Learned something today--Arisaka rifle

[helmetbuyers]

I was stripping a trashed Arisaka rifle for parts today... and finally figured something out.

For years... I would see split butt stocks... and was told the Japanese were short on wood on their own soil, and used lesser/inferior wood for their stocks.

Thus... it would be common to see rifles with split stocks.

Well... I took this trashed Type 30 (???) rifle apart, and finally removed the metal butt plate.

Turns out... The stock is actually two pieces of wood... fitted in the tongue and groove fashion.. lol

Now... I won't moan and groan that a rifle has a spilt stock when I see them.

[helmetbuyers]

Is this a harder to find Type 30 rifle??

[helmetbuyers]

153

[helmetbuyers]

metal butt plate remove--tongue and grove feature.

I was wondering why they seem to be split...

[helmetbuyers]

Any idea why they would use two pieces of wood?

Does it have to do with the diameter of the trees growing in Japan??

[helmetbuyers]

158

[Paul G]

Thanks for sharing Robert! I always wondered why the stocks were split as well. I had heard just as you, inferior product, ect.

PG-

[zachb]

Type 30

The receiver markings in your picture are for a TYPE 30 or Type 30 carbine. Type 30 rifles might command more than Type 38's or '99s (even in less desirable condition) so I would be careful parting one out. This could be especially true if the rifle is all matching and/or a Siamese contract. Also, some several thousand of these rifles were converted into trainers, which are collectible in their own right. Are there any other markings?

The two-piece stock is another unique feature of Japanese rifles. The purpose is as you said, to facilitate more economical manufacturing, and it strengthens the rifle stock if the grains of the two pieces run in different directions.

Zach

[helmetbuyers]

The receiver markings in your picture are for a TYPE 30 or Type 30 carbine. Type 30 rifles might command more than Type 38's or '99s (even in less desirable condition) so I would be careful parting one out. This could be especially true if the rifle is all matching and/or a Siamese contract. Also, some several thousand of these rifles were converted into trainers, which are collectible in their own right. Are there any other markings?

The two-piece stock is another unique feature of Japanese rifles. The purpose is as you said, to facilitate more economical manufacturing, and it strengthens the rifle stock if the grains of the two pieces run in different directions.

Zach

Hello Zach...

This rifle was really trashed.

The front site was removed, and it appeared a scope mount was welded, and ground off at one time. The stock was also butchered post war/sporterized.


I will enclose photos of the parts I was able to save in a few minutes.

Robert

[helmetbuyers]

parts I salvaged

[helmetbuyers]

bolt appears to be in excellent shape

[helmetbuyers]

161

[helmetbuyers]

162

[helmetbuyers]

163

[helmetbuyers]

164