Arisaka rifle
Various Arisaka rifles on display at theMilitary Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution
Type	Bolt-actionservice rifle
Place of origin	Empire of Japan
Service history
In service	1897–1961
Wars	Boxer Rebellion Russo-Japanese War Mexican Revolution[1] Mexican Border War[2] World War I Russian Civil War Estonian War of Independence Second Sino-Japanese War Soviet–Japanese border conflicts Spanish Civil War World War II Chinese Civil War Indonesian National Revolution First Indochina War Hukbalahap rebellion Korean War Malayan Emergency Vietnam War Laotian Civil War Cambodian Civil War 1999 East Timorese crisis
Production history
Designer	Arisaka Nariakira Kijirō Nambu
Designed	1897
Variants	Type 30 Type 30 carbine Type 35 Type 38 Type 38 carbine Type 38 sniper rifle Type 44 carbine Type 97 sniper rifle Type 99 Type 99 sniper rifle TERA
Specifications
Cartridge	6.5×50mmSR Type 30 6.5×50mmSR Type 38 7.7×58mm Type 92 7.7×58mm Type 97 7.7×58mm Type 99
Action	Bolt-action
Feed system	5-round internal magazine (reloaded viastripper clip)
Sights	Rear: ladder, tangent (Type 35) Front: fixed blade Sniper variants: factory-zeroed scope

TheArisaka rifle (Japanese:有坂銃,romanized: Arisaka-jū) is a family of Japanesemilitarybolt-actionservice rifles, which were produced and used from approximately 1897, when it replaced theMurata rifle (村田銃,Murata-jū) family, until the end ofWorld War II in 1945. The most common models include theType 38 chambered for the6.5×50mmSR Type 38 cartridge, and theType 99 chambered for the7.7×58mm Type 99 cartridge, which is comparable in power to a modern.308 Winchester round.

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The design of the Arisaka rifle developed under the supervision of ColonelArisaka Nariakira^[3] (有坂 成章; 1852–1915), who was promoted tolieutenant general in 1906 and in 1907 received the title ofbaron fromEmperor Meiji. The design resembled, and may have been influenced by, the German Rifle Test Commission 8mm Model 1888 bolt-action rifle, which was based on the earlierMauser design.^[4] Over the course of several wars, the rifle went through multiple production-runs, during which several variants were developed, including the transition from the 6.5mm Type 38 cartridge to the larger 7.7mm Type 99, as well as the introduction of a paratrooper rifle that could be broken down into two major parts for easier storage during airborne operations. Post-war testing of Arisaka rifles revealed that their bolts and receivers were constructed ofcarbon steel "similar to SAE steel grade No. 1085 with a carbon content of 0.80% to 0.90%, and a manganese content of 0.60% to 0.90%."^[5]Destructive stress-tests have shown Arisaka rifles to be stronger than the American-madeM1903 Springfield, British-madeLee–Enfield, and GermanMauser rifles.^[6] The Arisaka rifles were some of the few firearms of their era to usepolygonal rifling in their barrel, rather than "lands and grooves".

Some of the early-issue Type 99 rifles were fitted with a folding wire monopod intended to improve accuracy when fired from a prone position. The rear sights also featured folding horizontal extensions to give a degree of lead suitable for firing at aircraft. Near the end of World War II,ersatz models were manufactured with various cost-cutting measures, with the goal of cheaply bolstering the Japanese Imperial armed forces. Some of these cost-cutting measures included the replacement of the ovoid bulb-shaped bolt of earlier runs with a smaller, more utilitarian cylindrical shape. Additionally, the hand-guard on the barrel was omitted, and crude fixed-sights were fitted to the weapon.^{[citation needed]}

The Arisaka bolt-action service rifle was used everywhere in theImperial Japanese Army and theImperial Japanese Navy. Prior to World War II, Arisakas saw service in theRoyal Navy, in theImperial Russian Army, inFinland and inAlbania. TheCzech Legions which fought between 1918 and 1919 in theRussian Civil War of 1917 to 1923 were almost entirely armed with Type 30 and 38 Arisaka rifles. Various countries, such as China, Thailand and Cambodia, used captured rifles both during and after World War II. After the Japanese surrender in the northern-hemisphere summer of 1945, the manufacture of Arisaka rifles and ammunition stopped abruptly and the items quickly became obsolete. As most weapons from the Imperial Japanese Armory were thrown into Tokyo Harbor after the signing of the surrender, ammunition for the Arisaka rifle also became rare, although China continued to manufacture6.5×50mmSR and7.7×58mm for use in their captured rifles.

