History of WWI Primer 032: Japanese "Arisaka" Type 38 Documentary

Published on August 16, 2016
Duration: 41:18

The Japanese Type 38 rifle, an evolution of the Type 30, was a robust and reliable WWI-era trench rifle chambered in 6.5x50mm. Designed by Kijiro Nambu with principles of simplicity and reliability, it featured a unique sliding dust cover and a palm-operated safety. Despite its strengths, some historical accounts suggest potential issues with barrel bursting under specific conditions.

Quick Summary

The Japanese Type 38 rifle, designed by Kijiro Nambu, was a significant improvement over the Type 30. It featured a unique sliding dust cover to seal the action, a simplified bolt, and was chambered in 6.5x50mm Arisaka, weighing 9.2 lbs with a 5-round capacity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Type 38 Rifle
  2. 00:44Type 38 Technical Specifications
  3. 01:20Shortcomings of the Type 30
  4. 01:41Kijiro Nambu's Influence on Design
  5. 06:45Nambu's Design Philosophy Principles
  6. 08:306.5x50mm Ammunition Improvements
  7. 09:32The Sliding Dust Cover and Action
  8. 12:45Type 38 Safety Mechanism
  9. 14:44Type 38 Production History & Arsenals
  10. 19:19International Use in WWI (Britain, Russia)
  11. 22:00Range Testing, Ergonomics & Reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key design principles behind the Japanese Type 38 rifle?

Kijiro Nambu based the Type 38's design on five principles: simplicity, minimal parts (especially in the bolt), ruggedness for war, absolute reliability, and an aesthetically pleasing design to inspire troop confidence.

What made the Japanese Type 38 rifle unique compared to other WWI rifles?

The Type 38's most notable feature is its sliding dust cover, which moves with the bolt to keep the action sealed from dirt and debris. It also has a simplified bolt with only six parts and a large, palm-operated safety cap.

What caliber does the Japanese Type 38 rifle use, and what were its specifications?

The Type 38 rifle is chambered in 6.5x50mm Arisaka. It weighs 9.2 lbs (4.2 kg), has an overall length of 50.2 inches (128 cm), and features a 5-round fixed double-stack magazine fed by stripper clips.

Who was Kijiro Nambu and what was his role in developing the Type 38?

Kijiro Nambu was a prominent figure in Japanese military engineering. He was tasked with improving the Type 30 rifle, leading to the development of the Type 35 and ultimately the more successful Type 38, focusing on reliability and environmental sealing.

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