No.19 Japanese Infantry Weapons PDF
No.19 Japanese Infantry Weapons PDF
No.19 Japanese Infantry Weapons PDF
JAPANESE
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PREPARED BY
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UNCLASSIIED
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE DIVISION SPECIAL SERIES
WAR DEPLARTMENT No. 19
WAslHNGroN 25, 1). C., 31 December 1943 MID 461
NOTICE
1. Publication of Speial Series is for the purpose of providing officers with
reasonllably confirmed information from official and other reliable sources.
This issue has been prepared with the assistance of the Ordnance Intelli-
gence Unit, Tecllical Division, Office of the Chief of Ordnance, and the For-
eign Matlriel Branch and Mobile Artillery Branch, The Proving Center,
Aberdeen Proving Ground.
2. In order to meet the special requirements of certain headquarters, or
in order to conserve shipping space, the distribution of any particular issue
may be modified from the standard of 150 copies to a division, 30 to a non-
divisional group or regiment, 6 to an independent squadron or battalion, and
2 to an independent troop or company. In al infantry division organized
according to T/O & E 7 (15 July 19143), redistribution should be effected as
follows:
Dlv H ------------ 7 ...---.......
Ho 4-
Div HDuCo _._.__ 2 lq try … …
MP PlHat . . 1 ..... lils (4) -......... 24
iOrd
Ord COC----o…--------
-------- 22 TOTAI.,Div ALTY …- .:
QM. Co2 2 -.........
' TA_
Sig Co
Enegr Brn......
.
…
........
.6
2 Ihtl
ItRegtl
[~1
fl.......4
Hq Co... . .
Med Bn . … . .....
6 Sr Co-- - 2
Div Arty - . ...... 30 (n . Co ...
Inf Regts (3)- o- T Co
Bns (3) - -1-- - -I
2
TOTAL, ISr DIV_ 150 ITOTL, IN RE - 3
3. In adlition to Special 8'eries. Iublicltions of the Military Intelli-
gence Division include Tactieal and Technical Trends (biweekly), Intelligence
Bulletin (monthly), and Military Reports 0n7
the United Nations (monthly).
Distribution to AAF units and installations is made by the Assistant Chief
of Air Staff, Intelligence, Army Air Forces, and quantities sent to AGF
addresses are recommended by the Commanding General, Army Ground
Forces. Requests for additional copies of any MID publication should be
made through channels.
4. Every command should circulate available copies among its officers.
Reproduction within the military service is permitted provided that (1)
the source is stated, (2) the classification is maintained, and (3) one copy
of the publication in which the material is reproduced is forwarded to the
Dissemination Unit, Military Intelligence Division, War Department,
Washington 25, D. C. Comments on this publication and suggestions for
future issues may be sent directly to the same address.
555825 t-43- 1
RESTRICTED
LIBRARY
Uij,; LSSIFIEjs ARMY WAR COLLEGE
CARLISLE BARRACKS, PA.
CONTENTS
Page
Section I. INTRODUCTION ........................... 1
11.NOMENCLATURE--............ 4
1. GENERAL__ .--.. - - -- 4
2. MODEL NUMERS-_ ..-----. ..--------- _-k-- 4
3. CALIBERS ----------.....- --- 6
4. COMMON; NAMES -;-_-.._....... 6
III. PISTOLS AND RIFLES ------------ - ---- 7
5. NAEMDr 8-MM PISTOL. . .......-- -- 7
a. General -..--.-... .... 7
b. How to Identify- . .-.............
_ 8
e. Characteristics __- .....__.._._ .._ 8
d. How to Operate - .-........ 10
e. Ammunition - ....-.. 12
f. Maintenance -.------------ 12
g. Accessories -....- - 14
6, MODEL 14 (1925) 8-MM PISTOL_ ........----- 14
a. General .-.... 14
b. How to Identify--. 15
c. Characteristics .-...........
_ _. .
16
d. How to Operate .--............ 18
e Ammunition .-.................--- 18
f. Maintenance -............ 19
g. Accessories .. ….-... ..........20
7. MODEL 94 (1934) 8-MM PISTOL .--..- _ 21
a. General .--............ 21
b. How to Identify . . _
.-. 22
........
e. Characteristics- - - .. - -- 22
d. How to Operate .. _ 23
e. Ammunitioll - -. ......... 24
f. Maintenance0 ...-..-.. 24
g. Accessories -....................- 25
8. MODEL 38 (1905) 6.5-MM RIFLE -.-------.-.-. 25
a. General- _-------------------- 25
b. How to Identify - _........._..... 27
c. Characteristics .-... . 27
d. How to Operate- . ............ 31
e. Ammunition ---------------------- 32
It Maintenance .-.................. 32
g. Accessories -.-...-.--.--.. -.--. . 33
1I
CONTENTS III
page
APPENDIX -------------------------------------------------- 239
45. GENEUAL-_------ ..- -...
... 239
46. SNIPEg's 6.5-MM RIFLE ..- 239
47. LONG 7.7-MM RIFLE --..--
_...._.. . .......
240
48. MODEL 97 (1937) 7 .7-MM TANK MACHINE GuN
(GROUND MoUNT) -............... 240
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure Page
1. Organization and armament of a Japanese infantry regiment ----- XIV
2. Nambo 8-mm pistol (left side) ..-.. 7
3. Nambu 8-mm pistol (three-quarter view), showing marking on
right side ------------------------- 9
4. Nambu 8-mm pistol (top view)-. _........................ 10
5. Cross section of Nambu 8-mm pistol in firing position ----- 11
6. Cross section of Nambu 8-mm pistol, showing recoil ------- 12
7. Nambu 8-mm pistol with wooden combination shoulder-stoek-
holster attached .-..... 14
8. Model 14 (1925) 8-mm pistol (left side)-.... 15
9. Nambu8-mm pistol (left) and Model 14(1925) 8-mm pistol (right)- 16
10. Cross section of Model 14 (1925) 8-mm pistol . 17
11. Model 14 (1925) 8-mm pistol (right side), showing lanyard __ 20
12. Model 94 (1934) 8-mm pistol (left side), showing also holster and
spare magazine- .. 21
13. Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm rifle, showing bolt closed -. ....... 25
14. Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm rifle, showing also bayonet in scabbard__ 25
15. Two views of Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm carbine, showing also
bayonet scabbard -................. 26
16. Three views of Model 44 (1911) 6.5-mm cavalry carbine - . 28
...
17. Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm rifle, showing its unusual length ----. 29
18. Close-up of bolt and leaf sight of Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm rifle__ 30
19. Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm rifle with bayonet attached, showing
bolt open with cartridge clip about to be inserted_-_.-.. . ...
31
20. Model 30 (1897) bayonet and accessories - _._._._._-- 33
21. Ammunition belt and pouches, and bayonet frog-8...... 34
22. Armor-piercing rifle grenade and cup-type grenade launcher _ _35
23. Cross section of armor-piercing rifle grenade, showing hollow
charge -.................................... 36
24. High-explosive rifle grenade and spigot-type grenade launcher_. 37
25. Rifle grenades and accessories .-............. 38
26. Model 99 (1939) 7.7-mm rifle: () top view; () right side, with
monopod down; ) bottom view, showing hinged floor plate
open, and sling; ) left side, showing sight raised .-. . ....
