Arisaka Type 99 to 500yds: Practical Accuracy (Why did Japanese use those sights?!)

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The Arisaka Type 99 short rifle is often attributed with one of the strongest actions, with some of the best mitigating gas escapes to deal with an overcharged cartridge... but what about the rest of the rifle?
The Imperial Japanese Army decided to put a wide aperture rear sight tha thas an anti-aircraft capabilty, with a slick "cock-on-close" straight bolt Mauser type action.
We delve into the effectiveness of these sights, but most importantly, why did the IJA decide on this radical departure from the standard type rifle sights of the era?
(TLDR: the sights aren't amazing for targets, but VERY FAST, and well suited for the IJA's fighting doctrine)
A special thanks to Brandon from The Gun Room for loaning us his rifle, and then transferring the Type 99 that I purchased, and thank you to Othias from ‪@Candrsenal‬ for putting quality Arisaka information out there, and also helping with our research.
Opening Music:
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More C&Rsenal Arisaka content:
Arisaka Type 38
• History of WWI Primer ...
Arisaka Type 99 rear sights
• Anti-Aircraft Sights o...
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Distance Conversions:
150y - 137m
200y - 182m
250y - 229m
300y - 274m
350y - 320m
400y - 366m
450y - 411m
500y - 457m
This video's editing by Agency Communications LLC
Music by Tyops (THANKS!!!)
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[@9HoleReviews]

TLDR: the Type 99 is extremely fast in shorter combat distance, from 0-250m, as you can see at 11:34 I made an error in my chat later. US Marines deployed to the pacific with M1903 - M1903A1's not 03A3's. I can't believe I did too, because I really like their 03a1 snipers. Also, the changes to 7.7 from 6.5 was also largely "machine gun" related and "rifles following". Bore erosion and effectiveness for using 6.5 in a machine gun would be unfeasible and understandably why the Japanese would push for a change to the .311/7.7mm cartridge instead. That said, the increased lethality coming with the larger caliber with fast sights were a good adaptation to the Japanese doctrine. I had a RELEVATION ( in spirits due to my newly discovered respect to the phenomenal Japanese engineering that went into this rifle) v.s. I had a REVELATION (but said the wrong word) --> you be the judge.

[@joemorganeatmyshortschannel]

i think it would be fun and you could enlist bloke and chap as well as c&rsenal for help i loved surplus years ago now i cant afford it so i love to watch about it

[@petesheppard1709]

I was about to comment on that; the Marines' standard rifle was M1903. M1903A1 was the scoped sniper variant. Also notable is that many of the rifles the Marines fought with on Guadalcanal were 'low number' guns, which went through heavy combat without notable problems.

[@CrazyIvan2X]

the sights make way more sense given that Imperial japan had very limited number of SMGs deployed.

[@Botclone]

you should put it in the close range practical accuracy course

[@ironhead2008]

@@petesheppard1709 Yep. That reason alone suggests the "Low Number Gun" thing isn't really a thing. The ones that were gonna go kaboom did so years ago. If it got rebarreled in WW2 or if it has Hatcher Holes, it's probably fine on a diet of M2 ball.

[@tysonolsen4862]

Henry: “I’m considering maybe doing a mini series...” Me: (vigorously chanting) “DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT!”

[@jfess1911]

I would love to see a good discussion about rate of aimed fire. Henry is one of the few KZbinrs that mentions the advantage of rifles with a bolt throw short enough to maintain shoulder weld. He also demonstrated that he was fully aware that it was possible to cycle a Lee Enfield while maintaining a sight picture. Some (Ian at Forgotten Weapons, for example) have had bad luck with Lee Enfields jamming, so they doubt the rate-of-fire advantage. It would be interesting to see Henry's take on it.

[@stevevanosdall416]

Absolutely do it. But run a M1 Garand 'Control', also. The M1 will dominate, but I think that's a good illustration anyway.

[@ton1911]

Yes, yes! Your analysis and comparison of the sighting methods and designs of the rifles was gold. We need more of that.

[@Mike-kr9ys]

Yes please!

[@SteamCrane]

Yes, all vs a Garand. A battle for second place.

[@johnsanko4136]

Ah, the Arisaka type 99. The King of "I found this rifle in my granddad's closet, can anyone identify it" internet posts.

[@ryanbelleau4801]

My grandfather gave me his from when I got it in WW2. I never wanted to shoot it but now I’m 44 I most definitely want to shoot it.

[@kylek6104]

That is the exact same thing that happened to me. I have a last-ditch model with little markings to identify it. However, it does have the mum fully intact.

[@skeet330]

I got one from my grandpa also

[@kylek6104]

@@ryanbelleau4801 they are fun guns to shoot, just make sure there is rifling in the barrel

[@ryanbelleau4801]

@@kylek6104 thanks for letting me know about that. One question though. I’m a little worried about shooting a gun that most likely was last shot in 1945. Other than cleaning it good and looking for the rifling which is easy anything else to worry about it exploding on?

[@larryirons8746]

My father brought home a Type 99 rifle from WW2 from a warehouse in Japan. I learned markmanship on that rifle and did reloading of 7.7mm cartridges. When I attended West Point I qualified as an expert marksman thanks to my experience with the Arisaka rifle.

[@cfltitan]

I was conflicted on liking your comment because you were at 99 likes and I thought that was pretty cool. I liked it anyway. Lol

[@Czechmate88]

When you were reloading 7.7 what caliber bullet did you use? 308?

[@Tookan69]

@@Czechmate88 ...If I was drinking a coffee, was I actually consuming milk?

[@Czechmate88]

@@Tookan69 guess that depends on how much milk you put in. And I did not realize I said caliber and not diameter

[@Tookan69]

@@Czechmate88 Well, .308 is 7.62x51, 7.7x55 has a slightly larger bullet diameter than .308 In other words, you can reload 7.7 cases with .308, if you wanted to have an "un"intentional grenade that is.

