Type 38 Japanese WWII Rifle

[sigbear]

My brother just inherited a Type 38 WWII Japanese rifle with bayonet. The gun was in a closet for about 50-60 years un-fired, so we cleaned and oiled it up and is now ready to fire as soon as we get some Ammo.

What can you tell me about this gun as far as accuracy/reliability?

Sigbear

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

Well it didnt work so hot for the previous owner...... (The one before last)

Was it a family member who brought it back? I had some great uncles who did some fighting there.... take care of it, let us know how it shoots.

 

[JWF III]

Be careful with the late war, "Last Ditch" rifles. There has been inferior (sp) metal and craftsmanship documented in them. Earlier rifles were tested by the NRA (IIRC) and found to be the strongest action of WWII.

Oh yeah, I forgot one thing. If you haven't found out already. Ammo is extremely hard to find, and extremely expensive. I've only shot one box of each (6.5 and 7.7) though all of mine put together. I can't wait until Prvi starts loading for it. Heck, they already make the brass (Grafs & Hornady), they use the same bullet as the .303 Brit. Come on guys, put 1 and 1 together. Sure would be nice to shoot it for $12-$13 a box, rather than the $30-$40 for Hornady.

Wyman

 

[Ian]

There are no last ditch Type 38s, so you're fine on that account. Reliability is as good as any bolt rifle, and accuracy will depend on the condition of your particular one. No reason it couldn't be pretty good, if it's in good shape.

 

[BCCL]

I have a T-99 that my uncle brought back, here is a website that might help.

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

 

[jim in Anchorage]

All the type 38s I have dealt with had oversize chambers. If it has a ungrounded mum on the ring,I would just oil it and leave for future generations. Is the mum still on the stock?

 

[JWF III]

There are no last ditch Type 38s

I don't know what the hell I was thinking. I've know that 38s were the 6.5s, and were the early design. And that 99s were the 7.7s and were the "upgrade" from the 38s. Heck, I've known that since I was 14 or so. i don't know what I was thinking. Just a brain fart I reckon.

Wyman