Question: How do I tell if a Japanese rifle is matching without disassembling it?
Answer (Courtesy Doss White, Shannon Zeigler, Earl Battey and Stan Zielinski)
Murata Chassepot conversion All parts have the rifle serial number.
Murata Models 13, 18 and 22 All parts have the rifle serial number.
Model 38
Tokyo Arsenal The number on the bolt (and parts) should match the number on the bayonet lug, floor plate and top of bolt release lever (visible when the lever is pulled out).
Nagoya Arsenal The number on the parts should match the last three digits of the serial number.
Mukden Arsenal Parts are matched by both serial number and assembly number.
Model 99
Long rifles
Toyo Kogyo Parts are matched by an assembly number. This number is found on the stock, handguard, bolt parts, rear of bayonet lug,and bottom or receiver. The number on the bolt matches the number on the BACK (not bottom ) of the bayonet lug.
Nagoya Arsenal The numbers on the parts should match the last 3 digits of the rifle serial number. The number on the bolt should match the rifle serial number.
Short rifles
(All Arsenals except early 20th and 30th series; see series chart in Introduction to the Model 99 section under Model 99.)
The numbers on the bolt and bayonet lug should match the rifle serial number.
Early 20th Series The number on the bolt should match the assembly number under the receiver.
Toyo Kogyo, very early 30th series only Parts are matched by assembly number just like the long rifle (see above).