what is this Japanese rifle?

M

MadScientist

New member
Sorry no pic, but a neighbor of mine found out I was collecting C&R rifles and showed me a Japanese WWII era rifle that he wanted to sell. On the receiver, above some Japanese characters was a pinwheel marking. It had a nice bayonet and an interesting fold down bipod (although technically I guess you would call it a monopod as it only had one wire leg that came straight down).
He was asking 200 for it and it was in good condition (if these things are comperable in value to the European WWII rifles he's asking about $100 too much). He admitted to not knowing its value.
Can any one give me some pointers? or starting places to look on the web for some info on Japanese rifles?
 
exactly! thanks!
On the one I looked at, the number on the bolt was three digit number, none of which matched the reciever ~8digit number. However, I didn't get the bolt all the way out so maybe there's another number on the underside.
Also, I doubt the monopod is worth $100 so he's definitly asking too much.
If he's telling the truth, he bought it from a friend who needed cash bad for the $200. Doubt he'll come down by 50%.

Finally, how's the availability of ammo on this? and are there other rounds that you can shoot through it? What's this round closest too as far as power etc.?
 
well, i do not know how familar you are with gunbroker, but this ad says that the reserve has not yet been met, meaning that the seller has set a secret minimum bid (i still dont understand this practice), the $100 listed should not be considered a selling price and your friend may very well be on target or even a little light on his pricing especially if all serial numbers match

the big thing from a collectors stand point on Japanese rifles is that the chrysanthemum is intact (your pinwheel), it is the sign of the emporer and was supposed to be removed from all rifles at the point of surrender so as not to dishonor the dude
 
well, the chrysanthemum is there. However, when looking at it I was disapointed by the fact that there were a couple shallow gouges through it. I suspect now that this was an attempt to disfigure it.
 
Hey Mad,

Couple of questions...

Does the rifle have a steel buttplate?

What does the REAR of the bolt look like? Is it grooved, stipled, etc.?

On the rear sight, are their two little "wings" that fold down to the sides?

If it has the monopod, the steel buttplate, the rear of the bolt has a diamond-type pattern on it (you push in on the rear of the bolt and turn, that's the safety), the little fold-down wings, and the Imperial Chrysthenmum, then it's likely closer to the $200 price tag to a collector.

There aren't that many of these guns out there that are in that kind of condition. Many were seriously bastardized.

As for ammo, it's available, but it's expensive. I believe that the only current maker is Norma. Last time I looked, a 20 round box was $40.
 
Don't know about the steel butt plate or bolt, but will likely go take a look at it again soon. I found a web site with a listing of all the possible markings so will print that out and take it along.
It has the hooked style bayonet. I see one of those over on gun broker going for $82!.
It has the winged sights.

I'll see if I can't get a couple digital pics and post them later this week.
 
Just my .02 cents.
I believe fronm ready books years ago that the Ariska (what ever) and the winged sites were just that. The site was meant for planes. Line up the leading egde of the wings and bingo, you had a pilot. I don't know it it worked or is true but it is something I read.

Karsten
 
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