Howa Type 64 Assault Rifle [Automatic Rifle]:

The Japanese government began the search for a new assault rifle in 1957, and was heavily influenced by the United States military at that time. Therefore, it seemed natural to adopt the new 7.62x51mm NATO round. Furthermore, the optics often issued with the rifle was initially an American M84 type scope. However, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces believed that the 7.62x51mm round was too powerful, especially for fully automatic control, and had the bullet reduced by way of the power charge. This has led to the Type 64 being one of the most controllable weapons in this caliber, when fired in fully automatic mode.

Continuing the tradition of Japanese military technology being indigenous to Japan, the weapon was designed by one General K. Iwashita and was produced by Howa. The reputation for the weapon 'shedding parts' is undeserved. Instead, the mechanical complexities common to Japanese rifles have led to this misconception. Some of these complexities, however, are very useful. The Type 64 controls the cycle rate by way of an external gas regulator. The stock has a device that folds out to help improve accuracy by stabilizing the rifle during fully automatic fire.

The strangest feature of the gun, perhaps, is the colorful language used to label the selector switch. The leftmost to rightmost positions read, in Japanese, "Safety Device," "Semi-Auto," "Hit the Target." The last setting is the fully automatic setting.

Weight:	9.68 lbs (4.4 kg)
Caliber:	7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) - Reduced Charge
Barrel Length:	17.72 inches (45 cm).
Overall Length:	38.98 inches (99 cm).
Action:	Gas operated semi-automatic.
Mode of Fire:	Semi automatic, Fully Automatic.
Range:	1312 feet (400 m).
Magazine:	20 round box magazine.
Cost:	$ 2,000.
Made in:	Japan.
Special:	Fires a modified version of the 7.62x51mm round, making it more easy to handle in fully automatic mode.

Writeup by Wolfgang (vashna@nerdshack.com).

Minor formatting by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

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