Questions Regarding a Type 38 Rifle

**Hoffmavl** · 05-16-2016, 06:16 AM

Hi there,

I recently posted about looking for a helmet, but have also decided to look into purchasing an Arisaka Type 38 or Type 99 Rifle. However, I would like some help in determining the authenticity of this gun via some pictures. I know almost nothing about rifles and know even less about the Arisaka rifles. I would appreciate any help I could get! I have just edited my post to include some pictures!

**SteveR** · 05-16-2016, 08:01 PM

I realize you are new to the forum.
Post the pictures to the thread.
Links are deleted and the thread is of no value to the forum.
After you do this I am sure you will get lots of opinions.

**Hoffmavl** · 05-16-2016, 08:27 PM

Thanks SteveR I had no idea! I appreciate you letting me know, I have uploaded some pictures of a gun I am interested in!

**Bill Grist** · 05-16-2016, 08:34 PM

Hello, You have a very nice Japanese Type 38 Rifle in ca. 6.5mm. It was sent to a Military school for training...BILL

**Hoffmavl** · 05-16-2016, 08:39 PM

I haven't purchased this yet, I'm still looking at it. So this gun isn't a weapon that has seen combat? This was most likely a military school training rifle? Thanks again!

**Bill Grist** · 05-17-2016, 02:25 AM

I would say YES that it had seen combat. Probably early in China. Later on when the T-99 became standard it was taken from service and sent to a Military school. There is really no rhyme or reason to these weapons in military service or school service. I have a T-38 school weapon, mum with rising sun on top of the mum that was brought home from Luzon by my uncle a 18 year old 81st. Wildcat Division Veteran.. I believe that as the war was in the defeat stages for the Japanese that these weapons were taken from military schools and then reissued to combat soldiers...Just my thoughts...BILL

**MAP** · 05-17-2016, 02:57 AM

by Bill Grist

Hello, You have a very nice Japanese Type 38 Rifle in ca. 6.5mm. It was sent to a Military school for training...BILL

Bill, do you say it went to the military school because of the "M"? Always happy to learn more but I thought the Military school rifles had the circles punched around the Mum. I have a 38 (or maybe a 99...I forget) with these circles.

Hoff: BTW...very nice rifle. To me, I have no problem at all with a rifle going to a military school. Just adds to the wartime history.

Thanks!

Michael

**SteveR** · 05-17-2016, 03:00 AM

If it still has the mum on it that will make it a really nice Japanese rifle.

Either way it will make a nice addition to any Japanese rifle collection. I wouldn't hesitate to but it.
And thanks for uploading the pictures friend.

**relicz** · 05-17-2016, 03:05 AM

Rifles taken out of service and used as school training rifles are typical marked with a series of circles or semi-circles over the mum, as well as markings on sides of stocks.

**MAP** · 05-17-2016, 03:12 AM

by relicz

Rifles taken out of service and used as training rifles are typical marked with a series of circles or semi-circles over the mum, as well as markings on sides of stocks.

My thought as well John as I noted. But the marking on the side is a new one for me. Will have to pull mine out. Do you know where these marks would be?