Arisaka Type 99 Matching 7.7 Jap AA Sights Monopod Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1050
LSB#: 210907BW70
Make: Tokyo Artillery Arsenal or Kokura Arsenal. Both Japanese Arsenals used the same symbol.
Model: Arisaka, Type 99
Serial Number: 10184
Year of Manufacture: 1939-1945
Caliber: 7.7x58mm (7.7 Jap)
Action Type: Bolt Action, 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 three Japanese characters that translate to “99 Type”. The left side of the receiver is marked (from left to right) with the “22nd” series symbol, the serial number, the symbol for the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal or the Kokura Arsenal (both used the same symbol), and a few small Japanese stampings. There is a line on the left of the barrel shank that matches a line on the receiver. The bottom of the safety, bottom of the bolt handle, firing pin, and extractor are each marked “708”. The bottom of the bayonet lug and rear of the dust cover are both marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The rear of the safety has decorative metal work on it. For more information on the markings see pages 210 – 215 of Joe Puleo’s book, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 ½ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set between two protective ears. The rear sight ladder has a fixed aperture when down and a sliding aperture when flipped up. The ladder is marked from “3 – 15”. The sides fold out to be used as anti-aircraft sights. They are marked “2” in the middle and “3” on the ends. There are inverted “V” notches on each side of the AA sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, nosecap with bayonet lug, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with monopod, two side mounted sling loops, through bolt, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate and stock hardware show scrapes and discoloration from oxidation. The buttplate also shows surface erosion. There drain holes in the belly of the stock and above the right through bolt. The wood shows several scrapes, scuffs, and scratches. Some have damaged small areas of the finish. The LOP measures 12 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The grooves are dark. The polygonal rifling is deep; shallow at the muzzle. There is erosion in the bore; more prominent in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, discoloration from oxidation, and surface erosion. The screw heads show use and oxidation. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a refinished dust cover. Surface erosion and pitting shows through the new finish. It is in about Good condition as refinished.
Our Assessment: This Japanese Type 99 Arisaka was made at the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal or Kokura Arsenal sometime between 1939 and the end of WWII. Both Japanese Arsenals used the same symbol. The metal finish has some issues but should clean up a bit. Luckily the markings on the metal are clear. This Arisaka comes with an intact “chrysanthemum”, anti aircraft sights, monopod, and a dust cover. This wartime service rifle will add to a WWII or Military collection.