The imperial ownership seal, a 16-petalchrysanthemum known as theChrysanthemum Flower Seal stamped upon the top of the receiver in all official imperial-issue rifles, has often been defaced by filing, grinding, or stamping on surviving examples. This was done by surrendering Japanese forces in accordance with Military Defense Decree 1147 issued by the Japanese Ordnance Bureau in April 1914 requiring the removal of the chrysanthemum from all rifles leaving imperial service.^[7] Most of the Arisakas with surviving insignia are in Japan, though a few remaining from examples taken as war trophies before the surrender, and those captured by Chinese forces. Some of the captured Sino-Arisakas were later exported to the United States, examples including a number ofType 38 carbines andType 44 carbines re-barrelled and re-chambered for the7.62×39mm round. SomeType 38 rifles andType 99 rifles captured by theKuomintang forces were also converted to fire the7.92×57mm Mauser round.

Many of the Chrysanthemum Seals were completely ground off, although some were only defaced with a chisel, scratched off, or had the number "0" stamped repeatedly along the edges. The latter was usually done with rifles removed from Japanese military service (and thus no longer the emperor's property), including rifles given to schools or sold to other nations, such as theBritish Royal Navy's purchase of many Type 38s in World War I to free upSMLE rifles for their^[whose?] land forces.

A very small run of Type 38 rifles was also manufactured for export to Mexico in 1910, with the Mexican coat-of-arms instead of the imperial chrysanthemum, though few arrived before theMexican Revolution of 1910 to 1920 and the bulk remained in Japan until World War I, when they were sold toImperial Russia.

Many thousands of Type 99s and other Arisaka variants were brought to the United States byArmy soldiers andMarines aswar trophies during and afterWorld War II.

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Arisaka model tree chart

Type 30 rifle Type 35 rifle Type 30 carbine Export variants or licensed copies, e.g. Manchu Arisaka. Type I Rifle Type 38 rifle Type 38 short rifle Type 38 carbine Export variants or licensed copies, e.g. Estonian KL .303, Mexican Model 1913, Siamese Type 66, Thai Type 83, etc. Type 44 carbine Type 97 sniper rifle Type 1 TERA rifle Type 99 rifle Type 99 long rifle Type 99 sniper rifle Type 2 TERA rifle

First rifle of the Arisaka series. Chambered in6.5×50mmSR Type 30. 554,000 built.

Carbine variant of the Type 30; 300 mm shorter. 45,000 built.

Officially designated asType 35 navy rifle. Also in6.5×50mmSR Type 30.

Design overhaul based on the Type 30 for theImperial Japanese Navy Land Forces by MajorNambu Kijirō. Changes include tangent type rear sight, separate sliding bolt cover (as opposed to simultaneously moving ones on all other types after) of the same type later used on theSiamese Mauser style rifle, hook safety replaced with a large knob cocking piece to protect from gases in case of a blown primer, larger bolt handle knob, improved bolt head, gas port in bolt body, and improved chamber configuration for better cartridge feeding.

Developed by MajorNambu Kijirō. Chambered in6.5×50mmSR Type 38, Type 30 cartridge is also usable. A short variant exists for ease of handling, its length is between the basic rifle and the carbine.

One of the most produced and commonly encountered model. Designed in 1905 and simultaneously produced until 1942 with 3,400,000 built.

Carbine variant of the Type 38; 300 mm shorter. Also fielded by support personnel.

Carbine derived from the Type 38 rifle. Chambered in6.5×50mmSR Type 38, Type 30 cartridge is also usable. Distinguishing features are its folding spike bayonet and two-piece takedown cleaning rods concealed within the buttstock. Originally intended for the cavalry, also used by other support personnel.

One of the two main sniper rifles in imperial military service. Based on the Type 38 rifle. Chambered in6.5×50mmSR Type 38, but more commonly usedreduced charge cartridges associated with theType 11 and96 light machine guns for lighter recoil, reduced report, camouflaged muzzle flash, and overall accuracy. Uses factory-zeroed Type 97 telescopic sight (2.5X).

