Japanese Last Ditch WWII rifles, are they safe to shoot?

Published on August 24, 2016
Duration: 21:19

This review examines the safety and functionality of Japanese 'Last Ditch' Type 99 Arisaka rifles from WWII. While crude due to wartime material shortages, these rifles are mechanically sound if in good condition, debunking myths of inherent unsafety. The video compares early production models with their simplified 'Last Ditch' counterparts, highlighting differences in sights, materials, and manufacturing, and concludes they are affordable entry points for collectors and shooters, provided they are inspected by a gunsmith.

Quick Summary

Japanese Last Ditch Type 99 Arisaka rifles are generally safe to shoot if in good mechanical condition, despite their crude wartime construction. They differ from early models by lacking features like chrome-lined bores and anti-aircraft sights. Always get a gunsmith's inspection before firing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Milsurp Rifles & Last Ditch Focus
  2. 01:13Early Type 99 Features
  3. 02:03Historical Context: Last Ditch Production
  4. 03:38Safety Assessment: Are They Safe?
  5. 07:11Live Fire: Early Type 99
  6. 09:01Live Fire: Last Ditch Type 99
  7. 11:43Visual Comparison: Front End
  8. 14:53Visual Comparison: Sights & Receiver
  9. 18:21Collector Value & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Japanese Last Ditch Type 99 rifles safe to shoot?

Yes, Last Ditch Type 99 Arisaka rifles are generally considered safe to shoot if they are in good mechanical condition. While they were produced with simplified methods due to wartime shortages, they are not inherently unsafe like some training firearms. Always have a gunsmith inspect any vintage rifle before firing.

What are the main differences between early and Last Ditch Type 99 Arisakas?

Early Type 99s typically feature chrome-lined bores, anti-aircraft sights, dust covers, and monopods. Last Ditch models are more crude, often lacking chrome lining, having simplified sights (like fixed peeps), rougher finishes, and omitting features like cleaning rods or dust covers.

Why were 'Last Ditch' firearms produced during WWII?

'Last Ditch' firearms, including the Type 99 Arisaka, were produced in Japan during the final stages of WWII due to severe shortages of raw materials and manufacturing capacity. This led to simplified designs and cruder construction methods to maximize production output.

What is the collector value of a Last Ditch Type 99 Arisaka?

Last Ditch Type 99 Arisakas generally have lower collector value compared to earlier production models due to their simplified and often less refined construction. However, this makes them more affordable entry-level options for collectors and shooters interested in historical firearms.

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