i am looking into buying a arisaka type 99 early production. where on the dust cover do i find the serial number? where else on the rifle do i find the serial number? it has a bayonet with it. are the numbers on the bayonet supposed to match the rifle ? it has the monopod. any numbers on it?where are the numbers on the bayonet? are the scabbards numbered to the bayonet? i know k98s but am at a loss on the 99s of japan. i know this rifle has a bayo with scabbard, monopod, correct wood, aircraft sights, unground mum correct sling, and a dust cover. i am thinking its a very scarce piece, but what are the subtilties i should look for such as makers marks or really unusual things to look for. Thanks in advance for your input. yes i am hoping no one remembers i always preach to BUY THE BOOK first then the gun. i am just getting into japanese stuff as i see it probably taking off in price and collectability this year. every thing else is already through the roof.
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The SN on the Dust cover should be on the lip on the rear of it. The number will be on the bayonet lug, safety, bolt handle, extractor, firing pin, and the reciever. The main thing we japanese collectors look for is matching numbers, and original finish on the stock and metal. The mum doesnt really bother most of us. I personally have never turned down a ground rifle, but I have turned down mummed/matching rifles because they were refinished or overpriced. It should have sharp and crisp finger grooves and have the stock marks present and if it doesnt it has in all likelyness been refinished. If you are wanting a rare variant in the early form, then the only ones you could find would be a Mukden 45th series or a early jinsen 40th series(only about 20 mukdens have been reported and the highest serial number for early jinsens are in the 100's or 1000's, but jinsens have a high survivability rate among other japanese weapons and I believe they were all brought back so that leaves about 95000 jinsens out there). If I were you, I would look at gun shows for one as they are alot cheaper on gun shows and not inflated like they are on the internet. Also, the scabbards on the bayonets arent numbered to the bayonet itself, but be sure you have the right variation for it. If you want a cheaper rifle, get either a transitional one or a last ditch one as they are alot funner to collect and still make good shooters as well. The ammo is getting cheap too, so it isnt too expensive to shoot these anymore.
Or just dont buy a japanese rifle and save yourself from a lifetime of an empty wallet and a room full of rifles from different variations, they are extremely addictive and are alot cooler than the mausers which makes buying them more irresistable. Just kidding about that, and happy hunting for your first japanese rifle(when I say first, I mean first, they are super addictive). If you need any help finding one or if you have any questions about possible purchases that you are unsure of, feel free to shoot me a PM or email. -
Thanks Josh
i will email pix if i get this one.Comment
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Forgot to mention two other rare variants of early rifles. The concentric circle rifles(instead of a mum they have a circle inside of a circle which is sometimes overtop a ground mum). And there is the Izawa 4th series(not to be confused with the 9th series).Comment
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