Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

cwbrel · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:57 am Post subject: T38 Receiver Markings

I'm finishing my 38 info sheets and finally got a chance to get some pics of this one. Except for markings, it is a normal 38, but the serial number reminds me of the style on my Argentine Mausers. The metal is very clean and smooth. The stock isn't a two piece butt and may have been refinished (there is some material in the bottom of the barrel channel). Most numbers match including the stock, hand guard, tangs, trigger guard, and magazine box. Bolt doesn't match the rifle or safety. Thoughts?

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Curtis

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gwsiii · Joined: Aug 21 2003 Posts: 2240 Location: Hayden, AL

Very nice, clean rifle, Its a 6.5 Infantry Rifle. Frank will be along to fill in the rest of the history. Interesting rifles, they come in 4 and 5 character receiver markings that loosely translate to 6 5 Walking Spear. Trey
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Francis C. Allan · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 9:12 am Post subject: 6/5 IR

Yes, that is a beauty and it certainly has an interesting stock stamp. I'll pass along that photo to our resident Chinese expert and let you know what he says.

The 6/6 IR is covered in Chapter 10 of "The Type 38 Arisaka", but basically not too much is known concering their production. It is certainly a very interesting variation of the basic Type 38.

Frank
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gwsiii · Joined: Aug 21 2003 Posts: 2240 Location: Hayden, AL

Just an independent observation, the 6.5 IRs seem significantly heavier than standard 38s. I supposed I should try weighing them and seeing if that's really the case.
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Francis C. Allan · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 9:27 am Post subject: Weight

The 6/5IR is indeed slightly heavier. When I did the book I weighed the T-38 at 9lbs 4 oz (4.19kg) and the 6/5IR at 9lbs 7oz (4.28kg). However, that was just one 6/5IR. I would be interesting to see what another one weighed. I always thought that that the thicker stock - at least in the grip area - would have added more weight.

Frank
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Francis C. Allan
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Francis C. Allan · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 11:58 am Post subject: Stock Stamp

The Chinese charter within the star is JIE which translates to "Liberation Army", per Dr. Zielinski.

Frank
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Francis C. Allan
20Courtney Place
Palm Coast, FL 32137

(386) 445-4225

cwbrel · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 2:35 pm Post subject:

'Liberation Army' is an interesting phrase. Wonder who was liberated from whom?
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Curtis

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

Francis C. Allan · Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 9:23 am Post subject: Additional

The marking is a bit more complicated than I indicated. Here is some additional input from Dr. Z.

解放军 is "jie fang jun" - liberation army. The first character is the one in the star marking.

Frank

P.S. - Maybe liberated from reality?
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Francis C. Allan
20Courtney Place
Palm Coast, FL 32137

(386) 445-4225