Type 38 Data Sheet Comments & Tips
By Frank Allan
Elsewhere in this issue appears the new two-page data sheet covering the Type 38 rifle and its primary variations; the Type 38 Carbine and Type 38 Short Rifle. Also covered is information that is sufficient to report on the Concentric Circle rifles, School marked rifles, etc-. More information will be forthcoming regarding other variations at a later date.
I would like to stress that if readers have already submitted an older version of the sheet it is not necessary to re-do a review on the new sheet, unless the revised and cleaned up data on the revised sheet triggers (pardon the pun) the observer's understanding of what the details are that he is viewing on his weapons.
The new sheet is laid out with each detail after the basic information (weapon type, series and serial number) as a numbered item. If you are reporting on several weapons and do not wish to do a sheet on each (the preferred way of reporting), the reader can simply list the numbers down a blank sheet of lined paper and list the lettered reference for each detail under a serial numbered heading. This will save on copying and postage costs. If any reader desires additional copies of the data sheet, I can supply as many as you need. Just drop me a note by mail or e-mail me at
the_allans_fcla@yahoo.com.Anytime the "other" box is selected, explain or draw what appears on the rifle being reported upon. If there is not room within the block in question, utilize the lined area in the Comments section at the end of page two or draw and/or explain on a separate attachment.
For the markings appearing on the breech top (Item #3 on page 1), it is often appropriate to check several boxes. A common example is the cancelled mum and the school mark (Type B and Type D).
The Latch Number (Item #8 on page 2) will be found on top of the latch lever with the latch pulled out. This can often result in a pinched finger or fingers. To avoid this, open the bolt and pull it back about one-half inch. This will block the latch open.
Note that Items 12 through 15 all refer to the front sight and are therefore included in the same "block" of information.
When observing the fasteners (Item #15 on page 2) it should be understood that the ones considered flush (Type A) are machined flush and can be mistaken for "None". This area requires close scrutiny to avoid confusion.
In examining the rifling, a simple trick is to insert a sharpened #2 pencil in the muzzle and give it a slight tap to insert it approximately one-quarter of an inch down the barrel. The lands and grooves are usually easily visible impressed into the pencil's soft wood.
Please allow me to thank you in advance for your assistance. Together, we can continue the original work done by Ogeesan Harold Macy, carried on by Thomas Keep, and produce a publication that will expand all of our collective knowledge on the Type 38 Infantry Rifle and its variations.