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

SOLD FOR: $1375

LSB#: 211027RF20

Make: Tokyo Artillery Arsenal, Japan

Model: Type 44 Carbine

Serial Number: 32795

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 serial number, with the symbol for Tokyo Artillery Arsenal “stacked cannon balls”, and with 2 small Japanese stampings. The rear of the receiver is marked with a “circle” acceptance mark and a “circled triangle” proof. The barrel shank is marked with 2 proofs, “S” and a “circled triangle”. The bolt assembly parts, bottom of the nosecap, bayonet release button, and rear edge of the dust cover are 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 “958”. The numbers marked on the bolt handle, extractor and safety which were described as not matching the receiver are in fact “958” and match the receiver’s assembly number. The assembly number “958” is also found marked on the barrel inlet of the stock and handguard, the top of the magazine floorplate, the left of the receiver tang, the right of the trigger, the rear sight slider and the top of the bolt release lever. The nosecap and bayonet release button each have “958” marked, but these are stamped over a previous marking. The rear sight and the slider release button are each marked “099”.

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. 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 shows scrapes, thin scratches and some pin prick surface erosion. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many of these marks have damaged or removed areas of surface wood. 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 muzzle and grooves are light gray. The polygonal rifling is deep. There is fouling and intermittent erosion in grooves and at the muzzle. The face of the muzzle shows light surface erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. It shows scrapes, a few scratches, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The most prominent marks are on the front of the barrel. The screw heads show moderate 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: The rifle comes with a dust cover that shows scrapes, thin scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. It is in about Very Good condition. It also comes with a leather sling that is in Fine condition.

Our Assessment: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. 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. The rifle comes with a dust cover and a sling. This Type 44 Carbine looks good and should do well at the range. Good luck.
For more see page 208 of Joe Puleo’s book, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World.