Description:
Up for auction is a rare and highly desirable Japanese Arisaka Type 38--in extraordinary condition: this one has been carefully restored to better-than-new condition. The rifle comes with original cleaning rod and dust cover. It also comes with period-correct bayonet, scabbard, and frog (leather belt sling for bayonet and scabbard. Additionally, it fills out the complement of accessories with a reproduction sling (and sample regimental markings) and muzzle cap. This wartime capture Arisaka has not had its "mum" defaced, ground off, or struck through. It is clear, distinct, and intact. Further, the rifle is fully functional mechanically and, on top of that, the trigger has been improved by shortening and smoothing out the pull (the trigger, sear, and bolt catch were polished to a buttery smooth feel). The wood furniture was restained to match the original dark finish (for those unfamiliar with the Arisaka, the butt stock was made in two pieces to reduce the tendency to split or crack since the native wood in Japan is quite soft; the butt stock is not cracked, it was made like that). Although the 6.5 mm caliber is quite popular nowadays, the caliber was the choice of many militaries around the turn of the last century (Sweden and Italy are prominent examples) for its inherent, and now well known, qualities. It is a soft recoiling and flat shooting round, and was eminently well suited to the Japanese soldier. The 6.5X50 mm Japanese caliber is now obsolete, but it is still available commercially, although a bit pricey . However, it responds very well to handloading, and that is where you'll get the best out of the round. Although dismissed with a fair amount of contempt after the war, the Arisaka was inherently the strongest bolt action design of WW 2. The design borrowed heavily from the Mauser series of military rifles, but departed from the German design with a simplified, but elegant, safety. Never really produced in great numbers, as were some of the other military designs of that era, the Type 38 fell victim to the newer and more powerful Type 99 with its British inspired 7.7 mm around the beginning of WW 2. Surviving examples of the Type 38, complete with cleaning rod, dust cover, and undamaged "mum"--well, I don't need to say it. This is a rare opportunity to complete your WW 2 military surplus collection with a real gem, the "piece-de-resistance" some might say.
Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Caliber:
6.5 mm (all)
Location:
NV
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: $65--includes extra insurance, handling, and the new and higher USPS rates
Private collector with numerous successful (100%) transactions. Additional information available upon request. Items are as described. Sales tax will not be added. Item will ship through local FFL dealer. Photo happily emailed upon request
