Howa Type 64
Howa Industries · Battle Rifle · In Service · 1964
Also known as: 64式7.62mm小銃, 64 Shiki 7.62mm Shojuu, Type 64 Rifle
Overview
The Howa Type 64 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, produced by Howa Industries since 1964. This Japanese-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4400 g (155.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4900 g (172.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 990 mm (38.98") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 700 m/s (2297 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2287 J (1687 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 500 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO, .308 Winchester
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Fire Selector
- Features: Select Fire, Rate Reducer Mechanism, Hinged Buttplate, Bipod Mount, Bayonet Mount, Reduced Charge Ammunition, Short Stroke Gas Piston, Manual Gas Regulator
Variants
- Howa Type 64 (Sniper) — Marksman
Service history
Operators
- Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) · adopted 1964 · as 64式7.62mm小銃
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) · adopted 1964 · as Type 64
- Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) · adopted 1964 · as Type 64
- Japan Coast Guard · as Type 64
- Special Assault Team (SAT) · as Type 64
Production
Estimated total produced: 230,000 · Production years: 1964-1989
Approximately 230,000 units produced exclusively for the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Never exported due to Japanese arms export restrictions.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Designer: General Iwashita / Howa Industries
Notes
The Type 64 has never been exported due to Japan's strict arms export restrictions (Article 9-related policies), making it exclusively a JSDF weapon. Its reduced-charge 7.62mm ammunition is not interchangeable with standard NATO rounds without adjustment to the gas regulator. The rate reducer mechanism is a distinctive feature, using a mechanical delay system in the trigger group to control the cyclic rate. The rifle features a hinged buttplate designed to improve accuracy during automatic fire. The Type 64 began being replaced by the 5.56mm Type 89 rifle starting in 1989, and the newer Howa Type 20 is now entering service as the ultimate replacement. Despite this, many Type 64s remain in reserve service. Approximately 230,000 units were manufactured.
Background
The Type 64 represents Japan's postwar rearmament philosophy of self-sufficiency in weapons design while adapting Western calibers for Japanese service requirements. The decision to use reduced-charge ammunition rather than adopt a different caliber was both practical and political, maintaining NATO ammunition compatibility on paper while creating a more manageable weapon for Japanese soldiers. The fire selector has a famously cryptic fourth position labeled 'ア' (the Japanese character for 'a'), colloquially known as the 'Hit the Target' setting.