40
27. Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm rifle (top), Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm
carbine (center), and Model 99 (1939) 7.7-man rifle (bottom)._ 41
CONTENTS IX
Figure Page
28. Model 99 (1939) 7.7-mm rifles being cleaned _._. __-- - 43
29. Model 91 (1931) hand grenade_ - - .... -.- - 47
30. Two views of packing box for Model 91 (1931) hand grenades
(20 grenades) _. . . ......-
. . . -. - 48
31. Model 89 (1929) shell (left), Model 91 (1931) hand grenade
(left center), Model 97 (1937) hand grenade (right center), and
Model "Kiska" hand grenade (right) ...- -..-
. ..-.. _ _- 5(
32. Cross section of Model "Kiska" hand grenade --- _.-- _----- -- 52
33. High-explosive stick hand grenade _ 54
34. Incendiary stick hand grenade . ...... - - 57
35. Bangalore torpedo: O ready for use and 0 with fuze detached
for shipment _.......-- - 59
36. Fuze used in bangalore torpedo_ - - .. _-. _ _....--- 60
37. Model 93 (1933) mine __...... ..- --.-
.--... - 61
38. Cross section of Model 93 (1933) mine .--............. 62
39. Model 99 (1939) armor-piercing mine and accessories---.. -. 64
40. Diagrammatic drawings of Model 99 (1939) armor-piercing mine
(top, right) with its carrying pouch (top, left) and cross section
of fuze assembly (bottom) ....----- --.--------- 65
41. Model 99 (1939) armor-piercing mine disassembled ---------- 66
42. Model 10 (1921) 50-mm grenade discharger ._ ..--.....--.-- 69
43. Three views of Model 10 (1921) 50-mm grenade discharger:
0 assembled, () assembled for carrving, and ( disassemblcd. 72
44. Model 89 (1929) 50-mra grenade discharger - -.......-. 75
45. Model 89 (1929) 50-mm grenade discharger, showing also canvas
carrying case - - -76
46. Firing Model 89 (1929) 50-mm grenade discharger from kneeling
position ..............--- - 77
47. Firing Model 89 (1929) 50-mm grenade discharger from prone
position .......- - -.--.. 78
48. Modified version of Model 89 (1929) 50-amm grenade discharger 78
49. Diagrammatic drawings of Model 89 (1929) 50-mm grenade
discharger, showing range scales (left) and cross section of
firing mechanism (right) --------------- - -- - - 79
50. Two types of ammunition fired in Model 89 (1929) 50-mm
grenade discharger .... - --...---- 80
51. 50-mm incendiary grenade for use in Model 89 (1929) 50-mm
grenade discharger ---------------------------- 81
52. Packing box for fazes used in Model 89 (1929) 50-mm shells (100
fuzes) --- 82
53. Two views of packing box for Model 89 (1929) 50-mm shells,
showing method of packing individual shells (40 rounds with-
out fuzes) _._.__._ --.------------------
.-.-------- - . - 82
X CONTENTS
Figure Page
54. Crate of five Model 89 (1929) 50-mm shells used in Model 89
(1929) 50-mm grenade discharger ..-.. . 83
55. Disassembled parts of Model 89 (1929) 50-mnm grenade dis-
charger -. .......... 87
56. Model 11 (1922) 6.5-mm light machine gun (left side) .- . .88
57. Close-up of feed hopper (empty) of Model 11 (1922) 6.5-mm light
machine gun .- 90
58. Loaded feed hopper of Model 11 (1922) 6,5-mm light machine
gun .-...... ...... 91
59. Diagrammatic cross section of Model 11 (1922) 6.5-mm light
machine gun, showing also various parts -......... 92
60. Model 11 (1922) 6.5-mm light machine gun, showing also
accessories -.... .....------ 95
61. Model 96 (1936) 6.5-mm light machine gun partially dis-
assembled-..... ------ 99
62. Diagrammatic cross section of Model 96 (1936) 6.5-mm light
machine gun, showing also various parts-........... 99
63. Firing Model 96 (1936) 6.5-mm light machine gun from standing
position __--.-..-......... --------.... 100
64. Model 96 (1936) 6.5-mm light machine guns with bipods attached_ 105
65. Model 99 (1939) 7 .7-mm light machine gun, showing adjustable
rear monopod .-.... 107
66. Close-up of Model 99 (1939) 7.7-mm light machine gun, showing
method of withdrawing barrel .-... - 108
67. Model 96 (1936) 6.5-mm light machine gun (eft) and Model 99
(1939) 7.7-mm light machine gun (right) .-.............. 110
68. Model 92 (1932) 7.7-mm heavy machine gun (right side) .----- 116
69. Model 92 (1932) 7.7-mm heavy machine gun (rear view)-.. 118
70. Model 92 (1932) 7.7-mm heavy machine gun (left side) -. . 119
....
71. Model 93 (1933) telescopic sight (left) and Model 94 (1934) tele-
scopic sight (right) -. - - ------------.---..
----- 120
72. Base for telescopic sight (top view) -...................... 122
73. Base for telescopic sight (right side)-................... 122
74. Model 96 (1936) telescopic sight--.......--- 123
75. Model 92 (1932) 7.7-mm heavy machine gun equipped with
Model 96 (1936) telescopic sight -124
76. Model 92 (1932) 7. 7 -mm heavy machine gun disassembled -- 125
77. Model 92 (1932) 7,7-mm heavy machine gun, showing tool and
spare-parts box-............................... 126
78. Model 93 (1933) 13-mm twin heavy machine gun (left side) _ __
129
79. Model 93 (1933) 13-mm twin heavy machine gun, showing maxi-
mum elevation .................--............ 130
80. Antiaircraft sight on Model 93 (1933) 13-mm twin heavy machine
gun -.----------....-.-... . . ..--------------...... 131
CONTENTS XI
Figure Page
81. Receiver of Model 93 (1933) 13-mm twin heavy machine gun as
seen fromL above- .. 132
82. Model 98 (1938) 50-mnll mortar assembled, with cleaning tool -_ 136
83. Stick bombs which are inserted in muzzle of Model 98 (1938)
50-mm mortar ...............--...... 137
84. Adjusting graduated range slide on Model 98 (1938) 50-mm
mortar-- .-.............. . 139
85. Base of Model 98 (1938) 50-mm il ortar, sho ing primer seat_. 140
86. Model 98 (1938) 50-rmm mortar in carrying box ---------. 141
87. Model 11 (1922) 70-mm mortar .. . . .........--.. 143
88. Gunner's quadrant with carrying case . .. .....--... 144
89. 70-mm barrage mortars, captured in the Aleutians ...- - 147
90. 70-mm barrage mortar, showing spike and block used as balance . 148
91. Shell used in 70-mimbarrage mortar and its method of operating . 149
92. Front view of Japanese Model 97 (1937) 81-mmn mortar (left) and
1U.S. 81-mmun mortar, M (right) 151
93. Model 99 (1939) 81-mm mortar and shell - -154
94. Mortar sight --.... 154
95. Unloading Model 99 (193:)) 81-mm mortar ..--.... 156
96. Two views of packing box for Model 100 (1940) shells used in
Model 99 (1939) 81-mnm mortar (four complete rounds).---- 158
97. Model 99 (1939) 81-mm mortar disassembled -... ...-..... 159
98. Model 94 (1934) 90-mm mortar - _..- 161
99. Taying-in Model 94 (1934) 90-mm mortar --------._-..- - 163
100. Loading Model 94 (1934) 90-mm mortar - _.....- .. .... 164
101. Model 94 (1934) 90-mm mortar shell ....--..... 165
102. Incendiary shell for Model 94 (1934) 90-mm mortar.--. 166
103. Model 94 (1934) 90-mm mortar shell with two views of its pack-
ing box (two complete rounds).-....- 167
104. Model 94 (1934) 90m-rm mortar disassembled ... - - 168
105. Model 97 (1937) 20-rmm antitank rifle (right side) ---- ------ 171
106. Model 97 (1937) 20-mm antitank rifle (left rear view) ------- 173
107. Model 97 (1937) 20-mm antitank rifle with shield and rear
carrying handles in place-...... ....-. 173
108. Model 97 (1937) 20-mm antitank rifle with shield and front
carrying handles in place .. ...
…
…. ....... 174
109. Model 97 (1937) 20-rmm antitank rifle disassembled.. - -176
110. Model 98 (1938) 20-mm antiaircraft-antitank machine cannon
in traveling position- 177
111. Model 38 (1938) 20-nun antiaircraft-antitank mnachine cannon
in action.-. _.- 178
112. Model 98 (1938) 20-rnm antiaircraft-antitank machine cannon
(left side) --------------------------------------- - 179
XII CONTENTS
Figure Page
113. 20-mm high-explosive round for Model 98 (1938) antiaircraft-
antitank machine cannon .-....... 182
114. 20-mm high-explosive tracer shell - 183
115. Cross section of point-detonating fuze used in 20-mm high-
explosive tracer shell -................................. 184
116. 20-mm armor-piercing round with cardboard container ..- 185
117. Packing box for Model 100 (1940) 20-mm armor-piercing am-
munition (70 complete rounds)-.................. 186
118. Magazine of Model 98 (1938) 20-mm antiaircraft-antitank
machine cannon -..................... 187
119. Two views of Model 11 (1922) 37-mm gun, showing accessories_ 188
120. Model 11 (1922) 37-mm gun in action ----------------------- 189
121. Method of carrying Model 11 (1922) 37-mm gun by hand.---- 189
122. Close-up of breech of Model 11 (1922) 37-mm gun .-.. . 191
123. Telescopic sight mounted on Model 11 (1922) 37-mm gun .-. . 192
124. Breechblock operating cam of Model 11 (1922) 37-mm gull in
lower, or nonautomatic, position -..... - 193
125. Model 94 (1934) 37-mm gun (right side) -.. - - - 195
126. Model 94 (1934) 37-mm gun, showing parts -....... 196
127. Armor-piercing (left) and high-explosive (right) shells for
Model 94 (1934) 37-mm gun .-......... 201
128. Cross section of Model 94 (1934) high-explosive shell -------- 202
129. Cross section of small instantaneous nose fuze used in Model
94 (1934) high-explosive shell -.................. 202
130. Cross section of Model 94 (1934) armor-piercing shell --------- 202
131. Cross section of base fuze used in Model 94 (1934) armor-
piercing shell - 203
132. Two views of metal carrying case for 37-mm shells used in Model
94 (1934) 37-mm gun (12 complete rounds) - . ........ 205
133. Model 1 (1941) 47-mm gun (right side) -.- 207
134. Model 1 (1941) 47-mm gun (front view) .------------- 207
135. Close-up of breech of Model 1 (1941) 47-mm gun- ......... 208
136. Model 92 (1932) 70-mm howitzer with trails closed - . 210
.....
