Arisaka Rifle? 6.5mm

GWord256 · September 2, 2010, 09:42 PM

I've got an attic find and it does not quite fit with models I can find with Google or Wikipedia.

It appears to be a Arisaka 6.5mm Model ???

Total Length 41.5" butt to muzzle
Measured muzzle bore 6.35mm
No marking other than shown in photos

Help?

Scorch · September 2, 2010, 11:34 PM

Interesting! I have never seen an Arisaka with that type of rear sight. Almost looks like a Springfield sight mounted on an Arisaka. Anyway, your rifle is a Type 38 that has been sporterized and modified. Heavily sporterized.

GWord256 · September 3, 2010, 07:19 AM

Thank you. That would have been my best guess.

I'm no gun buff, I just enjoy target shooting but what is with the total lack of markings?

Jim Watson · September 3, 2010, 07:28 AM

Bubba cut the stock down and mounted 1903A3 sights, front and rear.
Interesting, there are a lot of cut down surplus rifles but the last thing done to them is new sights. Of course everybody wants a scope now.

Total lack of markings?
It has the serial number and arsenal stamp.
The imperial chrysanthemum was removed from surrendered rifles to protect the emperor's dignity or some such heathen superstition. May have knocked off other markings on the receiver ring along with it.

James K · September 3, 2010, 02:50 PM

It probably started out as a Type 38 rifle as indicated by the two gas escape holes. The receiver ring was polished down, probably to remove the unsightly grinder marks where the "mum" was removed. Then M1903A3 sights were installed, though the range settings on the rear sight would be nowhere near correct for the 6.5 Japanese.

While there has been considerable collector interest in Japanese arms in recent years, that rifle has no value except as a shooter.

If you want to fire it, I strongly recommend having a gunsmith do a chamber cast to make sure it is still in the original caliber.

Jim

Gunplummer · September 5, 2010, 03:13 AM

I agree with Jim Keenan, check the chamber before firing. A lot of those sporters were re-cut to 6.5 x .257.

publius · September 11, 2010, 05:51 PM

Great deer rifle.

September 2, 2010, 11:34 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Interesting! I have never seen an Arisaka with that type of rear sight. Almost looks like a Springfield sight mounted on an Arisaka. Anyway, your rifle is a Type 38 that has been sporterized and modified. Heavily sporterized. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

September 11, 2010, 05:51 PM	#7
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	Great deer rifle. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

September 3, 2010, 07:28 AM	#4
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	Bubba cut the stock down and mounted 1903A3 sights, front and rear. Interesting, there are a lot of cut down surplus rifles but the last thing done to them is new sights. Of course everybody wants a scope now. Total lack of markings? It has the serial number and arsenal stamp. The imperial chrysanthemum was removed from surrendered rifles to protect the emperor's dignity or some such heathen superstition. May have knocked off other markings on the receiver ring along with it.

September 3, 2010, 02:50 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	It probably started out as a Type 38 rifle as indicated by the two gas escape holes. The receiver ring was polished down, probably to remove the unsightly grinder marks where the "mum" was removed. Then M1903A3 sights were installed, though the range settings on the rear sight would be nowhere near correct for the 6.5 Japanese. While there has been considerable collector interest in Japanese arms in recent years, that rifle has no value except as a shooter. If you want to fire it, I strongly recommend having a gunsmith do a chamber cast to make sure it is still in the original caliber. Jim

September 5, 2010, 03:13 AM	#6
Gunplummer Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2010 Location: South East Pa. Posts: 3,364	I agree with Jim Keenan, check the chamber before firing. A lot of those sporters were re-cut to 6.5 x .257.