Arisaka Arsenal Markings?

[Archie Otto]

Firearms history is a topic that has been stuck in my head since I was about 10 years old as I'm sure is the case with many of us here. I have a couple of type 38 Arisaka sporter rifles that I love dearly and since my admiration and their personal history is their greatest value, I think continuing discussions are required to keep the history alive.

Way back in 2000 I found a web site with specific Arsenal markings and corresponding series and dates of manufacture. Well it seems to have vanished from the internet.

http://www.radix.net/~bbrown

What information do you guys have on series and arsenal dates etc.?

 

[rule303]

This site has most of the basic arsenal and series marks, and variations: http://oldmilitarymarkings.com/japanese_markings.html

 

[Archie Otto]

Rule303, that is exactly what I was looking for. I had printed it back in 2000 and it has faded beyond reading.

Thanks

 

[Ian]

Yep, I used as a resource too - when Radix.net went down I offered to host the site.

If you want a good print resource for the info, it actually came out of my father's book, Japanese Rifles of WWII - which is still in print and available through Amazon.

 

[fpgt72]

Yep, I used as a resource too - when Radix.net went down I offered to host the site.

If you want a good print resource for the info, it actually came out of my father's book, Japanese Rifles of WWII - which is still in print and available through Amazon.

Thanks for that link....and the info on the book.

 

[Doug S]

I purchased the book mentioned above after picking up a T99 and T38 Arisaka. It is an excellent resource. Very affordable, and it provides a great overview. I was able to use it to identify the features and markings on both of my rifles very easily. I highly recommend it. My compliments to your father, Ian.

 

[tahunua001]

rule303 got to it before I could. I also started with that radixs site and it vanished at some point in the last year. a few months later it cropped up at that old military rifle URL. I think a few things were added as well.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I also used the radix site to identify my Koishikawa 'S' proofed Type 38. Thanks for hosting it so I can continue to use it for reference.