Type 99 Short Rifle by Nagoya Arsenal…..(F 866) Sold
Created on January 18th 2021
Type 99 Arisaka Short Rifle by Nagoya 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 a 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 the full matching serial number “80773” and the Nagoya Kokura Army Arsenal mark. Adjacent on the LHS of the serial number is the 5th series mark. The crest of the receiver has an intact Imperial Chrysanthemum and the markings for model which reads “Type 99” in Japanese. There are five fairly lack lustre attempts to strike out the Chrysanthemum leaving it quite visible. Bolt cover missing. Straight arm bolt with ovoid bolt knob. There are some stampings and the numerals “773” on the underside of the bolt stub and the extractor, indicating a matching bolt. 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 notch rests at the ten-o’clock position when Ready and is turned to the twelve o’clock position to indicate Safe. The bolt is also locked when safe. The bolt will hold open when the magazine is empty. Bolt release to LHS rear of action. The whole action and bolt is clean but the blueing is just starting to fade although there is no corrosion. Single gas escape hole to the top of the receiver ring.
Excellent Beech two piece semi-pistol grip stock with full length hand guard over the barrel and finger grooves to fore-end. Rear sight anti-aircraft wings removed. The rear sight is graduated from three hundred to 1500 meters. The battle sight is an aperture type when the sight is “laid down”. Inverted “V” type front sight with protective ears. Steel nose cap to the for-end incorporates a bayonet lug under and shows some small degree of corrosion. False cleaning rod stored under barrel is in position. No provision for Monopod indicating later production. Cupped steel butt-plate with strong colour remaining and side mounted sling swivels. Stock in good condition without denting or scratching – very good overall condition. Some corrosion to trigger guard and magazine floor plate but clean.
A very clean example of the Type 99. The rifle measures just over 44.1/4″ in overall length. The round blued barrel is 25.3/4″ long and the trigger Pull is 12.5/8″ to centre. Good clean four-grove bore with un-interrupted RH twist rifling. Very clean bolt face. Fresh CIP proofs applied 2020.
Please ask for Stock No’ F 866
£ 1100. Sold
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