137. Model 92 (1932) 70-mm howitzer with breech and trails open_ 211
138. Model 92 (1932) 70-mm howitzer with trails open l-..- . 212
.....
139. Panoramic artillery sight ---------------------------- - 214
140. Model 92 (1932) 70-mm howitzer (battalion gun) in action .-.. 215
141. 70-mmnhigh-explosiveshellfor Model 92 (1932) 70-mnm howitzer 217
142. Gun-carriage type of packing box for 70-mn high-explosive shells
(eight complete rounds)-. ...... 219
143. Model 92 (1932) 70-mm howitzer captured on Guadalcanal- 220
144. Metal carrying case for 70-mm high-explosive shells (five com-
plete rounds) -..... 221
CONTENTS XIII
Figllre Page
145. Manner of packing 70-mm high-explosivoe shells (three complete
rounds) … 222
146. Model 41 (1908) 75-rin mountain (infantry) gulln - ....... 223
147. Gun crew of Model 41 (1908) 75-mm mountain (infantry) gun
in action -. ...... 224
148. 75-mrm armor-piercing round - . . ........ 227
149. Fuzes for 70- and 75-mm shells: instantaneous type (left) and
delayed-action type (right) -. _.. ......... 228
150. Packing box for Model 97 (1937) 75-mm high-explosive shells
(two complete rounds) - 229
151. Packing box for 75-amm armor-piercing shells (four complete
rounds) _---------------------------------------- 229
152. Metal carrying case for 75-mm high-explosive shells (three
complete rounds) ..…...
…-._ ......... 230
153. Metal carrying case for 75-mm high-explosive shells (six com-
plete rounds) -. _ 231
154. Label and markings used on box of Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mni
semirimmed, reduced-charge ball ammunition 236
155. Label and markings used on box of Model 92 (1932) 7.7-mm
ammunition - _---_ -_... 237
156. Infantry small-arms ammunition chart _….......... .. 238
157. Sniper's 6.5-rmm rifle - .... .... __-
. ..
239
158. Long 7.7-mam rifle with muzzle cover attached .-------. _ 241
159. Model 97 (1937) 7.7-mm tank machine gun on ground mount.lt 241
160. Schematic diraw-ing, indicating ranges of principal .Japanese
infantry weapons--...... __ _ _-. _ __ _.__ .follows 241
-- Graphic comparison of millimenters and inches . . .....
inside back cover
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Section I. INTRODUCTION
555825'-42--2
Section II. NOMENCLATURE
1. GENERAL
The weapons described in this volume have been
named in accordance with a standardized system. This
system of nomenclature is based on (a) the Japanese
model number, (b) the caliber, and (c) the common
ordnance name of the weapon. The model number is
written first, followed by the year of the Christian Era
in parentheses, the bore of the piece in millimeters, and
the common ordnance name: for example, Model 38
(1905) 6.5-mm rifle.
2. MODEL NUMBERS
The Japanese model number may often be found
among the markings inscribed on the weapons.
Before the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912, Jap-
anese ordnance was marked in accordance with the
year of his reign: for example, Model 44 (1911) 6.5-mm
carbine, which was adopted in the 44th year of the
Meiji Era. (The Japanese characters for Meiji are
'A ,&.)
Similarly, during the reign of Emperor Taisho
(1912-25), Japanese weapons were marked with the
year of their adoption, the Japanese calendar year then
being the year of the Taisho Era: for example, model
4
NOMENCL&TU RE 5
3. CALIBERS
Like the Germans, the Japanese use the metric
system for designating the calibers of weapons. Artil-
lery calibers are often only approximate: for example,
the Model 88 (1928) 7-cm high-angle gun is really a
75-mm antiaircraft gun. Weapons up to 70-mm are
usually referred to in millimeters, and higher calibers
either in millimeters or in centimeters. Small arms (up
to 20-mm) present no difficulties except for the Model
93 (1933) 13-mm heavy machine gun, which actually has
a caliber of 13.2 mm (par. 25, p. 127).
4. COMMON NAMES
With the exception of the grenade dischargers, no
novel Japanese weapons have appeared which cannot
be given one of the common ordnance terms. Some
difficulty arises, however, when the Japanese themselves
do not use a common ordnance name. For example,
they refer to one of their weapons, the Model 11 (1922)
70-mm mortar (par. 27, p. 142), as a high-angle in-
fantry gun despite the fact that the common ordnance
name would be "mortar." In such cases the common
name is used.
Section III. PISTOLS AND RIFLES
Cocking piece
Magazine catch _
Grip safety
Marking
Grip safety
Cocking piece
Sights:
Front …Inverted
…----------------- V blade on T base.
Rear…_ …----------------- Leaf with open V notch slid-
ing on ramp, graduated from
100 to 500 meters (109.4 to
546.8 yards) (fig. 4); no wind-
age adjustment.
Length of barrel …-_.._._. . 41/2 inches.
Weight (empty) …------------ 31 ounces.
Range:
Effective_ 50
.-------------
feet.
Maximum---__------- 547 yards.
Muzzle velocity ------------- 950 feet per second.
Rear sight slide
Extractor Rear sight leaf \Cocklng piece
Recoil-spring housing
8
Figure 4,-Nombu -mm pistol (top view).
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-A grip safety is provided just below
the trigger guard. This is a simple mechanism that
catches the trigger in its forward position and prevents
any rearward movement unless the grip safety is
depressed.
Unlike the U. S. service automatic pistol, the NamCbu
has no disconnector.' The firing pin, being of the
'In the U. s. service automatic pistol the disconnector prevents the release
of the hammnner unless the slide and barrel are in the forwiard position safely
interlocked. It also prevents olre than one shot followillg each squeeze of
the trigger. See FM 23-35, "Automatic Pistol Caliber .45 M1911 and M1911
A.41" (30 Apr 1940), par. 26, p. 26.
PISTOLS AND RIFLES 11
spring guide
Sear
Grip safety
Safety lever
Marking
piece
Trigger
d. How to Operate
(1) Safecty.-A safety lever is located on the left
side of the receiver directly above the trigger. When
this lever is in the forward position (marked K-Ka,
"fire"), the action is free, and the pistol can be fired.
When the lever is in the rear position (marked # -- An
"safe"), the action is locked. Even if there is a round
in the chamber, the pistol will not fire unless a magazine
is inserted.
(2) To load and fire.-Make sure that the safety
lever is in the forward position. Insert a loaded mag-
azine into the magazine well, which is situated in the
butt, and push it in until it clicks. Pull the cocking
piece rearward as far as it will go, and then let it snap
forward. The pistol is now loaded and ready to be
fired.
(3) To unload.-Make sure that the safety lever is
in the forward position. Press downward on the
magazine, release the button on the right side of the
stock, and pull out the magazine. Pull the cocking
piece all the way back to eject any cartridge in the cham-
ber. Repeat this operation several times as a safety
precaution.
e. Ammunition
The 8-mm cartridge used in this pistol is bottle-
necked and semirimmed. The same type of cartridge is
also used in the Namnbu pistol (par. 5e, p. 12) and the
Model 94 (1934) pistol (par. 7, p. 21). See also par.
44, p. 238.)
PISTOLS AND RIFLES 19
f. Maintenance
(1) Oiling and cleaning.-The type of care given
the U. S. service automatic pistol will keep this pistol
in good working order. It should be cleaned and
oiled frequently. However, in sandy or dusty regions,
oil should be used sparingly or not at all.
(2) Strippinrg.-A drift and a hammer are neces-
sary to strip this pistol. Insert an empty magazine.
Pull back the bolt by drawing the cocking piece fully
to the rear. Then remove the cocking piece by depress-
ing the small plunger (firing-pin spring guide) in the
center of tile cocking piece and unscrewing it counter-
clockwise. Remove the firing-pin spring guide, the
firing-pin spring, and the firing pin.
Remove the magazine. Push the magazine catch
to the right, and pull down on the trigger guard.
The barrel, bolt, bolt lock, and two recoil springs may
be removed to the front. Complete the removal of the
trigger guard, remove the left grip, and remove the
magazine catch to the left. Care should be taken that
the magazine-catch spring does not fly out and become
lost.