About 22,500 built.

Successor to the Type 38 rifle. Chambered in7.7×58mm Type 99, later rimless variants of the Type 92 and 97 cartridges also usable.

Designed in 1939, then produced and fielded from 1941 to 1945, the Type 99 was the most common Imperial Japanese service rifle of World War II and second most produced imperial rifle with 2,500,000 built. Significant changes are the improvement of the rear sight form transitioning from a V-notch type like those on a Type 38, to an aperture, the front sight blade was renewed to a triangular shape, chrome-lined barrels were used, and on earlier productions, the rear sight was equipped with anti-aircraft calipers.

Sub-variations included a long rifle (approximately only 38,000 made), and short rifle; former being 1258 mm in total and latter being 1118 mm. The short rifle also varied in quality from initial, intermediate, to last-ditch.

The other sniper rifle of the Imperial Japanese Military. Built on both the long and short models with the latter being higher in number. Chambered in7.7×58mm Type 99, later rimless variants of the Type 92 and 97 cartridges also usable. The larger, more powerful caliber allowed the ballistics to be less affected by windage at the cost of stronger recoil. Two different types of scopes were issued to the rifles: the Type 97 2.5X telescopic scope, or the Type 99 4X telescopic scope. Later production of the Type 99 scope allowed for distance adjustment. Scopes were issued with their respective holsters and were often detached from the rifle and placed within them while advancing.

By doctrine, snipers of the imperial military were selected by their skill in marksmanship. The caliber of the rifle assigned to a sniper corresponded with the ammunition of the company he served under.

Production began in May 1942. Total number made is approximately 10,000.

A small series of takedown rifles produced for theimperial army paratroopers andimperial navy paratroopers. The only production model is the Type 2 based on the Type 99 short rifle; the rest are two proto-test types (Type 100 and Type 1). The Type 2 is chambered in7.7×58mm Type 99, later rimless variants of the Type 92 and 97 cartridges also usable.

The Type 2 allowed for compact storage by breaking down to two pieces: the stock and action, and barrel and handguard.

About a total of 19,000 were produced from 1942 to 1944.

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Created simultaneously with the Type 30 rifle, this sword-type bayonet is compatible with all variants of the Arisaka rifle except for the Type 44 carbine. Twenty different variations exist, and is further categorized by early, mid, and late-war production phases. Also fixable on Type 96 and99 light machine guns.

The Type 35 bayonet is a slightly modified Type 30 bayonet made specifically for the Type 35 rifle. The dimensions of the bayonet are almost exactly the same as the Type 30 bayonet. The only significant difference between the two is the added addition of a sprung catch that hooks into the scabbard when not in use.^[8]

About 8,400,000 were made.

Fixed permanently on the Type 44 carbine, this spike-type bayonet is foldable under the handguard and does not interfere with the barrel when deployed.

With the long length of the Type 30 bayonet unfit for concealing within a paratrooper's personal equipment set, this knife-type bayonet was created to address this issue. Twenty centimetres shorter than a Type 30, its total length is 32.3 cm. Used primarily with the Type 2 TERA rifle or theType 100 submachine gun by the Imperial Military Airborne Divisions.

About 25,000 were made.

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As with all captured foreign firearms they may be dangerous when fired, due to both the lower quality of the "last-ditch" rifles produced during the end-half of World War II, and to modifications performed by returning U.S. servicemen on those rifles.Ammunition for the Arisaka series, which were often battlefield pick-ups, orsouvenirs, were not readily available after the end of the war. Consequently, many were rebored or rechambered for readily available calibers of that time. Additionally, some were occasionally rendered inoperable prior to being shipped home, or even potentially sabotaged. The manner in which rifles may have beendemilled can include permanently damaging the receiver or removal of parts.

Type 38s in particular were commonly rechambered to 6.5×.257 Roberts, awildcat cartridge made using the readily available.257 Roberts cases with the neck expanded to use 6.5mm bullets specific to the already existing barrel. Likewise, the Type 99 in 7.7×58mm were known to be converted to.30-06 Springfield, which is again of similar but not identical dimensions. While the .30-06 can be fired by lengthening the chamber of the rifle slightly (from 58 to 63mm), the 7.7mm case is slightly wider than the .30-06 and uses a slightly larger-diameter bullet, meaning a .30–06 cartridge case will swell slightly to fit the oversized chamber, and a standard .30-06 bullet with a .308 diameter will not provide a good fit to the .310–312 diameter rifling.

