Got some gun questions (WWII rifles)

[illusion88]

So I was helping out my parents put away Christmas decorations when I stumbled upon two odd shaped packages. I thought to myself, wow, those look a lot like rifles. Sure enough, we took them down and they were! We have a 1940 Model 98 German Mauser and this Japanese one that I cant identify. MY lack of foresight led to me not taking pictures of it. I would g get them down again but we just spent a long time wrapping them up in bags and paper and what not. Anyways, the Japanese gun is shorter then the Mouser. It has a smaller barrel. Also, it has this odd clip like thing on the bottom in front of the trigger. The sight lifts up and adjusts vertically (to adjust for distance). It has a fold out bayonet on the bottom. If anyone can identify it by that description that would be great.

They are in great condition, they both shoot (at least the mechanisms work). They were both used in combat. My Grandfather (a Lt. colonel) picked them up while he was in WWII.

I also wanted to know if I could buy ammunition for them. Would I still be able to get ammunition for them? What caliber is the Mouser or the Japanese one if you can identify it? I would like to go out and shoot them if I could.


Anyways, any help would be great.

 

[PCMarine]

That's pretty cool.

 

[wbresson]

IMO I wouldn't shoot a WWII rifle, more of a collectors item not a shooters item. Look up their value before you start messing with them

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Did you write down the numbers that were on them.

Google images. To help your memory of them.

The Japanese rifle probably has a larger reciever at the bolt than the Mauser.
If it does that was regular issue. Chrysanthemum on top, the Emperor's flower,
it was symbol of his reign.

 

[NesuD]

well I am pretty sure the Japanese rifle must be am Arisaka type 44 carbine. It's the only one i know of that has a folding bayonet. It shoots a 6.5mmx50mm cartridge. Not sure on availability for those although i wouldn't be to surprised if you could still get ammo for them. Heres a link to a page with pics of several Old Japanese Military Rifles. The mauser i would have to guess is probably 7.65caliber cartridge. the 98 mausers actually were manufactured in a few different calibers for other countries but I am reasonably sure the German military rifles were 7.65mm it should be marked somewhere on the rifle. That cartridge used to be very common so i think you could probably find those as well with a little looking around. As long as the guns were properly srored and maintain they should be perfectly safe to shoot. As far as them being a collectors weapon there were literally hundreds of thousands of 98 mausers dumped as military surplus back in the 60s so they aren't really that unique. My Dad used to buy em by the crate and use the actions to build sporting rifles on. Still has 2 of them 1 still a 7.65 he uses deer hubting and another that he rebarreled to shoot a 7mm Rem mag cartridge. The Arisaka on the other hand might be a little more unique since it is basically a Japanese cavalry weapon.

 

[edro]

The K98 is a 7.92 mm. Check the symbols on the receiver. See any SS Skulls? See any Nazi Eagles? If they have the SS Skulls, they are very valuable because it is an original SS rifle. If it has the Swatika Eagle on it, it is also more valuable. If it has the markings punched out (defaced) they are worth less, but are still an awesome historical rifle. I have 2 K98s myself, one defaced, and one with the Swastikas. They shoot great. You can get 7.92mm at any gun show and at most gun stores.

As for the Japanese rifle... I have no idea.

 

[NesuD]

Thats right most were what they called 8mm cartridges which really meant 7.98 or 7.92 mm have a couple of 8mm(7.92) spanish 98s The 7.65was an Argentine mauser i think.

 

[StageLeft]

That's very nifty that you have two weapons used in combat in WWII by non-allied forces. Get some freaking pics!