Picture number M38010 (picture courtesy of Shannon Zeigler) The Japanese Model 38 rifle was adopted in the 38^th year of the reign of Emperor Meiji, the Western year 1905. It was produced over a longer time span than any other rifle and was used, sometimes in slightly modified form, by a number of other nations.

 Picture number M38020 (picture courtesy of Shannon Zeigler) The Model 38 introduced a number of features which have since become identified with Japanese rifles such as the plum shaped bolt knob.