Move the safety lever to a downward position and
pull it out. Drift out the trigger-release pin and re-
move the trigger release. Drift out the sear pin and
remove the sear. Since the trigger-release spring and
plunger and the sear spring are small and under con-
siderable compression, care should be taken that these
parts are not lost.
(3) Assenbly.-To assemble the weapon, proceed in
the reverse order to that followed in stripping. In re-
55s525°-43--a
20 JAPANIESE IhFANTRT WEAPONS
g. Accessories
A holster of heavy leather or rubberized canvas is
provided, having a flap with a safety catch and contain-
ing a pocket for reserve ammunition. Provision is
made for attaching a lanyard to the rear of the receiver
(fig. 11).
PISTOLS AND RIFLES 21
7. MODEL 94 (1934) 8-MM PISTOL 8
a. General
The Model 94' (1934) 8-mm pistol (fig. 12) is the
latest design of semiautomatic pistol found in use among
the Japanese. It is believed to be inferior to the Nambu
Front sight Slide Eection Disassembly
_ / B s Pkith shooldon
Sights:
Front -. ____--
_....... .Inverted V blade on T base.
Rear--_____----------- Leaf and slide, graduated from 400
to 2,400 meters (437.4 to 2,625
yards) (fig. 18); no windage ad-
jnstment; peep battle sight set for
300 meters (328.1 yards) on rifles
of late manufacture; open V sight
on rifles of early manufacture.
Length of barrel …_-------_ 31.4 inches.
Over-all length ----
_--__….. 50.2 inches.
Weight without sling and 9 pounds 4.ounces.
bayonet.
Range:
Effective --- _----------_ 400 yards.
Maximum-- _ . 2,600 yards.
......
.__.
Muzzle velocity …_…__…_-__2,400 feet per second.
PISTOLS AND RIFLES 31
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-The safety is in the form of a cylin-
drical cap on the rear end of the bolt. It can be placed
in the safety position only when the action is cocked.
To lock the action, push the safety forward with the
palm of the hand and turn it clockwise as far as it
will go.
(2) To load and fire.-The rifle is loaded in the same
manner as the U. S. M1903 (Springfield) rifle. To
load, pull the bolt fully to the rear, place one end of
the loaded clip into its guide seat in the receiver (fig.
19), and, with the fingers of the right hand against the
floor plate and the thumb on the top cartridge in the
clip, press downward until the top cartridge is caught
by the lips of the magazine. The empty clip is forced
32 JAPANESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
CD
c. Characteristics
(1) General.-The Model 99 (1.939) 7.7-mm rifle is
a manually operated, bolt-action, air-cooled shoulder
weapon. The rifle is equipped with a full length
cleaning rod that fits in the stock and is held in place
by a catch. A sling, which is made of rubberized
canvas, is attached to swivels on the lower band and
stock on the left side of the rifle. A monopod is also
attached to the lower band and can be folded forward
to catch on the stock when not being used. This
monopod is about 12 inches long from the center line
of the bore and appears to be too long for use in a
prone position. The operating mechanism is protected
by a detachable semicircular cover of sheet metal that
To load, pull the bolt fully to the rear, place one end
of the loaded clip into its guide seat in the receiver,
and, with the fingers of the right hand against the floor
plate and the thumb on the top cartridge in the clip,
press downward until the top cartridge is caught by the
lips of the magazine. The empty clip is forced out
when the bolt is closed. When the bolt is pushed for-
ward, a cartridge is chambered, and the rifl6 is ready
to be fired.
(3) To unload.-Open the bolt and work it back and
forth until all the cartridges have been removed from
the magazine and chamber.
e. Ammunition
The ammunition fired in the Model 99 (1939) 7.7-mm
rifle is true rimless and has a pointed nose. It is also
used in the Model 99 (1939) 7.7-mm light machine gun
(par. 23e, p. 112), and will function in the Model 92
(1932) 7.7-mm heavy machine gun (par. 24e, p. 121).
The color of the band painted around the circumfer-
ence of the bullet where the bullet joins the cartridge
case is pink, indicating ball ammunition. Tracer am-
munition is marked by a green band, and armor-pierc-
ing by a black band. (See par. 43b, p. 237.)
f. Maintenance
The description of the maintenance of the Model 38
(1905) 6.5-mm rifle (par. 8f, p. 32) applies also to this
model (see fig. 28).
Section IV. GRENADES AND LAND
MINES
the holder so that the point of the firing pin does not
protrude below the holder. Before the grenade can
be used, the firing pin must be screwed with a screw
driver, or a knife blade, into the firing-pin holder as far
as it will go.
The explosive train is initiated by setback action.
The fuze has a burning time of approximately 8 to 9
seconds.
(2) Table of characteristics.-
Over-all length 4.95 inches.
Length without the propellant container . 3.75 inches.
.......
Diameter…_................................ 1.97 inches.
Weight .. 18.8 ounces.
...............................
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-The safety pin passes through the wall
of the protective cover of the fuze and the firing-pin
holder and thereby prevents the firing pin from coming
into contact with the percussion cap.
(2) To arma.-Make sure that the safety pin is in
position and that the firing pin is screwed down into
the firing-pin holder as far as it will go.
(3) To 'use as mortar grenade.-Remove the safety
pin and drop the grenade base-downward into the
Model 10 (1921) (par. 19, p. 68) or the Model 89 (1929)
(par. 20, p. 73) 50-mm grenade discharger as far as it
will go. A firing pin hits the percussion cap in the
base of the grenade when the trigger mechanism
of the grenade discharger is operated. During the ac-
celeration of the grenade in the barrel of the discharger,
the firing pin sets back, overcoming the resistance of
the creep spring, and fires the percussion cap.
GRENADES AND LAND MINES 47
(4) To use as hand grecnald.-Grasp the grenade
so that the fuze points downward, and withdraw the
safety pin. Making sure that the safety cover does
not fall off, strike the head of the fnze against some
hard object, such as the heel of your shoe or the
Gaiety coser
Firng-pin holder
-Firing pin
_ Holes for insertion of safety pin
Creep spring
Cardboard washer
Powder delay train
In ( to 9 seconds)
i 4 >
Bursting
d: charge
A .\ M
Perforated steel disk
Body
-Copper cupa
-St washer
...
-Percussion cap
Creep spring
Protective collar
Gas vent
Powder
delay train
Grenade body
Detonator
Bursting chag
Pull cord
Wooden handle
Friction primer
Vents, sealed
'A pe-ith ctinfoil
Delay iuze
?`I F-'zebody
/'//
Screw
handle securing
to body
Waxed-paper washers
Grenade body
Waxed-paper cylinder
-Bursting charge
Waxed-paper cover
\\\&Fuse Burster
Percussion cap Whittphosphorus and
Creep spring carbon disuphide
d. How to Operate
Remove the caps from the pipe. Insert the fuze
in one end with the delay tubes first, and thread the
open-ended cylinder over the fuze. Then thread the
pointed cylinder onto the other end of the pipe.
'j /
Detonator
Figure 38.-Cross section of Model 93 (1933) mine.
b. How to Identify
The Model 99 (1939) armor-piercing mine is easily
recognized by the four equally-spaced permanent mag-
nets attached by khaki webbing to the outer edge of the
mine body (figs. 39, 40, and 41).'
Plunger Wooden plug
(removed before
Locking nut / i _ inserting fuze
(secures fuze) Safety pin
Istring attached)
Fuze
~~~~~~~~Magnets
Canvas pouch
c. Characteristics
(1) General.-The Model 99 (1939) armor-piercing
mine consists of eight separate sections of cast TNT
wrapped in waxed paper, all held together in a khaki-
color canvas cover (figs. 40 and 41). The general
shape of the mine is that of a flat disk, resembling a
water bottle.
'There is a variation of this mine called Kyuachaku Bakurai, meaning
"magnetic mine." It has the sanlme use as the Mode] )99,but is shaped like
a bun with a flat base. The magnetized surface is the base. This mine,
it is believed, 1canhe thrown frol 11 10-yard range.
GRENADES AND LAND MINES 65
The mine is carried in a stiff canvas pouch (figs.
39 and 40) which is attached to the soldier's belt.
The fuze is carried separately in a metal cylindrical
container which also fits inside the pouch. The fuze
contaiermanert mL ,
Canvastove
Fusecap carried
S bals
teel
in (4)
inserted
in the fuze cavityDetonator
delay train
\ Am(5 P o Detonator tube
wder
$loct; of exposl$
I.ui_<ecOnto entit
d. How to Operate
(1) General.-The Model 99 (1939) mine may be eml-
ployed singly against three-quarter-inch armorplate or
coupled with a second mine for penetration of 1 1/4-inch
plate. Coupled mines are considered the usual method
of use. To couple the mines, place one on top of the
other so that opposite magnetic poles are together.
