Japanese Type I rifle

[Gil Martin]

Have any of you good folks encountered this rifle?

The Japanese Type I rifles was made in Italy by Carcano in 6.5 Jap caliber. The rifle has a Mauser type magazine and a Mannlicher Carcano action. One undocumented report claims about 50,000 were made before WWII and issued to the Japanese Navy.

I have only seen two of these rifles in my life and bought both of them. The first was a Type I barreled action that I bought for $1 at a rural feed mill that also sold guns. I gave that rifle to a WWII U.S. veteran who landed in Japan at the end of WWII and wanted a souvenir.

The second rifle came from a local gun shop where it was sitting on a used gun rack. I acquired the mint rifle, with bayonet and sling for $85. The shop has just bought it from a widow whose husband brought it home from the South Pacific.

Smith and Smith in "The Book of Rifles" and W.H.B. Smith in "Small Arms of the World" have pictures of this rifle, but little information. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

[Old Scout]

I've seen several, did some minor work on one, and one was in an auction lately. As I recall there wasn't much interest in it. I really don't know anything about them, except there was an article some years ago, about Japanese Shoulder arms. I think it was in the Rifleman, maybe back 6-8 years. Seems like it had something to say about the Type I.

Old Scout

[Gil Martin]

Thanks for the information. All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

I was THERE at Meiser's Feed Mill in Richfield, PA when you paid ONE Dollar for that Type I barreled action. It was NOT an economic triumph then or now! Whatever.

I have never understood why the Japs bought about 50,000 Carcano rifles chambered for their 6.5mm Jap round. The action was far inferior to their Arisaka actions. Bottom Line: the Type I arms did not win the war for the Japs.

Adam

[jplonghunter]

Gil
Military Rifles of Japan by Fred Honeycutt if you want more info on Type1.
Ray

[Gil Martin]

jplonghunter,
I will look up the material on the Type I rifle. Really appreciate the lead. Hope you visit this site and post often. All the best...
Gil

[jplonghunter]

Gil

It appears you are resident expert on MSA on this site so maybe you can assist. I have just purchased 98 Mauser action,small ring,short,with recess machined down receiver rails both sides and is marked 1942.
Is this a G33-40?

Ray

[Gil Martin]

Ray,
It depends. Can you provide any additional information or pictures? I have a G33/40 that I picked up years ago for $45.00. I will try to assist you. If you do indeed have a G33/40, you are very fortunate. All the best...
Gil

[jplonghunter]

Gil

Don't have hi-tech camera to take digital pictures,however,after closer examination it is not short action(assumed this due to small ring) . It is standard length with dot and the date 1942 stamped on receiver. Thanks for the assist.
Ray

[Old Scout]

I see on the Simpson Ltd site they have a Jap type I listed for $495.00!

[Nulle]

I think this may be the gun I have that was re-done in a 257 Roberts.