Japanese Rifle Identification
Main Page

CASTLE-THUNDER.COM Rifles - Back to Main Page

Receiver Markings Japanese Rifles 1897-1945

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 Receiver Markings
Type 30 - Model of 1897
Found in Long Rifle and Carbine configurations

Type 35 Receiver Markings
Type 35 - Model of 1902
Found in Long Rifle Configuration only
adopted for Naval use

Type 38 Receiver Markings
Type 38 - Model of 1905
Found in Long, Short Rifle,
and Carbine Configurations
Nagoya Type 38 Double Circle Receiver Markings
Type 38 - Model of 1905
Double Circle Rifle or
Concentric Circle Rifle
Tokyo Type 38 Long Rifle with 'Love of Country' Markings
Type 38 - Model of 1905
'Love of Country' marks
either side of Chrysanthemum
Mexican Contract Type 38 Long Rifle 1913
Mexican Type 38 - 1913
Rifle/Carbine configuration
No Type/Arsenal markings
Type 38 Carbine
Type 44 Receiver Markings
Type 44 - Model of 1915
Found in Carbine Configuration only
3 Variations Identified by Bayonet Housings

3rd Variation Bayonet housing, Type 44 Carbine



Kokura Type 97 Sniper Rifle Receiver Markings
Type 97 - Model of 1937
Kokura Arsenal
Sniper Configuration only
Nagoya Type 97 Sniper Rifle Receiver Markings
Type 97 - Model of 1937
Nagoya Arsenal
Sniper Configuration only
Kokura Type 97 Sniper and muzzle cover without Scope attached Kokura Type 97 Sniper with scope attached (left side)


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

Type 99 Receiver Markings
Early Type 99 - Model of 1939
Found in Long/Short Rifle
and Carbine configurations
Type 99 Receiver Markings
Late Type 99 - Model of 1939
Double Circle Rifle or
Concentric Circle Rifle
Type 99 Receiver Markings
Late Type 99 - Model of 1939
Last Ditch Receiver markings
Found on Short Rifles & Carbines
Type 99 Naval Special Receiver Markings
Naval Type 99 - Model of 1939
Naval Receiver markings
Found on Short Rifles & Carbines
Early Type 99 Short Rifle with monopod attached Last Ditch Type 99 Short Rifle
Type 2 Paratrooper Rifle Receiver Markings
Type 2 - Model of 1942
Found in Short Rifle configurations
Type 2 Paratrooper Rifle

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.


CASTLE-THUNDER.COM - Back to Home Page

Some graphics courtesy Hipp'os-sible Productions®
©Copyright 2002-2004. Banzai Bomber and Friends®