Want to get a 99 at next gunshow

[Gewehr43]

I watched the history channels special on Jap weapons,and really liked the Arisaka type 99 with all those cool features. Well their is a Military show on the 24th and id like to get one. One guy usually has a table of jap rifles but i never looked since i dont know what im looking at. Id like to get one with the flower still on it and early war,so im guessing that would up the price.What should i pay and look for in these rifles?

[aliceinchains]

Well it all depends what condition they are in.Getting one with a mum intact is nice, but getting one with a nice stock and anti- aircraft wings is another story.First off i would check the bore and make sure it is decent.Some of the 99's had a chrome lined bore and other's didn't.


If it has a decent bore, than consider what shape the stock is in, and the condition of the metal.A cleaning rod, dust cover or anti-aircraft wings are a big plus.Not all 99's had a provision for anti-aircraft sights by the way, or a provision for a monopod.



The average gunshow price on a nice Type 99 in my area is 150 to 200 dollars.;)

[Gewehr43]

how can i tell what year a rifle was made in,id not want to get a 1945 one made out of pans and pots?

[aliceinchains]

Originally posted by Gewehr43
how can i tell what year a rifle was made in,id not want to get a 1945 one made out of pans and pots?






Well the so called last ditch rifle had a fixed rear sight .If you get a 99 with an adjustable rear sight you will be ok.Now as far as the year ?.You will have to look at the symbol at the end of the serial number,this will be the Arsenal code.This code will only give you the period of time the rifle was produced.The symbol in front of the serial number will tell you what series the rifle is.

Here is a link with the Aresenal codes and what years they produced the rifle.
http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/japanese_markings.html

Japanese Rifle Manufacturers Symbol Arsenal/Subcontractor Period of Operation
Koishikawa Arsenal (Tokyo) 1870-1935
Kokura Arsenal 1935-1945
Nagoya Arsenal 1923-1945
Jinsen Arsenal (Korea) 1923-1945
Mukden Arsenal (Manchuria) 1931-1945
Toyo Kogyo 1939-1945
Tokyo Juki Kogyo 1940-1945
Tokyo Juki Kogyo 1940-1945
Howa Jyuko 1940-1945
Izawa Jyuko 1940-1945

[aliceinchains]

Gewehr43, I hope you pick up a nice 99 BTW.
:cool: