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Will Dabbs MD's Article on Nambu Type 94 in Small Arms Review


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In the August/September issue of Small Arms Review (SAR) magazine, an article is featured by Will Dabbs MD, titled, "The Nambu Type 94 - A Basic Treatise on the Worst Combat Handgun in Military History." I really enjoyed reading the article. While I don't own a Type 94, I did unsuccessfully bid on one on eBay back in 1998, when they still allowed guns to be sold there. I also used to view many Type 94's available at Security Equipment in Honolulu while growing up on Oahu, so the firearm has been of some interest to me for many years. The weapon is primarily a collector's item, and if you own one, you should really consider your own safety if you decide to shoot it. As Dr. Dabbs indicates in his article, the pistol can be intentionally, or unintentionally fired by pressing on the exposed sear transfer bar, so it is a dangerous firearm to handle. Please proceed with caution if you decide to shoot one. It has other issues as well, and I recommend obtaining a copy of the aforementioned SAR magazine if you want to know more.

 

My favorite quote from Dr. Dabbs' article is "In its prime with a proper lot of ammunition the Type 94 might be better in a firefight than foul language and obscene gestures, but not by a tremendous margin. After an afternoon spent on the range with one of these remarkable weapons, it finally becomes obvious why all those Japanese soldiers carried swords."

 

Anyway, it's a good article, and I recommend obtaining a copy of the magazine if you have more interest in the Nambu Type 94.

 

Thanks!

 

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

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I bought one from an online auction a couple years ago - knew nothing about them, but what I could see in the pics looked nice, and it went cheap. Had me a little worried since I did not expect to win, and thought perhaps the local guys knew or could see something I did not. Turns out it is all matching including the mag, and a VERY nice Type 94. I have really never played with it, cleaned it when I got it and hung it on the wall. Pretty sure I dont even have 8mm ammo for it. Like a lot of the Japanese guns - so ugly and apparently dysfunctional they are cool.

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