[@salaadin]

Cheat code: Yelling “Tenno Heika Banzai” adds +200 skill damage to targets down range.

[@darnit1944]

No you idiot, that is Japanese soldier's ult. Increasing melee damage by +200%, and reducing 90 stealth points. Practice targets dont take any damage, only hit register. If you are playing aircraft, bomb damage will be increased by 999% and significantly reduced crew morale by 50 points.

[@ItIsGonnaGetWayWorse]

Is it worth the -50% armor debuff though?

[@RonJeremy514]

The easy and fast target acquisition coupled with the smooth action on this rifle grants another secret technique from the Hokuto Shinken if the shooter says "Omae wa mou shindeiru".

[@DrownInLysergic]

@@RonJeremy514 Nani?!?!?

[@marholdt1731]

No planes were harmed in the making of this episode.

[@9HoleReviews]

TBH not many planes were harmed with those sights.

[@peterkovinski8476]

They were some

[@hugbug4408]

@Chong Chena Was the arisaka a anti- aircraft weapon too? And what was the type heavy and light machine guns used?

[@MrSolLeks]

@@9HoleReviews IIRC they did work in china vs low / slow flying when fired on in groups, but by the time the japanese fought the US with our fast flying aircraft they started deleting them.

[@DomR1997]

Allegedly.

[@Joseph_yy]

The words on the sling of that type 99 is “第一挺進団” which means “The 1st advance group” ,which is the name of the Japanese airborne division/ special forces, and I think that’s so damn cool.

[@_ArsNova]

Not original though, most reproduction Type 99 slings have such markings, as the Japanese did list their units on the inside of the slings.

[@alexwest2573]

@@_ArsNova still a neat peace of history to include in a reproduction sling

[@JohnSmith-ex9mv]

Now the next thing is to find one that says screw the army/navy.

[@63grandsport11]

I had an original sling once. When I had it translated it said. "Carry Strap" in Japanese..... So there ya go. 👍

[@billeyisgaming6185]

damn thats cool

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

My grandfather had one of these and was a reloader even back in the 1940s. He was in the Navy. He made die’s for this rifle by cutting the chamber out of another one for sizing, he filled the cases partially with water and sealed the top of the chamber/die when sizing to pop the primer at the same time on used brass. He was probably one of the only men in America at the time reloading for this rifle. He even made his own contraption to measure muzzle velocity by shooting a heavy metal pendulum and measuring how far it swung. He was a clever ol hillbilly that lived in a log house he built with trees from his own property in Idaho. Didn’t even have electricity until the 1980s. Seeing one here makes me remember how much he did with what he had. Miss you Gramps..

[@traviscozza7177]

My grandfather gave me this gun! So accurate, I cherish it. The story of how he got it is special... he had (at the time) an enemy dead to rights and the enemy knew it. He chose to not kill, injure or capture the enemy but to let him go. He unloaded the person's gun and tried to send him on his way but the soldier insisted he take his gun as well. I hope that soldier lived through the whole war as did my grandfather.

[@brianmccarthy5557]

Please excuse my doubts and confusion. Was your grandfather's enemy Japanese or something else? What army was your grandfather in? What war? Given the nature of combat in the Pacific between the Japanese and the Americans, Australians, Phillipinos, Paluans and occasionally British fighting them I cannot believe this occurred in that combat. Polite surrender just did not happen, nor did letting your enemy get away. The war between the Nationalist Chinese and tge Japanese was similar. If you are referring to those conflicts I am skeptical. However there are other conflicts where this might possibly happen. Could you please enlighten us?

[@barbarahunter5463]

@@brianmccarthy5557 could be true. Not all Japanese soldiers were Japanese. Japan got the island of Formosa (present day Taiwan) in 1895 after the first Sino Japanese War. Japan got Korea in 1905 after the Russo Japanese War. Both Chinese from Formosa and Koreans were drafted into the Japanese army in ww2. Usually they were not used as combat troops. When I was a teenager we had a neighbor that fought the Japanese. He talked about running into some Chinese from Formosa. He said they weren't nearly as eager to die for the emperor as the Japanese were

[@MintyLime703]

@@barbarahunter5463 yeah I'm not sure what he means by "polite surrender just doesn't happen" as it happens all the time. Not everyone feels like dying. And considering the culture of the time it probably didn't bode well for him having surrendered without a fight if he was Japanese. Maybe he thought it'd make for a better story to his superiors if he came back without a rifle. Or, like you said, he wasn't a willing soldier and/or wasn't Japanese.

[@yaminrashid418]

You forgot to account for the fact that Japanese soldiers are still humans, and humans prefer to not die if they don’t have to. Not to mention that the idea that Japanese soldiers always fought to the death was grossly exaggerated to cover up the fact that we were executed most of the ones who surrendered.

[@superfamilyallosauridae6505]

If the enemy soldier was Japanese and not Korean or Chinese, it was obscenely unlikely. Not saying it didn't happen, but the skepticism is warranted. In most parts of WW2, the number of prisoners taken was several times higher than the Pacific. Reading the numbers of Japanese captured in the Pacific theatre is almost unbelievably low for the number of troops that were present in the first place. From what I recall, there are multiple battles where something like 95% of all the Japanese on a given island would literally not survive the battle or war, with tens of thousands present. That's just insane and unique, the numbers are ridiculous.

[@maxschaeffner9005]

Me: "What a great practical test and analysis of the rifle." Also me: "Try to shot down a drone with the AA sights!"

[@oldrabidus2230]

When the rifle was developed, what was China flying and what was the average speed of aircraft in the 30’s? Scout planes? Even then, better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it. Interestingly enough, those sights would have worked well against helicopters in Vietnam.

[@tarstakars]

You know what it's easy to say that but I know the China had some Brewster buffaloes and Serveski p35s, even some Russian Ratas not to mention the AVGs p40s all 250 mph plus aircraft. Put enough bullets in the air and your gonna hit something.

