Arisaka Rifles

Q: Type 38 vs Type 99 — what's the difference?

The Type 38 is the earlier 6.5x50 rifle, long and smooth-shooting; the Type 99 is the WWII 7.7x58 standard, shorter with a monopod on early production. Both are strong cock-on-close actions.

Type 38s and Type 99s, the takedown Type 2 paratrooper and school trainers — every Arisaka for sale is photographed with its markings, mum stamp included where intact.

In the Case Right Now

LIVE INVENTORY — ONE OF EACH

Japanese Type 2 Paratrooper rifle$2,585.00

Kokura-manufactured Type 99 Arisaka rifle with full chrysanthemum mum and dust cover$1,425.00

Type 38 Arisaka training rifle with bayonet$525.00

Type 38 6.5x50mm Japanese (6.5×50 Arisaka)6.5x50mm Japanese (6.5×50 Arisaka)$789.00

The Emperor’s Rifles

Type 38s in 6.5×50 and Type 99s in 7.7×58 anchor the shelf, joined by the takedown Type 2 paratrooper and school trainers. All of them share the Arisaka’s strong cock-on-close action.

The chrysanthemum stamp marked each rifle as the Emperor’s property, and many were ground at surrender — our photos always show the mum’s condition, intact or not, along with the rest of the markings.

Common Questions

How does buying a firearm online from Old Steel Arsenal work?

Every firearm ships to a licensed FFL dealer of your choice — pick your dealer at checkout and we handle the transfer paperwork and shipping. See our FFL & Shipping page for the full process.

What does the chrysanthemum (mum) stamp on an Arisaka mean?

The imperial chrysanthemum marked the rifle as Emperor’s property. Many were ground off at surrender — an intact mum adds collector value, and our photos always show its condition.

Type 38 vs Type 99 — what's the difference?

The Type 38 is the earlier 6.5×50 rifle, long and smooth-shooting; the Type 99 is the WWII 7.7×58 standard, shorter with a monopod on early production. Both are strong cock-on-close actions.