Type 38 stock cutout/notch

[Guamsst]

Someone asked the other day and got a reply but now I can't find it. On the right side of type 30,35,38 rifle stocks there is a cutout on the top of the wood in the receiver area about the size of the end of your thumb, Why is it there?

[JimF]

To provide an "escape" area for any crud that collects in the track of the dust cover (that is most often missing) on the receiver.

It's probably an unnecessary mill-cut, but then . . . . --Jim

[Guamsst]

Thanks, I knew it was something simple but couldn't remember what and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't be there on the 99, or better yet, why it isn't on the left side too.

[Deano41]

The dust cover groove sits higher (above the wood line) on the left side of both the Type 38 and Type 99. So it doesn't need a "clean out" notch or hole. On the early series Type 99's, there is a 1/4 " hole on the right side of the stock at the end of the dust cover groove. There aren't holes on the later series Type 99's, probably due to the fact the dust covers were ommited.

[Guamsst]

The dust cover groove sits higher (above the wood line) on the left side of both the Type 38 and Type 99. So it doesn't need a "clean out" notch or hole. On the early series Type 99's, there is a 1/4 " hole on the right side of the stock at the end of the dust cover groove. There aren't holes on the later series Type 99's, probably due to the fact the dust covers were ommited.

Yep, I was looking last night at my rack. (I have one of each basic type on the wall) I thought it was odd that the late wars may have no hole but still have the grooves for the dustcovers. That's not unexpected with their overindulgence in addons. I guess part of why the Japanese stuff interests me is because so much of it just doesn't make sense to me.