Japanese 8mm Hamada Type 2 Pistol

Published on April 11, 2016
Duration: 13:55

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the rare 8mm Hamada Type 2 pistol, a Japanese WWII-era firearm. It covers removing the slide, recoil spring, and barrel, emphasizing the unique rotary dovetail barrel attachment. The information is presented with the authority of Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms, providing valuable insights for collectors and enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

The 8mm Hamada Type 2 pistol is a rare Japanese WWII firearm, a redesign of an earlier .32 caliber model, produced to utilize the standard 8mm Nambu cartridge. Only about 17 are known to survive out of a reported 1,500 manufactured, with examples often found 'in the white'. It features a simple blowback action and a unique rotary dovetail barrel attachment.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Hamada Type 2
  2. 00:33Hamada's Background & .32 Caliber Production
  3. 01:02Transition to 8mm Nambu Cartridge
  4. 02:01Design Rejection and Military Input
  5. 03:18Final Design Specifications
  6. 03:53Manufacturing and Notobe Factory
  7. 05:03Rarity and Survival of Examples
  8. 06:22Theories on Missing Pistols
  9. 09:01Visual Inspection and Markings
  10. 10:57Disassembly and Internals
  11. 12:11Barrel Attachment System
  12. 12:36Trigger and Disconnector Mechanism

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hamada Type 2 pistol?

The Hamada Type 2 is a rare 8mm caliber semi-automatic pistol manufactured in Japan during World War II. It was a redesign of an earlier .32 caliber model, produced by the private firm Hamada under military contract to simplify logistics with the standard 8mm Nambu cartridge.

Why is the Hamada Type 2 pistol so rare?

Despite a reported production of 1,500 units, only about 17 Hamada Type 2 pistols are known to exist today. The majority of the manufactured pistols were likely lost during wartime transport, destroyed in bombing raids, or lost in China.

What are the key technical specifications of the Hamada Type 2?

The Hamada Type 2 features a simple blowback action, is striker-fired, and fires the 8mm Nambu cartridge. It has a 6-round magazine capacity and utilizes a unique rotary dovetail barrel attachment system for disassembly.

Who was Ian McCollum and what is his expertise?

Ian McCollum is the host of the Forgotten Weapons channel and is a renowned expert in historical firearms. His expertise is evident in his deep knowledge of Japanese small arms history and his ability to perform technical disassembly of rare prototypes.

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