A few weeks ago, a friend of mine was selling some junk silver to save up for another project. He had some Morgans, a couple of Peace dollars, and some old silver casino "chips". After I decided to buy everything except the chips (I know absolutely nothing about these), he told me he was also selling a few firearms. He rattled off a few of the different weapons he was selling, and one of them captured my attention. He said he had an old World War II Japanese rifle. After looking it over and hearing some of the story behind it, I quickly decided I had to have it.
What I ended up also purchasing was an Arisaka Type-38 Carbine "bring home". It is referred as a "bring home" because it was "brought home" by a soldier after the war. I am guessing this soldier was a US Marine as this took place in the Pacific Theater. Apparently, the original owner was killed shortly after he bayoneted this soldier in the abdomen during the Battle for Okinawa. The bayonet is the only piece missing from this beaut because it was swiftly destroyed by the new owner. Another way to tell that it is a "bring home" is by an intact Mum. The Mum was the symbol of the Japanese Empire. Removal of the Mum by scratching or filing off, was the first thing done to any captured Japanese weapon before they were later exported to other countries for future use.
You'll notice that the butt-stock looks to have a split in it. This is, in fact, the way they were manufactured. My understanding is that large trees were scarce in Japan even before the war. This is why the stock was made from two pieces of wood dove-tailed together. I am under the impression that this particular rifle was made sometime pre-war in the 1930's, maybe even the 1920's. The reason I believe this is because it has all quality parts including a cleaning rod. Shortly after the war started, Japanese weapon manufactures started cutting corners, using less quality parts, and even leaving parts missing (cleaning rods, butt-stock plates, sights). This was done because Japan was quickly running out of resources. The lower quality builds are often referred to as "last ditch" rifles.
I have read that the Type-38 had the strongest receiver assembly of any Mauser type weapon built during World War II. It shoots the hard to find 6.5x50mm. Unless you are skilled in reloading, this round pretty much has to be custom made and cost approximately $3 a pop. So, I still haven't decided if I will be shooting it or not.
I am truly happy with this purchase. It definitely looks it's age, but all the numbers match and it even has the original sling.
I look forward to any comments or questions you may have. Please upvote and resteem this if you found it interesting!
- All pics were taken by me