Japanese Arisaka Rifles, Buying  

As someone who really wants to get some Japanese firearms, I found this really informative.

I just inherited my grandfather's bring back Type 44. All serial numbers matching. Emperor's seal is in perfect condition. It is a series 1 made in Tokyo. Serial number is 00125. Still shoots and operates just fine. It was made closer to the year of 1911. Probably saw service through WW1, the Japanese Chinese war during the 30s, and especially during WWII. The value ranges between 2000 and 4000 dollars. But I'll never get rid of it. He also brought back a Nambu pistol and a sword.

I picked my Type 99 up about 35 yrs ago still packed with cosmoline out of a trash can on the curb along with a 40`s shot gun and a BB gun , still have the 99 today. True Story.

My uncle found a Type 99 in his attic and I traded him a ForceFX Darth Vader lightsaber for it.

Found a Type 99 Series 33 in a house i was tearing down, hidden in the walls. Awesome gun.

I have a Last Ditch 99, it's a bring back with the Mum. The person who brought it back actually carved his full name on the inside of the hand guard. I have a video of me shooting it last winter, they're such a blast to shoot.

Youre videos are simply incredble. Thank you for taking the time to make them.

Thank You Mishaco for the video on Arisakas , I own three of them , one is a early vet bring back and two are last ditch . I completely restored all three to battle ready condition , bought a set of dies and now are able to shoot all three with surprisingly accuracy . The Arisaka rifle is really a work of art with what Japan had available and the 7.7 caliber is no slouch when being compaired to the 30-06 , 303 , or the 8mm Mauser . The hardest part of restoring these weapons was the stocks , they were preserved with a plant oil that I think was poison sumac ??? Anyway the light sanding was done outside very carefully , not to breath any dust also washing my hands frequently . The stain was matched to the original color which is a reddish - brown color with a Tom's 1/3 mix military wax to make these guns a pleasure to view . Thanks Mish Dave Cook

I have been thinking about picking one of these up lately, and this video just popped up on my feed! Misha, thank you for continuously giving us the best firearms histories out there. Keep putting out quality content, my friend!

Misha’s videos always lead to me learning something, sometimes a whole hell of a lot! Thanks Misha!!!

This is the video I've really been wanting, thanks guys!

Got lucky a few years ago and purchased a series 20 Kokura from a family friend before he moved. At the time neither of us knew anything about them besides me knowing it was an 99. Its very clean and one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing the wisdom.

Great review Misha! I love your reviews.

The aircraft sights on the type 99 were useless on fast F86 jets in Korea but surprisingly they worked on shooting the slower helicopters in Korea when the North Koreans used them

Picked up an ol arisaka with a japanese coin placed in the stock. From my research the coin is from 1933. Pretty unique got a good deal on it too

Thanks for the video, saw these on a surplus sale, and was just curious about them, as always thank you again for the excellent information and overview of these interesting firearms. I appreciate you taking your time to make your videos, thanks!

Mishaco always bring so much knowledge! Tks

I just bought a Jinsen Type 99 Last Ditch for 6 and it’s sparked my love for Japanese Arisaka’s thank you for making such an informative video!

Nice job! Thank you for a very informative video!

Love your content thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Good information. Watched this video again after a few years.

Misha, thank you for being the most accurate source of information on Arisaka's on RU-vid. I've been collecting Japanese rifles for many years and you are one of the only channels to get this information correct. It's nice to hear accurate information rather than the same gun show myths I usually hear on here. Always love watching your videos! Your Type 38 in this video is one of the nicest I've seen in awhile. Is that one of the 28th series made without a mum, but just the school marking stamped where it would be located? I noticed the school stamp when the camera zoomed in. Nice rifle either way! Don S does make the repro Type 30 rods still by the way. I just bought one from him for a Type 30 carbine restoration I did this month.

Love learning from these vids! Thanks

woo i finally found a ww1 era arisaka type 38! it was the only one for sale on gunbroker and it actually had a buy it now. I really dont like auctions. i just bought it while watching this video lol. now i just need to find a french berthier to complee my guns of ww1 collection

Another great video! Thanks Misha!

