Arisaka is a family of Japanese military bolt-action rifles, in production from approximately 1906 until the end of World War II. Common specimens include the Type 38 rifle chambered in the 6.5mm Japanese cartridge, and the Type 99 chambered in the 7.7mm Japanese cartridge. Many thousands of Type 99s were brought to the United States by GIs during and after World War II.

Designed by Colonel Nariakira Arisaka (1852-1915), who was later promoted to Lieutenant-General and also received the title of baron from Emperor Meiji, in 1907.

Details

The Arisaka bolt-action saw heavy use everywhere the Japanese Imperial Army fought. Many captured Arisaka rifles where employed by neighboring countries both during and after WWII, in places such as China, Thailand and Cambodia. However, after the Japanese surrender in the summer of 1945, all manufacturing of rifles and ammunition stopped abruptly, causing the Arisaka to become obsolete in a heartbeat.

When compared to other rifles used during the WWII era, the Arisaka was a modest weapon. It lacked the raw force of the American rifle, although it was a truly devastating weapon if handled by an adept sharpshooter. In combat however, early versions were often prone to jamming and malfunctioning from dust and water. Later models hugely improved on these faults however. The last issued Arisaka types, namely the Type 99. It was supposedly several times better than most rifles at that time, including the British Lee Enfield, the German Mauser and the American Springfield rifle.

Specifications

   * Country of Origin: Japan
   * Type: Bolt-action Rifle
   * Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
   * Length: 127 cm
   * Weight: 4.2 kg when unloaded
   * Caliber: 6.5 mm