Japanese Type 99 Arisaka MUM 4th Series Nagoya 7.7mm 25” Bolt Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $806
WOA#: WY231103JB022
Make: Nagoya Arsenal
Model: Type 99, Series 4
Serial Number: 78631
Year of Manufacture: Between 1939-1945
Caliber: 7.7mm Japanese
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the 4th series katakana mark, “78631”, and the Nagoya Arsenal emblem. The top of the receiver is marked with a complete chrysanthemum only slightly defaced with two lines cut horizontally through it and ‘Type 99’ written in Japanese. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “631”. The extractor is marked “631”. The bottom of the bayonet lug is marked “631”.
Barrel Length: 25.2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set between two protective ears. The rear sight ladder has a fixed aperture when down and a sliding aperture when flipped up. The ladder is marked from “3 – 15”. The sides fold out to be used as anti-aircraft sights. They are marked “2” in the middle and “3” on the ends. There are inverted “V” notches on each side of the AA sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, nose cap with bayonet lug, cleaning rod, barrel band with provision for a missing monopod, two sling loops, through bolt, and a metal buttplate. There are few compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. The LOP measures 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is shallow but has a good amount of definition. There is light erosion in the bore. In my opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The magazine floor plate and trigger guard assembly are heavily eroded but covered with its new finish. The receiver has thinning finish and spots of light discoloration throughout. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are clear and crisp, with the chrysanthemum crest being only partially defaced. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition for C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Step into the realm of World War II military history with the Type 99 Arisaka rifle, a formidable bolt-action legend wielded by the Imperial Japanese Army. Named after the esteemed Colonel Nariakira Arisaka, its designer, the Type 99 was more than just a rifle – it was a symbol of Imperial Japan’s might and strategic prowess. Renowned for its robust reliability and enduring durability, this rifle was a staple in the intense, often brutal Pacific Theater battles, where it proved its mettle time and again.
Imagine the Type 99 in action – a heavyweight in the literal sense, its heft and size made it a challenging yet formidable companion in the close-quarter skirmishes of jungle warfare. It wasn’t just the Army that recognized its value; the Imperial Japanese Navy also leveraged its power, extending the rifle’s lore across land and sea. The specific piece in question, a 4th series Type 99, crafted in the historic Nagoya Arsenal, carries with it the silent stories of battles between 1939 and the war’s dramatic conclusion.
This particular Type 99 stands as a window into the past, with mostly clear markings etched into the metal, narrating its own untold history. What sets it apart are its all-matching serialized parts – a rare feat of preservation along with its only slightly defaced MUM making it an exceptional specimen. For any collector of WWII memorabilia or aficionado of Japanese military history, this rifle isn’t just an artifact; it’s a tangible piece of a tumultuous era, a must-have to complete or even highlight a collection steeped in the rich, complex tapestry of 20th-century warfare. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
