Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[cwbrel]

Just got this one. Is it a Type 30 or a 02/45?



No serial number or final inspection marks.




Also, it has no tangs



The only numbers that don't seem to match are the bolt/extractor




Rear sight is also an early Type 30




But, there is some 'funny' business about the butt




notice the uneven line (this is the only flaw in the wood) and the lack of seam.

It did come with a Type 38 cleaning rod.

Thoughts?
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Curtis

It's been referred to as an addiction. I can live with that.

[gwsiii]

Cool beans! I'd go with early Type 30, since it has no extended tangs. The 02-45 uses a Type 35 action and training rifle stock/hardware, most noticeable on the front barrel band. I'm assuming its a rifled barrel? Please be sure to fill out a Type 30 data sheet www.castle-thunder.com/datas.htm for Frank! The stock may be a one piece stock and just well worn there, I can't tell from the pictures. Does the assembly number on the stock match any of the assembly numbers on the action/parts? Great stuff, thanks for posting. Trey
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I didn't pay to much for that old Arisaka, I just bought it a little bit too soon!

[cwbrel]

Actually, Frank wanted to double check when I sent him the data sheet. I would think that unnumbered 02/45s would be more common than unnumbered 30s. But, with the book in hand (well, right beside me), I went through the 30 and 02/45 data sheets. And it looked like a 30 to me, but I'm still very much learning.

The only numbers that don't seem to match are the bolt and the extractor ( I haven't disassembled to bolt yet to check the firing pin). Stock, hand guard, bayonet lug, trigger guard, magazine box, rear sight all have the same assembly number as the receiver. Easy to see how the bolt could have been a replacement.
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Curtis

It's been referred to as an addiction. I can live with that.

[gwsiii]

I'm with you, the early 30s are much rarer than 02-45s. You've definitely got a keeper there. I'm really starting to wonder how rare the 02-45s are. I've seen 4 come in through the TMCA show in the last few years, there have been 5 or 6 NC 19s. I generally see them as they are scurrying away to the car, not to be seen for years. Oh well. At least I've been lucky enough to see them at all!
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I didn't pay to much for that old Arisaka, I just bought it a little bit too soon!

[Francis C. Allan]

I agree that it is indeed a very early Type 30, probably one of the early test group. As I recall someone estimated that maybe 500 were made this way - no serial number, no tangs, one-piece stock - for troop trials.

Congrats on a great find!!!!!!

Frank
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Francis C. Allan
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Palm Coast, FL 32137

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