24:40 This is the most important message in this great video. Remember that you are coming into contact with very old surplus units. If they're been restored or sporterized, they can be assumed to be "ready" and ultimately "safe". If not then assume them to be "shot out", or massively worn in the chamber which, if concurrently shot, will result in more damage and possible safety issues. Before purchase you may have a negotiating point to address the headspace concerns, allowing for discount in price to reflect cost of repair. Pawnbrokers and private parties are not gunsmiths. Their opinion means basically nothing. And the craze for "vintage' beauties will reflect inflated prices. Research and bring a competent friend if you want to investigate good deals. Restored or sporterized either, are both preferable to melting them down. Like old cars. Cheers! ----------- Norma Ammunition USA carries/manufactures all ammo for both restored & sporterized. Have fun and get acquainted with your your new gunsmith.

Something about the Arisaka man, I’ve owned all sorts of milsurps/tactical rifles . But I can never quite scratch my shooting itch unless I take the ole Arisaka out. Only wish ammo was cheaper but is surprisingly readily available online. Good video bud

Another great video. I've been collecting Arisaka's since the past 3 years. Including training rifles. I recently bought a type 99 Arisaka kokura series 21 with all matching #. It's only missing it's monopod. Mum been ground but still visual. All original, no refinished, no rust, all original bluing. Bought directly from a ww2 veteran Richard Colonni 96 years old. Paid $300.

This is a great video, very informative. I just got a Type 99 and it helped me a lot. Thank you

How does this dude only have 76k subs??? You're a firearms info TREASURE! With the trend towards intermediate cartridges over the 20th century, I figure an improved 6.5x50 would have been a great battle rifle round, maybe assault rifle as well. I know Tokarev made an experimental automatic rifle, some would argue the first assault rifle, that chambered it, but to make it rimless and put some more powder behind it. A modernized Arisaka round

Thank you Misha. Ian going to get a type 99 last ditch that is duffel cut I've been researching extensively and I think one of the reasons I got it so cheap is a lack of information and skill in rejoining the stock parts. Along the lines of "You kaint trust them jap rifles, cuz they blowe up on yew" Not to worry I'm a mountain of NC born and bred guy. I worked with my dad in his music store thru my teen years and have a successful night vision business. Musical instruments oddly enough experience some of the same torsion and impact istics as firearms. A 6 string guitar has 1500 lbs of constant pressure when tuned up. I think I can repair the duffel cut. Two pieces of straight wood glued together have about the same strength as two bundles of soda straws.

Good content. I think one of the major discussion points, especially when teaching newcomers, is telling the difference between a rifle that kept the original Japanese "sumac" finish and those that were redone with BLO. I see lots of people in forums and FB groups asking if their Arisaka was refinished or not. Just a suggestion.

I have one of these that my dad brought back from WWII. "Type 99, Kokura Arsenal, Series 25 with an X on the mum" - I also have the receipts that he received from the USMC. Two receipts but both for the same gun. Since he had a house full of kids he snapped the firing pin tip off. Knowing me... that was probably a wise decision. :)

Got a type 38 this March. Really happy with the rifle

Just got my type 99 from a gun show. Series 22 made in mid 1943 as it still is a complete rifle without any of the transition omissions

Excellent video with a lot of very interesting details. I came across your video while trying to research and get information on a Japanese rifle that my dad brought back from serving in the Navy during WWII in the Pacific. My dad was in the Navy as a SeaBee (Construction Battalion) and this rifle has been here at the house since the early 1950s when my parents moved in... The rifle we have here has a long bayonette...I believe it looks more like your 2nd and 3rd rifles. I would have to go check it out to confirm... Wish I knew more about the rifle and your detailed information is very helpful. All the best from the New Jersey Shore (near NYC)... Philip

Last ditch 99’s are awesome!! I have a 38, type I, and a last ditch 99, the 99 is my fave

This gun was also used in Vietnam

Thank you for this video, I have a last ditch model no mum but I believe it was a early production as it has two screws holding the rear belt loop as a nice curved bolt arm, was brought back or sent back by my fathers uncle, until I viewed your video I did not know why my rifle did not match any of the 38 or 99 models I see in other pics and videos, substitute or last ditch , go figure, very cool, now I will have it checked out and shoot it!!

