Arisaka: 6.5 or 7.7?

[510dat]

I've got an acquaintance who's got two 6.5's and two 7.7s that he might be interested in parting with. From his descriptions, one of each has been either sporterized and/or bubba'd, and two that are more or less original. Unfortunately, he's got ideas of sporterizing the other two, which I'd rather not see. I'm not really looking for an Arisaka, but I'd like to keep the remaining ones in original condition, since they aren't making new ones anymore.

Given the choice, which caliber would you suggest, and why?

[Peter in CA]

Arisaka 6.5

510dat,
My vote goes to the 6.5mm round. It is a sweet round to reload and shoot. Mild recoil, accurate, and plenty of bullets to chose from in 6.5mm. I shoot both and the selection of bullets in 7.7mm is not that great.
Brass is available for both, as is expensive ammo if you do not reload.

But, I would go for the rifle in the best original condition. If one is mum'd and the other is not, that might sway my choice, but the best overall original condition is what you want. With the best bore. The 6.5 should have a chrome lined bore, as should the early 7.7's. Late 7.7's may not have a chrome bore.

PM me if you want to discuss some more. I am located next to San Jose.

Peter in CA

[gunboat]

I am presuming a t38 and t99 --
First choice would be the one in best condition.
As to cartridge, there are +&- to both --
Both are about the same accuracy wise, and condition is probably the decider here as well-
Case wise, there is no ready substitute for the semi-rimmed 6.5 - though it can be rechambered to 6.5x57roberts.
Shootable cases for the 7.7 can be made from 06 --
Probably best to stock up on brass, which ever one you choose.
my ha-penny

[510dat]

Thanks for the input.

Peter, I'll send you a note when I get my thoughts more organized.

[Milsurp Collector]

I am presuming a t38 and t99 --
First choice would be the one in best condition.

+1

Condition, matching numbers, originality are more important than caliber. If he has two unmessed-with ones get both.

[Spiggy]

when it comes to the 6.5 caliber, the guns can be a variety of models and variations. Be sure of what you're buying.

[knucklehead0202]

they're both decent rounds, i have a 38 carbine and a 99 rifle. haven't shot the 6.5 all that much but i know it's much slower than 6.5 swedish. i like my 7.7 but they're both nice. if you can swing it and they're in good shape, i'd buy both. otherwise, if the 7.7 is a late war example, i'd pass on it and go with the type 38. check them out and see what you see.