Arisaka Type 99 Japanese WW2 Service Rifle……..( F 1171)

Japanese Type 99 Arisaka Rifle for WW2

Produced purely during World War Two. Standard length Type 99 was the Japanese answer to a need for a larger calibre to oppose the Allied .303 and .30-06 rifles it faced.  The Type 38 in 6.5mm had prooved lacking in modern warfare of the time.  The Type 99 was not a huge departure from what proceeded it and was very much built along the lines of the earlier Japanese military weapons. However, it was more a modernisation of what had proceeded it as opposed to any great technological leap forward. The round they went for was already in service with some of their heavier machine guns, the 7.7mm.  Closely akin to the British .303.  The rifle took 5 rounds in an internal magazine which could be loaded by stripper clip.

Based closely on the reliable Mauser action it, in fact proved to be one of the strongest of the bolt actions produced during the whole conflict.  The main design difference lay in the safety, with the appearance of the Mushroom headed cocking piece, to the rear of the bolt.  This safety could be turned by the open palm from the 10 o’clock position to the twelve to make it safe.  The Japanese knew well the discomforts of soaking wet jungle warfare and had adorned the head of the item with an intricate machine-cut spiral geometric pattern which aided grip in wet or sweaty conditions – this cleverly avoided fumbling for the safety.  It is also quiet – its a clever thing, as the hand naturally shrouds any metalic sounds.

The rest of the action is really a beefed up Mauser.  It has gained that quality by less refinement, leaving more material thus making the whole thing stronger.  The bolt has a straight arm with ovoid knob on the end.  Locking lugs as per Mauser, ejector and extractor the same.  The receiver is a well made strong single billet of steel with a round profile.  The rifle measures 44.1/8″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel is 25.1/2″ long.  The trigger pull to centre is 12.5/8″.  Fully stocked in a semi-pistol grip two piece lower and handguard over the barrel.  The fore end is finger grooved.  The joint within the butt portion of the stock is visible but tight.  As these stocks go, this is a good example and lighter in colour than most.  It is fairly obvious that this rifle has been through “it” by whitness of marks upon the timber.

The rifle is marked on the outer action wall;  ” 6th series mark /17601/ Nagoya Arsenal mark.” The last three digits of the serial number are stamped on the root of the bolt arm and rear of the extractor. Bolt is matching.  The crest of the receiver, adorned with the Imperial Chrysanthemum (showing allegiance to the Emperor) has clearly been removed. Below is a single gas escape hole. Arranged across the receiver, are the characters for “Type 99”.  It has no sliding dust cover.  The receiver its self shows heavy thining of colour but no patches of pitting.  The rifle is still equipped with its correct rear sights but without the anti-aircraft wings.  Front sight guarded by steel ears.   Side mounting sling swivels. The mid band has no monopod, but does show exactly the same amount of wear as the rest of the rifle. Cupped steel butt-plate.  The trigger guard and magazine floor-plate show the same degree of finish loss.  Rear tang screw functional but would be good to replace at some time.  The cleaning rod keeper is missing as is the actual rod itself.  Bayonet fitting with steel hardness number “601” intact.

All in all, the rifle is in honest condition with bright corrosion free bore and complete rifling.  Clean chamber.  Action mechanically fine, CIP proofed. Chamber has been re-headspaced.  The majority of the rifle shows a condition that one can only imagine was born out of long humid hours in the jungle.  A good clean example of a much feared battle rifle from the ferocious Japanese troops of World War Two.  A mainstay of any Pacific military rifle collection.

Stock No’ F 1171  –  FAC required

Now   £ 775.

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