Howa Type 64
Encyclopedia
The , is a Japanese battle rifle
used exclusively by the Japan Self-Defense Forces
and the Japanese Coast Guard
. It is a gas-operated
, selective fire weapon which is chambered for the 7.62x51mm 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 It has been superseded by the more advanced Howa Type 89
from 1989 to 1990, but is still in service with all branches of the Self-Defense Forces and the Japanese Coast Guard.
A small number of Howa Type 64 marksman versions had been used by the Special Assault Team
.
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 Industries
and eventually was produced in large numbers beginning in 1964 under the direction of General K. Iwashita, who had a hand in designing the rifle. When compared to the M14 rifle
for testing purposes, it was found to be superior in practical accuracy, likely because its rate of fire and recoil (from less powerful 7.62 NATO ammunition) were lower. 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.
garrison had encountered supply problems when they were not able to account for 30 Howa Type 64s that had been lost, despite a massive search conducted by 95,000 soldiers on January 24, 2007.
(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 reticule 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.
The weapon has been phased out in front line units of the Ground Self-Defense Force
as it was replaced with the M24 Sniper Weapon System, introduced in 2002 to J.G.S.D.F service.
rifle. The Type 64 essentially uses the same 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition as the M14
, M24 Sniper Rifle, Type 62 machine gun
, M60
GPMG, and FN MAG
so it can easily share ammunition stockpiles of US Military forces stationed in Japan with the reduced powder charge modification. Due to its milled and stamped steel construction and wood furniture, it is considered somewhat anachronistic and heavy by members of the S.D.F.
For a short time, the Special Assault Team had used some Howa Type 64 rifles as sniping weapons.
Battle rifle
A battle rifle is a military service rifle that fires a full power rifle cartridge, such as 7.62x51mm NATO. While the designation of battle rifle is usually given to post-World War II select fire infantry rifles such as the H&K G3, the FN FAL or the M14, this term can also apply to older military...
used exclusively by the Japan Self-Defense Forces
Japan Self-Defense Forces
The , or JSDF, occasionally referred to as JSF or SDF, are the unified military forces of Japan that were established after the end of the post–World War II Allied occupation of Japan. For most of the post-war period the JSDF was confined to the islands of Japan and not permitted to be deployed...
and the Japanese Coast Guard
Japan Coast Guard
The , formerly the Maritime Safety Agency, is the Japanese coast guard. Comprising about 12,000 personnel, it is under the oversight of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and is responsible for the protection the coast-lines of Japan...
. It is a gas-operated
Gas-operated reloading
Gas-operation is a system of operation used to provide energy to operate autoloading firearms. In gas-operation, a portion of high pressure gas from the cartridge being fired is used to power a mechanism to extract the spent case and chamber a new cartridge. Energy from the gas is harnessed...
, selective fire weapon which is chambered for the 7.62x51mm 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
Howa Type 89
The , referred to as the , is a Japanese assault rifle used by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Coast Guard's Special Security Team units, and the Special Assault Team. It was never exported outside of Japan due to its strict anti-hardware export laws...
from 1989 to 1990, but is still in service with all branches of the Self-Defense Forces and the Japanese Coast Guard.
A small number of Howa Type 64 marksman versions had been used by the Special Assault Team
Special Assault Team
The is a paramilitary counter terrorism unit under the Japanese National Police Agency. The SAT is mandated, along with the Anti-Firearms Squad and the Counter-NBC Terrorism Squad, for counterterrorism missions and incidents involving firearms or criminals which require an armed response beyond...
.
History
Japan Self-Defense Forces
The , or JSDF, occasionally referred to as JSF or SDF, are the unified military forces of Japan that were established after the end of the post–World War II Allied occupation of Japan. For most of the post-war period the JSDF was confined to the islands of Japan and not permitted to be deployed...
, the Defense Agency decided to make a domestically designed and manufactured main battle rifle
Battle rifle
A battle rifle is a military service rifle that fires a full power rifle cartridge, such as 7.62x51mm NATO. While the designation of battle rifle is usually given to post-World War II select fire infantry rifles such as the H&K G3, the FN FAL or the M14, this term can also apply to older military...
to replace the aging M1 Garand rifles that had been given to them by the United States. It was developed by Howa Heavy Industries
Howa
) is a Japanese machinery manufacturer. The company is known internationally for their production of military and civilian firearms. However, they also manufacture civilian products such as industrial tools, construction vehicles and windows and doors....
and eventually was produced in large numbers beginning in 1964 under the direction of General K. Iwashita, who had a hand in designing the rifle. When compared to the M14 rifle
M14 rifle
The M14 rifle, formally the United States Rifle, 7.62 mm, M14, is an American selective fire automatic rifle firing 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. It was the standard issue U.S. rifle from 1959 to 1970. The M14 was used for U.S...
for testing purposes, it was found to be superior in practical accuracy, likely because its rate of fire and recoil (from less powerful 7.62 NATO ammunition) were lower. 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.
