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Japanese Rifle, Info Requested (w/ pics)

platypusman
A friend of mine wants to find out about a Japanese rifle of his, it looks like WWII. What can you make of these pictures? What kind of rifle is it, approx. worth, ect.

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Thanks



Mike
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • steve-pilot
    what caliber is it 6.5 ..7.5???i have a T38 which was discontinued in 1939.same plum and letters as mine my stock is different and bolt lowers almost vertical also i have a single fin sight on barrell end look on Gunsamerics.com non US military rifles and you can look it up ..what is the first 4 serial numbers.leave out the last..i also have adjustable sights in front of the plum..i was offered $750 for mine
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  • njretcop
    Tell your friend that he is the proud owner of a Japanese sporterized type 38 Arisaka in 6.5 Jap caliber with defaced "mum."

    Value in current condition is less than $100.00.

    njretcop@copmail.com

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    Charlie
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  • platypusman
    The first 4 numbers of the serial are 3203

    Mike
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  • rufe-snow
    It appears to be a sporterized Type 44 Cavalry Carbine, ( Model 1911). Sorry to tell you in the shape that it is now in, it would only have minimal value as a truck gun. If it's still chambered for the original Japanese Military Cartridge, 6.5 x 50mm,sr the ammo is now readily available on the market. If it's been rechambered for some wildcat, i.e. 6.5 x .257 Roberts, your SOL.

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  • heavyiron
    It is a type 38 Arisaka rifle that has been sporterized. If it is a 6.5mm it is the 6.5x51R cartridge.

    Originally, the barrel would have been about 31 inches long. The rifle was adopted by Japan in 1905. The flower is a chrysanthemum - the symbol of the emperor of imperial Japan. The symbol was destroyed by the Japanese upon losing the war as a point of honor and the fall of Japan.

    As an original military rifle in 90% condition, it might be worth $300.00. Since it has been chopped, it is worth less than $300.00, mayber $150.00.

    However, you have a nice piece of history. These are supposed to be good shooters.

    Regards,

    Heavyiron[8D]

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    "If I don't see you nomore on this world, I'll meet you on the next one, and don't be late!" - Jimi Hendrix
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  • platypusman
    Well, thanks guys. I'm sure my friend won't be too pleased to hear it though [:)]. These forums are great.

    Mike
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  • steve-pilot
    the serial number on the receiver doesn't go ....maybe a rebuilt..if it shoots good ....than buy ammo and shoot it...and have fun
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  • steve-pilot
    My t 38 brings in offers of $650-$750...hell i'm gonna shoot it and cherish it for that much! maybe 20 yrs to live bleen it
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  • p3skyking
    It is a Type 38, not a 44. It says so right on the receiver. Now whether it was a carbine or a rifle, I can't really tell. I do believe it was a carbine due to the very short rear sight. The rifles had rear sights about two inches or so in length while the carbine had a short one.

    Shame too, because the carbines are worth a bit more than the rifles.

    The prices quoted are okay. It's primary value now is shooting.

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