(2) To arm.--With the fuze inserted in the cavity
(fig. 41), the Model 99 armor-piercing mine should be
placed by hand in direct contact with any steel
or iron part of the objective after the safety pin
GRENADES AND LAND MINES 67
has been withdrawn by means of the cord attached.
the fuze is armed by giving the fuze cap (fig. 40) a
sharp rap after the mine is placed on the objective. A
5- or 6-second delay gives a mani time to retire to safety.
(2) To disarm.-To disarm the Model 99 armor-
piercing mine and render it safe, the following steps
should be followed:
(a) Do not put any weight on the fuze cap;
(b) If the safety pin is absent, insert a piece of
heavy wire in the safety-pin hole;
(c) Unscrew the fuze.
If the fuze cap has been depressed (this can be easily
determined when an attempt is made to replace the
safety pin, and the safety-pin holes are not found
clear), do not attempt to disarm the mine. Mark the
mine as a dud and leave it for trained disposal per-
sonnel.
555825·-48r-----
Section V. GRENADE DISCHARGERS
18. INTRODUCTION'
Designed for use by the individual soldier, grenade
dischargers bridge the gap in range between hand gre-
nades and mortars. Sometimes they have been mistak-
enly called "knee mortars," perhaps because of the
curved shape of the small attached base plate. This
base plate is made to rest on the ground-not on a
soldier's knee or thigh 2-- while the discharger is being
fired.
Two types of grenade discharger, both 50-mm, have
been used by the Japanese: the Model 89 (1929) and
the Model 10 (1921), which is the smaller of the two.
In the hands of experienced personnel, the grenade
discharger is an effective short-range weapon, espe-
cially in areas where visibility is poor.
19. MODEL 10 (1921) 50-MM GRENADE DISCHARGER
a. General
The Model 10 (1921) 50-mm grenade discharger
(fig. 42), constructed entirely of steel, was perfected
'Grelade dicbhnrgets are sometimes referred to as grenade launchers or
grenade throwers. See MID Intelligence Bulletin, Vol. I. No. 9 (May 1943),
p. 15, anl TM 3O-4SO, "Handbook on Japanese Military Forces" (21 Sep 1942),
par. 33, p. 101.
'When a Marine on Guadalcanal fired one of the dischargers from his
thigh, his upper leg bone was broken by the force of the recoil.
a This weapon is listed by the Japanese as +t - A fIF
%q A, which is
read (from left to right) Junen Shikli Tekidanto, meaning "10th year model
68
GRENADE DISCHARGERS 69
c. Characteristics
(1) General.-The Model 10 (1921) 50-mm grenade
discharger is muzzle-loaded, and is fired by a firing
pin which is operated by a lever on the outside of the
discharger body. Like the newer type, the 1921 model
is fired while attached to a small base plate, which is
used as a spade. No bipod attachments are used.
grenade discharger." (See p. X,note 1.) The Japanese tactical symbol and
abbreviation for a grenade discharger are I MW. MWl, an abbreviation of
the German Minenwerfcr ("'mine thrower"), is rarely found with the
symbol.
70 JAPANESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
d. How to Operate
(1) Safetv/.--There is no safety on this weapon.
(2) To load and fire.-The grenade or signal pro-
jectile, with safety pin removed, is placed in the barrel,
and then the weapon is fired by a trigger attached to
the pedestal. When the trigger is pulled, the following
action takes place: the trigger pin rotates in a notch,
and the trigger lips compress the firing-pin spring by
engaging and forcing the cocking-piece sleeve forward
on the firing-pin spring guide.
When the sear has rotated approximately one-half
the way back, it slips off the notch and releases the
firing-pin spring guide, which jumps forward because
the firing-pin spring is compressed. Thus the firing
pin contacts the primer. When the trigger is released,
the firing-pin spring-which still has a slight tension-
forces the trigger back into position to be fired again.
Upon being released, the sear moves back over the
notch, which has a small leaf spring that depresses and
also allows the notch to move downward. This latter
GRENADE DISCHARGERS 71
b. How to Identify
Thei Model 89 (1929) 50-rmm grenade discharger
may be identified by-
(1) The rifling in the barrel.
(2) The adjustable firing-pin housing, which moves
up and down in the barrel.
(3) The concave base plate.
c. Characteristics
(1) General.--The Model 89 (1929) 50-mm grenade
discharger is constructed of steel in the form of a
pipe-like rifled barrel which is attached to a small base
plate. The plate is curved so that it can be fitted over
a medium-sized tree trunk or log (see fig. 45). The
trigger housing (pedestal) is a tubular piece of metal
with a lengthwise slot. Protruding through this slot
is the trigger which cocks and fires in one operation.
A spring sleeve covers the trigger housing at the base
plate. A range-adjusting assembly is attached to the
base cap of the barrel.
(2) Table of characteristics.-
Anununitionl --. ---------- ..---- Model 89 high-cxplo-
size shell, Model 91
grenade, Model ,5
smoke shell. Model
94 practice shell, etc.
Length of barrel -- - .-----------
-- - 10 inches.
Over-}all length ---- ........... 2----inches.
24
Weight - ..................- 101/4 pounds.
Weight of Model 89 shell_ ..- . ........
1 pound 12 ounces.
GRENADE DISCHARGERS 75
Figure 44.-
Model 89
(1929)
50-mm
grenade
discharger.
Range scale:
On left of tube, for Model 89 shell- 120 to 650 imeters
(131.2 to 710.8
yards).
On right of tube, for Model 91 40 to 190 meters (43.7
grenade. to 207.8 yards).
Maximum range:
For Model 89 shell . .............770 vyards.
For Model 91 grenade . ...........
175 yards.
76 JAPANESE INFAN'TRY WEAPONS
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-There is no mechanical safety on this
weapon. The only precaution that caln be taken is
to keep the bore clean in order to prevent the grenade
from becoming stuck in the bore when fired.
(2) To load and fire.-Tlhe discharger has range
scales on both sides of the lengthwise trigger slot, and
the weapon can be set at the desired range by turning
the elevating knob. When the knob is turned, it
lengthens or shortens the trigger housing extending in-
Barrel
Firing pin
Permissible Elevating
movement I worm
of firing pin irng pin
____
Base cap
< G | Elevating
Range scale
Range scale for grenade
for mortar shell
Trigger
Cocking lug e
98.2
The charge is ignited by two black-powder pyro-
technic trains that run through the base of the grenade.
These are actuated by the flash of the propellant.
GRENADE DISCHARGERS 85
(4) Other ammunition.-In addition to the Model
89 high-explosive shell and the Model 91 high-explosive
grenade, the following types of ammunition may also
be used:
(a) Model 94 practice shell.
(b) Model 94 dummy shell.
(c) Model 95 smoke shell.
(d) Model 11 smoke shell.
(e) Model 10 flare shell.
(f) Model 10 signal shell.
(g) Model 91 practice grenade.
(h) Model 10 blank shell.
f. Maintenance
(1) Oiling and cleaning.--To operate efficiently, the
bore and the moving parts of the weapon such as the
elevating worm gear and the trigger assembly must be
kept free from dirt.
(2) Stripping.-The following procedure will per-
mit a complete disassembly of the weapon (see fig. 55):
(a) Unscrew the barrel from the base cap.
(b) Remove the elevating-nut lock ring, the elevat-
ing-knob retaining nut, and the elevating knob.
(c) Remove the elevating-knob shaft retaining sleeve
and the elevating-knob shaft.
(d) Remove the elevating-knob gear.
(e) Unlock the finger lock on the side of the base
cap, and unscrew the base cap (right-hand thread).
(f) Remove the elevating worm gear.
(g) Remove the trigger-pin lock ring, the trigger
pin, and the trigger.
86 JAPANESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
a. General
The Model 11 (1922) 6.5-nmm light machine gun (fig.
56) has been standard equipment in the Japanese in-
fantry squad. As compared with other machine guns,
.Front sight
Oil reservoir
Gas regulathr
B4klaate rin
Saiety lever
Operatlng handle
Feed hopper
Ejector--...
Marking
a
Figure 60.-Model 11 (1922) 6.5-mm light machine gun, showing
also accessories.
See p. 7, note 1.
98 JAPANESE INFANTRIY WEAPONS
Sights:
Front -.-------------------- Inverted V blade with
guards, offset to left.
Rear ....................--- Drunl-controlled p e e p
sight, with windage
adjustment, graduated
froln 200 to 1,500
meters (218.7 to 1,640
yards) in jumps of 100
meters (109.4 yards),
offset to left.
Telescopic:
1.4 pounds.
Weight ---------------------
Magnifying powel -.
........
2.5 times.
Field of view ...............
10 degrees.
Windage --_................... 10 mils (0.562 degree)
right and left.
