Type 38 Carbine by Arisaka……(F 986) Sold
Created on April 5th 2022
A Good Kokura arsenal Type 38 Arisaka Carbine
Of standard Military specification. The diminutive companion of the Type 38 rifle by Arisaka. Still chambered in 6.5mm the choice of the imperial Japanese Army, with a 5-shot internal magazine. The bolt and action design is closely akin to any military Mauser of the day. The main difference being the design of the bolts shroud, cocking piece and safety. When viewed it is easy to spot as the rear end of the bolt terminates in a rounded coking piece and shroud. The rear face of the bolt has a circular geometric pattern covering it which in fact was designed to aid grip in slippery wet conditions. It is best actuated using the open palm of the hand to apply the safety. A pointer on the outer circumference of the domed head indicates if the rifle is ready to fire or locked in “Safe”. The pointer at 11 o’clock turns to the 12 o’clock position to apply safe.
The bolt has a straight arm and ovoid bolt knob and is finished in “the white.” The underside of the bolt arm stub has the numbers “488” preceded by a unknown Japanese character, possibly a series character. The crest of the action has had the imperial Chrysanthemum partially removed. Then there are two gas escape holes and the Japanese characters for “Type 38”. The outer action wall is marked with the serial numbers “171633” then the early mark for Tokyo Arsenal (prior to 1936) There follow two further very clear marks meaning currently unknown. Simple Japanese circled triangle mark on rear action bridge. The same on the barrel shank adjacent to an “S” lying on its side. Bluing upon receiver and barrel are still strong but the muzzle does show wear from a fixed bayonet. The magazine follower has the pleasing nitra-blue with wear to the high points.
The carbine measures 38″ long. The round blued barrel is 19″ long and the trigger Pull is a nominal 13″ to centre. In its military hard-wood stock which is light brown in colour with a hand-guard over the forward portion of the barrel. The butt is made in the normal manner as with most Japanese rifles of the period, where they have saved on timber by dove-tailing the butt together from two pieces. This is often mistaken as a fault in the stock and takes on the appearance of a longitudinal split running through the butt – it is not. It is in fact a clever piece of design and woodworking skill which resulted in savings of timber, which they were in short supply of. Good even patina and finish to all of the stock. All the steel furniture is present but seems to have lost the majority of its finish and turned silver grey, although there is no pitting. Finger groves to for-end and drainage gulley on RHS of receiver ring.
Correct rear carbine sights with flip-up ladder graduated from 400 to 2000 meters ! The front sight is an inverted “V” mounted on a block with steel protective ears. There is no windage for the soldier in the field. Bore condition good for one of these. No obvious pitting. Clean lands fairly bright. Grooves are dull to grey, with soft rifling. Rifling uninterrupted. Side mounted sling swivels. Steel butt-plate with upper tang. Bayonet lug on underside of front band. Blued steel cleaning rod stored under barrel in good condition. This little carbine has just passed proof again and is ready for its next outing. The carbines seem to be gaining quite a following among military rifle collectors, don’t miss your chance to secure one.
Stock No’ F 986
£ 885. (Sold)
Comments Off on Type 38 Carbine by Arisaka……(F 986) Sold