23rd Series Kokura
Early production 23rd series:
The early rifles in this series tend to follow the same pattern as the previous 22nd series.
-Rifles from this series will have dust covers matching to the serial number through the end of the series in general
-Monopod was used up until very late into the series
-Rear sight featured AA wings through the entire series as well
-Long cleaning rod was used until very late in the series
-Firing pin is numbered on the locking portion of the pin, instead of the firing pin body as seen on most other Type 99's. Extractor will not be numbered.
-Later stocks in the series will lack inspector proofs, but at this point in the series they will still be on the stock
Special thanks to Joe Estridge for providing photos of this rifle.
-Rifles from this series will have dust covers matching to the serial number through the end of the series in general
-Monopod was used up until very late into the series
-Rear sight featured AA wings through the entire series as well
-Long cleaning rod was used until very late in the series
-Firing pin is numbered on the locking portion of the pin, instead of the firing pin body as seen on most other Type 99's. Extractor will not be numbered.
-Later stocks in the series will lack inspector proofs, but at this point in the series they will still be on the stock
Special thanks to Joe Estridge for providing photos of this rifle.
Serial number locations:
Late production 23rd series w/ rare short push in cleaning rod:
One of the more uncommon variants of the 23rd series is found at the very end of production. Rifles in the late 90,000 range often have a short push in style cleaning rod, different from the screw in type found on many later production Type 99's. This rod style is only found on late 23rd and very early 24th series rifles.
On this example the stock has typical Kokura chatter marks on the wrist. There is a monopod band, but no evidence a monopod was ever installed. Still retains a chrome lined bore. No proof marks will be found on the bottom of the stock.
On this example the stock has typical Kokura chatter marks on the wrist. There is a monopod band, but no evidence a monopod was ever installed. Still retains a chrome lined bore. No proof marks will be found on the bottom of the stock.