This Japanese Arisaka Type 99 rifle chambered in 7.7x58mm Arisaka is a Series 27 “last ditch” rifle made in Tokyo Juki Kogyo (Nagoya Arsenal) in the late war period 1944-45. This features the fixed pattern rear sight, rough wood stock, un-knurled safety knob, and crude metal/finish that these rifles are known for. The MUM (Chrysanthemum Emperor’s mark) has been crossed out.

This rifle is in good condition. The wood is crudely hewn which is normal. There are small dings and scratches as to be expected. There is cracking evident on both sides of the stock at rear receiver near the grip. The crack is deeper on the left side. The finish of the wood is surprisingly good with nice color and minor wear

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The finish of the metal is about 75% overall although being a “last ditch” it is difficult to gauge how much is loss and how much was just poorly done original. The metal itself shows some pitting and staining but no active rust is visible. The bolt is very good and number matches to serial. The bore is better than expected with solid rifling, minor wear, and a few signs of minor pitting.

All hardware, sling mounts, screws, etc appear present however the MAGAZINE FOLLOWER AND SPRING IS MISSING. As it sits this is a single shot rifle. Whether that is how it was originally issued (doubtful but possible) or if those parts were removed post war or simply lost over time is unknown. Mechanically this rifle functions as it should but it has not been test fired by us.

This rifle is numbers matching to bolt and receiver and is a very solid example of the Arisaka Type 99 Last Ditch rifles.

DISCLAIMER ON SHOOTING

The Japanese Arisaka rifles gained an unfair reputation in the United States after the war as dangerous to use. This was mostly due to the confusion between Standard Issue and Training rifles in the Type 38. The Last Ditch Type 99s also were known to have issues as they were so quickly produced at the end of the war with much less attention to quality.

While this rifle functions mechanically as it should it has not been test fired by us. A consultation with a reputable gunsmith is advised before trying to shoot this rifle. A check and confirmation of head space should be performed before attempting to shoot.

Chrysanthemum Crossed Out – top front receiver
Japanese Characters – Tokyo Juki Kogyo (Nagoya Arsenal) – left side receiver
Japanese Characters – Series 27 – left side receiver
14900 (SN#) – left side receiver
900 – bolt