Murata rifle

Murata Rifle
A Type 22 Murata Rifle. Notice that its tubular magazine sticks out near the muzzle.
Type	Bolt-action rifle
Place of origin	Japan
Service history
Used by	Empire of Japan, China (Captured)
Wars	First Sino-Japanese War, Boxer rebellion, Russo-Japanese War
Production history
Variants	13, 18, 22, Civilian
Specifications
Weight	4.09 kg
Length	1294 mm
Barrel length	840 mm
Cartridge	11x60mmR Murata 8x53mmR Murata
Caliber	11mm 8mm
Action	Bolt-action
Muzzle velocity	435 m/s
Feed system	Single-Shot (Type 13, 18, and Civilian Models) 8-Round Tube Magazine (Type 22)

The Murata Rifle was the first indigenously produced Japanese service rifle adopted in 1880 as the Murata Type 13.^[1] The 13 referred to the adoption date, the year 13 in the Meiji period according to the Japanese calendar.

The development of the weapon was lengthy as it involved the establishment of an adequate industrial structure to support it.^[2] Before producing a local weapons, Japan had been relying on various imports since the time of the Boshin War, and especially on the French Chassepot after the Satsuma Rebellion.^[2] This was about 300 years after Japan developed its first guns, derived from Portuguese designs, the Tanegashimas or "Nanban guns".

The design of the Murata was an adaptation of the French Gras rifle, and the German Mauser rifle. The Murata was later upgraded in several variants, some of which were used well into the Russo-Japanese War.

It was replaced by the Arisaka series of rifles in 1898, which also used the more modern smokeless powder.

Variants

• Type 13 (1880) Preliminary model (11x60R). Bolt action, Single shot.
• Type 18 (1885) Final version (11x60R). Bolt action, single shot.^[3]
• Type 22 (1889) Smaller caliber (8x53R). Tube magazine weapon.^[3]

See also

• Firearms of Japan

Preceded by Imported Rifles

Imperial Japanese Army Service Rifle 1880-1905

Succeeded by Arisaka

References

1. ^ "Japanese MURATA Type 13 (M.1880)". MilitaryRifles.com. 2008-08-28. http://www.militaryrifles.com/Japan/Murata13.htm. Retrieved 2009-07-19. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Rifles of the World John Walter, p.88 [1]
3. ^ ^{a b} Rifles David Westwood, p.370 [2]