New subscriber.. Love the content

Awesome video my friend. I bought a last ditch 20 years ago for $50. From a neighborhood that was going to prison and had to sell all his guns. It still has the mum and is in nice shape but unfortunately they put a different stock and different sights on it. I took it out to the range and was very impressed with the accuracy at 100 yards. Thanks again for your knowledge.

Just got my first arisaka type 99 at a gun show this weekend. It’s a series 1 Nagoya serial 81,930 so I’m guessing it’s a early 1942. It has no dust cover or monopod which I’m guessing it wasn’t issued with but has the monopod mount and aircraft sights. Full mum which is really beautiful. Think I got a great price on it. Thanks misha, if I hadn’t been watching your videos I wouldn’t have known about any of the variants and gadgets. I can’t tell if it’s chrome bore or not. If anyone knows about series 1 Nagoya bores let me know!

Arisakas are really cool thx

Lots of good information I have 4 of them

I just won one in a raffle other day hoping to learn more about it..

Great video, I have one that seems to be a Type 38. There are some differences though. I wish I could send you a picture of it.

Thanks very informative. My Dad brought back what i believe is a type 99 with bayonet ( mum scratched off) and metal scabbard from capture of Marcus Island. It has been passed around the family/friends and unexpectedly may be on way back to me. Not sure what to do with it after all these years.

I have a Type 99 last ditch with a full mum that was sent home by a US Navy sailor aboard the U.S.S. Marathon. For a last ditch, it's fairly nice. No dings in the stock, finish is good. Looks like it has never been shot. The person that sent it home joined in 44. I'm wondering if he just got it out of a cave from the racks and shipped it home. It was likely never even used..

Great video. ive come back to brush up and im buying my first type 99. series 20 (1941-42) or perhaps it is a kokura. I forget now

I bought a mint T-99 with all the early features back in '06 for $360.00. Also thrown in was 100 rounds of 7.7x58 Norma. It shoots straight with no issues. It's one of my favorite Mil-Surps. The mum is totally intact as well. This one stays with me!!

Cool video, I’ve got a 4th series Nagoya that’s all matching and has everything except the mum being intact.

lol the bowl cut

So I have a type 99 last ditch that my great grandfather brought back from ww2 and it has two notches in the hand guard that I can only assume we’re kills but the bluing and wood on it are in phenomenal quality but has a few differences from yours.

Around what year did the sights and safety on the Type 38 change? Trying to date my gun. Great video! EDIT: Did some further research and found out it is from the very first run of rifles from 1906-1935. Koishikawa arsenal in Tokyo.

Have my grandfathers type 38. It was complete until my stepdad passed away who had disassembled it. My sister ended up throwing away parts she unknowingly. Now trying to source parts to make her complete again

I just bought a "last ditch" arisaka i paid 595 for it and im glad i got it i will shoot it and its for history as well glad u explained it all unfortunately it doesn't Have the mum but i can live without it but i just love the military rifles if they could talk the stories it would have

I saw a Type 99 at the gunshow. It had the dust cover and a bayonet. Blueing looked good on everything except the front barrel band and the rear sight was stiff. No monopod or aircraft sights, but had the ladder sight.The buttplate jiggled which was a turnoff. Perhaps I should’ve asked the price. I did not know enough to make a knowledgeable offer. Maybe I’ll see it next time. I wouldn’t have paid more than $500. Misha, without pictures, what are your thoughts? I didn’t see any serial numbers except the left side of the receiver.

This an extremely informative video. So I have what I believe is a “last ditch” Arisaka type 99. Thing Is, it doesn’t appear that it functions. Any recommendations? Would your average gunsmithing/repair shop be able to help me?

