20th Series Kokura
Mid production 20th series:
All rifles in the 20th series would have originally been early pattern rifles, made with a monopod, dust cover, AA sights, and long cleaning rod. A few specifics to note about this series:
-Many 20th series will feature a front sling swivel that is inversed. This is unique to the 20th series.
-Many Kokura monopods feature a "flat foot" style to them, unlike the slightly curved style found on other manufacturers.
-The serial number style and format is different compared to most manufacturers, using both the rifle's serial number and an assembly number found on the bottom of the receiver under the stock. See the "Serial number" section for more information.
-Many 20th series will feature a front sling swivel that is inversed. This is unique to the 20th series.
-Many Kokura monopods feature a "flat foot" style to them, unlike the slightly curved style found on other manufacturers.
-The serial number style and format is different compared to most manufacturers, using both the rifle's serial number and an assembly number found on the bottom of the receiver under the stock. See the "Serial number" section for more information.
Serial number locations:
20th series rifles use a similar style of numbering to late Kokura Type 38 carbines and rifles. The only numbers matching the serial number will be the bolt body, dust cover, and safety. The bayonet lug and firing pin will not be numbered. The bolt release and spring, extractor, trigger, and hand guard and stock will actually match by an assembly number, located on the bottom of the receiver under the wood. This example still has many staked screws, so I was unable to show some these areas.
Please note the dust cover on this example is mismatched, but also would have matched by serial number.
Please note the dust cover on this example is mismatched, but also would have matched by serial number.
Stock proofs:
Mid production 20th series (2):
Another example of a mid production 20th series Kokura Type 99, with it's original sling. As in the previous example, the monopod on this rifle has the flat foot style found on early Kokura rifles.
Special thanks to arisakadogs of the Gunboards forum for providing photos of this rifle.
Special thanks to arisakadogs of the Gunboards forum for providing photos of this rifle.