Miroku .38 Special Revolver

DWalt · Oct 3, 2015

Have been offered a Miroku (Japanese) .38 Special revolver for $300. Absolutely pristine condition, and very handsome, looks very much like a Model 10. I know nothing about Miroku revolvers, so does anyone have any knowledge to impart about them? I'm aware any needed parts would likely be impossible to obtain, but hope none will ever be needed.

BTW, looks to have a 4" barrel, and it's not a Liberty Chief.

44wheelman · Oct 3, 2015

No clue about their revolvers, but their "Winchester" model 92's and 1886's are of very high quality.

Bullet Bob · Oct 3, 2015

Even though the one you're considering is not marked Liberty Chief, I *believe* it is the same gun; at least all the ones I've seen were of similar frame size and a sort of Colt/S&W hybrid action.

I've only seen about six or so, and it's been many years since I've seen one.

KEN L · Oct 3, 2015

Saw one two weeks ago at a show in the same condition as you describe. Asking price was $450, didn't sell. I believe if I saw one for $300 it'd have to follow me home!

DWalt · Oct 3, 2015

I'm thinking hard about whether to get it or not. Of course, I do not need it for any reason, but it's in such nice condition I can hardly resist. I don't think S&W ever made one as pretty - looks like the Colt "Royal Blue" finish, very glossy and deep. And I may be able to say that I am the only kid on the block with one. I have a couple of weeks to make up my mind.

moosedog · Oct 3, 2015

I think the police chief in the very first Godzilla movie was carrying one.

Gamecock · Oct 3, 2015

I don't know anything about Miroku revolvers, but I can tell you Miroku is a respected brand. They make long guns for Browning.

murphydog · Oct 3, 2015

The company has an excellent reputation for producing Winchester (as noted above) and Browning long arms, but I have heard nothing good or bad about their handguns. I imagine they were produced primarily for domestic law enforcement use, but generically I worry about the historical quality of Japanese handguns (aside from S & W imports, naturally

).

DWalt · Oct 4, 2015

From what I have read, Miroku didn't make very many revolvers back in the late 1960s, and most of those went to various far east law enforcement agencies. There would have been no domestic market for them, as the average citizen of Japan (and most other far east countries) can only dream of having any kind of gun. Obviously a few made their way to these shores.

RILEY31 · Oct 4, 2015

I have 4 inch square butt version it is more like a Colt Official Police than a S&W Chiefs special. I got it in a trade. It is a very acurate gun my son loves it and shoots at every range session with no problems. I would not hesitate to buy another one if the price was right.I prefer it over any Taurus or Charter Arms I have ever handled.

Andyd · Oct 4, 2015

Anschütz also marketed Miroku shotguns and a .22 lever action rifle under their own brand name. Miroku guns are well finished and based on sound design.

OLDSTER · Oct 4, 2015

Miroku

murphydog said:
The company has an excellent reputation for producing Winchester (as noted above) and Browning long arms, but I have heard nothing good or bad about their handguns. I imagine they were produced primarily for domestic law enforcement use, but generically I worry about the historical quality of Japanese handguns (aside from S & W imports, naturally ).

Yes. Nothing wrong with the venerable Winchester 101( originals) or the Browning Citori

Both made, I believe, by Miroku

Bullet Bob · Oct 4, 2015

The Winchester 101 was made by Olin Kodensha, not Miroku.

OLDSTER · Oct 4, 2015

Winchester 101

Bullet Bob said:
The Winchester 101 was made by Olin Kodensha, not Miroku.

You are correct

DWalt · Oct 4, 2015

RILEY31 said:
I have 4 inch square butt version it is more like a Colt Official Police than a S&W Chiefs special. I got it in a trade. It is a very accurate gun my son loves it and shoots at every range session with no problems. I would not hesitate to buy another one if the price was right.I prefer it over any Taurus or Charter Arms I have ever handled.

It would probably be correct that there is not much comparison to be made between a Miroku revolver and a Taurus (or a recent Charter Arms) revolver. One thing to say about most Japanese products is that since WWII, they cannot be faulted regarding quality. When the Japanese rebuilt their destroyed industrial base after the war, they did it right, and placed great emphasis on designing and producing for precision and quality.

The Miroku revolver I am considering resembles in some respects both the S&W and the Colt, at least externally. I have no idea about the internals - maybe better than either. It's certain the Japanese engineers studied all available revolver designs to see how they could be refined and improved before they started. Could be comparable to a Korth, for all I know.

mrrick · Oct 4, 2015

The Japanese only make high quality goods. It's matter of national pride.

Old TexMex · Oct 4, 2015

Stop fooling around! You know you gotta get it....we want to see the pictures.

DWalt · Oct 4, 2015

I probably will, even if only for its high curiosity index. If I do, I'll attempt disassembly to see what makes it tick.

murphydog · Oct 4, 2015

mrrick said:
The Japanese only make high quality goods. It's matter of national pride.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_94_Nambu_pistol

sarg1c · Oct 4, 2015

I have a sears and Roebuck .45 cal. Kentucky rifle made by Miroku. It is my favorite muzzle loader.

Miroku .38 Special Revolver

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