Howa Type 64
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Howa Type 64 Rifle | |
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 Howa Type 64 |
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| Type | Battle rifle |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1964—present |
| Used by | Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Japanese Coast Guard Said to be used by the Special Assault Team |
| Wars | Cold War, Iraq occupation |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Howa Heavy Industry |
| Produced | 1964 — present |
| Variants | "Sniping Version" |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 4.4 kg |
| Length | 990 mm |
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| Cartridge | 7.62 x 51 mm NATO |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 51 mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated |
| Muzzle velocity | 700 m/s |
| Effective range | 400 m |
| Feed system | 20-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights, but optical sights can be placed |
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The Howa Type 64 Rifle, referred to as the 64式 (ロクヨンしき or rokuyonshiki), is a Japanese-exclusive battle rifle used by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Japanese Coast Guard. It is a gas-operated, selective fire weapon which is chambered for the 7.62mmX51 NATO round and uses a detachable 20-round box magazine. The Type-64 was never exported outside of Japan due to its strict anti-hardware export laws. It has been superseded by the more advanced Howa Type 89, but is still in service with all branches of the SDF and the Japanese Coast Guard.
It is rumored that the Japanese National Police Agency's Special Assault Team elements uses a sniper version of the rifle, though it is not confirmed.
[edit] Development
Roughly a decade after the creation of the Japanese Self Defense Forces, the Defense Agency decided to make a domestically designed and manufactured main battle rifle to replace the aging M1 Garand rifles that had been given to them by the United States. It was developed by Howa Heavy Industry and eventually was produced in large numbers beginning in 1964. When compared to the M14 rifle for testing purposes, it was found to be superior in accuracy. However, it has had consistent problems during its service life due to its reportedly overcomplicated construction and is plagued by a false (yet pervasive) reputation for shedding parts during field use and overall unreliability.
[edit] Features
- The selector switch on the Type-64 is one of its most famous features due to the manner and order it which it is labeled: ア (Safety position) → タ (semi-auto) → レ (Full auto) or “Atare”.
- A fold-away stabilizing armature is incorporated into the stock in order to improve accuracy during full-auto fire.
- The Type-64 has an external gas regulator to control cyclic rate.
- The magazine capacity is limited to 20 rounds of 7.62mmX51 ammunition. A notable feature of the cartridge used in this weapon is that the gunpowder charge is reduced by about 10%, to reduce its inherently excessive recoil and muzzle climb. Therefore the Type 64 possibly cannot use standard-load 7.62mm ammunition without sustaining damage to its operation systems. The ammunition for this weapon was purposely produced with a reduced powder charge for recoil more suitable to the Japanese physique.
[edit] Sniping version
Long range optics (scopes) can be installed on the Type-64 rifle so it can be deployed as a sniper rifle. Issuing a Type 64 sniper rifle is usually granted to the individual with the most accurate shooting proficiency in each division (a designated marksman). However, in many cases the individual may simply be issued the scope by itself to be used only during training exercises and shooting competitions, while no specific rifle is assigned to the individual himself.
The issued optics are usually set at 2.2x magnification and may either be a surplus M1C/D sniper rifle M84 scope used by the U.S. Military during World War II or a similar model produced by Nikon that replicates the M84’s magnification levels. Performance is similar to the M1C/D sniper rifle but it is only possible to set the scope to view targets at 500 meters despite the elevation knob being labeled for up to 800 meters. In addition to this, the standard aiming reticle is a simple black “T” which makes it extremely difficult to use during twilight hours or on a black target.
Some serious complaints about the accuracy of the sniper version are linked to the poorly conceived attachment system for the scope. The scope goes askew easily because it is only affixed with one screw. After the scope is mounted and the rifle is zeroed, it is imperative that it be handled carefully because it is easily jostled. Furthermore, since the scope is not usually assigned to any particular rifle it is often difficult to keep it static on any particular rifle’s receiver. This is usually corrected by installing a piece of cloth between the receiver and scope mount, but then the iron sights of the rifle are obscured. In cases like this, it is necessary to install a cheek pad to properly align the users eye with the scope.
This system is in the process of being phased out in front line units of the Ground Self-Defense Force and is being replaced with the Remington M24 sniper rifle.
[edit] Current Disposition
The Type-64 is still in use with the Japanese Coast Guard and all three arms of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, usually with second line units due to budget restrictions on the SDF. However, frontline and other units expected to see direct combat are generally issued the Howa Type 89 rifle. The Type-64 essentially uses the same 7.62mmx51 NATO ammunition as the M14, M24 Sniper Rifle, NTK-62 machine gun M60 GPMG, and M240G so it can easily share ammunition stockpiles of US Military forces stationed in Japan (with the reduced powder charge modification mentioned above). Due to its milled and stamped steel construction and wood furniture, it is considered somewhat anachronistic and heavy by members of the SDF.
For a short time, the Special Assault Team had used some Howa Type 64 rifles as sniping weapons, though it may have been disposed of.
[edit] Popular Culture
An airsoft replica version of this rifle was manufactued by the Top corporation out of steel and wood components in Japan for collectors. It is no longer produced, but generally commands high prices as a collector's item.
In some Japanese or Asian media such as TV, movies and literature made during the Cold War era, they depict post-war Japanese troops armed with the rifle.
[edit] External links
- HOWA TYPE64 7.62mm RIFLE (Japanese Language)
