Kokura Arsenal Arisaka Type 99 Series 24 Sporter 6.5-257 Roberts Bolt-Action Rifle
This Series 24 Arisaka Type 99 started life at Kokura Arsenal during World War II and still carries its intact Imperial chrysanthemum. Later, a skilled American gunsmith re-barreled it for the 6.5-257 Roberts wildcat cartridge and fitted a walnut Monte Carlo stock, turning a battlefield veteran into a lightweight sporter that retains the action’s renowned strength.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Metal surfaces display scattered scratches and blemishes expected from field carry. The bore is bright and shiny, reflecting consistent maintenance.
What’s Included
- Kokura Arsenal Arisaka Type 99 Short Rifle, Series 24, re-barreled to 6.5-257 Roberts
- After-market walnut Monte Carlo stock with cheek-piece, white-line spacers, and Kensil ventilated rubber recoil pad
- Receiver-mounted Redfield aperture rear sight and blade front sight on ported muzzle brake
Built at Kokura with the triple-interlocking-circle mark, this rifle left Japan with its chrysanthemum unground, indicating it was never surrendered under official terms. That intact crest adds collector interest even after the sporter conversion.
The gun was re-barreled to 6.5-257 Roberts, a once-popular wildcat that pairs the efficient 6.5 mm bullet with the versatile .257 Roberts case. The result is flat trajectory and moderate recoil, well suited to medium-game hunting.
A 19.5-inch barrel with a ported muzzle brake keeps overall length around 39 inches while reducing muzzle climb. The brake also serves as the base for the blade front sight, complementing the receiver-mounted Redfield aperture for a clean sight picture.
The aftermarket walnut Monte Carlo stock features a right-hand cheek piece, pistol-grip contour, and classic white-line spacers. A Kensil ventilated pad softens recoil and provides a firm shoulder purchase.
Underneath the custom work lies the Type 99’s robust action, long respected for its ability to handle high-pressure cartridges. The knurled cylindrical safety knob remains intact, and the five-round internal magazine feeds smoothly.