Type 38 carbine

[desdem12]

My first Japanese rifle and it is gorgeous. Some teaser fotos. The bore is excellant and shine is coming through the dirt. I bet after a clean it will shine bright.
Missing cleaning rod but to say i am pleased is an understatement. In absolute perfect condition.

[racerguy00]

NICE. I've had a Type 38 long rifle before and have a type 99 now along with my carbine. The carbine is far and away my favorite, and probably my favorite carbine overall. Everything just seems proportional and balanced with it plus its a sweet shooter. Glad you're not disappointed with it!

[redspoon]

Way to go Des, I've been eyeing these at the local gun shows, may have to take the leap this year.

[desdem12]

This carbine lands in 3rd as far as size goes Racer. (of my inventory) I will have to get the pics later to show you but the order is
1. carcano M91 TS (smallest)
2. MLE 16
3. Type 38 carbine
4. m95 carbine
5. M44 mosin
Is an inch or so taller then the MLE but the barrel is alot thicker. I still need to get ammo for it though.

[RazorBurn]

Congratulations!!! How is the Mum?

My great uncle fought in the Pacific from 43 to the end & then served in the occupation of Japan until 46/47. He had a bunch of Japanese things he brought back including a set of hari-kari knives. He also had some type of Arisaka he brought back, the last time I saw it was back in the late 80's or early 90's when I was a young buck more worried about booze and girls. I told my great aunt back this past summer that if he ever wanted to sell it I would pay whatever he wanted as I knew some of the history behind it. I never got an answer, and they do have a daughter with two sons (both of who are punks I might add). I told my great aunt that if it was an heir loom I understood, but if no one wanted it I would be honored to preserve the history and would pay whatever the price she asked. My great uncle passed away a few weeks ago. There's no way in the world I would call my great aunt up and ask about the rifle, but in the back of my mind I hope at our yearly family reunion this coming June to see her giving it to me.

Seeing your rifle reminds me of my uncle and the greatest generation.

[desdem12]

Mum Is slightly ground but remnants of it are visable on the sides of the grinding. About to head out to look for ammo (none i am sure).
Sorry for your loss and i hope you do get to honor the family with the keepsake.

[Junk Yard Dog]

[BubbaDX]

That's cool. I am looking forward to more pictures.

[bearrowland]

My dad brought back a Type 99 from the war from Okinawa, and I've one upstairs that came from the Philippines. Outstanding bolt action that is overlooked by alot of guys. I remember the Type 38s being hacked up and converted to 257 Roberts when I was a kid. Now I'd love to find one and bring it back to its former glory. You have a beautiful rifle there sir!

[Longcolt44]

" I bet after a clean it will shine bright. "

It should Des. Odds are it has a chrome lined barrel.

[tjtM38]

Do you plan to shoot it? If so, you are going to have a helluva time finding ammo and all of it is expensive. I bought a set of dies for 6.5x50 and am now saving the 40 cases I have. The 6.5 is a mild shooting caliber and very accurate out of the Type 38 long rifle I have.

[desdem12]

I can't remember when these were made but i think they started in 1905. I am not sure but i think only the type 99s have chrome bores. I have not done a whole lot of research but a little. I definately plan to shoot it. I have a line on ammo just haven't gotten to it yet. Was busy today and i wanted to wait till it got here before buying ammo.

[Darryl]

That is very nice.

I have been looking for a good representative rifle from Japan. I love carbines, and have been looking for a nice one like this for some time.

I'll find it eventually, but that one is a very nice example. congratulations.

Dolk

[desdem12]

Thanks Sir. These are under appreciated from what i am seeing on GB. This one was about the cheapest one and it is in far better condition with zero rust. They are averageing just about 250-275 with some nice ones around $300 or a little lower. Tried to get some more fotos but is a snowy day and not enough light. Will have to do better later.

[BuckeyeSgt]

Brad, is the barrel stepped up near the front barrel band?

[desdem12]

Been to busy to take it down yet Drew. I will check when i can get to it. Maybe monday or tue. Have to go to town monday though so maybe tue. I haven't got the ammo yet so not in a hurry. Is there a couple of variations on these? I think they started on them in 1905 if i remember right.

[BuckeyeSgt]

Ya. I've got that book on Japanese Rifles. The 38s started in 1905. My long one was somewhere around 1938. If it has a stepped barrel it is a Cavalry carbine. You should be able to see if it does just in front of the hand gaurd. But those were made later in the war from cut down 38 long rifles. I will check the info to see if these had a chrome barrel. I didn't notice it in passing when I looked up the carbines. I went to go get mine and tear it down finally but the wife was asleep on top of it. it is under the bed.

[desdem12]

Like this?

[BuckeyeSgt]

Like a Tikka barrel.

[desdem12]

Oh in front of the handguard. Ya no it doesnt. I looked at your pic and it was the step at the reciever. I have a shot of that area too.