Long time ago (back in 94), i bought Japanese Arisaka Type 38 rifle. I bought it because of my Japanese haritage, and my grandfather always talked about "Mr type38"(back then, Type 38 belong to Emperor, and solder was not issued, but rather "allowed to use his majesty's position", so it was big no no to treat rifle roughly, and his unit was instructed to call it "mr type38" with respect to an emperor, or somehting like that. Thats why almost all Jap rifle's mum was severed, as it was simbol of royal family).
Well, anyway, I bought it , shot several rounds though. It was just another antique I had. With POS 2 piece stock, and slightly shorter barrel. Never given much thought being few inches shorter. Most Type 38 was 1280 mm long. And well known Carbine version was 966 mm. Mine is halfway between(1120mm). Just figured since Japan was not known for industry stengh then, it was just poor quality control.
Well, recently I've had chance to chat with Japanese Arms collector(I was interested in Type99 he had for sale with intact MUM), and got talking about this odd length rifle.
He then proceeded to tell me that there were 3 types of non-scoped T38 was in existance other then long rifle and carbin. Its called Calvary rifle. Not much is known as to why it was made. But speculation is that it was made to test how well it can be used in hand to hand combat.
Anyhow, very small number(Less then 15000 i was told) was made. And is very hard to come by. When you do see one, its usually beat up, missing blue, parts, serial number don't match.
Well, mine is 95%, all parts there(including cleaning rod), and ALL number match.
I bought it for $125. But from what he tells me, some decent one are going for $800+ these days!
And he have seen one go for over $1000!
this rifle is described on page 56-57 in the "Military rifles of japan" Book by Honeycutt(Do anyine have this book?
Needless to say I'm very happy (i'm not selling it tho)
Well, anyway, I bought it , shot several rounds though. It was just another antique I had. With POS 2 piece stock, and slightly shorter barrel. Never given much thought being few inches shorter. Most Type 38 was 1280 mm long. And well known Carbine version was 966 mm. Mine is halfway between(1120mm). Just figured since Japan was not known for industry stengh then, it was just poor quality control.
Well, recently I've had chance to chat with Japanese Arms collector(I was interested in Type99 he had for sale with intact MUM), and got talking about this odd length rifle.
He then proceeded to tell me that there were 3 types of non-scoped T38 was in existance other then long rifle and carbin. Its called Calvary rifle. Not much is known as to why it was made. But speculation is that it was made to test how well it can be used in hand to hand combat.
Anyhow, very small number(Less then 15000 i was told) was made. And is very hard to come by. When you do see one, its usually beat up, missing blue, parts, serial number don't match.
Well, mine is 95%, all parts there(including cleaning rod), and ALL number match.
I bought it for $125. But from what he tells me, some decent one are going for $800+ these days!
And he have seen one go for over $1000!
this rifle is described on page 56-57 in the "Military rifles of japan" Book by Honeycutt(Do anyine have this book?
Needless to say I'm very happy (i'm not selling it tho)