Type 99 Arisaka Rifle by Kokura Arsenal… (F 997) Sold
Created on March 26th 2022
Japanese Type 99 Arisaka Rifle
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 old 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 jus 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 good and closed up – no shrinkage. On the underside of the same are two clear sub inspector or stock makers marks. It has two drainage holes to aid removal of water from under the barrel and action. As these stock go, this is a good example.
The rifle is marked on the outer action wall; ” 21st series mark / 25771 / Kokura arsenal mark” Its nice to see that the last three digits of the serial number are stamped on the root of the bolt arm. So the bolt is matching. It has a sliding dust cover (numbered “022”) The receiver has been scrubbed but refinished so now definitely not ugly. The Type 99 markings are on the crest still – horizontally applied. The rifle is still equipped with its correct rear sights including anti-aircraft wings. The full length steel cleaning rod is stored under the barrel. Front sight guarded by steel ears. Side mounting sling swivels but wire monopod missing. Steel butt-plate.
All in all the rifle is is good condition with a clean bore and complete rifling. Clean chamber. Action mechanically fine, CIP proofed 2022. Blueing all over is strong with minimal high edge wear. A good clean example of a much feared battel rifle from the ferocious Japanese troops of World War Two. A mainstay of any Pacific military rifle collection.
Stock No’ F 997
£ 1035. SOLD
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