Visiting a good friend t'other day and noticed an old rifle leaning in the corner of his shop. Turns out it was something his father brought back from WW2, a Japanese Imperial Type 99 in 7.7 x 58 that was in sad shape after being stored in his mom's attic for 3/4 century. Offered to restore it for him and have had some fun researching these old arms. Turns out it's a Series 10 "Last Ditch" rifle made near the end of the war. Found a data sheet with all the various proof markings and features that define manufacturer and other info. Still has the Imperial chrysanthemum seal on the breach. May have to buy a box of ammo after I'm done to let the old dragon breathe fire again....

I have a few of these, 6.5 n 7.7 The last ditch rifle is interesting. I have one too.t Sharp receiver rails, wood butt plate, fixed rear sight n simplified front sight w/o guards. Yours probably still has receiver cover grooves. The rifling is polygon and and will shoot well altho looks worn out. If the bolt serial number matches the receiver its probably safe to fire but safer to put butt in tire, tie long string to trigger, crouch down n yank string. If case is not bulged. Its probably ok. Ammo- check with Graft n Sons for non norma ammo. Stock has orange tint shellac n is hard to duplicate. Matching numbers? Mel

Yup, as you described, dust cover grooves are there and the serial #'s match. 3 nails in the dovetailed stock's wood butt plate. "Orange" stock is in decent shape and I shouldn't have to do anything except maybe a scant bit of acetone to remove any old (motor?) oil stains in the bedding areas. I bet it could tell some stories....

Last Ditch Arisaka? If you shoot it you're a braver man than I. I understand the last big batch they made of them had cast receivers- the idea being to get off a shot or two while dying for the Emperor.

Arisaka parts seem to bringing more money than a complete rifle these days. I was trying to find an original stock for one a few years ago and they go for $200 plus on ebay.

The Naval Special Type 99's were comprised of cast components, including the receiver. Doesn't apply in my example....

The dangerous ones are the ones with cast eeceivers and no rifling. Those are Drill Rifles for trauning only. Drill rifles WILL blow up if you could chamber a live ball round in them. Thats why i suggested a tire, long string n crouch... Mel

IF it is truly as "Last Ditch" model I think you would be best off saving money and not buying any ammunition.
The "Last Ditch" guns I have seen are pretty crude , , ,
NO,
REALLY crude.

Graf and Sons has loaded ammo 31.00 per box of 20.

Thanks mel'. Haven't gotten to it yet but will likely employ the local range's Lead Sled with a looong string for the first poke for testing purposes before I return it to my friend....