Modern Japanese rifles were produced in various configurations and calibers at several Arsenals located thoughout Japan, China, and Korea from about 1897 through 1945. Below are the markings on rifles in 6.5 Japanese Caliber manufactured from 1897 until the mid 1940's. These rifles include: The Type 30 Long Rifle and Carbine, the Type 35 Rifle, the Type 38 Long Rifle, Short Rifle, and Carbine, the Type 44 Carbine, the Type 97 Sniper Rifle, and the Italian Type I Long Rifle.
6.5 Caliber Japanese Rifle Receiver Markings
Type 30 - Model of 1897 Found in Long Rifle and Carbine configurations |
Type 35 - Model of 1902 Found in Long Rifle Configuration only adopted for Naval use |
Type 38 - Model of 1905 Found in Long, Short Rifle, and Carbine Configurations |
Type 38 - Model of 1905 Double Circle Rifle or Concentric Circle Rifle |
Type 38 - Model of 1905 'Love of Country' marks either side of Chrysanthemum |
Mexican Type 38 - 1913 Rifle/Carbine configuration No Type/Arsenal markings |
Type 44 - Model of 1915 Found in Carbine Configuration only 3 Variations Identified by Bayonet Housings |
Type 97 - Model of 1937 Kokura Arsenal Sniper Configuration only |
Type 97 - Model of 1937 Nagoya Arsenal Sniper Configuration only |
In the late 1930's the Japanese developed a rifle to compete in 'Modern Warfare'. It was a redesign of the Type 38 in a larger caliber, 7.7 Japanese. These rifles include: The Type 99 Long Rifle, the Type 99 Short Rifle, the Type 99 Carbine, the Type 99 Naval Special, the Type 100 Paratroop Rifle, and the Type 2 Paratroop Rifle. Receiver Markings of the 7.7 Caliber guns are below.
7.7 Caliber Japanese Rifle Receiver Markings
Early Type 99 - Model of 1939 Found in Long/Short Rifle and Carbine configurations |
Late Type 99 - Model of 1939 Double Circle Rifle or Concentric Circle Rifle |
Late Type 99 - Model of 1939 Last Ditch Receiver markings Found on Short Rifles & Carbines |
Naval Type 99 - Model of 1939 Naval Receiver markings Found on Short Rifles & Carbines |
Type 2 - Model of 1942 Found in Short Rifle configurations |
The Model/Type markings are generally found on the top of the receiver, forward (towards to muzzle) of the chamber and generally indicate original caliber unless modified by another country at a later date. The serial number is found on the left side of the receiver on most standard rifles. The Arsenal mark on Japanese rifles is generally found to the right of the serial number on the left side of the receiver. Frequently there is a Series designator in a circle preceeding the serial number on the left side of the action.