Japanese Type 44 Carbine 6.5 Arisaka Folding Bayonet Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 210722TS48
Make: Tokyo Artillery Arsenal, Japan
Model: Type 44 Carbine
Serial Number: 64185
Year of Manufacture: 1930-1940 (see 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 has had its “chrysanthemum”, the Imperial ownership seal, defaced. It is still marked 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 a small Japanese stamping. The rear of the receiver is marked with a “circle” acceptance mark. The underside of the bolt handle, the firing pin, the extractor, the bottom of the safety, and bottom of the nosecap are all marked with the serial number. The bayonet release button and rear edge of the dust cover are marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The firing pin is also marked with crossed out numbers. The rear of the safety is covered in decorative metal work.
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. A 2 piece cleaning rod is stored in the butt. The bottom of the forearm has 2 holes drilled into it. The holes are covered by the folded bayonet. There is a cut out at the right front of the receiver. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many are deep and have damaged small portions of the surface of the wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. 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
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are grey. The polygonal rifling is well defined. There is fouling & erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 66% of its metal finish. The area around the defaced “chrysanthemum” has been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scapes, small scratches, and surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use. 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.
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: A 2 piece cleaning rod is stored in the butt. The rods thread together. They show scrapes & discoloration. They are in Very Good Plus condition. The rifle comes with a dust cover that shows scratches, small scratches, and surface erosion. It is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Japanese Type 44 carbine was made at the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal between 1930 and 1940. It has deep markings including the Japanese “Type 44”characters on the receiver. Unfortunately the “chrysanthemum” has been defaced; this is very common. The metal finish has some issues but much of that should clean up. This Carbine looks impressive, especially 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.