This is a very scarce example of a World War II Japanese Type 99 Arisaka pressure test rifle. These rifles were manufactured on a very limited basis by both of the major rifle factories and were used by the Japanese ammunition factories to test or check rifle cartridge chamber pressures. The general process was to insert a copper cylinder or disc between the upper and lower pistons which would compress during firing. By measuring the compression of the copper, evaluators could get an accurate read on the pressure generated by the shot. This model has the original reinforced chamber with truncated cone at the forward end of the receiver that still has the original pressure test pistons and assembly on top. The left side of the receiver is marked with the intertwined cannon balls of the Kokura factory, and the top of the receiver, pressure chamber and barrel are all numbered "6", with the number "4" on the bolt handle as well as on the pressure chamber, and "96" marked on the pressure chamber plug and cap. Some examples of Japanese pressure test rifles are pictured in Honeycutt and Anthony's book "Military Rifles of Japan" on pages 175-176.

Excellent, retains 95% original blue finish with some light flaking around the muzzle. Stock is very fine with a heavy coat of applied varnish and a number of pressure dents and handling marks. Mechanically excellent.