Type 38 Rifle by Kokura Arsenal……..(F 883) Sold

Type 38 Arisaka Rifle by Kokura Arsenal

Fine condition Type 38 Japanese Infantry Rifle in 6.5 x 51R with Mauser type action and straight bolt handle.  The main difference between a regular Mauser and these rifles is the easily distinguishable mushroom headed safety on the rear of the bolt.  It is a rounded steel cover with pointer on its outside edge.  The rearward facing cover of the safety has an elaborate machined concentric pattern which aids grip in wet conditions.  The outside surround is covered in longitudinal serrations which also help in the same way.  The pointer indicates whether the rifle is in “Safe” or “Ready” to fire condition.  The normal position is in a fireable condition, where the pointer rests at 9 o’clock.  When pressure is applied with the open palm, and the cap turned clockwise to the 10 o’clock position, the rifle is locked into “safe.”  It was an ingenious idea particularly well suited to very wet jungle conditions.

Otherwise it is an extremely strong Mauser type action with a split bridge and a straight armed bolt handle.  On the end of the handle is an ovoid bolt knob.  The bolt is finished in the white, and the action was finely blued.  The action has the longitudinal rails to take a dust cover (AF)  It is believed that these were commonly thrown away by soldiers as the amount of noise they produced in the jungle could cost you your life!  Their original purpose was to protect the rifle from the ingress of dirt, grit and water.  The outer wall of the action carries a serial number and makers marks.  It reads from the front; ” 00 /2oth (ne) series mark / 31126  / Kokura Arsenal mark / two other inspection marks.”  The top of the receiver has the remains of a crossed out Imperial Chrysanthemum / Type 38 markings.  Between the twin gas escape holes on top of receiver is a extended M mark. This is a common mark in this position.  Below the M are the Japanese markings for Model 38.  There is some corrosion to the outer surface of the receiver.  Guide for charger clip loading on front of rear action bridge.  The bolt is not considered “matching” as it has three other digits stamped into it on the underside of the bolt stub; “101”.

Open “V” rear sight with ladder flip-up sight graduated from 500 to 2400 meters.  Finger grooved stock with two piece butt and hand guard over barrel dented by a military life.  On the RHS of the action at the edge of the stock is a distinct grove  this was a designed water run-off grove. Mid band retained with spring clip and has forward sling swivel on the underside.  Rear sling swivel mounted on underside of butt behind semi-pistol grip.  Steel butt-plate, steel trigger guard and drop down magazine floorplate to empty magazine.  Front 16″ of barrel exposed with good bluing.  Nose cap incorporates bayonet lug and takes full length cleaning rod stowed under barrel.  Front sight, inverted “V”  on a block.  The whole rifle being in fine condition with strong clean 4-grove bore.  The normal signs of a military life in the surface of the timber but the bluing is good over most of the rifle.   The balance of finish is generally good all over though just starting to fade in places but not bad for a rifle that probably seen its fair share of conflict.

A fine collectible classic from the Axis forces to reside in any collection and usable to boot!  New CIP proofs for 2020.

Please ask for stock No’ F 883

£ 850. (Sold)

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