Description

WORLD WAR ONE ERA JAPANESE TYPE 38 “ARISAKSA” RIFLE: KOISHIKAWA ARSENAL WITH VISIBLE MUM – VERY NICE EARLY EXAMPLE 

ALL BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & FIREARMS REGULATIONS APPLY. MUST SHIP to C&R or FFL LICENSE HOLDER. SHIPS to FFL LICENSE ONLY IN NEW JERSEY. NO SALES TO CALIFORNIA.

WWI Era Japanese Type 38 “Arisaka” Rifle in Caliber 6.5 Japanese shows light to moderate signs of age, wear, use and long term storage. Weapon remains in overall GOOD to VERY GOOD CONDITION with all metal portions remaining in VERY GOOD, UN-Refinished Condition. There is some wear to the bluing at the corners, raised areas and end of the barrel from the bayonet being taken on and off . This is visible in the photos. The MUM has NOT been ground but has been struck several times with a punch and remains visible as can also be seen in the photos. This is an EARLY Type 38 with SIX DIGIT Serial Number that bears NO Kanji Prefix. It was manufactured by the Koishikawa Arsenal in Tokyo in or around the World War One Era. Koishikawa Arsenal serial numbers were in the two million range in 1929 and some estimates have this rifle as being manufactured in or about 1914 or 1915. As we are unable to nail it down specifically, we will say it was made during the WWI Era/Timeframe. The characteristics of this early Type 38 are NO side guards to the front sight, Large knurled tang safety indicator to the bolt, No Kanji prefix to the serial number, parts having a part number that matches the number to the underside of the receiver other than the serial number and “straw” colored trigger, floor plate release, rears sight spring and bolt stop spring. These parts maintaining their original “straw” color as well as the serial number having NO “OO” or “OOO” in front of it, indicate that the weapon has NOT been arsenal refinished. We have disassembled the rifle and inspected it thoroughly. All metal is very good throughout with NO rust, corrosion or signs of having ever been refinished. The bolt does not match the part number on the underside of the receiver, but the bolt itself is not pieced together and does bear matching numbers. The action of the weapon is VERY tight and very smooth. Trigger pull is exactly as it should be and the firing pin “snaps” loudly when the trigger is pulled. Safety and floor plate release work perfectly and the floor plate spring is very strong. The bore remains in shockingly good condition with very clear lands and grooves to the rifling, which can be seen in the photos. All wood remains in good condition and has the correct two piece butt stock, but does show some visible “bumps and bruises” throughout as well as scuffs, scratches, wear and age darkening. Wood shows NO splits, cracks or other damage and remains very solid. Overall, a rather attractive Type 38 that displays very well and we can find no reason that it would not make a good “shooter” as well, if you so choose.