Need help identifying Jap rifle.

[ColdDayInHell]

My father gave me this rifle and I cleaned it up. It was very dirty. I was wondering if anyone knew what type of Japanese rifle this is. I think it's an Arisaka but I am not sure. The photos I took aren't really that clear and if someone needs more pictures just let me know. I'd really like to know what type of gun it is and if I could possibly shoot it. I don't even know what type of ammo it uses. I also have the bayonet that it came with. Thanks!

-Al

 

[cemorse]

Al,
You have a Type 30 rifle. They were made in the 1897-1905 period at the Tokyo Arsenal. About 550,00 were built. These were chambered in 6.5X50MM (6.5 Japanese). Ammo is still made for it but it can difficult to get at a reasonable price. Like the Type 38 they are fun to shoot with light recoil and not much muzzle blast. They can be quite accurate if in reasonably good condition.
Charlie

 

[ColdDayInHell]

Thanks Charlie I appreciate it. Hopefully I can fire this piece of history. Do local gun shops usually carry this ammo?

 

[cemorse]

I have seen some at Four Seasons but at over $40.00 for 20 rounds (Norma) it a little too pricey for me. I bought some at the Marlboro Gun Show for $20.00 a box of 20. If you're interested I'll PM you the dealers contact info. This is new custom loaded ammo. I haven't shot any yet but I have known the dealer for 30 years and trust him.
Charlie

 

[ColdDayInHell]

Thanks, that sounds awesome. PM me if you can. I don't plan on shooting it much so the cost isn't too much of a big deal but I might enjoy it enough to buy more.

 

[cemorse]

Al,
Check your PM's
Charlie

 

[ColdDayInHell]

Thanks Charlie. Also, do you know of any website/shop I could get the cleaning rod for it? That's the only piece I'm missing.

 

[ra5451]

Also...Check this out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arisaka

 

[cemorse]

Al,
Original cleaning rods for the Type 30 are scarce and expensive. They are polished steel with a brass tip. A Type 38 rod will work but for the purist collector is not "correct". If I were you I get a repro rod. You can try Gunboards Japanese Trader: http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?53-Japanese-Trader-Board
Don Schlickman made my repro rod a few years ago: http://members.shaw.ca/tju/donspartslist.htm
I highly recommend Don. I have bought some repro Type 14 Nambu parts from him. His work is second to none. I have a new repro Type 38 rod I would part with if you want to go that route.
Charlie