Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[pa_hunter17044]

I just picked up a Type 44 carbine.It is in rather good cosmetic shape.I was wondering what the lands and grroves should look like.The bore appears to be shot out?If so what can i do to make it a shooter?

[gwsiii]

Welcome to the forum. The Japanese used a different style rifling (Metford) than other countries so the rifling isn't as sharp or crisp as we are used to seeing. Chances are that is all that it is. The early Type 44s were not as accurate as the rest of the 38 family, they had accuracy problems due to the lack of float at the muzzle due to the pressure of the bayonet housing. This is the reason for the 3 types of bayonet housings, each succesive attempt trying to correct problems with accuracy, and breakage of the stock from pressure from the bayonet housing. They are still fun to shoot, just not normally quite as accurate as a 38 or 99. Trey
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[Francis C. Allan]

The rifling does often look like it is shot out, but as pointed out above, the rifling is of the Metford type, also called polygonal. It fools the casual observer. There are several advantages in the use of polygonal rifling, such as the lack of sharp edges gives cross wind less to impact with its softer shoulders on the lands as the projectile flys down range.

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

(386) 445-4225

[arisakadogs]

That's interesting about the accuracy of the T-44. Back in the early '70s (when I used to shoot every Japanese rifle I had), my Nagoya 2nd series #11113 was the most accurate Japanese rifle I had. Even my Dad was impressed with it. Of course it was the only T-44 I had at the time & I'm not sure if I've ever shot another since. This post just brought back that memory. Wonder where that carbine is now?
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[Francis C. Allan]

Dear Rob;

I should have expanded on that. You are correct. The accuracy problem exists in those T-44s with the early bayonet housing. The 2nd and 3rd bayo housing variations have the barrel virtually free floating and this resolved the accuracy problem.

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

(386) 445-4225