World War II Database

Country	Japan
Type	Rifle
Caliber	6.500 mm
Capacity	5 rounds
Length	1,280 mm
Barrel Length	800 mm
Weight	4.300 kg
Rate of Fire	30 rounds/min
Muzzle Velocity	765 m/s

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

The Arisaka Type 38 bolt-action rifles, also known as Meiji 38th Year (1905) rifles, were the standard infantry rifles of the pre-WW2 Japanese Army. They were the longest rifles among their contemporaries even before the 400-mm Type 30 bayonets were attached, making them rather unwieldy; the length of the rifles reflected the emphasis of bayonet fighting in Japanese Army doctrine during that era. A shorter carbine version of the rifle was also manufactured, used mainly by cavalry units and non-frontline troops; the carbines were only 966-mm in length. In addition to being the standard rifles in pre-WW2 Japan, they were also exported; the Czech Legion that fought in the Russian Revolution, for example, carried Arisaka Type 38 rifles, among other weapons. They were also used in the British Royal Navy, the Russian Army, and in Finland.

By the mid-1930s, however, it was clear that the design was becoming outdated, and resources were invested to create that would become the Arisaka Type 99 rifles, which entered production in 1939. The two models served concurrently in the Japanese Army. Many captured Arisaka Type 38 rifles were also used in neighboring countries as they become captured. Many Chinese troops, both Nationalist and Communist, used captured Arisaka Type 38 rifles against the Japanese during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Manufacturing of Arisaka Type 38 rifles did not cease until the end of WW2, but existing models remained in service. After WW2, they saw action during the Chinese Civil War with both sides and the Korean War with the Communist Chinese forces. In all, 3,400,000 Arisaka Type 38 rifles were built.

Source: Wikipedia.

Photographs

See all 9 photographs of Arisaka Type 38 Rifle

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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Benjamin Parker says:
   18 Jul 2009 10:37:01 AM
   
   I have receives a Arisaka 38, Type 9. Manufactures at the Nagoya Aresenal. This rifel is equipped ith a folding stand on the foregrip, and an aircraft leading rear site. I has the original cleaning rod and strap. It has not beed altered in any way. it is a Series 2. What can you tell me about it. Sr # is 45008
2. Anonymous says:
   5 Aug 2009 01:41:16 PM
   
   I have t-38 cardine that is marked t-44 with the older t-38 front sight do you know anything about this gun. Thanks
3. Anonymous says:
   14 Aug 2009 12:04:54 PM
   
   do u have ant info
4. Bill says:
   8 Nov 2010 10:54:28 AM
   
   The type 38 Arisaka bolt-action rifle, was
   the basic infantry weapon of the Japanese
   Army.
   
   It was designed in 1905 over 3,000,000 were made, fired the 6.5mm, feed system 5 rounds.
   A shorter model was made called the Type
   30 Carbine and a Type 97 Sniper model.
   
   After WWII the rifles turned up in the hands
   of Communist and other Guerilla forces.
5. Little John says:
   10 Apr 2011 09:08:41 PM
   
   this site was very good to read ,i have been trying for years to figure out what kind of rifle i have. it does match up perfectly to your T-38.i am trying now to find some-one to sell it to.it does need a couple of parts in the bolt. myself i am on a very small fixed income, so i probably could not even afford the parts.once again thanks for your site.God Bless.
6. Anonymous says:
   19 Jun 2011 07:32:17 AM
   
   My husband has an Arisaka type 38 manufactured at the Koishikawa Arsenal serial #813834. Is it possible to find the year it was manufactured? It is also missing the cleaning rod and the dust cover. Any ideas where I could buy those?
7. Brad says:
   22 Oct 2011 05:45:17 PM
   
   The dust covers are almost allways missing on these rifles and on the type 99s too. mine is a good shooter but keyholes beyond 100 yards.
8. Anonymous says:
   4 Dec 2011 08:18:26 PM
   
   I have a Arisaka Type 38 Serial Number 333972. The stock does not look like any I have seen before and the barrel length is shorter than the specifications for this type. Where can I find photos of this type and when was it produced? Tokyo Arsenal marks and a "B" mark on the Barrel.
9. Anonymous says:
   25 Feb 2012 03:04:37 PM
   
   What are the differences between an early Arisaka Type 38 (pre WW1) and later Type 38 Arisakas built in mid/late 1930s?? Are the sights and bolt the same???

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