SOLD - Arisaka Type 30 With "Hook" Safety - Full Mum

Description

12/8/22 - This is a nice example of an Arisaka Type 30 rifle with a "Hook" Safety. Most people are familiar with the Type 38 Arisaka, which was one of the two very distinctive Japanese rifles of World War II (along with the Type 99). The Type 38 was an outstanding rifle in large part because it was the result of several years of experience and development which began in 1897 with the Type 30 “Hook Safety” Arisaka. This first Japanese smallbore military rifle was designed by a committee (led by Col. Arisaka) from the best elements of other rifles being made at the time. It used a bolt which was significantly more complex than the elegant Type 38 bolt which would follow later. This one is mismatched but has an intact Imperial mum stamp on the receiver. It has retained about 90% of its original finish. There is not much actual finish loss, but there is noticeable brown patina covering all of the metal parts. Some areas of splotchy discoloration on the floor plate / trigger group and on the butt plate. The stock is in decent condition but shows normal signs of wear - dings, bruises, and scratches throughout. A filled-in chip in the wood toward the front of the right side of the stock. The rifling in the bore is just a little worn with some small pits here and there.