Type 99 Short Rifle by Kokura Arsenal……(F 886) Sold
Created on January 22nd 2021
Type 99 Arisaka Short Rifle by Kokura Arsenal
The Type 99 Rifles were built purely during the Second World War with production starting in 1939. Early on in production some long rifles were produced in the new calibre but the majority of production was the new pattern Short rifle. Experience had taught the Japanese that they were seriously out-gunned in knock down power against the 8 x 57 that the Chinese had principally used in the Sino-Japanese war and they needed something more powerful. They already had a 7.7mm that they could work on which they used in some of their machine guns, this was further developed into a rifle round and adopted.
The Type 99 was not dissimilar to the Type 38 already in service and after some modifications the transition was not too difficult to achieve. The Type 99 is more of a purpose built battle rifle, in that some of the higher grade machine processes and materials were substituted for more basic alternatives. The milled trigger guard for instance was replaced with a sturdy bent piece of steel. Other fittings on the rifle including the barrel bands and the butt-plate also received similar treatment. The result was quicker and easier to produce in the long run – costing the Japanese war economy less in materials and man hours. However, the end result was an extremely sturdy almost indestructible rifle with more deadly knockdown powers. They also chrome-plated the bore and the bolt face which to our benefit has increased the shooting life of the rifle.
Great attention was paid to the sights and fold down arms were added to give lead in taking aim at aircraft. All high ingenious but not much more than a moral booster really when it comes to shooting down a diving US Hellcat or some other heavily gunned attacking aircraft. Also a wire monopod was added to give stability when shooting prone or upon some other cover. Personally, I have used that attachment and I can seen the principal but, I would not like to try to push my way through dense jungle with such an attachment in place. One feels that one might emerge dragging the whole shrubbery with you and make as much noise as an elephant reversing out of the same. You can imagine why most of the finicky things are missing!
This rifle carries matching serial numbers on the action and bolt stem. The outer action wall is marked with “35012” and the Tokyo Kokura Army Arsenal mark. Adjacent, on the LHS of the serial number is a clear 22nd series mark. The crest of the receiver has an intact Imperial Chrysanthemum and the markings for model which reads “Type 99” in Japanese. The gas release hole is between the two markings. Bolt cover missing. Straight arm bolt with ovoid bolt knob. There are numerals “012” on the underside of the bolt stub and the underside of the cocking piece. Typical round cocking piece to the Mauser-type bolt. The “mushroom” head safety has an elaborate concentric pattern to its face to aid grip in slippery conditions and a notch safety indicator. The bolt cocks on closing and the indicator rests at the ten-o’clock position when Ready and when turned to the twelve o’clock position when Safe. The bolt is also locked when safe. Bolt release to LHS rear of action. The whole action and bolt is clean with about 50% of bluing remaining, as is the barrel.
Two piece stock with full length hand guard over the barrel. Rear sight with anti-aircraft wings intact. The rear sight is graduated from 300 to 1500 meters. The battle sight is an aperture type when the sight is “laid down”. Inverted “V” type front sight guarded by protective ears. Steel nose cap to the for-end incorporates a bayonet lug under. Monopod removed. Cupped steel butt-plate and side mounted sling swivels. Finger grooved for-end. Stock in good condition with the normal degree of denting expected from a vanquished army’s weapon otherwise fine. Single final inspection mark on underside of butt-stock – very clear.
The rifle measures 44.1/8″ in length. The round blued barrel is 25.3/4″ long and the trigger Pull is 12.3/4″ to centre. Magazine floor-plate released by catch within trigger guard. Four-grove bore with good rifling and clean bolt face. Bore clean with un-interrupted RH twist. Fresh CIP proofs applied 2020.
Stock No F 886
£ 815. (Sold)
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