May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
This is a Kokura manufactured Japanese Type 99 machine manufactured in 1942, July. This gun has been fitted with a 7.62x39mm barrel and magazine well insert to accept slightly modified AK-47 magazines. A noted collector in Arizona made a number of conversion kits to convert Japanese Type 99 guns to fire this popular and plentiful cartridge. The conversion utilized a ZB-26 barrel, fitted with a specially machine gas block/sight assembly with a fixed gas port. This barrel was fitted to a machined shank at the chamber end which fitted into the original receiver without requiring modification to the receiver. Headspace washer is present, just as on the original Type 99 guns. A steel magazine insert/adapter is fitted to the magazine well which will accept AK-47 magazines which have been slighted “shaved” to fit. This cataloger in the past has fired both Type 99 and Type 96 guns so converted and they run quite well. Three converted AK-47 magazines are included with this gun, as well as one original non-matching (Serial 5794) later (1943, May) manufactured barrel in 7.7mm Japanese with flash hider and gas regulator. Gas block cleaning cover not present. Ejection port and magazine well cover assembly removed to accommodate AK-47 magazine adapter and are not present. This is a rather early Kokura manufactured Type 99. Receiver, lower assembly with monopod, bolt and buffer all are matching numbers. It is worth noting that the mainspring is slightly short and utilizes a round plastic plug inside the operating rod to provide the necessary balance of tension. The operating rod and barrel show very definite evidence of firing. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine presenting refinish. Sheen is very original looking, but light marks under the finish are discernible. Non-matching bipod has a gray parkerized refinish over light pitting with a slightly weak leg detent spring on one side. Mechanics are fine. Bores of both barrels are extremely fine, shiny and bright. Bolt face is fine. Wood carrying handle of original barrel has a 1/2” split on underside at rear with some chips and what appears to be shrapnel strike on the rear right side of the metal hardware. Buttstock and handgrip show typical dings, bruises and a couple small chip, but are really very fine and attractive. This is a full-auto only machine gun. The Japanese Type 99 was the highly effective and reliable successor to the 6.5mm Type 96. This early manufactured specimen, converted to 7.62x39mm should have widespread appeal to both the World War II collector and especially the recreational shooting enthusiast. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELIC ELIGIBLE. JWK 2020-05-001
Accessories
Extra barrel, 3 modified AK-47 magazines
Manufacturer
Kokura Arsenal