Arisaka bolt question

[Poodleshooter]

My brother in law has a type 99 Arisaka. A great rifle, that even has the monopod, dust cover and the "anti-aircraft sights". One problem- VERY excessive headspace due to a non-matching bolt. Anyway, I'm field stripping the bolt and I need to know how to get the extractor off of the bolt and the extractor collar. I'm pretty sure this works like my M77 Ruger, but it doesn't seem quite the same. Also, does anyone know a good place to pick up a stripped bolt for the Arisaka? Numrich (Gun Parts) has a stripped bolt for $24.95, but I'm wondering if they will tolerate us mailing bolts back and forth till we find one with acceptable headspace. From what we can tell, someone must have milled down the surface of the bolt for some reason (or this just happened to be an example to people who like to switch bolts). I can't think of any other reason it would have headspace this excessive.

[TinMan99]

You are in luck. I know of a specialized dealer in Arisaka parts. His name is Pete Benbow at 770-451-1710. Pete has an extensive assortment of Japanese rifle parts. Call him and see if he can help you with your situation. You might even send the rifle to him, let him headspace it with his stock on hand and send it back to you. Sounds like you have a real keeper there. Your rifle, provided the mum is not ground and the finish is in decent condition, is about a 500-600 dollar collector's rifle. Treat it gently, it's 60 years old. :)

TinMan99

[JES AR15]

or buy a bunch of bolts and hopefully get the one you need and send the rest back.

[Poodleshooter]

That was the theory I was going to follow. Swap bolts till the headspace is ok. He probably won't want the barrel messed with, so swapping bolts is about the only way I can see to solve the situation. Problem is, I can't get the damn extractor claw off of the bolt!

[KN226]

How much is an Arisaka, that is in excellent condition without the mum, worth? Just curious I've got a cavalry carbine that I am curious about.

[hkusp]

Poodleshooter,

This link will help you out. I have a type 38 and got some parts here.

http://members.tripod.com/~Berk1/arisaka.html

This dude has everything.:)

[HerrdoktorSchuetzengruvin]

Geez, as I reacall from the 77's I've owned, the extractor was like a 98 Mauser's (which is what Ruger copied). If that's the case, try rotating the extractor to where it doesn't envelop the locking lug and pushing it towards the front of the bolt.

[Poodleshooter]

Thanks HerrDok! I was being overly cautious with his rifle, and I haven't had a Mauser since I was a kid (old 94 Swedish-my first rifle). I don't want to mention how long it's been since I pulled the extractor claw off of my Ruger :o

[SteveG]

If you reload, you can neck the brass up to 8mm and then back down to .311 and set a false shoulder to headspace against. Fire with about a 90% load and you will end up with brass that is headspaced correctly for that rifle.