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Murata rifle file photo [23477]

Murata Rifle

Country of OriginJapan
TypeRifle
Caliber8.000 mm
Capacity5 rounds
Length1.294 m
Barrel Length840.000 mm
Weight4.090 kg
Muzzle Velocity435 m/s

Contributor:

ww2dbaseMurata bolt-action rifles were introduced in 1880 as Japan's first indigenously produced service rifles. The initial production variant was designated Type 13 (for the 13th Year of Emperor Meiji's reign). Three years later, the shortened Type 16 carbines entered production. In 1885, Type 18 variant rifles entered production; this represented the final single-shot rifles in the Murata line. In 1889, Type 22 rifles and Type 22 carbines entered service, each making use of 8-round and 5-round magazines, respectively; these were the first Japanese military rifles to make use of smokeless powder. These weapons were the standard rifles during the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 and the Boxer Rebellion of 1899-1901. By the time the Russo-Japanese War began in 1904, Arisaka Type 30 rifles had been made the new standard, but Murata rifles remained in front line service. Large numbers of retired Murata rifles had their bayonet lugs removed and then sold to the civilian market, through which many found their way to China, arming various regional warlords' forces. By WW2, although Murata rifles were obsolete, many remained in service as training rifles for conscripts.

Source: Wikipedia ww2dbase

Last Major Revision: Jan 2017

Photographs

Chinese Army recruits training with Japanese-built Murata rifles, circa late 1930s




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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. H Howell says:
22 Dec 2021 02:58:56 PM

Have one of these rifles from my dad’s time in occupation forces in Japan. Is there a range of value that is available?

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Murata Rifle Photo Gallery
Chinese Army recruits training with Japanese-built Murata rifles, circa late 1930s


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