Model 38 Arisaka School Rifle

[etprescottuk]

Not sure if many military rifle collectors here get a chance to see many of these, recently acquired a Model 38 Arisaka that had been pulled from military service for school use. This rifle was manufactured in the late teens or early 20's based on the serial number. Rifle has had the arsenal stamp struck over the mum when refurbished by the Japanese for release to schools for rifle training. There is also the school mark stamped onto the receiver as well the tell tale double 00's in front of the serial number. Overall this rifle is in pretty good shape, not refinished or as we say bubba'ed, very solid feel, turns out the sling is a Swedish sling converted to an imitation Jap sling. I can't wait to put a few rounds thru it, seller tossed in a box of 6.5 Jap, this is a fairly scarce pricey round. As most Japanese rifles in the U.S. represent an arm brought back by a departed veteran as opposed to an import surplus arm I have a particular fondness for the Japanese rifle.

[bnz41]

Hi
That rifle looks to be in great condition, I have only seen one recently for sale here, not sure if there many around..

What are the 2 holes in the receiver for ?

[etprescottuk]

Hi
That rifle looks to be in great condition, I have only seen one recently for sale here, not sure if there many around..

What are the 2 holes in the receiver for ?

The two holes in the receiver are for gas relief, blown primers. Apparently Japanese ammunition had spotty quality control, all the Type 38's have two holes a later Type 99 will have one hole in the receiver.

[ovenpaa]

That is a lovely example and it will be good to hear how it shoots, it is certainly an unusual rifle over here and I am yet to see one on the firing point.

[lapua338]

There must be a premium on these since there's so few of them out there in this condition.

One of the strongest actions of it's period.

I'd be interested to know how well it shoots.

[Alpha1]

Very nice let us know how you get on with it.

[etprescottuk]

Was finally able to make it to the range with my "new" model 38 Arisaka. Rifle shoots beautifully and function was smooth and flawless. Target is at 75 yards, ten shots, half standing half at rest. I need to make it to the range more often.

[dromia]

Like most military rifles the will respond very well to hand cast boolits.

[ukrifleman]

My Type 38 Arisaka shoots well with the RCBS 140gn Silhouette bullet, gas checked to .265, with either 18.5gn of 5744 or 11.5gn GM3.

For FMJ loads, I use a 139gn, .264 FMJ bullet and 29.0gn of Vectan 3000.

These loads work well in MY rifle and are issued as information only and are not intended as a recommendation for others to use.

ukrifleman.

[idge]

what makes a bullet a silhouette bullet ??