My dad's rifle you would never guess by looking that it ever had a mum the polish and reblue being very clean, and it being done shortly after hostilities ceased so finish aged since. Originally intended for the cavalry, also used by other support personnel. Distinguishing features are its folding spike bayonet and two-piece takedown cleaning rods concealed within the buttstock. Maybe your rifle had a similar thing done. Chambered in 6.5×50mmSR Type 38, Type 30 cartridge is also usable. I still have this rifle, and though low in collector's value due to mumlessness to me it is a priceless family heirloom. ![]() The 38 in the type number refers to the year Meiji 38, or 1905. Many Japanese soldiers therefore preferred it. Although longer and heavier than the Type 99 Short Rifle, it fired a less powerful cartridge, and with the greater weight and less powerful cartridge it was much more pleasant to shoot. From what I gather there were more than a few people who had this procedure done to clean up their rifles. The Type 38 fired the 6.5mm X 50 Japanese cartridge. He being a shooting enthusiast did not mind spending a few yen getting the grind marks polished off and reblued in Tokyo (late '40s) where he was transferred after several months in Aomori. His rifle though in otherwise pristine condition did have the mum ground off. He being an officer had the pick of the crop in several trophy items including a cavalry saber and a type 99 rifle. ![]() ![]() My dad was a WWII Pacific Theater vet and part of the first wave of occupation forces to arrive in the home islands right after the surrender going straight from the Philippines to Aomori, Japan to accept surrender of troops there.
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