The Type 38 rifle was a Japanese bolt-action rifle developed in 1906 by Major Kijiro Nambu to address issues with the earlier Type 30 rifle, which had reliability problems during the Russo-Japanese War. The Type 38 featured a simplified bolt with fewer parts and often included a dust cover. It was named for being introduced in the 38th year of the Meiji period and was chambered in 6.5x50mmSR Arisaka.

Used extensively during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II, the Type 38 was later supplemented but not entirely replaced by the Type 99 chambered in 7.7mm. Variants included a short rifle, carbine, cavalry carbine, and sniper version. Other nations copied or adapted the rifle, including China and Mexico—the latter ordering 50,000 rifles in 7x57mm Mauser, which were ultimately sold to Russia due to the Mexican Revolution.

After WWII, some captured Type 38 rifles in Southeast Asia were converted to 7.62x39mm and used alongside SKS and Type 56 rifles.

The rifle saw much use around the world. It is believed 2,999,200 units were produced along with 579,300 carbines and 403,000 other units…

This is a training rifle.  It was not intended to fire standard 6.5x50mmSR Arisaka rounds but rather less powerful blanks.  The barrel is smooth bore.  Blanks and sometimes wooden bullets would be used for training only.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD FULL POWER  6.5x50mmSR Arisaka (6.5 Jap) AMMUNITION BE USED IN THIS RIFLE.

Good condition:

The rifle pictured is the rifle for sale. This Arisaka includes the original cleaning rod but no dust cover. The stock is in good shape for its age. The original wood finish is intact there are some dings and bumps from use and service but we could not find any cracks or broken pieces. (See all photos). The metal finish is also original it is in good shape for the rifles age. We note a majority of the finish intact. The bore is fair. The rifling is smooth with much powder build up. The Japanese crest is not present on this rifle which is common for many rifles post WW2. 74XXX SN range.

Parts are not numbers matching.

DISCLAIMER ON FIRING

This Arisaka Type 38 is a training rifle.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIRE WITH EITHER SURPLUS, CONTEMPORARY OR HAND LOAD  AMMUNITION!  USE OF SUCH AMMUNITION COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FIREARM AS WELL AS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER.

This rifle was built to use under powered blank cartridges.  Before attempting to use blank rounds a consultation with a reputable gunsmith should be had to determine the integrity of the rifle as well as the power of the blank.

After WWII Arisaka Type 38 rifles earned a reputation in the United States for exploding.  This was not due to the rifle’s quality.  Many G.I.s brought back Type 38s but because of the visual similarity could not tell the difference between a military issue versus training rifle.  Many training rifles over the years have been destroyed as a result of this confusion.

Japanese proof marks on the floor plate