[@jankthunder4012]

@@oldrabidus2230 Given the struggles that actual modern AA pieces had during that war the Japanese would have been better off spending the manufacturing capabilities on ball bearings or something, and saving whatever time they spent training people how to use the sights. Even with 100% accuracy trying to shoot down any type of plane with that caliber of weapon is basically just a fun way to waste ammo (you can see this is true based on the fact that a 50. BMG was basically the smallest caliber used for AA and on planes against other planes by the end of the war, and even that was starting to become obsolete as engines became more powerful and amour started to be introduced), especially if they don't do you the courtesy of flying ridiculously low for no reason to even be within range in the first place. Sure it's *possible* to shoot down a plane with these AA sights, but it's equally as possible to shoot down a plane by taking potshots with normal sights, and that has the benefit of not needing to manufacture and train in the use of these sights. These sights are a lot like the irons going out to 500m on the early war k98s, it's not worth the precise manufacturing for a feature that 99.9% of your soldiers are not going to have the talent to use effectively and which they will rarely have the opportunity to use anyways. As for shooting down helicopters, those are slow low flying and regularly stationary targets, you could hit a helicopter with almost anything as was proven by them being shot down with RPGs most famously in the battle of Mogadishu.

[@oldrabidus2230]

@@jankthunder4012 Correct but helicopters fly less than 200mph. Also in Blackhawk down, the helicopters were not buzzing by at 150mph. They were circling and flying in patterns the enemy picked up on. Sure the Japanese could have spent more resources in something else other than these AA sights. There is a lot of things the Japanese could have focused on to win the war but they didn’t Self sealing fuel tanks on aircraft, damage control on aircraft carriers etc... Back to the AA, while not ideal, the Japanese fought without air cover any many conflicts. Better to have a chance than nothing at all.

[@dickmelsonlupot7697]

@@jankthunder4012 well yes and no. one, the hell you comparing 7.7x58mm to an RPG round?? two, you can only shoot down a helicopter effectively with small arms (whether it be rifle rounds or RPGs) is when they are near the ground or within around 500meters from the ground. Even then you still need to be lucky since a helicopter's downwash (the downward air made by the helicopter's main rotors) is significant enough to actually "bend" the trajectory of a bullet. Plus the main body especially the area around the main rotor is incredibly bullet resistant. The same can't be said for the tail rotors though especially since that's the clear "weak spot" of a helicopter since if the tail rotor is gone or not functioning, the helicopter will go into an uncontrollable spin. Now for the RPGs, they were shot in volleys i.e. a bunch of guys with RPGs shot at the same time or in quick succession. and "shot down" is too vague of a word. What happened to both Black Hawks is more akin to lucky shots on the tail rotor. It wasn't the RPGs that actually brought the choppers down. It was the helicopter's inherent weakness or in their case the lack of the tail rotor which would have pulled the main body against the torque of the main rotor that brought it down.

[@stevemc6010]

Everybody gangsta till the Imperial Japan Trap Remix drops

[@alexunfiltered5756]

and he starts yelling in Japanese

[@rattyratstuff7125]

tbh the best music ive heard in a while

[@badfoody]

I K U R A A A A A A A A A

[@dacnien]

Mauro Rawn - Swords

[@samy7013]

The Arisaka Type 99 seems like a solid, well-engineered, well thought out, easy to manufacture, easy to maintain, strongly built bolt action rifle. In many ways, it’s probably the epitome of bolt action design for actual hard-fighting combat and frontline conditions. An excellent rifle by any measure.

[@drcovell]

Especially for muddy, wet jungles!

[@johngibson2884]

The ' 400' number is in Kanejaku Shaku ( 'Metal measurement')not yards! 28 inches impact low difference at 400 meters .... The Japanese never use the yard or foot for their rifles graduated sights after 1891 they use the Shaku... which somehow is not recognized in the West even though this practice was only banned in March of 1966..officially changing in 1922 but not for Kanejaku ( metal) shaku not implemented until 1947...the Kanejaku Shaku...which is .0.303 meter or 11.93 Inches served as the measurement for these rifles throughout the war this is why so many veterans complained about the rifle" shooting low" but they're actually right on... it would he graduated to 372 yards when you think it's 400 yathat's a low impact at those distances This explains why it was shooting slightly low at 400 yards sighted which would be dead on at 372 Shaku ... not 400 meters

[@9HoleReviews]

Super interesting, comment pinned

[@ADB-zf5zr]

This explains a lot.! A new unit of measurement that I was not familiar with... . Perhaps 9-Hole Reviews will revisit this rifle with this new information, and also, Henry, yes please do, do a "mad minute" series :)

[@erictsang3603]

I don't think they use Kanejaku Shaku for their rifle. They used the metric system in the technical manual below: dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/1457922 (Page 19 are the data of Type 38 rifle, I couldn't find Type 99's data yet.) The manual mentioned the sight is using Meters, instead of Kanejaku Shaku. So I believe it's the same on Type 99 as well, since adopting another measuring system during the war is not practical. Edit: I also doubt the numbers on Anti Air Sight are saying 100 km/h instead of 100 knots, since during that period (1935~1940) most planes in China can't reach 300 knots. Also this unit is not widely used by the IJA.

[@mcramen4488]

Nah, Japanese army were using metric system in early 20th century, navy followed later. It's definitely metric system also all the old Japanese war documents using metric system as well. Source: I'm Japanese.

[@johngibson2884]

@@mcramen4488 Officially 1922....but not Kanejaku "metal" measurement Shaku .... that was changed in March 1966.

[@Candrsenal]

凄い

[@9HoleReviews]

ありがとう先輩~~~~ ^.^

[@rizaradri316]

Hey Othais I wish you can get your hands on Hanyang 88 rifle. Well because these rifles went into hell before they're surplused, they're in pretty rough shape.

[@CrazyIvan2X]

@@9HoleReviews thank google translate... LOL

[@garlicdemon1]

Yeah, you should totally do an episode on the hanyang 88. I have one myself, with markings from the Beiyang army and one of the Kuomingtang's German-trained 84th division.

