Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[UBE Mechanic]

Some time ago we had a discussion about the cold weather sight attachment for the type 99 rifle. Did anyone come up with information on where and when these attachments were installed? Did they appear only on certain blocks of rifles or particular series? Factory or field installation?
John

[gwsiii]

I've only seen and looked at 2, ok 1 1/4. The only two I have reported.
They were both on early 23rd series', under 13,000. One is complete and the other is just the sheet metal top. Construction was similar. So I expect they were made in the same place. Owner of that rifle would love to have another. One got bought as parts off of ebay and put on a 23rd series rifle I don't remember if I made a note of it or not. Now when added and where, I don't know. It could have been a locally conceived/produced thing as I didn't note any inspection marks on them indicating an 'official part' needing to meet specifications for official use. So there's just not enough data to decide one way or another. We can speculate all day though.
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[UBE Mechanic]

Thanks Trey. That explanation makes sense to me. By the way, have the injuries healed up yet?

[gwsiii]

Noggin is just fine, couple of rocks still in there to add a little character, it'll help next time I need to headbutt somebody! Trey
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[Francis C. Allan]

Just to make sure: I assume that everyone agrees that these cold weather sights had absolutely nothing to do with the Aleutian Island campaigns?

When I lived in Anchorage I worked on two T-99s for th emuseum that were definately out of the Aleutians and neither one had this cold weather sight addition. One of them was in mint condition. So......

I am sure these sights were intended for northern China or possibly northern Korea.

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

(386) 445-4225

[gwsiii]

I guess that I didn't mention that I consider them 'Cold Weather Sights' as well, but its sort of like Mukden/Hoten, Kiska/Large Trigger Guard, Izawa/Diamond Dot and others.... some habits are hard to break.
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I didn't pay to much for that old Arisaka, I just bought it a little bit too soon!

[DEFUC]

dont forget the infamous calvary sling swivel for that list ,Trey.

[gwsiii]

Oops, knew I was forgetting something. The 'Cavalry Swivel' that will barely support a 'slung' rifle while standing, much less riding. According to the recent translations of the 99 Manual by Edokko and others, the 'D' loop is actually for use with a Gas Mask in place.
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I didn't pay to much for that old Arisaka, I just bought it a little bit too soon!