Scandal
The J.G.S.D.F's Ōita PrefectureOita Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan on Kyūshū Island. The prefectural capital is the city of Ōita.- History :Around the 6th century Kyushu consisted of four regions: Tsukushi-no-kuni 筑紫国, Hi-no-kuni 肥国, and Toyo no kuni...
garrison had encountered supply problems when they were not able to account for 30 Howa Type 64s that had been lost, despite a massive search conducted by 95,000 soldiers on January 24, 2007.
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 (アンゼンソウチ/安全装置/Safety device (Safe)) → タ (タンシャ/単射/Semi) → レ (レンシャ/連射/Auto) or “アタレ (Atare); Atare in Japanese means "Hit the target".”
- The weapon's stock was equipped with a hinged buttplate 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 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. A notable feature of the cartridge used in this weapon is that the powder charge is reduced by about 20%, to reduce its inherently excessive recoilRecoilRecoil is the backward momentum of a gun when it is discharged. In technical terms, the recoil caused by the gun exactly balances the forward momentum of the projectile and exhaust gasses, according to Newton's third law...
and muzzle climbMuzzle climbMuzzle climb refers to the elevation of muzzle of automatic and rapid-fire semi-automatic firearms caused by combined recoil from multiple shots being fired in quick succession....
. Because it was designed around this cartridge, the rifle incurs substantially accelerated wear and tear from using full-powered ammunition. The ammunition for this weapon was purposely produced with a reduced powder charge for recoil more suitable to the Japanese physique. The gas regulator has a setting to accommodate normal 7.62x51 mm NATO ammunition.
Designated Marksman
Long range opticsOptics
Optics is the branch of physics which involves the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. Optics usually describes the behavior of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light...
(scopes) can be installed on the Type 64 rifle so it can be deployed as a sniper rifle
Sniper rifle
In military and law enforcement terminology, a sniper rifle is a precision-rifle used to ensure more accurate placement of bullets at longer ranges than other small arms. A typical sniper rifle is built for optimal levels of accuracy, fitted with a telescopic sight and chambered for a military...
. Issuing a Type 64 sniper rifle is usually granted to the individual with the most accurate shooting proficiency in each division (a designated marksman
Designated marksman
The designated marksman is a military marksman role in a U.S. infantry squad. The term sniper was used in Soviet doctrine although the soldiers using the Dragunov were the first to use a specifically designed designated marksman's rifle. Sniper is also used in Russian doctrine...
). 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
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
or a similar model produced by Nikon
Nikon
, also known as just Nikon, is a multinational corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in optics and imaging. Its products include cameras, binoculars, microscopes, measurement instruments, and the steppers used in the photolithography steps of semiconductor fabrication, of which...
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 reticule 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.
The weapon has been phased out in front line units of the Ground Self-Defense Force
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
The , or JGSDF, is the army of Japan. The largest of the three services of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Ground Self-Defense Force operates under the command of the chief of the ground staff, based in the city of Ichigaya, Tokyo. The present chief of ground staff is General Yoshifumi Hibako...
as it was replaced with the M24 Sniper Weapon System, introduced in 2002 to J.G.S.D.F service.
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 S.D.F. However, frontline and other units expected to see direct combat are generally issued the Howa Type 89Howa Type 89
The , referred to as the , is a Japanese assault rifle used by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Coast Guard's Special Security Team units, and the Special Assault Team. It was never exported outside of Japan due to its strict anti-hardware export laws...
rifle. The Type 64 essentially uses the same 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition as the M14
M14 rifle
The M14 rifle, formally the United States Rifle, 7.62 mm, M14, is an American selective fire automatic rifle firing 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. It was the standard issue U.S. rifle from 1959 to 1970. The M14 was used for U.S...
, M24 Sniper Rifle, Type 62 machine gun
Sumitomo NTK-62
The is the standard issue GPMG of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Known as the Type 62 GPMG, It is similar to the Belgian FN MAG, but not a variation of it. It is actually a heavily modernized version of the M1919 Browning machine gun...
, M60
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
GPMG, and FN MAG
FN MAG
The FN MAG is a Belgian 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun, designed in the early 1950s at Fabrique Nationale by Ernest Vervier. It has been used by more than 80 countries, and it has been made under licence in countries such as Argentina, Egypt, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the...
so it can easily share ammunition stockpiles of US Military forces stationed in Japan with the reduced powder charge modification. Due to its milled and stamped steel construction and wood furniture, it is considered somewhat anachronistic and heavy by members of the S.D.F.
For a short time, the Special Assault Team had used some Howa Type 64 rifles as sniping weapons.
See also
- Howa Type 89Howa Type 89The , referred to as the , is a Japanese assault rifle used by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Coast Guard's Special Security Team units, and the Special Assault Team. It was never exported outside of Japan due to its strict anti-hardware export laws...
- Type 62 Machine GunSumitomo NTK-62The is the standard issue GPMG of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Known as the Type 62 GPMG, It is similar to the Belgian FN MAG, but not a variation of it. It is actually a heavily modernized version of the M1919 Browning machine gun...
- List of battle rifles