Make: Chuo Kogyo Co. At Kokubunji Operating Under the Supervision of the Nagoya Arsenal.

Model: Type 94 Nambu

Serial Number: 48314

Year of Manufacture: February, 1944

Caliber: 8mm Nambu

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 96mm (approximately 3.78”)

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short post style blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top-rear of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black synthetic panels. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light marks. There is slightly rough shaping around the edges. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, the serialized parts are matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The grip areas show handling wear. There are some light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. The screws are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The sear engagement is poor, the hammer tends to follow when the slide is dropped from slide lock. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The pistol comes with a single serial-matching magazine and a brown leather flap-holster.

Our Assessment: The Type 94 Nambu is an odd-looking pistol but was popular with the Japanese troops because it was smaller and lighter than the Type 14. It was issued to tankers, pilots and others who had to work in cramped quarters. It was originally designed as a military sidearm, and never intended for civilian sales. Like other Nambu pistols, it is chambered for 8mm Nambu. This pistol was made by the Chuo Kogyo company under the supervision of the Nagoya Arsenal in March, 1944. The pistol comes with something we don’t see very often – a magazine serialized to the pistol.

This pistol is in Good condition with about 75% of its original finish remaining and strong mechanics apart from the hammer sear engagement which should be addressed. The overall appearance is consistent with the time this pistol was manufactured. By February 1944, the Japanese were being steadily pushed back in the Pacific. Allied forces were hopping through the Marianas islands and before too long, Japanese forces would be retreating in Burma. The rough machining and polishing is a result of Japan's efforts to cut corners, speed production, and do everything possible to continue the fight despite the outcome being all but certain, and not in their favor. This pistol should be a big hit with the collectors of Japanese weaponry and of military weapons used in WWII. Please see our photos and good luck!