WWII Japanese Nippon Special Steel Type 38 Training/ “Last Ditch” Bolt Action Rifle 6.5x50mm (L2026-06616)

NSN. Manufactured circa 1930s by Nippon Special Steel and reportedly reissued in 1945,chambered in 6.5x50mm Arisaka,31" round barrel. The bore is bright with strong, well-defined rifling noted throughout. The rifle does not retain serial numbers, with only the Nippon symbol remaining on the receiver. Unlike many standard Japanese training rifles, this example is fitted with a bolt incorporating locking lugs, suggesting it was among the rifles pressed into emergency service preparations during the anticipated Allied invasion of Japan in 1945. Despite these features, the rifle is still considered unsafe to fire due to its origins as a training rifle. The rifle remains in overall very good condition with minimal handling wear noted. Examples such as this are particularly interesting historically, representing rifles that began life as non-combat trainers but were later adapted and reissued during Japan’s desperate final defensive preparations at the end of WWII. This unusual transition from training use to potential frontline issue makes for a scarce and historically significant variation. The action is smooth and functions correctly.