Type 99 restoration project

[SFU2236]

Type 99

Nagoya Arsenal, 1923-1945


Serial number: 59455



Caliber: 7.7mm Arisaka ( 7.7x58mm )
Overall Length: 43 inches
Barrel Length: 28 inches
Weight: 8.4 pounds
Magazine capacity: 5 cartridges


Details: Has a five count of tally marks on the left hand side near receiver. Receiver stamp is Nagoya Arsenal, Type 99. Produced in four variants, short, long, sniper and para, unit is long. Designed to replace the Type 38, with a larger cartridge.





To expand, my grandfather (Navy, WW2, fought in the pacific) at one point apparently picked up a type 99, and never managed to get the accompanied bolt cover. It's a long version, chambered in 7.7 Arisaka (Very similar to .303 british).

The stamp for the arsenal stands for Nagoya arsenal, and the stamp of the emperor has been scratched away. The condition was great, but it was never fired, cleaned or maintained since it was grabbed, and no ammunition taken with it.

Recently, I cleaned it up. The stock is in nearly perfect condition, aside from a few minor scratches on it and a 5 tally mark on the left side. After cleaning the bolt/barrel, the action cycles very smoothly. It feels better and cleaner than most of the excellent condition war rifles for sale at my gun store, and ones that I've dealt with in the past.


But I have a few questions. When closing the bolt, just before turning to lock, the bolt seems to build up resistance, like that from a spring, and requires a little more meat to close. When opening, simply pulling the handle to the side will launch the entire bolt back completely. Additionally, I can't figure out how to get the bolt out, but I know how to remove its contents.

I don't have a good way of cleaning the barrel and keeping the wood looking good. Anyone have any advice on how to do that, and if somethings wrong with the bolt? Thanks.

 

[GigaBuist]

When closing the bolt, just before turning to lock, the bolt seems to build up resistance, like that from a spring, and requires a little more meat to close. When opening, simply pulling the handle to the side will launch the entire bolt back completely.

Normal. I grabbed my Type 99 (1945 manufacture, mum intact, and pretty sure it was the Nagoya factory too) and it does the same thing. My US M1917 does the same thing. It's not uncommon, it's just cocking on close instead of cocking on opening.

To remove the bolt you'll see a "block" on the left hand side of the receiver at the rear of the action. Looking down at the rifle from the top of the action there will be a screw at the rear of this. The block pivots out. Simply pull the action back, pivot that block out and the action will drop right out. Reassembly just involves shoving the bolt back in.

 

[SFU2236]

Thanks. I managed to get it out, this is my only bolt action rifle and I havn't dealt with many at the gun store I work at.

Anyone have any experience with restoration? In terms of the wood stock, getting rid of rust on the screws though there isn't much.

 

[Jim K]

Light rust can be removed with oil or penetrant and fine steel wool or brass wool. The absence of a dust cover is not unusual. Reportedly, the Japanese themselves removed them to prevent them from rattling and giving away movement.

The ground "mum" means that the rifle was taken from a depot (as most were) rather than captured in combat.

The Arisaka bolt is really simple, with only five parts, and that includes the safety. To disassemble, remove the bolt from the receiver, hold the bolt body in the left hand with the lugs to the left; then with the right hand push in on the large cap on the rear of the bolt and turn it clockwise. You will see how the spring and firing pin come out. To reassemble, make sure the cocking tab of the firing pin is in the short notch (the one toward the back), insert the safety so it fits down over the end of the bolt body and turn it to the left (counterclockwise).

Jim

 

[JG2000]

I've found a lot of info for my type 38 on this web site http://www.surplusrifle.com/ They have step by step instructions for taking the rifle apart and pictures to follow along with. Theres also info on restoring Milsurp rifles.

 

[TEDDY]

99 arasaka

1) the cal is 303 but the case is allmost 8 mm mauser.
2) you sure the barrel is not 25" all mine are and I have 5 at present.
3)graf has 7.7 x 58.
there are companies that have repo. covers.