Arisaka
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| Arisaka rifle | |
|---|---|
| Type | bolt-action rifle |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1898 to 1945 |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Nariakira Arisaka |
| Designed | ?? |
| Variants | Type 30, 38, 44, 97, 99 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 50 in (1270 mm) long version |
| Barrel length | 31.4 in (798 mm) long version |
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| Cartridge | 6.5 x 50 mm SR 7.7 x 58 mm |
| Action | Mauser-Type Straight Bolt |
| Rate of fire | N/A |
| Muzzle velocity | 2400 ft/s (730 m/s) |
| Effective range | 400 m |
| Feed system | 5 |
Arisaka Rifle (有坂銃 Arisaka-jū) is a family of Japanese military bolt-action rifles, in production from approximately 1898 until the end of World War II in 1945. The most common specimens include the Type 38 Rifle chambered in the 6.5 x 50 mm Japanese cartridge, and the Type 99 Rifle chambered in the 7.7 x 58 mm Japanese cartridge. Many thousands of Type 99s were brought to the United States by GIs during and after World War II.
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[edit] History
The Arisaka Rifle was designed by Colonel Nariakira Arisaka (有坂 成章; 1852 - 1915), who was later promoted to Lieutenant General and also received the title of baron from Emperor Meiji, in 1907. Several productions runs were made, with later models being made more cheaply, for example the ovoid bulb-shaped bolt of earlier runs was replaced by a smaller and utilitarian cylindrical shape.
The Arisaka bolt-action rifle saw heavy use everywhere the Japanese Imperial Army fought. Many captured Arisaka rifles were employed by neighboring countries both during and after World War II, in places such as China, Thailand and Cambodia. However, after the Japanese surrender in the summer of 1945, all manufacturing of rifles and ammunition stopped abruptly, causing the Arisaka to quickly become obsolete. Since most Imperial Japanese Armoury contents were thrown into Tokyo Harbour after the signing of the surrender, spare ammunition also became rare.
One of the final standing orders of the Imperial Army was to file off the Emperor's family chrysanthemum insignia, or mum, from each of the rifles, thereby preventing dishonor from having the symbol fall into surrender. Therefore, the value of one of the rifles to a collector is slightly higher if the insignia is intact.
[edit] Details
Ammo for this rifle can easily be made by running 30-06 cases through a 7.7 die and trimming to length. British .303 bullets ( Speer 150 Grain ) work great with 45.0 Grains of DuPont 4064 powder. Federal 210 primers are a good choice. Norma manufactures loaded ammunition for the 7.7 X 58mm, as well as making new brass available for reloaders. Since the base of the 7.7 X 58mm is slightly larger than the .30-06 (thereby causing varying amounts of bulging of reformed brass in this area), some owners may find it preferable to use the Norma brass. Bullets and powder charges of inexpensive surplus .303 British ammunition may also be loaded into 7.7 X 58mm cases to produce a rifle cartridges with ballistics that are similar to the original Japanese military load.
