This is a very rare example of a early WWII experimental Calvary rifle that was converted from a regular type rifle into a short rifle configuration. This was Japan's attempt to produce a calvary/short rifle prior to the actual adoption of the later Type 44 Calvary carbine. A general description of this conversion entailed pulling rifles from stock, shipping them to the Chigusa factory under the control of the Nagoya Arsenal, who performed the actual conversion into this short rifle configuration. This conversion was accomplished by shortening/installing a new shorter 25 inch barrel, reinstalling the front sight and then installing a new production one piece short rifle stock and handguard. An expanded description of this rifle and the conversion can be found on page 56 and 57 of "The Military Rifles of Japan" by Honeycutt. The rifle itself is a mid production Type 38 rifle that was originally produced at the Koishikawa Arsenal in Tokyo, it has the correct single letter "B" and "Triangle in a Circle" proof on the rear left hand side of the barrel from the original manufacture. The rifle has the original six digit serial number and the Koishikawa Arsenal manufacturers marks with these rifles then being renumbered on the under side of the receiver, on the front edge of the receiver and rear portion of the barrel with a new four digit assembly number indicating the installation/modification of the barrel. The top of the receiver has the Chrysanthemum (which has been ground) and Kanji markings designating it as a Type 38 rifle from the original manufacture. It has the early Type 38 rear sight and inverted "V" with guards front. The bolt is also the early pattern with the plum shaped handle and early finely machined safety.

Very fine as arsenal refurbished, with wear on the edges and high spots overall with fairly clear factory markings, with the bolt assembly blued during the conversion process showing wear and blue loss on the bolt body. The various small parts retain only traces of their original straw colors. The stock is in excellent condition with 90% of it's original stock finish with minor handling marks and light pressure dents in some areas. The rifle has a matching bolt assembly. A very nice example of a scarce WWII Japanese short rifle.