Japanese WW 2 Type 99 Arisaka (complete)…(F 1150) RESERVED

Rare and complete Type 99 Arisaka Infantry Rifle

This is the one everybody who’s done a bit of research wants.  Its very difficult now to sorce intact Arisaka rifles, even in the US these days.  To find them with all parts intact and have a reasonably usable bore is becoming like the search for the Golden Fleece!  Many of the ancillery parts get removed for one reason or another, or are just an irritant to the modern day shooter.  The classic missing part is the dust cover – this has one.  Next most rare – the mono-pod – present.  Coming a close third – the anti aircraft sights – also present.  The rifle is also equipped with a period sling but more likely this is an American sling.

Standard, very strong, Mauser Type Bolt action Rifle, with internal 5 shot magazine.  Serial number 9317.  Chambered in 7.7mm  with a  25″ long round blued barrel.  The rifle is 44″ in length from muzzle to steel butt pad.  The trigger Pull is    ” to centre.  Chrome-lined bore in fine condition.

The Imperial Crysanthemum has not been “ground” as is common with many Type 99’s.  Below that are the three Japanese characters indicating  “Type 99”.  The side of the action is marked with 31st series marking on the left, followed by the serial number. The first marking after the serial number is for the  Toyo Kogyo Company they were a sub-contractor to Kokura Arsenal producing between 1939 and 1945.

The rifles bolt has a notched decorated type safety at the rear of the bolt resembling a Mushroom head.  The rearward facing decoration aids in the use of the device by adding purchase to the palm of the hand.  In the cocked position the notch rests at ‘ten-o’clock’, to apply the safety and lock the bolt one applies pressure to the decorated bolt knob, and turns it to ’12’ o’clock in a clock-wise movement. To release the safety the reverse is applied.  It is easy with practice and does not need the use of cold or numb fingers but, rather, pressure from the open palm of the hand.  The bolt stem is numbered to the gun underneath with the last three digits of the serial number, as is the bayonet stud on the underside of the steel fore-end cap.

The stock is constructed from matching pale colored hard-wood which shows all the dents and dings of military service but still maintains a good deal of its original varnish. There is a full length hand-guard on top of the barrel and the butt stock is made of two pieces of matching timber which are tightly dove-tailed together.  Blued steel cupped butt-plate.  The fore-end has finger grooves either side.  On the underside just infront of the magazine surround, is a drainage hole for water and also one on the RHS adjacent.  The finish is original all over and is starting to thin on the receiver.  The dust cover’s blue is reasonably strong,  the trigger guard and magazine cover are all turning to a pleasing  grey.  There is a magazine floor catch within the trigger guard which will release the plate to dump the rounds if needed.

Folding wire monopod attached to mid barrel band.  This supports the rifle for long range shots then folds forward to stowe.  Many so called Snipers that the GI’s encountered in the Pacific Island Hopping Campaigns, were lone Japanese soldiers left behind because of wounds etc and equipped with a regular open sighted rifle.  The first shot might well get the unfortunate point man but, the main reason behind the tactic was to slow advancing units down and alert the Japanese rear guard units of the impending advance of the Americans.  It would take more time to clear a single sniper and hold up the advance, giving the remaining Japanese forces time and warning to strengthen their defence.  This all relied on a bolt action single shot rifles like this one.

As mentioned at the begining; it is very difficult to find these now and to get them imported from the US, where most of them are.  So to find one in this condition is not going to happen very often.  If you ever wanted one of these to complete or compliment your collection – this is your chance.  Good condition, proofed and ready for its next keeper.  A fine addition to any military rifle collection.

Stock No’ F 1150  –  FAC Required

£ 1850.  RESERVED

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