CBI theatre, then 38's are more than representative as well. 38's were used in the pacific too so if you want a 99 go for it but I wouldn't dismiss a 38 under the idea that it isn't somehow properly representative.

 

[Jericho]

The more rifles you actually handle in the flesh will be your best way to become educated. Please dont impulse buy......

 

[injb]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Is the 6.5mm ammo harder to get? Are the Type 38s in 6.5 or 7.7, or both?

I found a nice one at a gun show recently, but the guy wasn't sure what type it was or what caliber it was, and there wasn't anything clearly marked on it!

 

[Gator09]

I had the same question you had a few years back, what Japanese rifle to get?. I wanted an Arisaka, so I went a hunting and as typical, I found plenty of Type 99's for a reasonable price at my local gun shows in WI. All mum's were typically ground but I did find 7.7 ammo (reloads) fairly common. But once you get one, you will want more, so now years later, I have a mumed Typed 38, Type 38 carbine with dust cover, and a "last ditch" type 99. Now I am after a Type 30 or Type 44.

My advice is to research the the most common Japanese rifles first, (my go to book is always "Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World" by Mowbray) Then go a looking.. I actually take photographs from that book on my phone when I am at a gun show as a quick reference that slows me down to avoid a stupid purchase, avoid the impulse buy. Japanese rifles are addicting, you won't stop at one. Also, ammo is always tough, especially 6.5, think twice before passing on it if you see it.

 

[Highrider]

All of the above is sound advice, books, sites, etc But don’t overlook the threads and stickies right here on Gunboards. Your pre buy assignment will be to spend the next few days reading and reading and reading the wealth of information that’s presented for you. You will see your same question asked again and again and answered by the folks here with the basics that you will need to proceed to the next levels.
Seriously, hold onto your wallet with both hands and curb the impulse to just pounce until you are reasonably sure what NOT to buy. There are plenty of good ones out there but many, many more that have questionable conditions disguised as a good deal or pimped by a sharp that can smell your eagerness and inexperience. We ALL started out inexperienced to some degree or another and we ALL have regrets after the fact, mostly because of not going to the trouble of simply arming one’s self with the easily attainable information available here.
Ask dumb questions and post pics of prospective purchases if possible and the fellas here will happily give good answers.
Arisakas are fine rifles/carbines and the early Type 38’s are remarkably well done. Ditto the early war Type 99’s also of course.
If just looking for a good representative example then I might suggest a more narrow search for one of those to almost assure getting a fine shooter into the bargain as well.
Good luck on the hunt and let the fun begin!

 

[shockme77]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Is the 6.5mm ammo harder to get? Are the Type 38s in 6.5 or 7.7, or both?

I found a nice one at a gun show recently, but the guy wasn't sure what type it was or what caliber it was, and there wasn't anything clearly marked on it!

The 7.7 is easier to reload for since you can convert 30-06 casings to 7.7x58mm whereas you have to buy 6.5x50mmSR cases.

 

[m14fun]

Steinel makes 7.7x58 and 6.5x50, although they are frequently out of stock for both. I mostly just load my own.

7.7 x 58 Japanese Arisaka 150gr. FMJ – Steinel Ammunition Co

 

[htshot]

Steinel makes 7.7x58 and 6.5x50, although they are frequently out of stock for both. I mostly just load my own.

7.7 x 58 Japanese Arisaka 150gr. FMJ – Steinel Ammunition Co

So far I only have European and US milsurp stuff. I'm looking for a Japanese WW2 era rifle. But that's all I know so far! I'm not into rare collector rifles, but I would like to have something that's a good representation of what Japanese troops used in that war. I think this means I'm looking for a Type 99 in 7.7mm, right? It has to be a good shooter, and it has to be something I can get ammunition for. I don't care that much if it was actually used in the war or not. For me, the historical interest is as much in the design as it is in the specific example, so I tend to care more about condition than provenance.

Can someone point me towards a good guide or something I can use to educate myself about Japanese rifles, what to avoid, how to avoid overpaying etc.

Thanks!

The only problem with buying xxxxx rifles is once you get one you will want another and then another and another .... see were i'm going.