Author Topic: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle  (Read 1443 times)

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Offline Jack Gilbert

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Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« on: June 16, 2007, 04:24:36 AM »
I have an old rifle, bolt action, with a serial number K2983 on the rear of the barrel. It does not have a Mauser extractor but is somewhat like a Sako extractor. The rear cocking piece is knurled and rides on a seperate rail on the left side of the bolt. The knurled nob can be unscewed by pushing in a detent in that separate rail. The so-called cocking piece has a hole in the middle and the firing pin is visible through it.

The safety is unique and may be the most identifying feature. It is just ahead of the cocking piece and is a half-moon shaped checkered piece of steel and is part of the bolt assembly. By pushing this piece forward, toward the rear receiver ring, it rotates up and then comes back to engage the safety. It can be engaged with the gun uncocked, and will cock the striker when this is done.

The butt is two pieces held together by the butt plate.  The bolt handle is turned down. It has a ladder rear sight and an inverted "V" front sight.

The bolt is quite small, not near as large as a 98 Mauser. I thought it was a type 38 or 99 Arisaka but not so. Maybe some other manufacturers made rifles for Japan?

What can you tell me about this? The bore is bad and it's a wall hanger. The bolt does have dual locking lugs and cocks on opening.

Thanks!! The guy I bought it from for $30 was told by his grandfather that it was a Japanese rifle so that's what I'm going on.

Jack

Offline GRIMJIM

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Re: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« Reply #1 on: June 16, 2007, 04:50:56 AM »
pics would help a lot here.
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Offline S.S.

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Re: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2007, 06:48:11 AM »
Markings or proof marks?
Receiver crest, caliber?
Definitely some pictures.
Just not enough to go on as is..
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"A wise man does not pee against the wind".

Offline Jack Gilbert

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Re: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2007, 10:20:47 AM »
Well, boys, I found the rifle. First, I called a local gunsmith, and described it. He told me it was a type 1 Arisaka, made for Japan by Carcano in Italy.

I then searched Google, and found the rifle pictured on a website there. It is the same action as the Mannlicher-Carcano, and is a 6.5 caliber. There are no markings other than the serial number.

I figure it will be fun to tinker with. Ammo will be a problem, I'm sure. 

Thanks anyway. I'm not versed in the fine points of digital photography so couldn't send a picture.

Jack

Offline Mikey

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Re: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2007, 03:12:50 PM »
Jack - for a little more information the latest Shotgun News carried a article about Japanese WWII rifles and included discussion and pictures of the 6.5mm Carcanos made for Japan.  Mikey.

Offline S.S.

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Re: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« Reply #5 on: June 23, 2007, 01:31:04 PM »
I think Hornady makes 6.5 Jap. ammo now. Graf makes brass, and
dies are easily available for reloading. It is a fun cartridge to load.
I shoot mine a lot. .. What is the link where you found it on the net?
Like to see what you found.
Vir prudens non contra ventum mingit
"A wise man does not pee against the wind".

Offline Type99

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Re: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« Reply #6 on: June 27, 2007, 11:35:31 AM »
Hello...

I learned a trick about reloading 6.5 Jap.  I resize .35 Remington cases in a 7mm-08 sizing die first, then run it into the 6.5 Jap sizing die. Works every time.  Loaded with 140 gr. 6.5 Hornady SPs, these will last a couple of loadings, depending on whether the cases are newly fired or have been reloaded before.  Try it, you might like it.

Cheers,
Gary

Offline Slamfire

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Re: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2007, 10:59:12 PM »
Norma brass, although expensive, lasts nearly forever. I don't load it very hot.
Bold talk from a one eyed fat man.

Offline Jack Gilbert

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Re: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« Reply #8 on: September 22, 2007, 06:22:57 AM »
I think I just got on Google and typed in WW2 Japanese rifles and went from there. I'll check my "Favorites" list and get back to you if there is something more specific on this.

Offline Jack Gilbert

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Re: Old (Japanese)? WW II rifle
« Reply #9 on: September 22, 2007, 06:27:45 AM »
I got on modern firearms, military rifles and found the Type 1 on there.