Type I Rifle

Type I Rifle
Type	Service rifle
Place of origin	Italy
Service history
In service	1938–1945
Used by	Japan
Wars	World War II
Production history
Designer	Fabbrica d'Armi Terni
Designed	1938
Manufacturer	Beretta Fabbrica Nazionale d'Armi Sezione Fabbrica d'Armi Regio Esercito
Produced	1938–1939
No. built	80,000
Specifications
Cartridge	6.5×50mmSR Arisaka
Action	Bolt action
Muzzle velocity	630 metres per second (2,100 ft/s)
Maximum firing range	2,400 metres (2,600 yd)
Feed system	Internal box magazine, 5-round clip
Sights	Open sights

The Type I rifle Arisaka (イ式小銃, I-shiki shōjū^?) was produced during the early years of World War II for the Japanese Empire by the Kingdom of Italy (Type I is not a numeric symbol, it denominates Italian). After the invasion of China, all Arisaka production was required for use of the Imperial Army, so under the terms of the Anti-Comintern Pact, the Imperial Navy contracted with Italy for this weapon in 1937. The Type I is based on the Type 38 rifle and utilizes a Carcano action, but retains the Arisaka/Mauser type 5-round box magazine. The Type I was utilized primarily by Japanese Imperial Naval Forces. It is chambered for the 6.5 x 50 mm cartridge. Approximately 80,000 Type I rifles were produced in 1938 and 1939, 40,000 manufactured by Beretta and an equal number by Italian government arsenals; the final shipment to Japan left Venice by submarine in 1941.

On the collector market in the United States, the Type I rifle is uncommon but not particularly popular among collectors. Since the heritage of the Type I rifle is both Japanese and Italian, it tends to be shunned by collectors of Japanese focus. The Type I never had the Japanese Imperial Chrysanthemum markings, or other markings that typically interest collectors of Japanese militaria. Many Type I rifles brought back to the United States as War Trophies were reportedly captured at Kwajalein Atoll, the Philippines, or from Japan at the conclusion of hostilities.

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