Type 99 "Last Ditch" Arisaka

Published on May 20, 2021
Duration: 9:26

This guide details the field stripping and functional testing of a Type 99 Arisaka 'Last Ditch' rifle, produced with simplified wartime manufacturing. It covers bolt disassembly, examination of crude features like the nailed butt plate, and a practical shooting drill to assess reliability. The instruction comes from an expert with deep knowledge of historical firearms and practical shooting proficiency.

Quick Summary

The Type 99 Arisaka 'Last Ditch' rifle, produced during WWII, is characterized by simplified and crude manufacturing methods due to resource scarcity. Key features include rough machining, a two-piece wood stock with a nailed butt plate, and a simplified bolt disassembly via the safety cap. Despite its appearance, it remains functional and accurate, though handloading 7.7mm Japanese ammunition using .30-06 brass is often necessary due to ammo scarcity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the 'Last Ditch' Arisaka
  2. 01:15Mechanical Design and Field Stripping
  3. 02:05Ammunition and Reloading
  4. 03:24Last Ditch Manufacturing Features
  5. 05:52Live Fire Demonstration
  6. 07:15Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key characteristics of a Type 99 Arisaka 'Last Ditch' rifle?

'Last Ditch' Type 99 Arisakas feature simplified, crude manufacturing due to wartime constraints. Expect rough machining, a two-piece wood stock with a nailed butt plate, and often a ground Imperial Chrysanthemum on the receiver.

How can one address the scarcity of 7.7mm Japanese ammunition for the Type 99 Arisaka?

A common and cost-effective method is handloading. This involves using .312 diameter bullets and reforming .30-06 brass cases to create functional 7.7mm Japanese cartridges for practice.

Is the Type 99 Arisaka 'Last Ditch' still accurate and reliable?

Despite its crude appearance and construction, the 'Last Ditch' Arisaka generally remains accurate and functional for practical shooting. Its reliability was tested effectively in a Mozambique drill demonstration.

What makes the bolt disassembly of the Arisaka unique?

The Arisaka's bolt action, based on the Mauser design, allows for simple field stripping. A key feature is the ability to remove the striker and spring assembly by simply turning the safety cap.

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