Type 99 Arisaka Rifle……………… (F 1177) REDUCED
Created on May 7th 2025
A Good Type 99 Arisaka by Nagoya Arsenal
Produced purely during World War Two the standard length Type 99 was the Japanese answer to obtaining a larger calibre rifle to oppose the Allied .303 and .30-06 rifles it faced. The 6.5mm of the Type 38’s had proved lacking in the modern warfare of the time. The Type 99 was very much built along the lines of the earlier Japanese military weapons, it was more a modernisation of what had proceeded it, as opposed to any great technological leap forward. The round that Japanese armourers 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.
The rest of the action is really a beefed up Mauser. The bolt has a straight arm with ovoid knob on the end. Locking lugs as per Mauser, ejector and extractor the same. The receiver was produced from a high grade, strong billet of steel with a round profile. The rifle measures 44″ in overall length. The round blued barrel is 25.1/2″ long. The trigger pull to centre is 12.1/2″. Fully stocked in a semi-pistol grip two piece lower with handguard over the barrel. The fore end is finger grooved. The joint within the butt portion of the stock is clearly visible but tight. On the underside of the same are two clear sub inspector or stock makers marks about 3.1/2″ inches apart. Single drainage hole, on the RHS below the receiver ring, to aid removal of water from under the barrel and action and another infront of the magazine. As these stock go, this is example shows all the signs of an active period os service. The timber itself is rather prone to bruising in general and the choice of lacqure was an attempt to protect the surface. It is fairly obvious that this rifle has been through “it” by witnes of some marks upon the timber and the small amount of surface corrosion in the steel.
Based closely on the reliable Mauser action it infact proved to be one of the strongest of the bolt actions produced. The main difference once again was the choice of the Mushroom headed cocking piece to the rear of the bolt and acted as the safety. The safety and could be turned by the open palm through from the 10 o’clock position to the twelve to apply the safety. The Japanese realise the inconveniencies 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 !
Chambered in 7.7mm. The rifle is marked on the outer action wall; ” 36668 / Nagoya Arsenal mark” It is not possible to see a series number but there may be a sub-contractors mark to the left of the serial numer ? It is just possible to see the last three digits of the serial number stamped on the root of the bolt arm. So, the bolt is matching. The crest of the receiver is not marked with an Imperial Chrysanthemum (showing allegiance to the Emperor). Below is a single gas escape hole. And arranged across the receiver, are the characters for “Type 99”. It has no sliding dust cover. The receiver has an even dull solid black to it and no signs of pitting. The rifle is equipped with a rear ladder type sight with battle sight but without the anti-aircraft wings. Front sight guarded by steel ears (repaired.) Side mounting sling swivels. The mid band had monopod when issued, but now is a/f. Cupped steel butt-plate. The trigger guard and magazine floor-plate show the most corrosion but function perfectly well. The bayonet stud has the “668” stamped on the underside.
All in all, the rifle is in honest condition with a slightly soft bore but complete rifling. Clean chamber. Action mechanically fine, CIP proofed 2022. 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. Most probably picked up after one of the last desperate Japanese bayonet charges towards the end of the pacific war, by a tired G.I or Marine and brought home to show Ma !
Stock No’ F 1177 – F.A.C. Required
£ 795. REDUCED TO £ 650.
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