Arisaka Rifle

[Ken B.]

I have the opportunity to aquire this rifle. Can anyone give me some info on it? These are all the images I have. Meeting the seller midweek.

[Ken B.]

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[Ken B.]

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[Ken B.]

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[Ronnie Fry]

Ken,
While I'm sure you know, these Type 44's are not rare, but certainly uncommon. This one has it's mum. Does the bolt sn match the reciever?
Depending on what the guy wants, this one could be a real keeper, if all matching. You just don't see them that often. Or, at least I don't. If the price is anything less than 1K, I'd jump on it if all matching.....

r

[Josh Beckett]

It is a type 44 cavalry carbine from the Koishikawa arsenal in tokyo.

These had three different variations of bayonet housings, yours appears to be the first variation which is correct for the Koishikawa.

It also has the imperial chrysanthemum intact, which many of these markings were ground off these rifles at the end of the war(this was an order made by either the japanese or americans and it was made to help the emperor save face). The finish looks original as well which is a plus.

The type 44 is an uncommon rifle(not rare by any means, but it isnt common either, lets just say that I havent seen any for sale at my gun shows, but I saw loads of them at the show of shows).

Also, one thing to remember about these is that they werent matched by the serial number on the reciever, but by an assembly number located underneath the stock. If the screws are staked in, and you cant remove the rifle from the stock without damaging the screws, the best thing to do is try to match all the parts up.

[Ken B.]

Thanks for that Ronnie and Josh. The seller claims to have bought it from an Estate Sale for $160. I'm going to try and offer $200 and see where it takes me. Will check for matching #'s. He's sort of local but says he doesn't want to make the trip worthless for his diesel truck since fuel is so expensive. He lives about 1 hour South of me. Going to meet half way on Wed. Heck, I figure a 40 buck profit will more than cover the deisel.

I'll keep y'all posted. Wish me luck.

[Josh Beckett]

See if the cleaning rod comes with it(it will be located in the buttstock.)

The assembly number will be on every numbered part, so basically just see if all numbered parts match each other. Yours has the nice polished bolt and polished bolt stop, and strawed trigger. Very nice rifle. I hope you buy it.

BTW, if you decide you dont want it, sell it to one of us, I have wanted a type 44 carbine for quite some time now.

[Ken B.]

So it's all numbered like a Kraut gun. The Jap stuff is new to me. Just happened to stumble across it.

[Josh Beckett]

If he declines your offer, offer him 300 dollars, as type 44s are quite pricey nowadays. I will PM you a ballpark value.

[Ken B.]

..

[Josh Beckett]

So it's all numbered like a Kraut gun. The Jap stuff is new to me. Just happened to stumble across it.

Kraut guns are extremely numbered, earlier japanese rifles(type 44 included) had about half of the parts numbered. Type 99s are all matched by their serial numbers though.

The type 44 in these pictures was probably made in the 1910's or 1920's, but they were used all the way up until WWII.

Once you buy your first japanese rifle, you are going to be hooked. One rifle will turn into two, then two into 50.

[MikeP]

Let's get real.

If matching this is an $800+ carbine. Higher, actually, being 1st model.

Add 150-200 for the rods if present.

Also on the numbers-they mighy appear mismatched as they were different from german stuff.

Check the numberon the inside of the bolt release and look at the ones on the bolt and bayonet assembly.

You should see some relationship.

Some responses you recieved contain more enthusiasm than actual knowledge and common sense.

[Josh Beckett]

I am well aware of how much its worth. I always lowball my offers when buying things(unless its a veteran or his family, then I pay what its worth).

What are you talking about no knowledge for? Everything you told him I told him as well.

Matching up the parts is my method of matching, because the sights(on type 38 rifles) will match the assembly number, the bayonet housing/bayonet lug will match it, the floor plate will match it, the dust cover will match it, and the bolt should match it. If all the numbers on the parts are different from the bolt, then they dont match.

[Ken B.]

Thanks everyone for your valued information! Without y'all I couldn't have done it. Be it on the thread or via PM (you know who you are)

I met the seller today and we consummated a deal. I didn't steal it but got a good deal. He took it to a sporting good store a few days ago and got a fairly good grasp on the current price.

Here's what more I can tell you about it. The bolt, bolt release, bayo assembly and rear sight all match. The floorplate, and receiver are different numbers. There are no cleaning rods in the butt stock. Bluing is in excellent condition with some wear on the high spots.

I'm very satisfied with the sale and thanks again guys!