Type 22 Murata Infantry Repeating Rifle

Murata Type 22 Infantry Bolt Action Rifle

The final metamorphisis of the Murata before the adoption of the Arisaka for Imperial Japanese Forces.  The Type 22 was the first Japanese Rifle produced solely on Japanese soil.  It was also the first rifle that used the new smokeless powder of the 8 x 53R cartridge. It actually entered service in 1889.  It utilised a tubular magazine under the barrel, much akin to the Mauser 71/84 and the Kropatcheck, but with a  more modern propellant and bullet.  Still operated as a bolt action with a cut-off which stopped the lifter from actuating if so required.

Even though the caliber was reduced, we are still looking at a weighty weapon.  Overall, the rifle measures 47.1/2″ in length.  The round barrel is 29.14″ long and the trigger Pull is 12.3/4″ to center.  The rifle is chambered in 8 x 53mmR which is considered obsolete.  It has a full length tubular magazine on the underside of the barrel.  Very similar in appearance to the earlier Type 18, utilsing a single piece stock with straight grip.  The bolt still measures about 6″ in length but has now changed to look more like an early Mauser bolt without a flag safety.  The bolt arm is straight with a rounded knob.  The breech end of the barrel is partially hexagonal behind the rear sights, but then rises to a shaped block, which incorporates the sight bed.  The barrel then turns down to a conventional round form, to the muzzle.

Ladder sights with open “V-shaped” aperture, graduated in the down position on the block; ” 3     4  5  6″ then from 7 to 20 on the ladder.  Interesting front band which funtions as termination for the magazing tube and band for the barrel, front sight base and bayonet lug.  It is held in position by two springs either side of the forend.  Mid band has the forward sling swivel mounted under.  A crude squared hatched forend provides grip for the user.  On the RHS of the action is the magazine cut-off switch which is mechanically sound.  Rounded trigger guard and shaped steel butt plate. Rear sling swivel on underside of butt.

Once again, the length of the action walls are adorned with Kanji script on both sides. Twin gas escape holes on action.  The top flat of the hexagonal section has the Imperial Chrysathemum, denoting Imperial Japanese fidelity.  The serial number appears on the LHS 45 degree flat, reading “142828”.  Both main section of the bolt are marked “1204” as is the back of the rear sight.  The dark walnut stock shows all the scars of a full life in the military, with slight loses around the base of the butt plate. Black cartouch roundle visible on RHS of butt stock, difficult to read, but thought to denote Tokyo Arsenal.

The rifle is thought to function fully, though firing has not been completed.  The bore is intact but dark, with deep rifling, could benifit from cleaning.  The rifle is solid with no anoying rattling and would make a good addition to any military rifle collection.  A rare piece to find on the open UK market – collectors take note.

Section 58 – No License Required

£ 1575.

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