[@DeathWishProject]

凄いかどうかはね。。。。笑

[@maskedhobo]

In the immortal words of Hank Hill, "So are you Chinese or Japanese?" Thanks for all the awesome videos.

[@humanoidwolf]

God dang it Bobby bwah

[@humansvd3269]

I killed fiddy men!

[@hailtothe_rooster1572]

What ocean???

[@humanoidwolf]

@@humansvd3269 God dang it Bobby not again

[@humansvd3269]

@@humanoidwolf Butane is a bastard gas.

[@JayneCobbsBunk]

9HoleReview: I want to do a series on the mad minute BlokeOnTheRange: Makes flight reservations

[@mkms685]

Most of the guerilla troops in the Philippines preferred Arisakas (both type-38 & type-99) than the Springfield 03's during the War. Since its was very accurate at both short and medium ranges and handles very well; aside from the fact that its ammunition can be acquired easily from captured or dead Japanese troops. These rifles shine in surprise garrison raids and ambuscades, where the Filipino guerillas were notably known for.

[@folkschris6932]

I have this one .type 99 .my grandfather gave it to me. We are from bontoc mountain province. I'm just a little bit frustrated since I can't find where I could buy its ammo

[@afinoxi]

Henry : wears a Japanese bandana and uses a Japanese rifle China : *T R A I T O R*

[@canaluludorel5838]

He is American. Period.

[@9HoleReviews]

:) 16:45

[@afinoxi]

@@9HoleReviews holy shit your family was badass

[@canaluludorel5838]

@@ASS_ault I cannot deny the fact that his ticcness makes me soft on the inside, mr Vasili Sardinia. Did I read your name right?

[@canaluludorel5838]

@@ASS_ault I like to eat sardins. That's some good ass food

[@turbo-yu6eg]

"Mad Minute" a Russian contract Winchester-95. That I would like to see when compared to the bolt guns. You said "manual" it's a manual and some did serve in WW2 as well as WW1 !!!

[@kylefarris8866]

Yeah, some of our troops used Winchester Repeaters in the Aleutian Islands against the Imperial Japanese forces there.

[@jordanderemer4195]

hard to do that on a rest, i'd imagine

[@G-Mastah-Fash]

@@jordanderemer4195 you just have to cant the rifle to the side to operate the lever between shots.

[@thegoldencaulk2742]

I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see that, but I think we all know it's gonna be glacial compared to the bolt guns. The action isn't as smooth and fast as the toggle-action levergats, and the reliance on Mosin clips will hurt the reloads.

[@abhinandanb]

Prone?

[@jh8146]

Am I the only on who literally had a chill run down my spine when he showed those hash marks?

[@interruptingcow2418]

An IJ soldier messing with his rifle to pass the time or marking out kills with his rifle. Imagine how many people were shot using that rifle.. My dad used to tell me as a young boy in occupied philippines, the japanese used to use dead bodies and captured resistance members as bayonet and target practice....

[@NoGoBu]

Those weren't scratches, it was dead Soles😒

[@fludblud]

43 of them no less...

[@paulfrantizek102]

Ian at Forgotten Weapons made a similar point about one of the late Carcano carbines with the limited adjustment sight: Takes a bad rap from US shooters who bought them as surplus to hunt or target shoot, but as an actual combat rifle had some very desirable traits.

[@hanhtoobala7510]

Fun fact: *Attaching bayonet increase the accuracy by 200%*

[@canaluludorel5838]

By

[@offdeadeye88]

Lol half my rifles keyhole with a bayonet, all the weight at end of barrel vibrating, wonder if that was intentional for damaging effects?

[@thegoldencaulk2742]

Fun actual fact: Russian Mosins were sighted in with the bayonets fixed, because it was tradition to march with fixed bayonets in the Russian military. Of course, nobody told the Latvians when they received these rifles on loan....

[@themastermason1]

No, it gives a buff to melee damage and a significant buff to Imperial fervor.

[@asagrimmr1459]

I thought it increased speed of action and reload

[@draczka14225]

Years ago I hosted a shooting event, Rifle shooters used their rifles for most of the shooting. Then randomly I assigned a WWII rifle to each shooter (1903A3, Type 99, and Mas36). By far the shooters did their best shooting with the Type 99 even though many had never shot a bolt action rifle..

[@doejohn8674]

"many had never shot a bolt action rifle" Oh my God! Thank you Sir, for giving them some education :)

[@badpossum440]

How could you grow up without firing a bolt action rifle? Guess i am showing my age.

[@ycplum7062]

I have a theory that the better shooters started with a bolt action. They were forced to take their time and get good sight pictures, proper breathing and trigger squeeze. A semi allows some some impatient shooters to squeeze off faster than they are ready, substituting quantity for quality.

[@phanthomboy3]

@@ycplum7062 I fully agree. As a younger shooter, my first rifle years ago was an AR15 for it's multi purpose. I would like to point out though, that with the ammo prices these days, I too, have been taking time to find that sight picture, good breathing and proper trigger squeeze(; Gotta make those 10 rounds I brought to the range last more than 10 secs.

[@SootHead]

I had one of these given to me by a WWII Vet uncle when I was a kid. Early one in good shape. Couldn't get ammo at the time and everyone said it was junk, so I was evilly influenced. Ended up selling it after I got out of the Army in the early '70s. This makes me wish I had it back. Especially since I now reload and could "roll my own." An eye opening 9-Hole... thank you gents!

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

It would be cool to see a Swedish M96 and Arasaka type 38 in the mad minute competition.

[@KnifeCursed]

Japanese arms of WW2 are extremely interesting. They certainly seemed to play to their own tune when designing them.

[@joshbarnett1090]

When your brand is isolated nationalism, you end up with some polygonal wheels here and there.

[@leftnoname]

Getting ammo for them is probably even more interesting.

