Type 38 Arisaka Rifle by Nagoya………….. (F 1254)
Created on April 20th 2026
A Fine example of the Arisaka Type 38 Infantry Rifle
Fine condition Type 38 Japanese Infantry Rifle in 6.5 x 50R with Mauser type action and straight bolt handle. The main difference between a regular Mauser and these rifles is the easily distinguishable mushroom headed safety on the rear of the bolt. It is a rounded steel cover with a notch in the ten oclock position, on its outside edge. The rearward facing cover of the safety has an elaborate machined concentric pattern which aids grip in wet conditions. The pointer indicates whether the rifle is in “Safe” or “Ready” to fire condition. The normal position is in a fireable condition, where the pointer rests at 10 o’clock. When pressure is applied with the open palm, and the cap turned clockwise to the 12 o’clock position, the rifle is locked into “safe.” It was an ingenious idea particularly well suited to very wet jungle conditions.
Otherwise, it is an extremely strong Mauser type action with a split bridge and a straight armed bolt handle. On the end of the handle is an ovoid bolt knob. The bolt is finished in the white, and the action is finely blued although starting to fade evenly. The action has the longitudinal rails to take a dust cover and dust cover intact, in position. It is quite rare to find one in situ, and even more to find one in situ with a matching number – this one has “053”. It is believed that these were commonly thrown away by soldiers as the amount of noise they produced in the jungle could cost you your life! Their original purpose was to protect the rifle from the ingress of dirt, grit and water.
The outer wall of the action carries the “series number, a serial number and makers marks. It reads from the front; “27th series / 75053 / Nagoya Arsenal mark / recognised sub-inspector but unknown. ” The top of the receiver has a complete Chrysanthemum / Type 38 markings. Another interesting aspect of this rifles chrysanthemum is that at a later date it has had numerous circles added over, around the parifery of the design; this is thought ot indicate that the rifle came out of front line service and was sent back to a college or school for the training of the civilians. Some rifle are known then to have returned to service towards the end of the war when things were becoming desperate. Twin gas escape holes on top of receiver. Guide for charger clip loading on front of rear action bridge. The bolt is matching as it has “053” stamped on the underside of the bolt stub.
Round aperture battle sight with ladder flip-up sight, graduated from 500 to 2400 meters. Finger grooved stock with two piece butt and hand guard over barrel. Mid band retained with spring clip and has the forward sling swivel on the underside. Rear sling swivel mounted on underside of butt behind semi-pistol grip. A good usable brown leather reproduction sling attached. Steel butt-plate, steel trigger guard and drop down magazine floorplate to empty magazine. Front 16″ of barrel exposed with excellent bluing. Nose cap incorporates bayonet lug (numbered 053) and takes full length cleaning rod stowed under barrel. Front sight, inverted “V” on a block. The whole rifle being in fine condition with strong 4-groove bore. The normal signs of a military life in the surface of the timber but the bluing is very strong over most of the rifle. Clear stock makers mark on underside of semi-pistol grip. The finish and degree of fading to the blueing over the rifle is evenly fading on the fittings but was of a very high standard overall. One can definitely distinguish between pre-wartime finish and that of later rifles. This Type 38 shows the evidence it was completed when the Japanese arsenals were under less pressure. The blue, where it has lasted is of a higher quality and has lasted well. The magazine followers on these rifles are commonly of a high standard of finish, as this one is.
An apparently all matching, fine collectible classic, from the Axis forces of the Far East. A rifle that may have seen many conflicts in its time and an item that would grace any collection. There is a bayonet to purchase sepertely for this rifle. “BNP” Nitro proofs for January 07.
FAC Required – Stock No’ F 1254
£ 795.
Comments Off on Type 38 Arisaka Rifle by Nagoya………….. (F 1254)