Wow. This gun is very powerful. My other rifles are an M1 carbine and a .22. The Arisaka was the most accurate of the three rifles. After firing this gun I could hardly tell when the .22 fired.

My shoulder is a little bit sore today.

I don't think this will be a primary shooter since the ammo is so expensive. It was a great feeling though to get the rifle in shooting condition and see it in action. I have had the rifle for about 9 years (since my grandfather's death). Over the past few weeks it has gone from a relic under my bed to a living piece of history. It has made me feel closer to my grandfather and also thoughtful of those on the other side of the Pacific who depended on these rifles for life and death.

Thanks to everyone on this site who has given me advice and info.

Here is one more picture.

I went to the range recently with my two T99s also. Once all our snow melted. I shot my new 7.7 range loads @.18 each. I made them from some 30.06 reformed cases, 125gr cast LRNFP, 16gr of 2400. It's basically a pistol round. Didn't hurt my shoulder or my wallet at all. Shot 100 rounds. Wonderful range load. I've got them reloaded and I'm ready to go again! I need to work on the trigger. I kept pulling down, instead of squeezing and shooting low.

Sorry about the size of the photo.

So were you using Norma and if so was it the 180 Gr. or the 150 gr. As I have seen more 180 gr available over the lighter stuff. Have yet to cross the Hornady stuff so can not comment on what I think about it.

As I would like to get a few boxes of the Hornady 6.5 just so I have around 100 rounds.

I was using Hornady 7.7x58 150 gr.

I bought the 20 round box from Cabela's.

i plan on bringing my 2 type 99's to the range on friday. i bought a box of 20 hand loads from a gun show back a few months ago, the second arisaka came with a box of 19 norma 7.7 rounds........ im itching to see how these beauties shoot.

youre right about ammo prices, IF you can find it............ always have my eyes peeled for some, i found a bag o 5ea norma loads and 5 pieces of brass at my favorite surplus store the other day for $5. guy thought it was weird i was smiling while paying for 5rounds and some brass in a baggie.........

That's a great group. What was the distance?

great looking rifle!. if you have any interest in going in this direction i would really recommend getting into reloading. especially regarding the arisaka. it really brings down the price and solves the difuculty of finding the ammo. and will let you take her out more often!

Thanks. Wish I could say 100yrds.... But I shot this one at 50yrds, sitting resting my elbow on the table... I did go back a second time and I was able to keep one grouping in the center. If you are going to shoot full power/retail rounds, I'd recommend one of these shoulder pads.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=367156
It really makes a big difference. I would second urbanwolfs comments about reloading. I also cast my own bullets. I've got a 160 reformed cases loaded, my goal is 250, so I can fill a GI 30 cal ammo can...