[@jakei8322]

@@leftnoname cost me $110 for 60 rounds shipped..... that hurt, time to pick up some reloading dies lol

[@pieterlindeque7798]

Type 11 lmg is my favourite.

[@wei270]

their machine gun where you need to twist you head to fire is the most interesting, sucks to be the loader though.

[@zip1233]

Honestly, I think your channel might be one of the most under-appreciated guntuber channels out there. I enjoy the hell out of your content.

[@Maelstrom8]

Absolutely! I always learn something from a 9 Hole Review regardless of the era of firearm. Great channel with great hosts!

[@Jb-qf8nx]

Great video, I’m lucky to have my grandfathers take home type 2 (paratrooper) rifle, splits in half in the middle, all matching numbers with bayonet, intact chrysanthemum, I believe a fairly rare rifle and so much fun to shoot

[@9HoleReviews]

those are worth a lot of money!

[@burntheland]

I like the thought that went into examining the reasons behind the rifle design of this rifle. It’s a fascinating breakdown of reasons and advantages. Good job

[@ketchman8299]

Finally, more WWII service rifles. Now, WWI rifles please.

[@TheTegas]

Only if they use a c96 like Mauser designers thought they would and try shooting it up to 500m

[@lptomtom]

Older rifles are much more interesting than modern ones on this accuracy test IMO

[@rednecksniper4715]

They need to do the M1917

[@VCBird6]

@@rednecksniper4715 got one I could loan :)

[@rednecksniper4715]

@@VCBird6 me too but they turned me down I noticed the 1895 Winchester Russian contract they got laying on the bench can’t wait for that video

[@badcornflakes6374]

Ian's dad of Forgotten Weapons is an expert on Arisakas

[@jfess1911]

His father was an expert in Arisakas, so I imagine that he couldn't avoid dinner table conversations about them.

[@darnit1944]

He wrote books about em

[@cericat]

@@jfess1911 Still is, the senior McCollum is still around thankfully.

[@guyconnell2250]

My Grandfather obtained a 7.7 type 99 shortly after WWII. He always called it a "surplus" gun. He gave it to my Dad who still has it. Great video.

[@schlinge-fling]

I sold my type 99 and invested the money in something more practical and useful. But I will admit that it was my favorite rifle to shoot. It’s durable, accurate and beautiful. I love the Arisaka platform.

[@kentr2424]

I'd like to see such a mini-series shooting "mad minute" with the main rifles used by both Axis and Allies in WW2. You'd have all the fun, you lucky dog you. :):) IIRC the actual "mad minute" used by British Army shooters can be clearly described (and the narrator actually shoots it) if you search a channel called britishmuzzleloaders on KZbin.

[@KarltheKrazyone]

Also look at Bloke On the Range for similar stuff. Mike did the falkland island sabotage pick one. He's gone deep on mad minute lore.

[@bobojo37]

Kind of easy to do a Mad Minute with the US service rifle of the day though...

[@DenKHK]

I would like to suggest a possible twist 9-Hole might consider with the proposed "mad minute". This arises from a major point that Henry explored on this video - the sights. As I understand it, the original mad minute requires the shooter to be in prone position and fire 15 rounds at a defined-sized target at a pre-defined distance. That's 1 target, fixed distance, from a fixed firing position. This setup therefore might not really show up the difference in sight performance across the contender rifles, since there's very little relative movement between rifle and target between shots. In other words, the mad minute would largely be a showcase of the rifle action's performance (and/or the shooter's skill at manipulating it). The Arisaka has sights which are designed to allow for rapid target acquisition and/or greater usability in poor lighting conditions. For at least the former, perhaps we could incorporate some stang-shooting elements - for example, 15 torso targets side by side, separated by perhaps 10m - and each one set at a random distance between 100 to 200m (but same positions for all rifles). That way, the shooter has to do more target acquisition by having to switch between different targets at different ranges. Disclaimer though, I've never shot a rifle before (banned where I live) so I may well have the wrong idea but hopefully it's food for thought ~

[@pystykorva7114]

Your Perkele was nearly flawless ;)

[@damniambad]

Me: "Finnish rifles hardly ever malfunction if at all." Henry: "Perrrkkele!"

[@gwfranklin1]

So much work into each video. Way better than a lot of the bigger channels. Thanks for the quality!

[@renelopez2244]

Finally! Just going to say.. That bring back with the 40+ kills scribed into the stock, with a MUM intac.. & the U.S service members info is just ans exceptional find. High dollar rifle there...

[@deadhorse1391]

How do you prove it was legit?

[@sniperfreak223]

Arisakas in general are still relatively undervalued in the collector's market, so unless it's something like a sniper model or a paratrooper model, they usually don't fetch a ton of money...but they definitely do seem to carry a lot more history with them than a lot of other rifles. You see a lot of them with shrapnel wounds and buckshot lodged in the stocks and bayonet damage and even quite a few with flamethrower charring...I think it might be due to the fact that they were rarely surrendered in actual combat

[@deadhorse1391]

@@sniperfreak223 few years ago my girlfriend and me was at our Saturday flea market and a guy put out this Paratrooper Arisaka complete with bayonet I asked what he wanted, told me he paid $100 for it I can make an offer I said how about $80, he said OK My girlfriend asked me later how he could sell it for less then he paid...I told her he probably paid $40 The numbers match, the Mum wasn’t ground off just has an X over it. I’ve head the Japanese soldiers did that themselves using a bayonet blade and a rock to deface the mum

[@dexm2010]

@ Rene Lopez I should have, but until I heard Henry describe in the video why most of the MUMs were removed on these rifles after the war, I never understood why this was done....I always thought it was foreigners, not Japanese, that ground off the MUMS LOL!

[@renelopez2244]

@@deadhorse1391 Just checking the archived service members I.D

[@Sman7290]

The "Mad Minute" concept is intriguing. I know that there's this English Bloke on some range in Switzerland that's been dabbling with it along with some French Chap. They're coming up with all kinds of interesting geeky engineer type stuff. It would be really interesting to get a different perspective on it. Maybe even compare/contrast notes from a combat perspective.

