Dating a Type 38 Arisaka

[cote_b]

Hi,

I have recently acquired a Thai converted Type 38 Arisaka. How would I go about finding the date of manufacture on it?

Thanks

Brendan

 

[ArtyMan]

Your best bet is to post the series number aswell as the serial number over at gunboards.com. They have a "Rising Sun" section full of experts. Have any pictures?

 

[Lodi]

Japanese Rifle Identification

 

[cote_b]

Well Ive determined its a Type 38 carbine made at Kokura. Still dont know the date. The serial number is 21###. Still has the mum intact, aswell as the dust cover and cleaning rod.

 

[eos]

You have what is known as a Siamese Type 83/88 rifle (6.5 x50sr converted to 30-06) These are converted post WWII from standard Type 38 long rifles. The Type 83 in 6.5x50sr was adopted in 1940 (Buddhist era year 2483) during the Japanese "alliance" with Siam

 

[cote_b]

Are these particularly uncommon and/or desirable?

 

[Nabs]

Certainly in a more common caliber, I wouldn't object to owning one.

 

[rdelliott]

I've got a 1925-ish Koishikawa Type 38. Nice rifle. Quite accurate, really well-made. Pity that 6.5 Arisaka is about $3/pop.

 

[cote_b]

Yeah I really do like the fact that its in 30-06. I probably never would have bought an Arisaka in the original chambering. Ive always wanted one and this seemed like the best way to get a nice one that I can shoot frequently.

 

[ArtyMan]

Yeah I really do like the fact that its in 30-06. I probably never would have bought an Arisaka in the original chambering. Ive always wanted one and this seemed like the best way to get a nice one that I can shoot frequently.

Definitely! Really nice looking rifle, give us a range report!

 

[cote_b]

Ill hopefully get out this weekend and give er a try. I bought a box of federal 150 grain ammo today.

 

[Ganderite]

Mine groups around 4" I like the fact they used a peep on the sight. That helps me.

 

[cote_b]

Any ideas on the value of this rifle?