Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[Flam]

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering if you could help me identify my grandfathers WWII bring back rifle? I’m sure you’re most familiar with the story of a rifle being tucked away in a closet for 60+ years, and now people are wondering what it is. I’m ignorant on the subject however, in doing a bit of research I’ve noticed that; the receiver is stamped with a cherry blossom instead of the mum, the venting holes are almost on the sides of the chamber, the front site doesn’t have guards, the serial number isn’t in the proper format, and there are no arsenal or series markings. Is that enough to rule out Type 38? From the the pictures I’ve seen it doesn’t appear to match the Type 35 or Type I models either. Also, the rifle does appear to have rifling though I need to give it a good cleaning to 100% sure. The Serial Numbers are G747 on the receiver, and G723 on the bolt. Any help you could provide is deeply appreciated.

Thanks,
Michael


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[gwsiii]

Welcome to the forum! That is a very nice and complete Japanese Type 38 style Training rifle . Please fill out a Japanese Training Rifle Datasheet and send to Chip Goddard for a complete ID. According to the datasheet your rifle is a Type 38 style, with Flower Variation A receiver marking, I think. While your bolt# does not match the last three digits of your serial number, it does appear to be from the same series with prefix 'G'. Chip can tell you better. Do not fire the rifle, it is not made for 'live ammunition'. Most training rifles are not found it that condition. A very nice rifle, and with a bit of history to it. I'll see if I can get Chip to drop by and give you a little more information on it.

Several light cleanings with 0000 steel wool, or nickel/brass wool will do nicely on the metal. I wouldn't do anything to the stock other than maybe spraying with WD-40 to degrease, and wiping off with a soft cloth. Very nice looking rifle. Complete Trainers run about $75 to $250, with some variations bringing more. Be sure and write down whatever history you have on the rifle, that always adds a little. The rifle will take a dull edged training bayonet, they run $25-$75. Do not buy a bayonet without trying it on the rifle first to be sure it will fit.

Thanks for posting, let us know if you have any other questions! Trey Stancil
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[03man]

Your trainer was not intended for live ammo, blanks only.

Do not fire it with ball ammo, serious damage or injury can result.
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03man

[Flam]

Thank you very much for the information!!

[seinen]

Michael,

Thanks for the trainer ID sheet that I received in the mail this morning. Unfortunately, I don't know the identity of the company that made your trainer. I have a training grenade in my collection with the same trademark that appears on the receiver of your rifle, however, I'm no closer to being able to ID the maker than that. They did make a quality product.

Chip