Milsurp After Hours

This is my new Type 99 Arisaka rifle. This was made later in WW2 when materials were getting in short supply and shortcuts were being made in production of the rifles. I think this is from late 1943 early 1944? Riceone will know The bolt, safety knob and extractor are matching but the firing pin is from a different rifle as it is not a matching number. The bore is bright and shiney. This rifle has been a bit rusty at some time as the exposed metal at the muzzle has some pitting and has been cleaned up and coated in something. The action top has had the same treatment. This means that it is not a rifle for the purist collector, but as an example of a mid/late war rifle it will do for me.

A few pics.
One of the shortcuts. They omitted the 'Type 99' stamp from the action top.
The monopod has been omitted and a plain barrel band in lieu of the slotted monbloc type.
The sight ears have been omitted and the front barrel band is a two screw type instead of the earlier three screw type. The cleaning rod is missing. It should have a short 4 7/8 inch rod.
The buttplate is now made of wood and not a cupped metal type and is held on with three nails instead of screws. The sling swivel is a one screw type instead of the two screw type on the earlier rifles.
The rear sight is a standard ladder sight and no longer has the anti-aircraft arms.
The marks for the Toyo Kogyo arsenal in the Hiroshima prefecture. The character in front of the serial number is the series 34 mark.
It is a very nice rifle and I am looking forward to shooting it.

Regards

Peter.

Hello Peter, that is a beautiful rifle. First thing caught my eye was the pretty stock. Looks like original finish and not used as the buttplate is not scared up. Today I was riding from one field to another thinking about if I only had one rifle what you it be? My thoughts was a late war T99, like this one, or a 30-30 Winchester. The date you place on it is about right, I think. A solid no frills dependable rifle with nothing to go amis. Congratulation on finding such a nice rifle.

Peter, I come here every day just to look at that stock, georgeous!! riceone

Thanks for the comments. I admit to taking it out of the cabinet and looking at it quite often. I am itching to shoot it. I have got 50 Norma cases all primed and ready. I have just got to get to the gun shop tomorrow and get some powder as I have run out. If I can get them loaded I am at the range on Sunday.

Regards

Peter.

Did you get to the range Peter?

Joe

...but I was one of the range officers so I didn't get to shoot It was raining anyway and I am more of a fair weather shooter than an amphibious one. I will have it out the next time I go. I had got the cases loaded within an hour or so of getting home with the powder

Regards

Peter.

I just bought a late 33 series and the stock has that same red color. Did Toyo Kogyo use different wood? Does yours have the hole for the cleaning rod? Is the end of your safety smooth or rough? Thanks for the information. Steven Poulos

I have a Series 33 that is the same color and far as I know the wood is the same as others. Mine has a knurled safety know, short screw in rod, full top handgurad and ladder type rear sight with slide for AA wings but no wings. Butt plate is metal and has a four digit serial number - so early in the series. riceone.

Steven, the safety is smooth and there is the hole for the cleaning rod.

Regards

Peter.

Peter,

Thanks for the information. I'll be able to pick it up next week (10 day waiting period).

I'll post pictures as soon as I clean it up a bit.

Steve