Nambu Type 14

[6pack]

I picked this up from that auction on the Eastern Shore last month. It's in pretty good shape and (except for the magazine) looks to be all matching. It came with a big 'ol brown holster too. Scrawled inside the holster is the last three of the serial number. It looks like it's been there awhile, but no clue if it's a real match; I wouldn't think it is.

Anyone know what the characters at the rear mean?

I think the date, 19.3, means it was produced in March 1944.

What do you all think?

 

[KH195]

Looks pretty good! You're correct with the date. Characters at the rear I believe roughly mean "ten four year type" or type 14. If I'm remembering correctly yours is a Toriimatsu second series.

 

[Alphabrew]

Damn, that's nice!!

 

[j8064]

Very nice. A Nambu is a glaring hole in my C&R collection.
Congrats!

 

[Long1MD]

I never really got into relics and older weapons, but always thought these were pretty dam cool. Congrats on the buy man! Please let us know how she shoots, recoil etc. I have never shot one.

 

[yellowsled]

Wow! That's gorgeous...

 

[MagnumFarce]

I sit here thoroughly jealous. Beautiful gun - absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

 

[bbrown]

Ruger patterned his Mark III .22 pistols after the Type 14, not after the Luger as some folks think.

 

[Alphabrew]

Ruger patterned his Mark III .22 pistols after the Type 14, not after the Luger as some folks think.

Interesting

 

[6pack]

Thanks guys! Your comments have me appreciating her even more.

I'm not sure if I want to shoot her or not. She's coming up on 70 years old, and made at a time when Japan was declining... it makes me a little nervous. But first, I need to find ammo, and I'm not even sure what she fires. Anyone know?

 

[KH195]

She takes 8mm Nambu. It's out there, but pricey obviously in most cases.

 

[bbrown]

Ammo is available from

http://www.mrnambu.com

among other places.

 

[KH195]

If you are thinking about shooting her you may also want to think about getting a spare firing pin to use if yours is in tact and numbered to the gun. From everything I have read the firing pins in these were relatively weak and a fair number of Type 14s out there have broken tips on the firing pins from age, wear and tear, and dry firing.

 

[bbrown]

If you are thinking about shooting her you may also want to think about getting a spare firing pin to use if yours is in tact and numbered to the gun. From everything I have read the firing pins in these were relatively weak and a fair number of Type 14s out there have broken tips on the firing pins from age, wear and tear, and dry firing.

Yep, one of my T14s has a broken firing pin tip, as revealed by the pencil test.

 

[6pack]

Ummm, what's the pencil test?

 

[bbrown]

Ummm, what's the pencil test?

Make sure the gun is unloaded. Check again. Remove magazine. Drop a wooden pencil down the barrel, eraser end first. Cock gun, point in a safe direction. Pull trigger.

If the pencil flies out the end of the barrel, the firing pin works.

 

[mawkie]

Nice find! Now we need photos of the holster!
I have an early "small" trigger guard T14 and a mid war example ('42). Been keeping an eye out for a good deal on a late war example like this one. Just gotta recharge the 'ol bank account!

 

[6pack]

Make sure the gun is unloaded. Check again. Remove magazine. Drop a wooden pencil down the barrel, eraser end first. Cock gun, point in a safe direction. Pull trigger.

If the pencil flies out the end of the barrel, the firing pin works.

High tech!

Nice find! Now we need photos of the holster!

I'll post one up tonight. It's a big ugly thing, smells like horses...

 

[6pack]

Here ya go, holster pics!

The last three of the serial is scrawled inside.

It looks like the piece down in there is pieces of wood glued together and cut to fit the barrel.

I don't know if this is a random holster, repop, or original. Any thoughts?

 

[KH195]

Definitely looks like a T14 holster. Have to say though (disclaimer..I am by no means an expert in any form), condition looks really good, as in almost too good...may be a repro...but maybe someone else has better insight. If its original then wow, what a find!