Japanese Kokura Type 99 Arisaka Full Mum 7.7mm 26” Bolt Action Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,624.00
LSB#: LSB251028TE006
Make: Kokura Arsenal, Japan
Model: Type 99
Serial Number: 38953 (24th Series)
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1943 / C&R
Caliber: 7.7x58mm
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with a full chrysanthemum and “99 Type” written in Kanji. The left side of the receiver is marked “38953” with a Kokura Arsenal mark and a 24th Series mark. The bolt parts and forend cap are serial matched to the receiver. The bayonet has a Nagoya arsenal mark and serial number that is non-matched to the rifle.
Barrel Length: 26”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted V post dovetailed to a barrel mounted base with protective wings. The rear sight is a v-notch sight attached to a flip up sight ladder assembly with fold out anti-aircraft wings. The ladder marked “4-15”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a capped forend w/ bayonet lug & hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band w/ sling loop & monopod base & reproduction monopod, finger grooves, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate. The stock retains its signature split at the heel. There are moderate scratches and pressure dents throughout along with several small chips. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates at about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The chrome bore is bright and the rifling sharp. There is no notable erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Most military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are light specks of rust and oxidation throughout along with moderate handling and wear marks throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads range from sharp to moderately tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good + condition. The bayonet retains its leather frog and scabbard, but is in Overall Very Good condition having been cleaned/buffed on the blade.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Type 30 bayonet, reproduction cotton sling, resin muzzle tampion.
Our Assessment: This Japanese Type 99 Arisaka was manufactured at the Kokura Arsenal circa 1943 and represents a highly desirable mid-war configuration distinguished by its intact Imperial Chrysanthemum. The presence of a full mum indicates the rifle was not surrendered and defaced following Japan’s capitulation, a detail that significantly enhances its historical integrity and collector appeal. As a 24th Series rifle, this example falls into a period when production quality remained solid, retaining features such as the anti-aircraft rear sight wings and chrome-lined bore, while still reflecting the pressures of wartime manufacture. Chambered in 7.7x58mm, the Type 99 was Japan’s standard infantry rifle during the Second World War, designed to deliver increased power over the earlier 6.5mm Type 38. This rifle retains approximately 80 percent of its original blued finish, with light oxidation and handling wear consistent with service use. The chrome-lined bore is a notable highlight, remaining bright with sharp rifling and no meaningful erosion, rating 9 out of 10 despite some stubborn fouling. Bolt components and the forend cap are serial matched to the receiver, reinforcing the rifle’s authenticity and originality, while the clear Kokura and series markings remain well defined.
The stock remains structurally sound and retains its characteristic Arisaka heel split, with moderate scratches, pressure dents, and small chips consistent with military use rather than later abuse. Included with the rifle is a Nagoya-marked Type 30 bayonet with scabbard and frog, along with a reproduction cotton sling and resin muzzle tampion, completing a representative field ensemble. As a full-mum Kokura Type 99 with a strong bore, matching components, and correct mid-war features, this rifle stands as a compelling example of Imperial Japanese small arms production and a centerpiece-worthy addition to a World War II collection. -R.E.
