how to tell a calibers

[Keith]

???I have a Mauser rifle not sure of the caliber. What can i do to find the caliber? I seen on TV something about using lead to forum the casing to measure. Not sure .... The guy I got the gun from said 308 But what I fonded it could be 7.7mmx58mm..

[ScottC]

I am not usre what to tell you, but I would assume being made overseas it would be the 7mm. But I really don't know...

There are a few reloaders here. You may try to PM them if you don't get an initial reply here.

[4pointer]

Just don't no chance,, I'd see a GUN~~SMITH ,,
Better SAFE THAN SORRY

[ScottC]

4pointer said:

Just don't no chance,, I'd see a GUN~~SMITH ,,
Better SAFE THAN SORRY

Sound advice any time, Larry...but especially with a firearm.

[Keith]

I found this site.
www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/GunTech/NewsletterArchive.aspx?p=0&t=1&i=39
$14.95 for 1/2lb going to try it..

[hoosieroutdoorsman]

I think I would take it to a gunsmith before I tried pouring a melted substance down the barrel,, most gunsmiths have a easier way to tell the caliber than doing that. There aren`t any serial numbers? or markings of any kind on the gun?

[Keith]

so far what I find out it a 7.7x58mm Japanese.
As far as marking this is it.

[hoosieroutdoorsman]

Here is what I could dig up hope it helps

Arisaka Type 38 and Type 99 rifle (Japan)

6.5mm Arisaka Type 30 rifle
Image by Christopher Caisor, CollectibleFirearms.com

6.5mm Arisaka Type 38 rifle
Image by Christopher Caisor, CollectibleFirearms.com


6.5mm Arisaka Type 38 rifle, close-up view on the receiver; bolt cover is removed.
Image by Christopher Caisor, CollectibleFirearms.com


6.5mm Arisaka Type 38 rifle, close-up view on the receiver; bolt cover is installed.


6.5mm Arisaka Type 38 carbine, with the bolt cover in place


Arisaka Type 44 carbine, with integral folding bayonet and bolt cover installed


7.7mm Arisaka Type 99 rifle and bayonet in scabbard; bolt cover removed.
Image by Christopher Caisor, CollectibleFirearms.com


7.7mm Arisaka Type 99 rifle, close-up view on the receiver, bolt cover installed, bolt handle is turned up and ready to be pulled back


7.7mm Arisaka Type 02 paratroop takedown rifle. Note the steel-reinforced joint area ahead of the receiver

Type 38 long rifle Type 99 short rifle Type 02 paratroop rifle
Caliber 6.5x50SR 7.7x58 7.7x58
Overall length 1275 mm 1150 mm 1150 mm
Barrel length 800 mm 656 mm 620 mm
Weight 4.12 kg 3.8 kg 4.05 kg
Magazine capacity 5 rounds 5 rounds 5 rounds

Japanese Army began the search for a new small caliber magazine rifle in 1894, with intention to replace obsolete Murata rifles. For this purpose Imperial Army created the commission, led by Colonel Nariake Arisaka. First design, known as Type 30 rifle (30th Year of Emperor Meiji, or 1897 A.D.), showed some deficiencies during the Russo-Japanese war of 1905, and the updated design appeared in 1905-1906 as the Type 38 rifle, generally known as Arisaka type 38. This rifle, chambered for relatively mild 6.5x50SR ammunition, was manufactured in several versions, including long rifle and carbine variants. More than 3 millions of Type 38 rifles were manufactured by various Government arsenals. The Arisaka Type 38 rifle was heavily influenced by contemporary Mauser designs, but also had some unique features.
After serious battle experience in China, Japanese Army decided to step up in caliber and power, and introduced the 7.7x58mm ammunition. The 7.7x58 cartridge was based on the British .303 round (7.7x57R), with the rim removed. New rifle was based on the Type 38 design, and was designated as Type 99 (this is another Japanese nomenclature, actually meaning that the rifle was adopted on year 2099 from the creation of the world). In 1940 Japanese Army adopted the short pattern of the Type 99 rifle, which replaced both long infantry rifle and carbine. More than three and a half millions of Type 99 rifles were manufactured in Japan between 1938 and 1945. There were some further developments, for example, several sniper rifles, fitted with 2.5X or 4X scopes, as well as several take-down rifles, intended for paratroopers. First takedown rifles were made in small numbers from standard Type 99 rifles and featured interrupted screw joint between the barrel and the receiver. This system proved to be too weak, and in 1942 Type 02 paratrooper take-down rifle has been introduced, with simple and rigid cross wedge lock. This rifle, chambered in 7.7x58, has been adopted in mid-1943.
Arisaka Type 38 and, especially, Type 99 rifles are generally quoted as very strong rifles, but this refers only to the rifles, made before the late stages of the World war 2. Late-war rifles, sometimes known as Substitute Type 99, or "last ditch" Type 99 rifles, were often made from low grade steel, with no heat treatment and no finish. Many of these rifles were simply dangerous for shooters to fire.

[Keith]

Yes that about the same think i fonded out.
I going to a gunsmith with it. Before I try to shoot it. It is a type 99 in 7.7x58mm.

[hoosieroutdoorsman]

they can mic the bore and tell you exactly what you can shoot out of it,, is better to have sound info than trying to guess it on your own.

[Keith]

Yes and know it safe to shoot.