Arisaka Meiji 38th Year:
The Meiji 38th year rifle was the standard Japanese rifle from 1905 until the start of World war 2. It was to be replaced by the 7.7mm Type 99 but due to a shortage of the new rifle the Meiji remained in service until the wars end. It may be reloaded from 5 round charger strips.

Arisaka Meiji 44th Year:
This is a carbine based on the Meiji 38th year rifle and includes a folding bayonet. It may be reloaded from 5 round charger strips.

Arisaka Type 97:
The Type 97 is a sniper rifle based on the Meiji 38th year rifle. It has adds a telescopic sight and a light bipod. Add 15 meters to the base range for aimed fire when the telescopic sight is used.

Arisaka Type 99:
The Type 99 was introduced in 1939 as the standard Japanese rifle. Fighting in Manchuria during the Sino-Japanese war had led the Japanese military to the conclusion that the 6.5mm round was not lethal enough and that a new more powerful cartridge was needed. This led to a more powerful 7.7mm round and a redesign of the Meiji 38th year rifle. In addition to the new cartridge the rifle was modernized, creating a "short rifle" comparable to those being issued by other nations. Although the Type 99 was to be the standard rifle of the Japanese Army it was never produced in sufficient quantities to meet the demand and served along side the Meiji 38th year rifle. It may be reloaded from 5 round charger strips.

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This exhibit was researched and designed by [Robert Wood Finley].