Japan Type 44 Carbine Mum 6.5 Arisaka Folding Bayonet Bolt Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1300

LSB#: 211027RF26

Make: Tokyo Artillery Arsenal, Japan

Model: Type 44 Carbine

Serial Number: 04673

Year of Manufacture: 1911-1933 (oldmilitarymarkings.com/japanese_markings.html)

Caliber: 6.5x50mm (6.5 Jap or 6.5 Arisaka)

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine

Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked with a “chrysanthemum”, the Imperial ownership seal, and with 3 Japanese characters that translate to “44 Type”. The left side of the receiver is marked (from left to right) with the “1st” series symbol, the serial number, with the symbol for Tokyo Artillery Arsenal “stacked cannon balls”, and with 2 small Japanese stampings. The bottom of the bolt handle, bottom of the safety, and bottom of the nosecap are marked with the last 3 digits of the serial number. The extractor is marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The rear of the safety is covered in decorative metal work. The bottom of the receiver is marked with assembly number “4853”. The numbers marked on the extractor which were described as not matching the receiver are in fact “4853” and match the receiver’s assembly number. The assembly number “4853” is also found marked on the barrel inlet of the stock and handguard, the right of the trigger, and the top of the bolt release lever. The receiver tang is marked “85”, possibly a portion of the assembly number. Interestingly, the nosecap is marked with the last three digits of the serial number, “673” but the inside of the nosecap has its own assembly number “535” and the bayonet release button and latch each have “535” marked. The rear sight and the slider release button are each marked “70”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 19 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post between two protective ears. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to a flip up sight ladder with a sliding “V” notch. It is marked from “4 – 20”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece hardwood with a pistol grip, finger grooves, cutout for the folding bayonet, metal nose cap, barrel band, two sling loops, hooked bayonet quillon (not a stacking loop), and a metal buttplate. The bottom of the forearm has 3 drain holes. There is a lever on the right of the butt that rotates to open an oval in the buttplate. This exposes the cleaning rod storage area in the butt stock. The buttplate & stock hardware show scrapes. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several of these marks have damaged or removed small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild

Bore Condition: The lands are bright. The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The polygonal rifling is deep. There is some oxidation in the grooves near the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. It shows scrapes, a few scratches, and areas of light discoloration. The trigger guard shows thin scratches and thinning from aggressive cleaning. This area also shows discoloration and light surface erosion. The bolt release lever shows thinning and light surface erosion. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
The bayonet locks into place correctly. The lever on the right of the butt is rotated up to open the oval in the buttplate and expose the cleaning rod  storage area.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This Japanese Type 44 Carbine was made at the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal. It has deep markings including the Japanese “Type 44”characters on the receiver and an intact “chrysanthemum”. The rifle has been rebuilt. It was finished nicely during the rebuild, keeping the markings intact. This Carbine looks impressive when the folding bayonet is extended. The hook on the bayonet is not a stacking loop. It is meant to replicate a Type 30 bayonet quillon. Bayonet fencing with hooked quillons was part of Japanese military training. This Type 44 Carbine will add to your collection.
For more see page 208 of Joe Puleo’s book, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World.