Thinking about an Arisaka

[Charlotte the flyer]

Hi guys and girls,

I'm thinking about getting an Arisaka, being a relative novice reloader I'm initially looking for the one that's the easiest to reload for. From what I've read brass is available for both from Kranks and the bullets are common to other calibers so that shouldn't be too much of a problem either. (I note the comment in other threads about using cast to prolong the life of these old rifles too).

Does anyone have experience of the different rifles both shooting and loading? I'm assuming that the 7.7 is similar to shooting a .303 but I don't know what to expect from the 6.5. I'm only going to get one of them so any comments about either are gratefully received. Also what's the general availability and price at the moment?

Thanks

Charlotte.

[saddler]

Saw lots for sale in Finland.

[Alpha1]

I think you will struggle to find one in good nick.

[bnz41]

I think you will struggle to find one in good nick.

+1 to the above and will not be cheap.

[Laurie]

I have a shooting friend who collects them and managed to gradually acquire half a dozen mostly in 7.7, but at least one 6.5. The 6.5 had one of the worst chambers I've ever seen on a rifle as evidenced by the bulge on one side of the fired cases! The 7.7s shoot well and brass is easily formed. They use '.303' calibre bullets (0.311/12"), so a competent handloader has no trouble with them.

The condition of those he found is variable - I don't think you find 'mint' Arisakas outside of the Pattern Room collection - from very scruffy to really not at all bad. I've not spoken to him for a while, but I don't think he's managed to add to his collection in recent years. They were always rare, but a there was a trickle coming into the country maybe 10 years or so ago.

[lasbrisas]

I have type 38 (6.5) and a Type 99 (7.7) and shoot both of them but bought them more for the historical side of things as one was made in Hiroshima and we all know what happened there. Getting the brass for both was a challenge and dies are not too bad to get if you know where to look. Bullets are common enough, I'm using the common 139gr 6.5mm and 174gr .303 in the 7.7mm, in fact I had them both at the range today, the 7.7 is more accurate but that doesn't bother me as I like the historical side.

[Tommygunn]

I quite fancy one myself, most likely type38 if I can, (once I get back on top of things again!). Do see them advertised periodically but certainly seem to go for "good" money

Interested to find out how the search progresses and what you end up with so be sure to share!

[Charlotte the flyer]

Did a quick search and I've seen type 99's up at £1000, crikey!

[froggy]

Yep but as a bonus an Arisaka gives you a the perfect excuse to acquire one of the coolest late war bamboo scabbard bayonet ever

[pe4king]

On gunstar there are 3 type 99 and 2 type 38 seem reasonably priced to me considering their scarcity