Great video. These are really cool rifles! I'm narrowing down on a matching Type 99 with the mum, anti aircraft sights, and monopod. About $1,000. I waited way to long to get into milsurps.

All beautiful examples btw. I'm jelly.

I'm currently looking at buying a type 99. It's to be a mishmash or parts, no finger groove in the wood, it has that split washer looking scrw behind the hand guard, but it has a hooded frontsight and adjustable rear, it has the 2 screw sling swivels and the metal butt plate. But it looks like it never had the type 99 marked on the receiver. I'm a little concerned it might be a late war "last ditch" the hS had the cosmetics of an transitional rifle applied. I'm not concerned with that what I'd like to know is if it is a lot ditch are the barrels still able to be swapped out because this one is pretty worn and I can get a replacement that in good shape

It is my understanding that import marks were not applied until the GCA of 1968 required it. Therefore, anything imported prior to 1968 will not be so marked.

I am beginner hunter I want a arisaka type 99 rifle to begin with, will you put a link in the comment to what website you bought it from? The websites I looked they look like they’re about to break or either have really bad maintenance.

Just found a type 38 at my grandfather's house. A bring back by my grandmother's brother. Looks like whatever emblem was on it has been mostly scratched off/ ground off. It is pretty dirty and the bayonet sheath is a little Rusty, as is the buttplate. 1) does it diminish value at all to clean it up and gently remove rust? 2) it looks like it is missing the cleaning rod, are the cleaning rods numbered to match other gun parts? 3) are cleaning rods for this model difficult to find?

I'm trying to find the one that my grandfather brought back from the war. I have the capture paper with serial number, but nobody knows what he did with the rifle. Any ideas on how to take on a search like that?

I’ve been looking for a type 99 for a while, what would be the best sites to look on?

Do you know what and where the numbers are on the Arisika to make it all matching numbers?

Do you have one on the enfield smle I've been looking to get a mk3 and really dont know what's best or to look for

Any idea on the value of a Model 38 Short OR Cavalry (25 inch Barrel) 44 inch length. Ground Mum. no dust cover. Wood and steel look good. Kokura Arsenal

Mishaco, do you know anything about the arisakas rechambered in 30 06? I saw one the other day and didnt know if it was safe or accurate. I read something that said the US started rechambering them after ww2.

I’ve been looking for my first type 99. I’ve seen a few listed as 6.5mm, is that possible or just misinformed auction listings? Thank you!!

if you find one labeled as 300 savage does that mean a new barrel?

Hello, Thank you for a very informative video. There aren't any caliber markings on these is there an easy way to check if it's 6.5 or 7.7? Mine was sporterized and I believe the bolt is not original. Thanks!

Hi there, got my first Type 99 late war Arisaka, but it seems a bit different from the ones you are showing. its got the look and the bolt of early production yet its missing cleaning rod hole in the stock as well front site protectors. Looks all original not sure if its made from different parts, or mid war transformations. Any advice?

just picked up a series 25 kokura type 99 with mum intact

My apologies if it was addressed in the video, but do you have any experience with/knowledge on the Type 99 rifles converted to .30-06, used in the Korean war? Are they generally safe and reliable?

I understand you know a lot about these rifles and I'm wondering if you would have any idea when mine would have been produced, I have a type 38 rifle model 1905 with the "love of country marks" on the receiver. My rifle has the v notch rear sight and no ears on the front. It also has the sling loops on the bottom as apposed to the side of the rifle which I see more of. The manufacturer mark shows it was either built at the Tokyo arsenal or kokura. If you have any info on when this rifle could have been produced I would be very interested in it, also if you need more info to help with the question I would be glad to provide it

I have the third one with original strap, bayonet with sheath. 99708

I found a sporterized arisaka type 38 today in the gun store. Man I hate fudds.😢

The easiest way to identify late vs early war type 99 is the handguard. To figure out how early war. Look for a little pinhole on the wood part next to the receiver. Then see how big the bolt on the side is. The smaller bolt is earlier than large bolt. Needless to say he wasn't joking when he said the type 99 varients are a video in themselves

I have a rifle my grandfather from the war. The markings have me slightly confused as it has traits of older and newer models It has matching numbers, Nagoya 2222. I have been told it is an early model. Seems to have traits of both the original 1900 30 series and 1905 38 series. I've not fired it, but it seems to take 7.7 rounds. Any help identifying year of production would be greatly appreciated!