Length of barrel ------------------ 21.65 inches.
Over-all length__-_…------------_ -42 inches.
Weight of barrel _…..........__…. 5.24 pounds.
Weight with sling… __.______.____
.. 20 pounds.
Range:
Effective -.--------- --------
__ - 1,640 yards.
Maximumln ___-_.______.__ ..4,374 yards.
Muzzle velocity …--….-----____-
__-_ 2,410 feet per second.
Rate of fire (cyclic) ---_-. ------- 550 rounds per minute.
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-The safety (fig. 62) is located on the
left side of the trigger housing in front of and above the
trigger. In the horizontal position it is set to "fire";
in the vertical position, to "safe." At "safe" the trig-
ger mechanism is locked by the surface of the pin
preventing movement of the trigger. At "fire" the
cutaway portion of the pin allows the sear to move.
MACHI-NE GUNS 99
Safety
MAGAZINsE
Fails to feed ..... Bent magazine lip-....... Replace the magazine
Worn-out hig il magazine Replace the magazine.
Weak or damaged floller Replace the follower spring.
spring.
Fails to feed: double loading Bent magazine. . ...... . Replace the miagazine.
BARREL
Chamber scores cartridge case; Corrosion or rust in chamber . Clean the chamber or replace the
damages parts. barrel.
Danaged bolt breaks extractor Damaged breech Iace or bolt Replace the barrel and bolt lock.
spring. lock in receiver.
Heavy impact scars on bolt and Replace the barrel and bolt lock.
extractor.
Barrel is looseB Bnud arrel-locking lever slot
. File off the brrs in barrel-locking
j
lever slot.
I Worn-out barrel-locking lever._., Replace the lever.
Seating barrel into receiver is Rusted threads on barrel or Replace the barrel or clean the
difficult. receiver. I locking lever and slot.
102 JAPANESE INFAN'TRY WEAPONS
Gas pressure is low............ Enlarged, worn-out, or fouled Clean the gas port. If in action,
gas port. replace the barrel.
Worn-out or rusted gas-cylinder Replace the piston.
piston.
GOs-cylinder lock rotates Worn-out or brokengas-clinder Replace thespring. If inaction,
freely. lock spring. replace the barrel.
Oas-cyinder piston scrapes.._ Bent piston .......... Replace the piston.
RECEIVER
Ejection is faulty ...-.... .Loose ejector pivot bearing- Replace the bolt.
BUFFER AND DRVl. OGnROul
ASSEM SLY
Driving spring is twisted...- Worn-out or bent driving-spring Straighten or replace the driving-
guide. spring guide.
Piring pin striks light blow on Firing pin bent or firing-pin slot Replace the firing pin or clean
primer. clogged with carhnn. and oil the firing-pin shLt.
Fails to fire ................- Cracked bolt ... . Replace the bolt.
Breech will not lock; prc- Bent bolt-locking eam seat ...... Replace the bolt-locking cam
battery explosion will result, seat.
Primers are punclsared-. Enlarged or fonled firing-pin ROplace the bolt.
hole.
E FTRACTOIR
Fails to extract .......---- ornut or broken extractol Rleplace the extractor spring.
sDring.
Wrn-ont or broken spring re- Replace the spring relainer.
tainer.
Worn-out or rusted extractor.... Replace the extractor.
Rlisted or damaged bolt- Replace the bolt lock.
BOLT Loc.
Action does not lock . Rusted, cracked, or bent bolt Rteplace the bolt lock.
loc k.
MAGAZlINE CATCH
Msagazine is not secure Worl-out or damaged magazrile Replace the lslagazble-eiatch ir rr
catch or spring. or spring.
SEA.i
Bolt will not stay back Blroken or worn sea..... Reace the sear.
/Crrylg
/ hgadle
I.,~4 J
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-A safety lever is located on the right
side of the receiver. To put the lever in the "safe"
position, rotate it upward until it is in the vertical posi-
tion. To put the lever in the "fire" position, rotate it
downward until it is in the horizontal position. In the
"safe" position the sear is prevented from moving. In
the "fire" position the cutaway section of the pin at-
tached to the safety lever allows the sear to move.
(2) To load and fire.-(a) General.-If present, re-
move the muzzle, or mud, cover. Move the safety lever
to the "fire" position. Open the magazine and ejection
port covers. Insert a loaded magazine with its inside
curve facing forward and engage the front end first
in the front end of the magazine opening. Press it
down until the magazine catch engages its rear flange.
Pull the operating handle to the rear as far as it will
go, and then push it forward again, as this will pre-
vent injury to the firer's hand. Set the sights by
turning the elevating drum until the desired range
shows in the cut at the rear of the drum. As long as
the trigger is pulled, the gun will fire; there is no pro-
vision for semiautomatic fire.
(b) Regulating rate of fire.-The gas regulator,which
regulates the rate of fire, has five positions, numbered
one to five, respectively. As the gas regulator is turned
from one toward five, the size of the port increases. If
the gun is recoiling too hard (that is, pounding), a
smaller-numbered port should be used. If the recoil-
ing parts do not come far enough to the rear to operate,
a larger hole should be used. Compressing a spring
lock allows the gas regulator to be moved for the neces-
sary adjustments.
112 JAPAINESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
Tr[gger
thumbpiece
Adjustable
traversing handles
Trigger thumtpiece
4 -'
-Eyepiece
Base
Diopter scale Clamp
Diopter
scale
Camp Eyepiece
Base
Figure 71.-Model 93 (1933) telescopic sight (left) and Model 94
(1934) telescopic sight (right).
Elevation knob
Range knob | Large cross level
Base for Elevation knob
telescopic sight
Small cross
level
Azimuth knob
Figure 72.-Base for telescopic sight (top view).
Lt~~~
\ / \ Jj levation axle
Clamp lever to
prevent elevation
Base (securing slide) from changing
Figure 73.-Base for telescopic sight (right side).
MACHINE GuNS 123
A large box suspended by poles carries a supply of
loaded feed strips in cardboard containers. The loaded
ammunition box weighs 48.5 pounds.
The ammunition is marked in two lines of characters,
which are read from left to right.'0 For example, the
Elevation scale
Deflection scaled
- =k
f. Maintenance
(1) Oiling and cleaning.-The same type of care
and cleaning as is given to U. S. gas-operated weapons
will suffice to keep this weapon in good working order.
(2) Stripping (fig. 76).-(a) Backplate.-Remove
the backplate pin by turning it down to a vertical posi-
tion and then pulling it out, holding it in place against
the pressure of the operating, or recoil, spring. Then
remove the backplate group and operating spring.
.e.es.ope
sight
Trigger thumbp0ece
4 5~ - ;
o \-
~~~~~~~~~~
'4'
m
o/O nOg -;
o 7 E
~.· aw ! e- F9
,iS#: xox |-
*5 T ~ g Yo
5 -t
I ~ ~~~~~~~~~~ 0
~~~__
~ ~ ~
·
·- ;~~~~~~~~~~~~~
C
I
0~~ 0
I 'm
126 JAPANESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
b. How to Identify
The Model 93 (1933) 13-mm twin heavy machine gun
may be identified by-
(1) The two barrels.
(2) The tripod mount.
(3) The iron gunner's chair.
c. Characteristics
(1) General.-The two guns on the Model 93 (1933)
13-mrm twin heavy machine gun are mounted separately
and can be individually stripped from the mount.
There is an iron chair for the gunner, who operates
each of the guns with separate pedals."2
(2) Table of characteristics.-
Caliber… ............................13.2 mmin (.519 inch).
Principle of operationi........
----- Gas-operated, full-auto-
matic only.
Ammunition ----------------------- Ball. tracer, and armor-
piercing.
Length of barrel:
With flash hider_
-___- . .........615 inches.
Without flash hider . ..........
561/2 inches.
Total weight of each gunl___________ 87 pounds.
lluzzle velocity:
Ball ammun ition .--------------
2,210 feet per second.
Armor-piercing ammunition ____ 2,280 feet per second.
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-No safety is provided on this weapon.
(2) Sight.-The Model 93 (1933) 13-mm twin heavy
machine gun has two sets of sights: ground and anti-
aircraft.
" It is believed that the axle stulbs may be used for a wheeled mount, which
would greatly facilitate the movement of the weapon. However, no wheels
have been recovered to date.
MACHINE GUNS 129
-c ekinegandle
Traersing handwheel
Barrel body
Magazine
-Piston assembly
Elevating handwheel /
Pedal
b. How to Identify
The Model 98 (1938) 50-mm mortar may be identified
by-
(1) The rectangular, sectionalized base plate.
(2) The fixed position of the bipod.
(3) The V slots painted white and located at 12
o'clock on both the barrel collar and the projection
of the muzzle hoop.
