Good Collectible Arisaka Model 99 rifle.
This is a another nice, live firing and collectible Arisaka Model 99 short rifle. The Model 99 superceded the Model 38 in 1939 and became the "workhorse" of the Japanese Army.
This is an early 3rd Series model from the Torimatsu of the Nagoya arsenal and is particularly nice as the Receiver and Bolt Rear Safety Cover Royal Chrysanthemum marks haven't been defaced as most are. After the War dispensation was made to the Japanese to deface the Royal Chrysanthemum as this was the Emperors Imperial sign. As a consequence of this most Arisakas are found with defaced or ground Chrysanthemums but this one is intact which would more than likely signify a battle field pick up. This rifle was originally issued with "aircraft wings" on the rear sight to shoot the rifle at aircraft but these were often removed as being totally impracticable although this rifle still retains the aircraft wings which were calibrated 1 3 to represent the speed of an aircraft up to 300 kmh. The rifle has a good shooting bore which is chrome lined as are all the earlier rifles and features a Chrysanthemum dust cover.
The rifle stock was made in 2 pieces and on most of the later type 99's and 38's unseasoned wood was used but this rifle was made at the height of the Japanese military might and workmanship and materials were excellent so there is no huge separation crack to be seen on the butt. The stock is generally in decent shape as can be seen from the photographs but there are the usual handling marks. There is some surface pitting on the receiver and under trigger guard but not drastic and still a decent looking rifle.
Decent Arisakas are becoming difficult to source as there is now an insatiable demand in the USA to collect and shoot them and several excellent books published in recent years have increased interest in them. All Arisakas are well made including the erroneously named last ditch rifles that were made without many of the earlier refinements and this one is a good example and would make an excellent investment and provide some good shooting as well. I have seen prices in the USA double in the last 18 months particularly for examples with intact Mums.
For an Arisaka that has seen action this is as good as it gets. I can courier to your RFD for £15.00. I am happy to store at no charge if a variation needs to be applied for.
Code: 50276