[@samuelsmith6281]

I think Henry has had some contact with the English Bloke when they were discussing an operation during a little disagreement in the South Atlantic. I'd certainly watch him and the chap do some mad minutes and compare the results, I suspect the SMLE vs Arisaka would be the final fight.

[@paulelliott6673]

There is a you tube clip of Indian troops I think and the rate of fire is very impressive however does not show target.

[@JohnSmith-cs6lv]

The history that your type 99 has is incredible and a fantastic reminder of the stories our rifles held and lost. Amazing piece, thank you for sharing.

[@Adirondneck]

You guys rock. Not only can Henry run these old war horses like a pro, but the breakdown is insightful as always. Miniseries? DO IT.

[@AustinsArmoury]

I see you teasing us with the Winchester M1895 lever action 👀

[@scarlettacres]

Hopefully soon!

[@kurtkenehan8017]

Henry:Now one of my Japanese speaking friends.. Othias: Hi, I'm Othias Me: choking on water from trying to laugh from that unexpected transition.

[@KarlEller]

I'm glad I wasn't drinking anything when Othias popped up, or it would have been all over my screen 🤣

[@drcovell]

😂 😂😂😂😂

[@Lecrie]

"Perkele!" he said when his finnish Mosin jammed.

[@Toggers99]

Love to see a weapon built with a particular style of warfare considered in it’s design, like the French Sniper from before. Honestly I wish there was more content about axis power weapons in use that we can see and have discussions about. Too often it’s just a discussion about the depressing history of those holding them, and not the designers or weapons themselves. Good shooting. I for one would LOVE more close range accuracy videos with WW1/2 war era weapons.

[@thetalesofdaneandco]

"Hi, I'm Othais" got me.

[@panzerabwerkanone]

Othaisan.

[@danieldalessandro96]

I have a all matching, mum intact early war with monopod and matching dust cover but unfortunately in Canada ammo is hard to come by for these old war horses So well done. Thank you for the content!

[@ttoy3603]

I still have the type 99 my father came home with it has all matching numbers and still shoots, the bore is good. My father would never talk about his time in the south pacific, although I have several pictures of him and his detail in Nagasaki right after the war. Great video thank you... Tim

[@djwoody1649]

When you hit the gongs, you should edit over someone banging a big gong. Bwaaaanng, impact.

[@Smythester123]

I was hoping the 500 yard would just be a bayonet charge at it.

[@tackytrooper]

No 15,000 men ever assembled could stab that target...

[@thecommunistdoggo1008]

Wouldn't be safe it is a life fire range and the potential of getting hit far far outweighs the benefit

[@Smythester123]

@@thecommunistdoggo1008 i know, it was a joke :)

[@thecommunistdoggo1008]

@@Smythester123 Sorry I couldn't tell my bad

[@MrLoobu]

Best way to get shot on a range.

[@benbeals8479]

Would love to see that series. I have long been fascinated with the Type 99 but never had the opportunity to fire one so I really enjoyed this.

[@kot1pelto]

"This gave me a relevation" Arisaka Type 99: "You've been relieved!" 9-Hole: *sad face* :(

[@MrBlueBurd0451]

The Type 99 is my dark-horse entry for the best turn-bolt military rifle ever made. They are such joys to work and shoot.

[@kentr2424]

They do have the reputation of being among - if not THE - strongest bolt action rifles ever made.

[@windogendoors7566]

i agree wholeheartedly

[@G-Mastah-Fash]

The guy that used that rifle clearly died. The emperors mark is still on there.

[@jonathansmith7306]

He definitely lived by the sword

[@matthewpham9525]

@@jonathansmith7306 If only he lived by the rifle or machine gun

[@Vinclum]

But he contributed 43 kills when you see the notches.

[@grantgarrod2232]

Stagger Lee, while that's quite possible, it's not at all assured. Many a wounded soldier who survived has left his rifle behind on the battlefield, from being too injured to carry it further, or being unconscious & rescuers ignoring it, each being likely possibilities. It does, however, make it highly probable it was carried & wielded in battle, which is why a rifle with the chrysanthemum crest intact is often labeled a "battlefield pickup". There are zero guarantees of anything in the chaos of battle. Unless it was taken in single combat, just how it passed from the hands of the soldier who was issued it, to the hands of the man who finally took it home, are really beyond knowing.

[@jontee3437]

Good to see one of my favorite rifles get put through its paces. An Arisaka was one of my first milsurps that I bought. I have several now.

[@lukecapria8925]

Just found this channel. Very cool episode and looking forward to watching more. Well done!

[@MorningGI0ry]

Tennōheika, and I cannot stress this enough, Banzai.

[@Joshua_N-A]

In 41st millennium, this wouldn't be out of place.

[@windogendoors7566]

Thank you for talking about one of the most underrated guns of all time. Thank you for confirming that the Type 99 is indeed a fast rifle to shoot.

[@justinpolaski5713]

I vote do it. I love everything you guys post already and adding a bolt gun comparative speed shooting would be both informative and fun to watch.

[@pyro4squirrel]

Love Love Love Love! Always happy to see somebody discover an appreciation for Arisakas. Probably my favorite bolt action rifle!

[@hoffmiermp]

For real, I just picked a beautiful mid war type 99 all matching w/mum and bayonet.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

That is a VERY nice example of the type 99.

[@ToastytheG]

No monopod though :

[@constantinexi6489]

Ethnic Han conscript practicing his shooting along the outskirts of Takao City, Formosa, 1938

[@bquick6317]

That's some really great editing in the intro... Bravo!

[@jhirata6456]

Thank you VERY MUCH for running the type 99. Hands down one of the most underrated bolt action military rifles ever.

[@sanguinemoon9201]

Love how Henry gets into character. My favorite is "what kind of asshole make sniper rifle shoot explosive boollet"!?

[@Taytayflan]

Only if you also provide commentary on the use of the "Mad Minute" in determining the worth of a marksman or their rifle.

