Arisaka Type 38 Carbine………………. (F 1277)
Created on April 1st 2026
Collectors Grade Arisaka Type 38 Cabine
Of standard Military specification. The diminutive companion of the Type 38 rifle by Arisaka. Still chambered in 6.5mm the choice of the imperial Japanese Army, with a 5-shot internal magazine. The bolt and action design is closely akin to any military Mauser of the day. The main difference being the design of the bolts shroud, cocking piece and safety. When viewed it is easy to spot as the rear end of the bolt terminates in a rounded coking piece and shroud. The rear face of the bolt has a circular geometric pattern covering it which in fact was designed to aid grip in slippery wet conditions. It is best actuated using the open palm of the hand to apply the safety. A notch on the outer circumference of the domed head indicates if the rifle is ready to fire or locked in “Safe”. The notch at 11 o’clock turns to the 12 o’clock position to apply safe. Unusual to find but the sliding dust cover is in position and in very good condition, – always a bonus!
The bolt has a straight arm with an ovoid bolt knob and is blued. The underside of the bolt arm stub has the numbers “415”. The crest of the action has a clear Imperial Chrysanthemum highlighted in white. Then there are two gas escape holes and the Japanese characters for “Type 38” also highlighted. The outer action wall is marked with the serial numbers “97415” then the mark for the Nagoya Arsenal. At the LHS of the serial number is the series mark which represents 4th series. Bluing upon receiver and barrel are strong but the muzzle shows minor wear from a bayonet fixing. The magazine follower has the pleasing nitra-blue with wear to the high points. Bolt removal catch on LHS rear of action as any other Mauser. Magazine follower forces bolt to hold open when empty.
The carbine measures 38″ long. The round blued barrel is 19″ long and the trigger Pull is a nominal 13.1/8″ to centre. In its military hard-wood stock which shows gold and orange tones of colour with a hand-guard over the forward portion of the barrel. The butt is made in the normal manner as with most Japanese rifles of the period, where they have saved on timber by dove-tailing the butt together from two pieces. This is often mistaken as a fault in the stock and takes on the appearance of a longitudinal split running through the butt – it is not. It is in fact a clever piece of design and woodworking skill which resulted in savings on timber, which they were in short supply of. Good even patina and finish to all of the stock. All the steel furniture is present, pleasingly, there is no pitting. Finger groves to forend and drainage gulley on RHS of receiver ring. The stock is finished in its original lacquer, which is an extreme irritant if disturbed.
Correct carbine sights with flip-up ladder, graduated from 400 to 2000 meters ! The front sight is an inverted “V” mounted on a block with steel protective ears. There is no windage for the soldier in the field. Bore condition reasonable for one of these, but currently dirty. Grooves are dirty and dark, rifling uninterrupted. It is thought that the barrel will clean with new keeper care and attention. Side mounted sling swivels. Steel butt-plate with upper tang. Bayonet lug on underside of front band carries the “415”. Blued steel cleaning rod stored under barrel in good condition. The carbines seem to be gaining quite a following among military rifle collectors, don’t miss your chance to secure one a good example.
FAC Required – Stock No’ F 1277
£ 885.
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