Loading Spinner

Japanese Rifles

Japan has been familiar with black-powder weaponry for centuries due to its proximity to China. Still, it took the Japanese some time to significantly invest in firearms and manufacturing.

In 1880, Japan entered the modern arms race with the Murata rifle, a single-shot bolt-action rifle chambered in the 11x60mmR Murata. In 1899, the Arisaka arms manufacturer produced the Type 30 carbine. This began a long tradition of arming the Japanese Empire with Arisaka rifles.

Japan kept up with most European innovations throughout the years and the Arisaka line grew to 10 rifles. Many were carbine variants of full-sized battle rifles. The Type 99 is one of the most common rifles available. Some rare variants can be found in .30-06 and 7.62 mm NATO. These rifles are largely based on Mauser actions, but are much stronger and more appropriate for military service. An interesting feature of Arisaka rifles is the chrome-lined barrel, the first military rifle to introduce this feature. Japanese rifles are stout weapons with historic appeal and interesting design features.


Quick Facts

  • The Japanese Imperial 16-petal chrysanthemum was removed from most captured weapons to maintain the Emperor’s honor
  • The Type 99 rear sight has flip-up anti-aircraft sights, an oddity for a bolt-action infantry rifle
  • Many Japanese rifles were converted to Western calibers due to the scarcity of the Japanese 7.7 mm

Recommended Items at Auction

See all items

(X) Japanese Type 99 Arisaka WII Rifle
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
(X) Japanese Type 99 Arisaka WII Rifle
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$1,10011 Bids
Weatherby Vanguard Elite .257 WBY MAG Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Weatherby Vanguard Elite .257 WBY MAG Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $700- $1,000
$5504 Bids
bp parity badge
LUNTENSCHLOSSGEWEHR, HINAWAJÛ
Mar 22, 9:00 AM CET
LUNTENSCHLOSSGEWEHR, HINAWAJÛ
by Schuler Auktionen
Est: CHF500- CHF900
CHF5003 Bids
EXPORT CONTRACT PEABODY PROVIDENCE TOOL RIFLE
Mar 22, 9:00 AM EDT
EXPORT CONTRACT PEABODY PROVIDENCE TOOL RIFLE
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $1,200- $1,800
$1,0503 Bids
bp parity badge
LUNTENSCHLOSSGEWEHR, HINAWAJÛ
Mar 22, 9:00 AM CET
LUNTENSCHLOSSGEWEHR, HINAWAJÛ
by Schuler Auktionen
Est: CHF500- CHF800
CHF5002 Bids
Weatherby Vanguard .270 WIN Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Weatherby Vanguard .270 WIN Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $600- $800
$3001 Bid
Weatherby Vanguard 7mm-08 Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Weatherby Vanguard 7mm-08 Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $650- $850
$3251 Bid
Weatherby Vanguard .300 WBY MAG Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Weatherby Vanguard .300 WBY MAG Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $700- $900
$3501 Bid
Weatherby Mark XXII .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Weatherby Mark XXII .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $600- $700
$3001 Bid
Weatherby Vanguard .270 WIN Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Weatherby Vanguard .270 WIN Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $600- $800
$3001 Bid
Weatherby Vanguard Classic II .30-06 SPRG Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Weatherby Vanguard Classic II .30-06 SPRG Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $800- $1,000
$4000 Bids
Nice Weatherby Vanguard .30-06 SPRG Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Nice Weatherby Vanguard .30-06 SPRG Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $800- $1,200
$4000 Bids
Scarce Siamese Mauser Type 46 8x50 Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Scarce Siamese Mauser Type 46 8x50 Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
Beautiful Weatherby Vanguard .30-06 SPRG Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Beautiful Weatherby Vanguard .30-06 SPRG Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $800- $1,200
$4000 Bids
Weatherby Mark XXII .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Weatherby Mark XXII .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $800- $1,200
$4000 Bids
Nice Weatherby Vanguard .308 WIN Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Nice Weatherby Vanguard .308 WIN Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $800- $1,000
$4000 Bids
Beautiful Nikko/Golden Eagle Model 7000 7mm REM MAG Bolt-Action Rifle
Mar 25, 1:00 PM CDT
Beautiful Nikko/Golden Eagle Model 7000 7mm REM MAG Bolt-Action Rifle
by Vogt Galleries Texas
Est: $700- $900
$3500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Japanese Rifles


Vogt Galleries Texas

Vogt Galleries Texas

Schuler Auktionen

Schuler Auktionen

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC