Nagoya Arsenal Type 38 Carbine (Fifth-Series 'ホ') - 6.5x50mm Japanese, WWII Era, 19.2 in Barrel
This Nagoya Arsenal Type 38 Carbine is a fifth-series (kana 'ホ') WWII-era rifle produced circa 1941–1942. It is chambered in 6.5x50mm Japanese and retains its correct arsenal and model markings, with the Imperial chrysanthemum crest on the receiver ring ground. Notable configuration details include the 19.2-inch barrel, 5-round fixed internal magazine, and the characteristic Arisaka cock-on-closing action with a straight bolt handle.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: The upper handguard is not present, and the front and middle barrel bands with the nose-cap/bayonet-lug assembly are missing. The side sling-swivel hardware is absent, and sling points are not present. The cleaning rod and receiver dust cover are also missing. Scratches and blemishes are present across the rifle and wood stock, with widespread patina and small areas of pitting. The bore shows bright areas with defined rifling and minimal blemishing.
What’s Included
- Nagoya Arsenal Type 38 Carbine, fifth-series (kana 'ホ')
Built at Nagoya Arsenal, this fifth-series Type 38 Carbine carries the circled kana series mark 'ホ' and the '三八式' model designation on the receiver ring. It dates to approximately 1941–1942, aligning it with late pre- to mid-war production. The Imperial chrysanthemum has been ground, as seen on many examples that left military service.
The carbine is chambered in 6.5x50mm Japanese and uses a 5-round fixed internal magazine loaded via stripper clip. It features a 19.2-inch barrel and a 13-inch length of pull, maintaining the compact profile associated with the carbine variant.
The action is the classic Arisaka cock-on-closing design with a straight bolt handle and a Mauser-style trigger guard. A large, knurled safety knob sits at the rear of the bolt. Sighting is via a tangent rear sight with a sliding cursor and a barrel-mounted front blade. The receiver is steel with a blued finish.
The hardwood stock shows grasping grooves and inletting for a side sling swivel, along with a steel buttplate. Several original components are not present on this example: the upper handguard, front and middle barrel bands with nose-cap/bayonet-lug assembly, side sling-swivel hardware, cleaning rod, and the receiver dust cover.