MORTARS 137
· r-
e. Ammunition
The stick bomb described in a, above, is the only
ammunition for this weapon that has been recovered
to date. A recent report states, however, that a finned
Bangalore torpedo may also be used (par. 15, p. 58).
f. Maintenance
(1) Oiling and cleaning.-The Model 98 (1938)
50-mm mortar may be given the same care as would
be given to U. S. mortars. There is a cleaning brush
MORTARS 141
which comes attached to the underside of the carrying-
box cover (fig. 86).
(2) Stripping.-The Model 98 (1938) 50-mm mortar
is easy to disassemble. Unscrew the thumb screws and
Quadrant seat
Elevating screw.
Traversing handwheel
Spade
Figure 87.-Model 11 (1922)1 70-mm mortar.
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-The Model 11 (1922) 70-mm mortar
has a safety, in that the latch pin on the breech end of
144 JAPANESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
i 27 i ~ *:' * ;
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-There is no safety on the 70-mm bar-
rage mortar.
(2) To elevate and depress.-Changes in elevation
and depression are accomplished by altering the posi-
'tion in which the rod is pegged into the ground.
Red b
per parachute
cord
PHASE 1 T\ a
Cap Blac
PHASE 2 PBASE 3
f. Maintenance
(1.) Oiling and cleaning.-The care given to this
mortar can be the same as that required for U. S.
mortars.
(2) Stripping.-The simple construction of the
70-mm barrage mortar makes it easy to strip. The
barrel is unscrewed from the metal base plates, the
firing pin is unscrewed from the male fitting which
holds it to the base plate, and the base plate is un-
fastened from the wooden block by removing the two
bolts. The steel spike can be removed from the base
of the wooden block.
(3) Assemnbly.-To assemble the weapon, proceed
in the reverse order to that followed in stripping.
29. MODEL 97 (1937) 81-MM MORTAR
a. General
The Model 97 (1937) 81-mm mortar is almost identi-
cal with the U. S. 81-mm mortar, M1 (see fig."92).
Japanese 81-mm mortar shells can be fired from the
U. S. 81-mnn mortar, Ml, and U. S. 81-mm mortar
shells can probably be used in the Japanese Model 97
(1937) 81-mmin mortar. Full and adequate information
is not yet available on the Model 97 (1937) 81-mmn
mortar.
b. How to Identify
The Model 97 (1937) 81-mm mortar may be identi-
fied by-
(1) The general resemblance that it bears to the U. S.
81-mm mortar, M1.
The Japalllnese tactical symbol for a mortar isA.
MORTARS 151
(2) The offset locking nut for the firing pin. (There
is no offset locking mit on the U. S. 81-mm mortar, M1.)
(3) The buttress-type thread on the elevating and
traversing screws. (Thb U. S. 81-mm mortar, M1, does
not have the buttress-type thread).
Sight bracket
Collimating telescope
scale
Elevation g
90 degrees to
Unlock barrelcollar > release it from
to rotate barrel. b aseplate.
middle of shell.
Do ot touch
Figure 96.-Two views of packing box for Model 100 (1940) shells
used in Model 99(1939)81-mm mortar(four complete rounds).
Cross ,~ Bipod
Elevtt .cr.
Traversing knob
Elevating crank
Recoil cylinder
d. How to Operate
(1) To elevate.-Elevating is accomplished by turn-
ing the crank at the jumnction of the bipod legs and the
elevating screw.
(2) To traverse.-Traversing is acconiplished by
turning the knob situated at the end of the travers-
ing screw where the barrel is collared to the bipod
(fig. 99).
(3) To load and fire.-Level and lay-in the mortar
in the same manner as would be done with the U. S.
81-mm mortar, Mi. The sight is also operated in the
same way. The cross-leveling device is the knurled
nut and collar on the bipod leg.
At the signal to fire; all members of the crew, for
purposes of safety, -should crouch below the level
of the muzzle. Then the projectile can be allowed
to. slide down the barrel, fins first (fig. 100).
If the mortar fails to fire when the projectile is
allowed to slide down the barrel, in all probability the
firing pin is not long enough to fire the igniting charge. '
To remedy this, turn the round nut at the lower rear
of the breech ring a quarter turn and remove it. Then
tighten the split nut at the top rear of the breech ring
until the shoulders match the milled recess.
(4) To unload.-If there is a misfire, wait at least 1
minute before attempting to unload the weapon. Then
try to find whether the shell has become lodged in the
barrel somewhere short of the firing pin. Use a piece
of timber, and strike the barrel at several places. If
that fails, proceed to unload. (See fig. 95, p. 156, for
the method of unloading.)
MORTARS 163
555825--42 12
164 JAPANESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
e. Ammunition
The Model 94 (1934) 90-mm mortar fires high-ex-
plosive and chemical shells (see figs. 101, 102, and
'l
Transiti plug
Fuzo holder
Burster
Cardboard packing
Red band
Blue band
L _/ ~Yellow band
Tail
Fins
White band
L __ur
1Percussion capM
Figure 102.-Incendiary shell for Model 94 (1934) 90-mm mortear.
MORTARS 167
f. Maintenance
(1) Oiling and cleaning.-The same care as is given
to U. S. mortars may be given to the Model 94 (1934)
90-mm mortar. Likewise, the same materials may be
used.
(2). Stripping.-The Model 94 (1934) 90-mm mor-
tar can be disassembled into four parts (fig. 104): the
Yoke
ront sight
Retracting handle
_Recetver
A im
Gas pISton
Gas ~plstcm
_
Returnapring
Iarrel
B yoke
stonoyoke and tubes
Re cylindersA
coil
Travelmgloch <
555s2SG-43---1':
180 JAPANESE INFANqRY WEAPONS
f~rf
I/fill:::
Blac s o
pcowder
Bursting charge
il 3i16
-- l Trac onch
Spring Plug
Washer
g. Accessories
A carrying case for the sight comes with the Model
98 (1938) 20-mm AA/AT machine cannon. There is
also a small box containing a quantity of headspace
washers. The ammunition is carried in a caisson
which may be horse-drawn.
The sight-mount carrying case has in it the follow-
ing items:
Am ount Article
1__ …__
… ._Complete sight.
-1 . Pair
..........
of glasses.
1- . .......of colored glasses.
Pair
1_ _____.. Libghting apparatus.
1-___-______-- Rain cover.
1---------- Small camel's-hair cleaning brush
1._ . ......
-Towel.
1- . Oil
..........
can.
3--- ---_-_----- Brushes.
188 JAPANESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
3
Figure 119.-Two views of Model 11 (1922) 7-mm gun, showing
accessories.
b. How to Identify
The Model 11 (1922) 37-mm gun is easily identified
by its very short barrel, tubular steel trails, and a front
leg and a front-leg float.
c. Characteristics
(1) General.-The barrel and breech of the Model
11 (1922) 37-mm gun form one integral part (fig. 122).
The breech has a vertical sliding-wedge breechblock
which can be operated either manually or automatically.
The standard sighting device on this weapon is a simple
telescopic sight (fig. 123).
(2) Table of characteristics.-
Length (with trails folded) ---- __-_ 903 inches.
Over-all width (firing position) …----49.25 inchles.
Weight ill action __...._____…_ ...__ 205.75 pounds.
Traverse …-.. ._ ..................
584 mils (33 degrees).
Elevation:
Maximum-n-___---------------.. 248 mils (14 degrees).
Minimumnl .................. -- 85 mils (-4.8 degrees).
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-The safety feature of the Model 11.
(1922) 37-mnl gun is the locking mechanism, which fits
into a cavity in the rear face of the breechblock and
holds it closed regardless of the motion of the barrel.
When this lock is pushed in, the breechblock is locked.
(2) To set-in.-By inserting two handspikes in re-
cesses found in front of the front leg, two men can
move the gun about in its firing position. One man
lifts the front end of the weapon while the other
lifts the trails by means of the handgrips on the
trails. This procedure is very useful in combat, be-
ANTITANK AND INFANTRY GUNS 191
f. Maintenance
(1) Oiling and cleaning.-The Model 11 (1922)
37-mm gun may be given the same general care as
is given to U. S. gnms.
(2) Stripping.--(a) BarreL.-Uncouple the barrel
from the recoil mechanism, and slide the barrel to
the rear.
(b) Breech.-Push the barrel to the rear so that
the breech recess is behind the shoulder guard. Re-
move the. operating handle, and withdraw the closing-
spring rod from the closing-spring cylinder., which is
to the right of the breech. Move the extractors
forward in order to be able to lift the breechblock up
and out of the breech recess.
(3) Recoil mechanism.-Tlhe recoil piston rod is at-
tached to the barrel. When the gun recoils, the recoil
cylinder remains stationary and the piston moves with
the barrel. The recoil piston rod is hollow. For fill-
ing the system with recoil fluid, a hole is provided
on the piston head.
