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Title:	RIFLE, MILITARY -  JAPANESE RIFLE TYPE 5 (COPY OF U.S. M1) 7.7MM SN# 30
Maker/Manufacturer:	GARAND, JOHN C.
Date of Manufacture:	1945
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 1915
Measurements:	OL:107.3CM 42 1/4" BL: 58.6CM 23 1/16"

Object Description:

JAPANESE RIFLE TYPE 5 (COPY OF U.S. M1) 7.7MM SN# 30
Manufactured by Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, Yokosuka, Japan - Japanese copy of M1 rifle. Gas-operated. Identical to U.S. piece except has a 10-shot magazine and a guide for loading from a stripper clip. All the mechanical parts needed for the en-bloc clip of the M1 were eliminated. There is no catch latch. Follower redesigned and the the trigger housing featured a reservoir to hold extra cartridges. This allowed the soldier to "top off" his weapon, which was one improvement over the M1. Sliding ramp peep, with windage adjustments and graduated in 100 meter increments from 100 meters to 1200 meters rear sight; inverted "V" front sight with guards. 6-groove rifling; left hand twist. It is believed only 125 of these were assembled. Weapon was originally designed for paratroop units. Adopted in April, 1945.

Markings:
Totally unmarked except for a number 30 stamped under rear sight leaf and other internal parts.

Notes: As early as 1943, the Japanese Imperial Navy requested a weapon with more firepower to arm their paratroopers. The supply of captured M1 rifles at Yokosuka Naval Arsenal were studied. It was believed that if the magazine were redesigned to incorporate a fixed box of 10-round capacity for use with the 7.7mm round, it could be fed utilizing two 5-round stripper clips. The modifications worked, and by April of 1945, the weapon was adopted as the Type 5. It is now believed that these arms were made at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, and specifically on the 3rd floor. Veterans who managed to salvage these rare weapons as souvenirs have all stated they were in Yokosuka. It is estimated that no more than 125 of these arms were ever fully assembled.

References:
Honeycutt, Fred L. MILITARY RIFLES OF JAPAN 1897-1945. 3rd Ed. Julin Books. Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. 1989.