Arisaka Identification

[Squaregrouper]

Can anyone confirm whether this is a Type 38 (6.5mm) or type 99 (7.7 Jap)?
I want to load ammo as a surprise for my wife's cousin. This rifle hasn't ever been shot by an American. It was a WW2 trophy brought back by his grandfather who was in a kill or be killed situation during the war. I don't want to assume it is a 7.7 Jap and proceed with loading ammo for it.
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[Fushigi Ojisan]

Whats the marking on the receiver?

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[Squaregrouper]

Whats the marking on the receiver?

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No clue. The rifle is in The Poconos, I am in Baltimore County. I will request pictures.
Would it be wrong to stereotype your Arisaka knowledge based upon your screen name?

 

[Fushigi Ojisan]

I know my way around Arisakss, but not acutally Japanese

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[somd_mustangs]

As nice and unmolested as that appears to be, maybe get him a $300-400 mis-matched Arisaka to shoot
That thing looks sweet (the sling looks american GI). The sword may be something interesting too.

 

[Doco Overboard]

Looks like a 99. Chrome lined bore and Metford rifling.
Neck size your brass after you load a few and you may be surprised how accurate it is from there on out.
Prvi makes good brass for 7.7 and its not too awful hard to find.
There's a ton of 99's the out there so I wouldn't be worried about shooting it and degrading value.
The value is being able to shoot it and having some ammo made up for it. Otherwise theirs really no need to have to sell it they're actually nice rifles albeit somewhat clunky and almost always with a difficult trigger pull.

 

[Jim12]

I was told that an easy way to tell the difference is based on the holes on the top of the receiver. Not an expert, but in my looking at a number of them, have found that to be correct, unless mis-labeled at gun shows and online.

Ask him to look at the top of the receiver and see which one it is based upon the number and placement of the holes; one or two.

Type 99 has one hole at the top, centered between the mum and the bolt (first pic). Type 38 has two holes, as shown in the second pic.

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[IronEye]

If you can see the holes you could also read the numbers.

top rifle says: 99 type
(same symbol twice is the clue)

bottom says 38 type
(first symbol has three lines - that's a three)

 

[Squaregrouper]

Thanks guys. His grandfather took them from a dead soldier, along with his family signed flag. The mum is intact.
There is a thread about his late mom returning the flag to the soldier's living family in Japan.

 

[Jim12]

If you can see the holes you could also read the numbers.

top rifle says: 99 type
(same symbol twice is the clue)

bottom says 38 type
(first symbol has three lines - that's a three)

Yep. For those who want to learn some Japanese, they're Japanese Kanji.

 

[Fushigi Ojisan]

Swords are a whole different world. Even the Shin Guntos are crazy money now

Guntō - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[mawkie]

Easy call: Type 99. A photo of the SN on the receiver will allow us to nail down the manuf. and series/date.

 

[KH195]

Very nice looking Type 99, Type 30 bayonet and frog look to be good shape as well. The rifle is on the earlier side of T99 production given it has the anti-aircraft wings on the rear sight and the rear barrel band provision for a monopod. Sword is a wartime NCO piece (cast metal handle is the giveaway), it will have a machine made blade but these swords have become pretty desirable in recent years.

 

[tallen702]

Yep. For those who want to learn some Japanese, they're Japanese Kanji.

View attachment 457656

Now do katakana and hiragana!

 

[Jim12]

Now do katakana and hiragana!

That's a worthwhile challenge I might take up. I actually could, at one time. But if you don't use it, you lose it.