Type 99 WW2 Japanese Arisaka Rifle with “Mum”…..(F 1170)
Created on March 31st 2025
Good example of the Japanese Type 99 Arisaka
Produced purely during World War Two the Standard length Type 99 was the Japanese answer to a larger calibre to oppose the Allied .303 and .30-06 rifles it faced. The 6.5mm had proved lacking in the modern warfare of the time. 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 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. The main difference once again was the choice of the Mushroom headed cocking piece to the rear of the bolt. This was in fact 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 !
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 is a well made strong single 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. Single drainage hole, on the RHS below the receiver ring, to aid removal of water from under the barrel and action. As these stock go, this is a good example and darker than most. 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.
The rifle is marked on the outer action wall; ” 6th series mark /37575 / Tokyo Juki Kogyo Arsenal mark” 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 clearly marked with an undisturbed 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 its self shows heavy edge wear but some original colour and patches of pitting. The rifle is still equipped with its correct rear sights without the anti-aircraft wings. Front sight guarded by steel ears. Side mounting sling swivels. The mid band shows no sign of ever having carried a monopod, but does show exactly the same amount of wear as the rest of the rifle – so is not a replacement. Cupped steel butt-plate. The trigger guard and magazine floor-plate show the most corrosion but function perfectly well.
A footnote that might help pinpont more closely the date of manufacture is the odd arrangement on which the makers have spent time simulating a cleaning rod. In the normal location is a very short cleaning rod, which looks like it might not even service a revolver which is held in place with a screw-in block. This intermates that materials were becoming short in supply and could place the rifle close to last ditch meathods. 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.
Stock No’ F 1170 – FAC required
£ 830.
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