Anyone here collect Japanese rifles?

[Nickathome]

Wondering if there are any MV'ers who collect Japanese rifles mainly WWII vintage. I have been a long(very long) time firearm enthusiast, but am just now getting into the Japanese realm. I just bought my first Arisaka type 99 over the past weekend. Its pretty beat up but has a matching serial numbered bolt and receiver which drew me to it. Most modestly priced examples are pretty mismatched. Just curious to know if anyone else here are into firearms of the Rising Sun.

[M-Thrax]

I had a Ariska 99 complete with intact cresanthmum (sp). I can't give you any price info cause this rifle was given to me by my neighbor who stopped me when I was driving home one night about 6 years ago ( he knew I was into Militaria ), he said he had 2 old rifles he was going to throw in the dumpster if I did not want them, one was the Ariska and the other was a excellent condition Mauser Model 71 with a 1878 date on it. I later gave the 99 to a friend and traded the 71 for some forgotten item. From that day on I always took my time driving through my neighborhood

[Nickathome]

it pays to be friendly with your neighbors.....My next door neighbor who is an elderly woman brought out an old double barrel 12 gauge SXS to show me a few years ago. We had gotten on the subject of guns and I told her I was into collecting. Her gun was old, with exposed hammers, but I can't remember much else of it. I'd like to hope she will think of me if she ever decides to get rid of it. She lives alone and doesn't have many family members nearby so I think I have a shot at it. I think she mentioned having a rifle of some sort as well, but I have not seen it. Wouldn't that be a kicker if it turned out to be some rare military antique. One can only hope.

[nivek]

Have some friends from Dojo who speak and read Japanese, and love the warriors weapons.
I lean on them often when I find something Japanese, especially the rifles, bayonets and swords that I pickup.

Have quite a bit of written materials here at haciendaFatman if/when soemone here might need something figured out marking wise.

Pictures sure help as position of markings on "Arisaka" type rifles is as much a clue as the actual stampings/engravings themselves.

"Arisaka" rifles were used not only in Japan, but Russia, Italy and several South American government armies/agencies.

Lots of history behind them. If they are bring backs by US Forces, try to get that history, or better the paperwork if any.

kL

[Cal_Gary]

Not me but some years back I was given a Mauser Kar Model 98 that is a 1938 model that was retrieved by a G.I. in the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945. He gave it to me in appreciation for helping clean the interior of his home. I will be forever grateful-just think of the stories this weapon might tell!
Gary

[Tom @ Snake River]

I have a Type 99 that had the flower (can't spell cresanthem) ground off and a Type 44 carbine that was a bring back from Paupua New Guinea that is in excellant shape and a training rifle that was a bring back from Japan after the war.
I have my uncles samuri sword that I had the handle rewrapped. The guy that did it says that it is an old family sword from the 1600's, so far I have found no evidence to say other wise.
I have 2 bayonets, a ceramic grenade, and a machine gun tool pouch and numerous 7.7 and 6.5 bullets. Tom @ Snake River

[KenInGA]

I got a Arisaka 38 with a beautifullly sporterized stock and an untouched 'mum. Really nice bore, too. I think I may have to find a box of 6.5 Arisaka and try the durned thing.

[CREEPING DEATH]

Just a reminder: the 6.5 Jap guns can easily be rechambered to 6.5 Swedish, usually for less than $100. While this isn't as huge a concern today with again-available ammunition, it'll still pay for itself if you shoot it a lot.

CD

[Nickathome]

I had heard that the 6.5 Jap can be converted, however with the amount of reloading componenets out there Its prbably less expensive to go the reloading route.

[jeeptech2000]

I have a Ariska 99 complete with intact cresanthmum, banet and Monopod,
Cant say the spelling is correct, bought it at a garage sale for $40.00, Still fires, I don't think they knew what they had.

[Lifer]

It's spelled "chrysanthemum," actualy. I used to own one of those rifles many years ago, but it isn't legal to hunt with a high-powered rifle in Illinois. Since there are no approved ranges for target shooting in my area and I don't own an acreage, I traded it for a Parker 12-guage double with side hammers. I think I came out ahead on the deal, myself.

[Nickathome]

I have a Ariska 99 complete with intact cresanthmum, banet and Monopod,
Cant say the spelling is correct, bought it at a garage sale for $40.00, Still fires, I don't think they knew what they had.

Even assuming your gun may have mismatched parts, it still would have been a steal for $40.00. I paid close to $200.00 for the one I have, and its mum is ground, and the cleaning rod is missing. You definietly got a deal!

[Dicktater]

Nick,I found this site while looking for a German Lugar,thought you might want to check it out.

http://curioandrelicfirearmsforum.yuku. ... ifles.html

[Nickathome]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[Franz©]

Anyone interested in a nice 7.7 with half a box of Norma ammo send me a PM. It hasn't been fired in 40 years because I got smart enough to shoot a .458 Ackley Improved one day.