sporterized Japanese WWII rifles

[czechmate82]

I'm a collector of nice sporterized Japanese rifles, both in 7.7 and 6.5 calibers. I was wondering if anyone else has this bug, or am I alone? Gotta love a chrome-lined rifle barrel (early Type 99 sporter) for cleaning after some range time...

 

[kville79]

Been thinking of picking up a couple of 38, and 99 receivers I've seen floating on GBroker. The thing is I don't know to much about the caliber... I do know the 38's can be loaded hot because of the strength of the receiver.

 

[phatcyclist]

I sort of want to build one in .308, simply because I think the 6.5 and 7.7 bolt heads will accommodate the cartridge.

I wouldn't mind having one in 7.7, only because I have the bullets already.

 

[Eli]

I have the following:
Sporterized 7.7, exceptionally accurate.
Sporterized 6.5, converted to 6.5X55 (6.5 Swedish), unfired since converted.
Sporterized 6.5 action with .308 heavy barrel. Not yet completed si unfired.
Yes, I like them!

Eli

 

[kville79]

6.5 Jap converted into a 6.5x55 Swede sounds pretty interesting, what kind of barrel did you put on it?

ohh here's the thing on GB for 4 receivers for (3 T-38, and 1 T-99) 49.00 starting price. Just in case anyone is interested... I might pick it up, but I'm still trying to figure out what receiver I want to use for my first bolt action milsurp sniper project.

http://v4.beta.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=119950006

It should relist

 

[czechmate82]

The Type 38 would be easier to rechamber to .308 than the Type 99. The Type 38 is in 6.5, which has the same case length as the .308 (51mm). Minor bolt face work and rebarrel or rebore to .308. The Type 99 is chambered for 7.7, which has a case length of 58mm (you would need a spacer to make .308 work in it, and you would still have to rebarrel or rebore). Actually, I toyed with the idea of rechambering a sporterized Type 38 into 260 Remington (6.5mm bullet...can use the original barrel, but has bigger case volume for powder). The 260 Remington is nothing but a .308 necked down for a .264 bullet...it's near ideal for the .264 bullet. I think a Hornady .264 SST 129 grain bullet in 260 Remington would be a killer load in a converted Type 38. I also plan to start handloading at some point and use that same Hornady bullet for a 6.5mm Japanese loading using modern powders to give more velocity. Anyone have any experience with the 260 Remington chambering?

 

[40Arpent]

I'm a collector of nice sporterized Japanese rifles, both in 7.7 and 6.5 calibers.

How 'bout some pics?

 

[Eli]

6.5 Jap converted into a 6.5x55 Swede sounds pretty interesting, what kind of barrel did you put on it?

Stock everything, just needs a little reaming. Old old old gunsmith trick!

Eli

 

[kville79]

Really? sounds interesting... I'm all ears Obiwan!