WWII Mukden Arsenal Type 38 Carbine 6.5x50mm Intact Mum Bolt Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 220108DR007
Make: Mukden Arsenal, Japan
Model: Arisaka Type 38 Carbine
Serial Number: 613070
Year of Manufacture: 1938-1944, C&R
Caliber: 6.5x50mm Arisaka
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine Fed By Stripper Clips. The magazine has a hinged floorplate.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number “613070” and Mukden Arsenal marking next to a small Japanese character. The top has its Japanese Chrysanthemum intact and has three Japanese characters representing “38” and “Type”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “129”, the top of the bolt handle is marked “770”. The side of the extractor and the firing pin are marked “129”. The front of the safety knob is marked “770”. The bayonet lug is marked “070”. The top rear of the receiver and the top of the shank are marked with small characters. The rear face of the safety has decorative metal work. The top of the bolt release is marked “3”. The bottom of the rear sight ladder and glide piece is marked with small characters.
Barrel Length: 19.2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” with protective ears dovetailed into a banded rectangular base. The rear sight is a ladder sight that is screwed to the barrel. The rear of the ladder has a fixed “V” notch for use when the ladder is folded down. When the ladder is folded up, there is a “V” notched slider. The ladder is marked “4-20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth wood with finger grooves, metal nosecap with a hole for the cleaning rod, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, metal buttplate, and two sling loops. The buttstock is made from two pieces of wood, with the bottom piece starting near the bottom of the pistol grip. The lower tang wraps around the front of the bottom piece to better secure the piece. There is battle damage to the wood just above the floorplate on the left side where a bullet struck. There are numerous scattered scrapes, compressions, impact marks, scratches, nicks, and scuffs. There is a gash on the right side of the buttstock. The majority of the defects have darkened with age. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows a dark patina with erosion and scrapes at the heel and toe. The stocks are in about Good-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The lands are bright and the grooves are dim with light erosion. There is some pitting near the muzzle. The rifling is rounded yet defined.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. There is thinning at all leading edges. The bottom metal shows an even light patina with scattered nicks, scratches, and oxidation. There is light surface erosion on the receiver and shank. The nose cap and band show a mottled patina and oxidation. There is some light pitting on the bolt release. There is some finish loss on the top of the receiver. The barrel also shows light surface oxidation with thinned finish near the muzzle. There is standard operational wear. The screwheads show use with serviceable slots. The markings are mainly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. However, due to the bullet impact, the floorplate release is stuck and the floorplate cannot be removed. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Type 38 Arisaka was made at the Mukden Arsenal located in Manchuria. It was made during the Japanese occupation of Manchuria. Intended for use by cavalry, engineers, quartermasters and other non-frontline troops, the Type 38 carbine was introduced into service at the same time as the standard Type 38. The Mukden Arsenal produced 52,300 Type 38’s from 1938-1944. This rifle was struck, likely in battle, by a bullet on the left side of the floorplate. Holding the rifle, it is evident that the bullet would have narrowly missed the shooter’s left arm. If this one could talk, it would surely have a cool story to tell! This example is in about Good-Plus condition and has its mum completely intact. Please see our photos and good luck!