Japanese Type 18 1885 11mm black powder cartridge rifle

[varifleman]

Here's my Japanese MURATA Type 18 bolt action rifle chambered in 11mm. This is the first bolt action rifle manufactured in Japan and was the precursor to the famous Arisaka rifle. It mostly matching numbers; bolt, receiver, barrel, rear sight and trigger guard all match. Stock still retains its cartouche. 32” barrel is very good with some surface wear; strong rifling remains. Rear ladder sight. Bore is good with some surface wear; strong rifling remains. Original cleaning rod intact. Matching numbers receiver shows same brown patina; Bolt action works smoothly and flawlessly. Bolt numbers match; Firing pin mechanism numbers do not. Trigger guard very good with matching numbers. The only numbers I see that do not match are on the middle barrel band. Full length stock remains quite attractive with shoulder stock cartouche. Small repaired crack left side along rear tang; barely noticeable. Original metal butt plate very good. Does anyone make brass for this rifle or have any reloading hints?

[varifleman]

A few more details:

[varifleman]

And a few more:

[Junk Yard Dog]

Very nice,
Gad Custom Cartridges

[Longcolt44]

Cool, a very nice example.

[neal45]

Cool rifle and a beautiful one too.

I've done a lot of reloading for a similar rifle, the Russian Berdan, precursor to the Mosin Nagant. I use black powder and cast bullets. If you can get brass, the rest is relatively easy and fun. I've probably taken my Berdan out to shoot more than any of my other shooters.

I have a worksheet I have put together in Word format I will send you if you email me your email address so I can send directly.

[TulaTom]

Very nice! Not something you see very often.