[@9HoleReviews]

of course. observations are valuable for further conversation.

[@ihcfn]

Have you seen the Aussie at desert brutality? Stupidly quick at short range targets!

[@panzerabwerkanone]

@@ihcfn When bolt actions are all you essentially have left to train with, you get stupid good at shooting them.

[@stitchjones7134]

@@ihcfn link?

[@numbersletters3886]

I have 2 type 99s and love them for

[@dickdanger2235]

We love you Henry. You have one of the best programs on any form of media.

[@dockmasterted]

I like how he used the Finish exclamatory expression when using the Finish rifle. ..... I'm from Upper Michigan USA and have heard it many times for the same situation. .....LOL

[@M.M.83-U]

Wonderfull video! Now is a race between you and bloke to complete the mad minute serie first. Looking forward to the Carcano episode.

[@thomasvandevelde8157]

First video of yours I watched... And I´m starting to like this already :-) I like the tactical insights a lot, since after all the gun is usually adapted to the tactic/operational doctrine of an army, or tactics around the capabilities of the guns of the time. Like the development of the musket: from a long range ´sniper´ rifle with huge bore used mostly stationary, to a flintlock with separate (and mid-18th century) volley fire without even any form of sight, to again a hand-primed weapon with sights used for both skirmishing and line-of-battle tactics with the abandonment of volley fire (oddly enough the Napoleonic wars didn´t feature as much volley fire as we´d expect, accuracy was becoming more of a prime concern) to a rifled musket with adjustable sights. Back to where they started, only now the functions of Pike, arquebus and the original musket combined into one package... And by 1915, the guns were being developed around the tactics. The reasons that assault rifles were developed, was after all because they found out the average firefight during WW2 (on the Eastern Front) took place at ranges up and to 150 meters... So a bit too far for most sub-machine guns, too close for rifles, but with a pair of brass b*lls and a thorough training, the latter can be made to work without the need for a transition.And for some strange reason, the Japanese military liked night-fighting, especially their ´Shoot and Scoot´ style missions with cruisers and destroyers around Guadalcanal drove the US Navy absolutely crazy. But indeed, if you´re in no position to start making automatic weapons, than a very fast, light and simple bolt-action rifle is obviously the second best you can get. Especially if the bayonet-charge is still considered a viable option, which one must say was a bit outmodish by 1941..? But there must have been some effect to the whole tactical doctrine of the Imperial Japanese Army, otherwise they´d never have conquered almost all of South East Asia, let alone hold on to it for another 2-4 years. Many people forget that disease was one of the main killers of Japanese soldiers stationed everywhere, the consequences of a faltering logistical system. I believe that more Japanese soldiers died because of malnutrition and disease, rather than of actual combat. Not sure about the number though, I could be wrong, but I know that dysentery and malaria simply ravaged entire garrisons to non-existence. I´m not sure about the numbers of my head, but it was the absolute worst of all fighting powers in World War Two. As mentioned above, the immense task of supplying these far off garrisons was even in peacetime already a logistical nightmare, let alone with dozens of US submarines sinking over 8 out of 10 freighters.I´ve read a book, analyzing the Supply Chains of different armies during WW2, and I remember the following: Per division, the amount of weekly/monthly (?) tonnage of goods supplied was respectively: -German infantry Division with 140 tons of supplies per period. -Red Army infantry Division with about 120-130 tons of supplies per period. -The US Army with about *650 tons* of equipment per infantry division per period (!!)-The British Army Division did with 240 to 450 tons of equipment, depending on the moment in the war.The Japanese Army was not mentioned... Didn´t read nor find any coherent data yet, but it seems the Japanese Soldier was treated with near-criminal neglect by HQ. Not that the Germans or Soviets did better at times, but at least they *tried* to do something about diseases spreading, as did the British Army hold awareness campaigns ( by handing out brochures and having officers check on the carrying out of these instructions) about how to keep dysentery and other human-human transitioned lethal diseases in check by means of simple methods.Where US forces got sent ammunition to antibiotics to movie-projector, a German or Red Army division didn´t even have enough food.But way of topic here, gonna watch a couple of more videos! Regards,Thomas PS. If anybody has any interesting lecture on tactical/operational doctrine of the IJA to advise, please do so! PS 2: it appears KZbin is ruining the layout of my text... Maybe this isn´t the ideal platform to ask these questions?

[@9HoleReviews]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! Yes, I agree that these things are far more interesting when you really peel back the layers of logic on adaptation. Often times tactics and logistical concerns far outweigh whatever clever contraptions to make the "perfect rifle" or "perfect cartridge" in the civilian world.

[@stephenbridges2791]

I had one many years ago. My copy still had the dust sleeve on it, which is usually missing. The Chrysanthemum was still on it, as well. I bought some dies and shot mostly reloads through it. At that particular time Norma was about the only company that made ammo for it and they kept the pressures real low for the late war copies that were of questionable quality. Nice copy you have there.

[@tangero3462]

Astute observations, and nice shooting! It makes me happy that the information age is actually allowing us to break the gun rag lore about everything that isn't American. As it happens, people are generally competent in how they design things. The emphasis on low light fighting capability is something I find American weapons of the era seriously lack. Even just at twilight, the tiny apertures on something like an M1 carbine disappear and make hitting even a 50-yard target incredibly challenging. The Type 99 sight and No 4 combat sight really do make a world of difference

[@ghostjeff4963]

Yes, more Type 99. Nambu's work on these rifles needs more love. I'd also like to see Josh run it for speed and see what happens.

[@easttexan2933]

Your shooting and analysis of this rifle I found to be outstanding. Well done.

[@kevlarandchrome]

17:49 I want to watch that series! Also appreciate the in depth discussion and thought about the sights and their purpose and potential combat effectiveness in that purpose.

