Type I Rifle
| Type I Rifle | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | Service rifle |
| Place of origin |  Italy |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1938-1945 |
| Used by |  Japan |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Fabbrica d'Armi Terni |
| Designed | 1938 [1] |
| Manufacturer | Beretta Fabbrica Nazionale d'Armi Sezione Fabbrica d'Armi Regio Esercito |
| Produced | 1938-1939 |
| Number built | 80,000 [2] |
| Specifications | |
| Cartridge | 6.5×50mmSR Arisaka |
| Action | Bolt action |
| Muzzle velocity | 630 metres per second (2,100 ft/s) |
| Maximum firing range | 2,400 metres (2,600 yd) |
| Feed system | Internal box magazine, 5-round clip |
| Sights | Open sights |
The Type I rifle Arisaka (イ式小銃 I-shiki shōjū?) was produced during the early years of World War II for the Japanese Empire by the Kingdom of Italy (Type I is not a numeric symbol, it denominates Italian).[3][4] After the invasion of China, all Arisaka production was required for use of the Imperial Army, so under the terms of the Anti-Comintern Pact, the Imperial Navy contracted with Italy for this weapon in 1937.[5] The Type I is based on the Type 38 rifle and utilizes a Carcano action, but retains the Arisaka/Mauser type 5-round box magazine.[6] The Type I was utilized primarily by Japanese Imperial Naval Forces.[7] It is chambered for the 6.5 x 50 mm cartridge.[1] Approximately 80,000 Type I rifles were produced in 1938 and 1939, 40,000 manufactured by Beretta and an equal number by Italian government arsenals; the final shipment to Japan left Venice by submarine in 1941.[2][8]
On the collector market in the United States, the Type I rifle is uncommon but not particularly popular among collectors. Since the heritage of the Type I rifle is both Japanese and Italian, it tends to be shunned by collectors of Japanese focus. The Type I typically lacks the Japanese Imperial Chrysanthemum markings, or other markings that typically interest collectors of Japanese militaria.[3] Many Type I rifles brought back to the United States as War Trophies were reportedly captured at Kwajalein Atoll, the Philippines, or from Japan at the conclusion of hostilities.[8][9]
References
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See also
- Type 30 rifle
- Chiang Kai-shek rifle
- Mosin–Nagant
- Karabinek wz. 1929
- Karabiner 98k
- MAS-36 rifle
- Mannlicher M1895
