Interested in an Arisaka, what to look for, what to expect

[BeaverMeat]

The First Special Service Force (your avatar) encounted the Arisakas, Nambus etc. on Kiska when they invaded in 1943. The Japanese had secretly left just before the invasion, but they left a lot of weapons and kit behind - as well as some booby-traps. You might want an Arisaka because of that connection. I picked up mine originally to go with my FSSF uniforms, original V-42 knife etc.

Interesting. I did not know that. Seems like an other reason to get one. I have a Chinese copy of a V-42... I would like an original, or a post war reproduction by Case. But, $$$

 

[Old Ranger]

When I first moved to the Bancroft area in 1969 I was invited to hunt deer at a local camp. The camp owner still used a US Army issue sleeping bag and had a canvas case which came with the M1 Carbine he was issued. I knew he had been in the Cdn Army probably enlisting as a Hasty P. He talked a little about being on Kiska and the Japaneese kit left behind .Even at that time I wondered why a Cdn soldier was issed an M1 Carbine. I wasn't smart enough to ask.Years after the old gentleman passed away his son showed me a pictrure of his Dad taken at Helena Mont. He had been one of the original "Devil's Brigade" I would love to have an hour to talk with him now.