The Type 99 'Arisaka' Rifle was a bolt-action rifle utilized by Imperial Japan during World War II.
Description[]
It had a 5 round magazine and a weight of about 3.7 kg.[2] The Type 99 was chambered for the 7.7x58mm Arisaka Cartridge and had a length of about 1.1 meters. The Type 99 eventually became the standard bolt-action rifle of the Imperial Japanese Army. The muzzle velocity of the Type 99 was about 730 m/s and it also featured a special safety mechanism. A bayonet could be fitted onto the end for close quarters combat.
It also came in a number a variants including the Type 99 Long Rifle and the Type 99 Short Rifle. The Short barrel version became standardized while the Long Rifle didn't see extensive use.[3] Even so, it was still used as a sniper rifle. Another Variant is the Type 2 Paratrooper version, although this version also saw limited use.
History[]
The Type 99 had its origins in the Type 38 and Type 30 Rifles and it was meant to replace the outdated and outmatched rifle. The main driving force behind this change is the serious need for a change in calibre. This was made apparent during the Japanese invasion of China.
The Type 99 began production in 1939 and it was designated the Type 99 because in the Japanese culture, the weapon was created in year 2099. The Type 99 saw production by Japan until the end of World War II. However they did reappear for some time during the Chinese Civil War, Korean War, and even Vietnam War.
References[]
- ↑ Lüdeke, Alexander. Weapons of World War II. Parragon Publishing (2007), Page 20
- ↑ http://world.guns.ru/rifle/repeating-rifle/jap/arisaka-3-and-99-e.html
- ↑ http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=373
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