Those seeking ammunition for their Type 99 rifles often manufacture it by modifying .30–06 cases. The German7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge may also be used with the proper .311 diameter bullet. The widely availableBritish .303 bullets also provide a proper fit for the firearm's rifling.Norma currently manufactures stock 7.7×58mm ammunition, as well as making new brass available for reloaders.Hornady also produces new Arisaka ammunition in both 6.5mm and 7.7mm calibers. Since the base of the 7.7mm case is slightly larger than the .30-06 (thereby causing varying amounts of bulging in the reformed brass), some owners may find it preferable to use proper brass or new factory cartridges. Bullets and powder charges of surplus .303 British ammunition may also be loaded into proper 7.7×58mm cases to produce rifle cartridges with ballistics that are similar to the original Japanese military load.

• Empire of Japan: Used by theImperial Japanese Army andImperial Japanese Navy.^[9]
• Manchukuo: Used by theManchukuo Imperial Army.^[10]
• Reorganized National Government of the Republic of China: Used by theCollaborationist Chinese Army.
• Republic of China: Captured from Japanese troops.
•  People's Republic of China: Captured from Japanese troops.
• Siam: Used by theRoyal Siamese Army.^[11]
• North Korea: Used in the Korean War.^[12]
• South Korea: Captured from Japanese troops and used in theKorean War.^[13]
• Philippines: Captured from Japanese troops.
•  Mexico
• Russian Empire: Bought from Japan during World War I.^[14]
•  United Kingdom: Bought from Russia during World War I.
• Spanish Republic: Rifles sourced from theUSSR were used during the Spanish Civil War.^[15]
• Finland: Captured from Red Finns or left behind in Finland during World War I. Later used by theCivil Guard.^[16]
•  Estonia
• Kingdom of Italy
• Kingdom of Albania

• Russian white movement: Used by some units of theWhite Army during the Russian Civil War.
• Czechoslovak Legion: Used during World War I and the Russian Civil War.
• Viet Minh: Captured rifles used during the First Indochina War.
• Viet Cong: Used during the Vietnam War.^[17]
• Lao Issara: Captured rifles used during the First Indochina War.
• Pathet Lao: Captured rifles used during the First Indochina War and the Laotian Civil War.
• Khmer Issarak: Captured rifles used during the First Indochina War.
• Khmer Rouge: Used during the Cambodian Civil War.
• Hukbalahap: Captured rifles used during World War II and the Hukbalahap rebelion.
• Malayan Peoples' Anti-Japanese Army: Captured rifles used during World War II.
• Malayan National Liberation Army: Used during the Malayan emergency.
• Indonesian People's Security Army: Captured rifles used during the Indonesian National Revolution.
• Pro-Indonesia militias of East Timor: A small number of rifles used during the 1999 East Timorese crisis.

• 
  Full view of a late model Type 99
• 
  Buttstock of the Type 99
• 
  Locked Type 99 bolt
• 
  Unlocked Type 99 bolt
• 
  Close-up of the Type 99 bolt
• 
  Barrel of the Type 99 showing rifling
• 
  Type 30 bayonet
• 
  Type 99 with Type 30 bayonet attached

• List of Korean War weapons
• List of Japanese military equipment of World War II
• List of Thailand military equipment of World War II
• List of weapons of the Vietnam War
• List of weapons of the Cambodian Civil War
• List of weapons of the Laotian Civil War

• 小銃 | 日本の武器兵器Rifles | Japanese Weapons^{[dead link]}
• Japanese Weapons | Rifles Shou-Jyu
• JUNK YARD | 日本陸軍地上兵器Japanese Army Land Weapons
• 25番Number 25 | 武器庫Armory
• Carbines for Collectors | Arisaka Carbines and Rifles
• Nambu World: Arisaka Rifles (Broken Link)
• BANZAI
• Markings on Japanese Arisaka Rifles and Bayonets of World War II

• Bolt-action rifles of Japan
• Clip-fed firearms
• Rifles of Manchukuo
• World War II infantry weapons of Japan

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