Videos tagged with Meiji Era

This expert-level overview of the Japanese Type 30 rifle, introduced in 1897, details its historical context, receiver safety features like gas vents, and its sighting system. The guide highlights the Type 30 bayonet lug, the five-round staggered column magazine, and the unique two-piece stock construction. It also explains the cock-on-close bolt action and its service life with the Imperial Japanese Navy, noting its replacement by the Type 38.

The Type 18 Murata, Japan's second domestic military rifle, was produced in 1885 (Meiji 18th year) with tooling assistance from Winchester. It features a unique cock-on-opening bolt action powered by a V-spring, a departure from common coil springs. Chambered in 11x60mm rimmed Murata, it fired a heavy projectile at 1500 fps, typical for mid-1880s black powder military cartridges. Markings, including a defaced Imperial Chrysanthemum, indicate its service history and eventual removal from official Imperial use.

The Japanese Type 26 revolver, adopted in 1893, was Japan's first domestically produced military sidearm, replacing the Smith & Wesson No. 3. It features a unique tool-less disassembly mechanism by swinging the trigger guard forward. Chambered in a proprietary 9x23mm rimmed cartridge, it operates in double-action only with a free-spinning cylinder that indexes upon trigger pull. While comfortable to shoot due to low recoil and a smooth DA trigger, its cartridge is considered underpowered compared to contemporaries.