WWII Japanese Rifles

[VHinch]

My roommate is inheriting a Japanese rifle that was a WWII bring back. Unfortunately, that is about all the information I have on the rifle at this time, I haven't had a chance to actually examine it. Can anyone point me to a good site with general information of Japanese infantry weaponry?

Thanks in advance
Vance

 

[vwfool]

You might try posting some questions on one of the two sections on this link off of gunboards.com.

http://gunboards.com/forums/default.asp?CAT_ID=6

 

[beemerb]

Scroll down and click on Japanese rifle markings.A good sight.

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

Bob

 

[Jim K]

There are two major types of bolt action Japanese WWII rifles, the Type 38 in 6.5x50, and the Type 99 in 7.7x58. A quick identification (other than caliber) is that the Japanese markings on the receiver ring of the Type 38 run in line with the barrel; the markings on the Type 99 run across the ring at 90 degrees to the barrel.

The rifles originally had a stylized chrysanthemum, the Emperor's symbol, on the receiver ring, but that was ground off on rifles turned over after the Japanese surrender.

If the rifle has no markings, or appears very crude, get back with us. It might be a training rifle intended only for blanks and dangerous if fired with live ammunition.

HTH

Jim