Japanese WWII Arisaka Type 44 Carbine

Published on March 28, 2011
Duration: 12:28

This review of the Japanese WWII Arisaka Type 44 Carbine by hickok45 offers a detailed look at its mechanics, historical markings, and shooting characteristics. The expert highlights the unique bolt safety, the significance of the ground-off Imperial Chrysanthemum, and the practical application of 'Kentucky windage' due to the rifle's sighting characteristics.

Quick Summary

The Japanese WWII Arisaka Type 44 Carbine is a bolt-action rifle known for its unique, user-friendly safety and a trapdoor buttplate for cleaning rods. Historically significant, its receiver often bears a ground-off Imperial Chrysanthemum. Chambered in 6.5x50mmSR Arisaka, it offers mild recoil, though ammunition can be costly. Sighting inaccuracies may require 'Kentucky windage' for precise aiming.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Initial Shooting
  2. 02:37Mechanical Features and Markings
  3. 04:47Ammunition and Recoil
  4. 06:11Range Performance and Kentucky Windage
  5. 10:34Final Thoughts and Historical Context

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key mechanical features of the Japanese Arisaka Type 44 Carbine?

The Arisaka Type 44 Carbine is a bolt-action rifle featuring a unique safety mechanism that is considered easier to operate than that of a Mosin-Nagant. It also includes a trapdoor in the buttplate for storing a cleaning rod and a metal nose cap designed for a folding bayonet.

What is the significance of the Imperial Chrysanthemum on an Arisaka rifle?

The Imperial Chrysanthemum (mum) is a symbol of the Emperor of Japan. On military firearms like the Arisaka, it was often ground off after World War II to signify the Emperor's transition from a divine being to a mortal, marking the end of the war and a new era.

How does the 6.5x50mmSR Arisaka caliber perform, and what ammunition is available?

The 6.5x50mmSR Arisaka caliber is effective, though ammunition can be expensive and hard to find. Hickok45 used Hornady Custom 6.5 Jap 140 grain Soft Point ammunition, noting mild recoil and comfortable shooting characteristics.

What is 'Kentucky windage' and why might it be necessary when shooting the Type 44 Carbine?

'Kentucky windage' is an aiming technique where the shooter deliberately aims off-target to compensate for wind or, in the case of the Type 44 Carbine, for sights that are not perfectly aligned or zeroed. This was necessary as the rifle was observed to shoot significantly to the right.

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