My $200 Type 99 gamble.

[Eddie1965]

I have been looking for a decent Type 99 for a few months. I didn't want a last ditch, had to bee in decent shape and didn't want to break the bank either. I found this listing on Gunbroker and decided to go for it:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=521412085

This is the description:

This is a "ARISAKA TYPE 99, 7.7JAP, 26" Barrel with AirCraft Rear Sight, Metal is excellent, with 60to70% Blue Remaining, Stock is Good, No Cracks, but lots of dings and dents. Bore is Fair, with some Pitting. SN# 33768, NO OTHER Serial Numbered parts, Mum has been Ground OFF.

It arrived today and here is a quick assessment:

Kokura Series 21, AA rear sight, matching receiver, bolt body and safety. Firing pin is mismatched and the bayonet lug is not numbered. It's missing the cleaning rod, dust cover and possibly the monopod (if it came with one). I just ran an oiled patch through the bore and it shines like a mirror, no pitting what so ever with strong rifling. The blueing under the stock is immaculate. It also came with what appears to be a WWII M1 Carbine sling.

I think the seller undersold it. How do you guys think I did?

Is there a way to find out if it came with a monopod?

Do these stock cartouches match the rest of the rifle?

[Crocketus]

I think you did just fine, I'm still looking for a 99 that I like but from my experience with my 38 they make great shooters. My 38 had a really nice stock, nice bluing but with a pretty pitted bore... turns out to be a great shooter anyways, especially after the first 10 rounds or so. From everything you've said it sounds like you got everything you could want from this rifle, just consider the stock to have seen some things in it's time. as far as underselling, I think the seller was being realistic with moving the rifle especially if you do not factor history into the value. If we look at the rifle objectively it is a poor rifle to buy just like most milsurps/relics. It shoots a very expensive/rare round out of an antiquated platform so you pay really for the cool factor/history. I however would say you did well price wise, sucks that the mum is gone but a defaced mum really just adds to the story when you look at the rifle in my eyes.

[Milsurp Collector]

The M1 Carbine sling alone is worth at least $50 so you got the rifle for $149. I like the rifle and a very good price for it.

[saigarocks]

only problem is finding ammo -i have one and it took me a year to find 20 rounds so i could send 10 downrange confirm that it would go bang - if you don't reload, that is - i understand you can reload using 30-06 modified - if you are buying new,you'l endup paying abt. $1.25 a round - good deal though - nice looking gun

[Bobby Ricigliano]

The ammo situation isn't nearly as hopeless as some make it out to be.

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/239

Grafs is top shelf for customer service and you can keep the brass for future reloading needs. How much ammo is the average Arisaka owner going to put through his old war horse anyway? I have about 200 rounds and I don't anticipate needing any more for years.

Excellent pickup by the way Eddie. I'd pay $200 for that rifle all day long. It does appear to be missing the monopod. You can buy a repro for about $40. An original could be pricey.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

This picture shows some of the obvious differences between an earlier Arisaka and a last ditch.

[Crocketus]

For Japanese reloads look for precision cartridges(yellow and black box). Done me right so far with 300 6.5 jap rounds and no hiccup.

[Mustang]

I think you did very well. That is a nicely preserved type 99 and I'm not surprised that the bore is in good shape...they were chrome lined.

I recently sold one through a LGS on consignment that wasn't nearly as nice as yours and it sold for twice what you got yours for.

[Enfield47]

Looks like you did quite well, congrats. For $200 it's more than worth it.