Here's a new one on me-

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Howa JSDF ceremonial rifle-


Not a lot of info out there on these, but Ive noticed them lately when Japan turns out an honor guard for foreign dignitaries-



Apparently they are based on the 1500 action, single-shot, smooth-bored, and chambered for .308 blanks. They used to use shiny Garands for this function, not sure why the switch, but it could be lack of ammunition, deteriorating condition, or just concern that they could actually chamber and fire live ammo....

In any event, if Howa offered a (rifled, repeater) commercial version here, Id be all over one!

 

[CapnMac]

In any event, if Howa offered a (rifled, repeater) commercial version here, Id be all over one!

Dunno, I could be interested in even a blank-firing version if it included the bayonet and scabbard.

 

[tark]

^^^ Count me in.

 

[Jim Watson]

Looks like an update of 1903A3. Too bad it is just a blank popper but that could be dealt with if they saw a market with crazy Yanks.

 

[tmd16556]

That seems very Japanese to do. It’s elegant and practical for the job, but more importantly it has no history behind it. The Garand is the weapon that defeated them. The Arisaka is the weapon that committed atrocities against their neighbors (it turns out no one voluntarily joined the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere).

It’s also a lot easier to clean blank saluting residue out of a smoothbore, and it’s less of a target for theft by underpaid, under-appreciated, and sometimes unhinged JSDF personnel (former PM Abe’s assassin is a good example of the latter category). The “military“ isn’t a career track for the upwardly mobile in Japan.

Now that said, I’d love one as a single shot 22 lr.

 

[troy fairweather]

I'd like one

 

[LoonWulf]

Could ask Legacy and see if they would have some spun up.

 

[lysanderxiii]

Looks more "Japanese," like a Type 99 Arisaka.

And given the Japanese laws on gun ownership, being blank-only, reduces the logistical red-tape.

 

[TRAILS-END]

I would buy one.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

They look a bit too much like those wooden stocked toy rifles we had as kids back in the 60's.
Well, except for the metal bayonets...

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Looks more "Japanese," like a Type 99 Arisaka.

Particularly at the muzzle!