Nambu Type 94

[SC_Slowhand]

I picked up a Japanese WWII Nambu, Type 94, 8 mm pistol, this week at a local gun shop. I’ve been keeping an eye out for one for years. Very rare in LGS and at gun shows they’re way over priced.

I recognized the first Kanji marks as being from an armory in Japan. Having owned an Arisaka Rifle. It uses a numbering system that shows the year and month of the Sho or Showa Empire, which was Emperor Hirohito's reign. It's a Type 94, which means it was adopted in the year 2594 by the Japanese Calendar.

The 12 - 11 stamp says that it was produced in November 1937. There is a final inspection mark, followed by the mark of the Nagoya Arsenal and the Company Logo of Chuo Kogyo, who inherited the company after Nambu died. That's on the right side.



I going to a gun show this weekend, so if I run into some ammo, it may get a range trip. If that happens I’ll be extra cautious. They’re notorious for not being user friendly.

 

[rosewood151]

That long thin strip in front of the safety is the sear. It is possible to fire the gun by pushing on it.

 

[Kiln]

Wow, they're neat looking guns. Not too pretty but definitely a good conversation piece.

Quality on Nambu pistols is said to range from acceptable to "fires when the frame is squeezed". Personally I don't know but I wouldn't mind owning one just to have one.

 

[481]

That pistol seems to be in very nice condition. Heck, I pick up one in that condition without a second thought.

Might be able to pick up some ammo here

http://www.ammo-one.com/8mmNambu.html

or here (when it is offered again)

http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx?Prod=158148

or here

http://www.ows-ammo.com/store/index...ult&search_in_description=1&keyword=8mm+nambu

Kind of pricey, but at least it gets you up and running even if you only buy a box.

 

[19-3Ben]

I'd talk to Tim Sundles about building up a load that could turn your Nambu into a bear gun.

Seriously though, that's a really neat piece of history.

 

[5-SHOTS]

Nice piece of history, congratulations. In a pistol book I have it is advertised to be the most unsafe service pistol of all time with one in the chamber . If it was mine I don't think however I could resist to test fire it at the range .