Going to the Philippines soon, I hope to aquire some Arisaka rifles and bring it back to the US

Recently picked up a early war type 99 matching with mum unmolested, that has a sticker on it that says passed. Do you know what this means?

I've got to find my dust cover i went hunting with my type 99 and I took my dust cover off and put it somewhere.

that type 99 with an intact mum is likely worth a good chunk of change.

I have 1905 type 38 can u tell me what kind ammo i need is it 6.5x50 ammo ?

I need a monopod and some sight wings. I've got four but have a bringback 38 carbine Instead of a type 30.

Im looking at a type 99 but the finish seems to be rally light but its really clean. The guy is asking 300. good deal?

I heard the type 30 bolts are extremely difficult to disassemble.

I just want to know where to buy one if possible at all

How do they compare too like the German Mauser and the Enfield. I have always been told that the Japanese rifle was accurate but not close to the Mauser or the Enfield

We're can you get amo snd the 99 gun link me I'm looking in to ww2 stuff 😊 on the so called sniper I one I'm looking for

the 6.5 being unable to penetrate chinese coats is likely a myth. 6.5 is stronger than today's intermediate .223 or 7.62 ak and there's no problem piercing coats or blankets. The myth probably came from jealousy of Chinese using 8mm mauser and Russia having a big 7.62r. The only problem with 6.5 was that it wasn't good for vehicles, planes, and fixed machine guns that could achieve long range shooting. 6.5 also had dimension problems with jamming in the t96 lmg because of a bad bolt and chamber design that made the rounds get stuck and needed oiling

Japanese Arisaka Last ditch Rifle Type 99 Ser# 858XX This rifle was recovered by a Freinds father who fought on Iwo Jima in 1945. Can you tell me if the rifle was made in time for this battle. It has the small sights, two piece stock, uncovered front of barrel and a nurle hand grip. Thank you

I bought an early war Nagoya 99 with the AA sights, unfortunately it has been sporter'd. But it wasn't too bad, just missing the upperhandguard and everything past the fingergrooves was hacked off, paid $95 for it on a whim at a pawnshop about 5 years ago. I bought a replacement stock on ebay but that was before I learned you need to get a stock from the same manufacturer as the rifle so of course it didn't fit. Also when I put it back into it's original stock the screw in front of the magazine locked up halfway in and won't move so now I don't know what to do with it.

Most of the guns that people blow up with these are the "training" rifles, they will chamber a round, but they are made out of pot metal and won't take the pressure. They were made to fire low pressure rounds with wooden bullets for training youth. There are videos out on RU-vid on how to recognize the trainers. Other than that you should always have older guns like these gone over by a qualified person before firing. Arisakas are actually going to fair better than other milsurps of this age because the recievers were over engineered, I've heard a lot of hunters loved to bore these out to take safari rounds even.

I INHERITED ONE OF TE 99 THAT HAS A 6MM REM SETUP IS THIS NORMAL? OR SOMETHING YOU HAVE SEEN BEFORE??

When I found out the last ditch rifles never left Japan and saw action I ditched my last ditch with another collector.

Is ammo easy to get in 6.5×50?

Boy, Misha, dattto T-38 at 4:54 is a beaut. Nice restoration. Wunder if the stock was aftermkt new? if yes, who's the source? CNC made? Who grinded mums? Was it by the US Mil after the guns were surrendered w disgust to the Emperor or was it by the IJM soldiers, who have had time to scrape dem off on rocks B4 surrendering? Or by the J's arsenals, knowing there will b nut (not) nuf ammo to go around, the soldiers will do Banzai attack w MT rifles and the rifles will b captured by the enema?