[@blackwhite5078]

You get the like button even before I watch the video. I am that committed. Keep on the good work boys 😎👍

[@USMCrulz]

Bought my type 99 a few years ago and had to find some of the missing pieces that it had the housings for, ie the dust cover, monopod. And aa sights (still missing the screws for them sadly) but I love my type 99, it is a great shooter.

[@petervollheim5703]

Your videos are awesome. I have owned a type 99 for 20+ years - in good shape too. It's time to shoot it for the first time.

[@DriftWood40]

What a strange coincidence. I’ve recently re-educated myself on these rifles after spending most my life believing they were complete garbage . Thanks for the video and information at the end very informative.

[@lazzie7495]

Why did people used to think they were garbage?

[@DriftWood40]

@@lazzie7495 I think it was a bit of a stigma. Like Henry said American and others focused on match accuracy even for their combat rifles. Which isn’t necessarily wise. After the war ended and these military rifles became surplus rifles I think possibly again the appreciation for match sights won. Another thing I didn’t realize until this video was the fact that the 99’s had chrome lined barrels a first to do so like Henry said. I think like I said there was a stigma that Japanese military equipment was built poorly and had a quantity over quality kind of thing going on. I was told for years the 99’s were junky Japanese rifles but I think it’s was just people repeating what other people said and nobody actually had hands on one.

[@cosmo9882]

Mad minute comparisons on all different types, please 👍😎👍

[@Labbazz]

haha that "Perkele" at the end was on point.

[@buymicheats]

I picked up one of these from a local gun shop who the owners dad brought back from Japan in WW2. Still hesitate to shoot it because of how rare they are. Great video!

[@michaelamos4651]

What a great video. For those of us with no access to firearms but a great interest in the history of weapons this is truly inciteful. Thanks

[@andersjjensen]

I think it would be WILDLY interesting to explore these old bolt actions as the combat rifles they predominantly were. Not that there was never a carefully aimed shot from an elevated position during WW2... but that there were probably well over a thousand shots in adrenaline induced fighting frenzy for every one of those.

[@tilley3rar]

Great work Henry. I'd love to see a high rate of fire comparison of WW2 rifles in both a mad minute (defensive) scenario as, well as a sneaker lane (offensive) scenario.

[@TheGaginator]

This was a really fun video, and a great deeper look at the type 99. Thank you sir

[@russelltrumble245]

Watched for a second time. More info finally sunk in. Pretty impressed with thinking of this rifle,

[@ableemu]

Can't wait for the "mad minute potential" for the the bolt action rifles of WWII video, if you decide to make it.

[@lolwutyoumad]

Rifle doesn’t need to be accurate if you’re gonna fix bayonets and banzai charge the enemy machine gun nest

[@elitemorron9093]

LOL

[@mr.c.3760]

Worked against the british, chinese, and aussies...until they came up against semi-auto M1garands

[@lolwutyoumad]

@@mr.c.3760 worked well enough to push that dog McArthur out of the Philippines

[@mr.c.3760]

@@lolwutyoumad yup, they had Springfields

[@vividvulpe9842]

@@mr.c.3760 … and 2 nukes. Beautiful rifle!

[@ArmyHumveeLaat]

Your intros are getting more an more epic. I like that, man

[@AN_PVS-2]

Love to see more about the mad minute! It would also be cool to feature the Type 38 in the future!

[@CloudZ1116]

Are we ever going to see a Chiang Kai-shek rifle or Hanyang Type 88 on this channel?

[@9HoleReviews]

we could only hope

[@rizaradri316]

Well Hanyang 88 were imported into the US, but they usually pretty beaten up.

[@9HoleReviews]

@@rizaradri316 that's the problem, pretty much all the classic chinese guns were severely ragged by conscripts prior to exiting service. bores were usually toast..which i guess could be a video topic alone.

[@milsurprifleguy7091]

I just acquired two Chinese Mauser ( Chaing Kai - Shek ) rifles , one is basically a smooth bore , the other still has rifling . I haven’t cleaned them up yet to see how the one shoots , it is 1944 dated

[@dipperq]

those are shitty gun, shorter range and not that accurate anyway

[@saccaed]

Watching this again has me wanting to see a moonlit night test with the Type 99 and other of the era fighting rifles. I suspect that in some cases an advantage could be so great in some cases to base operations off of; tight target sights struggling in comparison for example. The WW2 Japanese didn't shy away from night fighting and I wonder how much of that could have been due to weapon configuration rather than some other predilections.

[@whatnowstinky]

Hell yes. A mad minute (and snap shooting/snap shooting moving targets) mini series would be a great addition to the channel.

[@matador8153]

Please never stop making these.

[@ethanbarnes2549]

I really like the idea of comparing ww2 era manual of arms under time/duress that would be cool.

[@SpencerAK74M]

Excellent video. The Type 99 also had the strongest bolt action design of any WW2 era rifle if I'm not mistaken.

[@hoffmiermp]

It's a mauser action that's why.

[@SpencerAK74M]

@@hoffmiermp Though the end result was even closer to a Mauser than the starting point of the design, the Type 38 is a product of independent/simultaneous invention, rather than a copy or clone. If you look closely at the action and its pieces, you can see many ways in which it differs, but wouldn't if it had just been based on a Mauser. Different approaches to the same ideas. Looks similar to a Mauser. Smells like a Mauser. But is a Nambu.

[@hoffmiermp]

@@SpencerAK74M Nambu design sure, but a mauser action is a mauser action.

[@SpencerAK74M]

@@hoffmiermp Sure. So tell me, how come Arisakas could handle incredibly high pressures that would blow up a k98? They are just mausers afterall...

[@hoffmiermp]

@@SpencerAK74M You realize after the war, quite a few type 99s where rechambered in the 8mm Mauser, .30-06 and .308 win right? Just like the Mauser actions on my K98Ks, Turkish Ankara and my Yugoslavian M98/K98, they all feature the gas escape ports with the 3 locking lug system.

[@leeaaron6182]

My favorite channel on KZbin, amazing content and humor

[@khalidgagnon8753]

Love the mix tape intro here