Introduction to JSDF Infantry Weapons:
The history of Japanese small arms goes back many centuries. With the defeat of Imperial Japan and the loss of its heavy industry, little thought was given to arms production in the post-war era. Initially only producing replacement M1 Garand and Carbine parts for the newly fledged GSDF, Howa heavy machinery has evolved to producing original designs suited for the Japanese Self Defense Force.
Because of early widespread adoption of indigenous small arms designs, there is a noticeable lack of stand-in replicas available. The most common service rifle that is available as a replica is the TM Type 89, first developed as a training rifle and has proven to be reliable so long as a rigorous maintenance schedule is followed.
Below is a list of small arms suitable for portraying GSDF forces. This list is not exhaustive, and will be updated as newer type replicas become available on the market.
GSDF Rifles:
Howa Type 64
Suggested Airsoft Replicas:
- S&T Type 64
Howa Type 89
Suggested Airsoft Replicas:
- Tokyo Marui Type 89 AEG
- Tokyo Marui Type 89 GBBR
GSDF Side Arms:
SIG-Sauer P220
Suggested Airsoft Replicas:
- Tokyo Marui P226
GSDF Light Machine Guns:
FN Minimi
Suggested Airsoft Replicas:
- A&K M249
GSDF Sub-Machine Guns
Minebea PM-9
GSDF Marksman Weapons:
M24 Sniper
Suggested Airsoft Replicas:
- VSR-10