Japanese Rifles

Japan has been familiar with black-powder weaponry for centuries due to its proximity to China. Still, it took the Japanese some time to significantly invest in firearms and manufacturing.

In 1880, Japan entered the modern arms race with the Murata rifle, a single-shot bolt-action rifle chambered in the 11x60mmR Murata. In 1899, the Arisaka arms manufacturer produced the Type 30 carbine. This began a long tradition of arming the Japanese Empire with Arisaka rifles.

Japan kept up with most European innovations throughout the years and the Arisaka line grew to 10 rifles. Many were carbine variants of full-sized battle rifles. The Type 99 is one of the most common rifles available. Some rare variants can be found in .30-06 and 7.62 mm NATO. These rifles are largely based on Mauser actions, but are much stronger and more appropriate for military service. An interesting feature of Arisaka rifles is the chrome-lined barrel, the first military rifle to introduce this feature. Japanese rifles are stout weapons with historic appeal and interesting design features.

Quick Facts

• The Japanese Imperial 16-petal chrysanthemum was removed from most captured weapons to maintain the Emperor’s honor
• The Type 99 rear sight has flip-up anti-aircraft sights, an oddity for a bolt-action infantry rifle
• Many Japanese rifles were converted to Western calibers due to the scarcity of the Japanese 7.7 mm