WWII Japanese Tokyo Kogyo Type 99 7.7×58 AA Sights MUM Arisaka Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $790
WOA#: WY231103JB002
Make: The Hiroshima Plant of Toyo Kogyo (Toyo Manufacturing). Subcontractor for the Kokura Arsenal.
Model: Arisaka, Type 99, Series 31
Serial Number: 36186
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 has its “chrysanthemum” (the Imperial ownership seal) intact, complete, and crisp. It is also marked with three Japanese characters that translate to “99 Type”. The left side of the receiver is marked (from left to right) with a small Japanese stamping the “31st” series symbol, the serial number, and the 2 symbols for the Hiroshima Plant of Toyo Kogyo. There is a line on the left of the barrel shank that matches a line on the receiver. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “674”. The extractor is marked “674”. The rear of the dust cover is marked “674”. The rear of the safety has decorative metal work on it.
Barrel Length: Approximately 25 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” dovetailed into a banded rectangular base with protective ears. The rear sight is a ladder sight that is screwed to the barrel. The rear of the ladder has a fixed peep sight for use when the ladder is flipped down. When the ladder is flipped up, there is an aperture in the center of the slider for use. The sides of the ladder are marked from “3” to “15”. The slider has spring-loaded latches for raising and lowering the slider and locking it into position. The ladder has folding anti-aircraft wings attached, each marked “2” and “3”, and with a “V” notch on the outside edge (lower edge when unfolded to the horizontal position).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecap with bayonet lug, hole for the cleaning rod, barrel band, two sling loops, monopod attached to the band, through bolt and a metal buttplate. There are drainage holes located on the bottom of the stock ahead of the lower metal and above the right through bolt. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. The most prominent imperfections are on the sides of the stock where there is a notable gash and several dark compressions. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These defects have been oiled over and have darkened with age. The LOP measures 12 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows a deep, dark patina with scattered pitting. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is very shallow. There is light erosion spread throughout. In my opinion the bore rates 4/10.
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 approximately 30% of its metal finish. There is thinning at all leading edges. The metal shows scrapes and small scratches. There is scattered corrosion throughout all of the metal. There is pinprick pitting throughout as well. The screw heads are serviceable. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as C&R.
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: This rifle comes with its attached leather sling.
Our Assessment: This Japanese Type 99 Arisaka was made by the Hiroshima Plant of Toyo Kogyo (Toyo Manufacturing) sometime between 1939 and the end of WWII. Toyo Manufacturing was a subcontractor for the Kokura Arsenal during WWII. This Arisaka is neat for several reasons: it has its “chrysanthemum” intact, a matching dust cover, a monopod, and complete anti-aircraft sights. The rifle is in Good condition with a respectable bore and great mechanics. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
