ANTIQUE (no PAL) Limited Early Production Japanese Type 26 Service Revolver in 9mm/.38 caliber with Holster & Military Kanjis (3 Digit Serial)

For takes is a very early and fine Antique example of Japan's first ever designed revolver - the Type 26 top break double action in 9mm Japanese made at the Koishikawa Arsenal circa 1895. This is one of only several hundred that both qualifies for antique status and has survived in such good condition after 130 years on this planet. It is designed and chambered for 9mmx26 Japanese but coincidentally happens to chamber .38 S&W short which makes it appealing to shoot. As a pre-1898 Antique, you can own this handgun in Canada without registration or PAL.

These guns are a beautiful demonstration of Japanese innovation and design principles, with a sleek rounded appearance and unique toolless access to the internals by unlatching the trigger guard which hinges forward and unlocks the left side panel. This revolver is part of the Limited Early Production series, which ranges up to serial numbers in the 900s. These are recognized as Antique and definitively made pre-1898. Whereas most of the revolvers in this range only have internal serials, this example has clearly undergone an arsenal rework to update the configuration including: an improved knurled hammer (instead of round as original), a modified trigger guard with increased knurling for grip when opening the side gate for cleaning/maintenance, and an externally stamped serial in addition to the original internal one. The serial 5xx is marked internally and pencilled in the grips also. The butt is stamped with several Kanjis including "peace/harmony" on top left and "rock/sturdiness" on the bottom right as identified by a Japanese friend.

All mechanics work soundly with consistent indexing and a reasonable lockup. The double action only operation was an interesting design choice that some said was not ideal for military purposes though it is a very light trigger pull compared to other double action models of the time. Regardless, this is a very fun piece to shoot with antique loaded black powder or smokeless .38 Smith & Wessin rounds. These can generally be purchased from rustywood.ca or last mountain reloading. The rifling is still very strong and makes for accurate shooting, the cylinder is smooth, and the ejector works great.

Can include authentic leather reproduction service holster/ammo pouch combo for $250, ammo too if you have a PAL.

Comes w. FRT page.

18+, ships Canada

I make no claims about the safety of shooting ANY antique revolver. Ask a gunsmith.

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