(4) Assembly.-To assenmble the weapon, proceed in
the reverse order to that followed in stripping.
35. MODEL 94 (1934) 37-MM GUN 4
a. General
The Model 94 (1934) 37-amm gun (fig. 125) is an
infantry close-support gun and can be used both as
'This weapon, commonly called Sanljunana lTrih No, is listed by the
Japanese as h A,:9 t- ief , which is read (fromn left to right)
Klllyonl Shiki Santljilllla Hiri Ho, meaning "94 model 37-nin gun." (See
p. 7, note 1.) The Japanllese tactical symbol for the 37-inm gun is A.
ANTITAINK AND INFAXTRY GUNS 195
°
55s,825 --4-14
196 JAPANESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
11,
Weight
markings
White hand Yellow band
\for Fuze for
armor-piercing high-explosive
Date Date _
Base of armor-piercing
shell case
Model 94-
Base of high-explosive
Armor-piercing shell case High-explosive
Figure 127.-Armor-piercing (left) and high-explosive (right) shells
for Model 94 (1934) 37-mm gun.
Upper
burstg charge bursting charge
bursting charge
~Fuz~
~Ca
Projctle Rttng band\ _
UppRr Lower
bursting charge bursting charge
Propellant
Figure 130.-Cross section of Model 94 (1934) armor-piercing shell.
Booster
lInk.,
T*
b. How to Identify
The Model 92 (1932) 70-mm howitzer may be iden-
tified by-
(1) The low mount.
(2) The extremely short barrel.
(3) A sliding plate on the shield.
(4) The marking ak f, A, - L which is on the rear
end of the barrel. (This marking, which is read
Kyuni Shiki Hoheiho (from right to left), means "92
model infantry gun.")
c. Characteristics
(1) General.-The Model 92 (1932) 70-mm howitzer
has a rifled barrel approximately 9 calibers long. The
barrel, breech ring, and top sleigh are all of one forg-
ing. The breechblock is the interrupted-thread, swing-
down type (fig. 137). Extraction is accomplished
when the breech is opened after firing.
The carriage has a split trail (fig. 1.38) and is of
welded construction, except where the spades are
riveted on. The trails lock together for traveling and
: -:A ....t
UE Dm
I TP 9N_
a. General
The Model 41 (1908) 75-mm mountain (infantry)
gun (fig. 146) was originally used as a field-artillery
pack gim, but when it was largely superseded by the
Model 94 (1934) 75-mm mountain (pack) gun, it was
issued for use as an infantry regimental gun. This gun
is widely distributed throughout the Japanese'Army.
9This weapon is listed by the Japanese ns V - d,ig, , which is
read (from left to right) Yollclhi Shilki Scmpo, meaining "41 model moun-
tain gun." The Japlnese tactical symbol for the 75-mm mountain
(infantry) gun is 7'.
ANTITANK AND INFANTRY GUNS 223
b. How to Identify
The Model 41 (1908) 75-mm mountain (infantry)
gun may be identified by-
(1) The modified box trail of tubular steel.
(2) The short barrel (fig. 147).
(3) The large, single-piece shield with sighting door.
c. Characteristics
(1) General.-The Model 41 (1908) 75-mm moun-
tain (infantry) gun has an inlerrupted-thread, swing-
type breechblock. The recoil mechanism is hydro-
spring. There are no equalizers or equilibrators. The
gun is mounted on a field carriage with steel-rimmed
wooden wheels. The trail is of modified box type, of
tubular steel-two parallel trails connected to a large,
d. How to Operate
(1) Safety.-There are three safety features on the
Model 41 (1908) 75-mm mountain (infantry) gun:
(a) Safety iock.-The safety lock is found on the
left of the rear plate of the breechblock. Push the
safety-lock handle upward to lock the firing mecha-
nism. An accidental pull on the lanyard will not fire
the piece, nor will the breech be opened.
(b) Breechblock operating-handlelatch.-W-mhen the
breech is fully closed, the latch of the breechblock
operating handle engages with a catch on the breech-
block and locks the breech in the closed position for
firing.
(c) Rack lock.-There is a rack lock which auto-
matically prevents the breechblock from rotating dur-
ing the hinged movement of opening and closing the
breech.
(2) To elevate.-Elevation and depression are ac-
complished by operating the handwheel on the left
side of the carriage. A clockwise turn will depress
the gun, and a counterclockwise turn will elevate it.
(3) To traverse.-The traversing handwheel is to
the right rear of the carriage. Turning it clockwise
moves the gun to the right; counterclockwise, to the left.
226 JAPANESE INFANTRY WEAPONS
IN
REiiGMU 'NT
'NiTA~NTR
E(Nil
GUN
39. INTRODUCTION
The primary purpose of this section is to describe
the ammunition used in Japanese small arms (see the
chart, fig. 156, p. 238. Since the employment of uniden-
tified ammunition may be a danger to the user, all
available information is included concerning the sys-
tem by which the Japanese label and mark their am-
munition. The Japanese do not mark individual
rounds. The band color on the bullet, the shape of the
round, and the composition of the bullet jacket are the
only visual means of identifying the various types of
rounds.
40. COLOR OF BANDS
It appears that the following significance may be
attached to the colors of the bands used on Japanese
small-arms anmmunition:
Pink -_................................. Ball.
Green .............................- Tracer.
Black …... ..................
_…---- Armor-piercing.
41. MODEL 38 (1905) 6.5-MM AMMUNITION
a. How to Identify
Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm (.256 inch) ammunition
may be identified by its size, by its semirimmed case,
and by the label on the container in which it is
found. These rounds are packed in wooden boxes;
three 5-round clips are packed in separate pasteboard
234
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 235
Figure
and
155.-Label
marking used
s on box of Model 92 1932
45. GENERAL
Detailed information and photographs obtained from
enemy sources indicate the existence of several modifi-
cations of Japanese standard small arms not yet en-
countered in combat areas. The model numbers of
most of these are not yet knoxwn.
46. SNIPER'S 6.5-MM RIFLE
This 6.5-mm rifle (probably the Model 91 (1931)) is
the same size as the Model 38 (1905) 6.5-nmm rifle (par.
8, p. 25), and many parts are obviously the same (fig.
157). It has a folding monopod attached to the upper
band. A telescopic sight is mounted very low on the
left side of the receiver. Otherwise it does not appear
to differ from the Model 38. Its chief characteristics
are reported to be as follows:
Caliber …......... 6.5 mm (.256 inch).
Telescopic sigjht:
Mlagifying prower ----------- _ 2.5 times.
Field of view ...........--. 10 degrees.
Weight ................ 1.1 pounds.
Over-all length_ 50.2 inches.
.................
\Weight
. - -___--------
-------- ------- 9.8 pounds.
1Maximum range -------------------
_ 2,600 yards.
47. LONG 7.7-MM RIFLE
This 7.7-mm rifle (fig. 158) is 5.5 inches longer than
the Model 99 (1939) 7.7-mrm rifle (par. 9, p. 39), the
extra length being entirely in the barrel. It is a frac-
tion of an inch shorter than the Model 38 (1905) 6.5-mm
rifle. Like the Model 99 rifle, it has a folding monopod
attached to the upper band, but the sling swivels are on
the bottom of the rifle, not on the side as in the Model
99. The rear sight is the same as that used on the
Model 99, including the folding arms to be used when
firing at aircraft. This rifle does not appear to differ
essentially from the usual Arisaka pattern. Its chief
characteristics are reported to be as follows:
Caliber ------------------- - 7T.7 mm (.303 inch).
Capacity of magazine -. ..5 rounds.
IRear sight -...____ __..._ Graduated from 100 to 1,500
meters (109.4 to 1,640 yards).
Length of barrel - . 31.4
.........
inches.
Length:
Without bayonet __ .50.1 inches.
With bayonet .... (65.2inches.
HIeight of monopod ---------- 12.4 inches.
Weight:
Without bayonet_ .-----
9.02 pounds.
With bayonet ----------- 10 poiunds.
Maximum range . .....
3,829 yards.
Muzzle velocity . 2,560 feet per second.
.....-.
48. MODEL 97 (1937) 7.7-MM TANK MACHINE GUN
(GROUND MOUNT)
By the addition of a bipod and the removal of the
armor cover over the forepart of the weapon, the Model
ANTITANK AND INFANTRY GUNS 241
97 (1937) 7.7-mm tank machine gun may be adapted
for use by ground troops (fig. 159). This machine gun
is similar in construction to various types of Bren guns,
_Y S Y o* i =
_A _ _ _ a- _I
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_ 4-
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if . i r a· §§ B B§ 65
S ~ ~~~~~ Sg
91
a1
4aI
0. A\\L
o
a
3
C.
~~~~~~·
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