Sling attachment guidance for the Arisaka Type 38 / Type 99. Check your exact configuration and both connectors before choosing the McLean Dynamic Retention Sling (DRS). Factory attachment points do not by themselves confirm a direct fit.
Front attachment
Lower band swivel, side-mounted on the Type 99 — factory attachment point.
The War Department's 1943 Japanese Infantry Weapons handbook states that the Type 99 sling attaches to swivels on the lower band and stock on the left side of the rifle. On the Type 38 rifle it places the sling swivels underneath the barrel and stock. Identify which rifle you have before choosing a sling route.
Factory attachment point: confirm the connector fits and closes fully on the exact attachment. The existence of a loop does not establish McLean connector clearance.
Rear attachment
Stock swivel, left side on the Type 99 — factory attachment point.
The handbook describes the Type 99 rear swivel as fitted to the left side of the stock, not the underside. The Type 38 rifle carries its swivel under the stock. Both are fixed swivels, not studs or QD sockets.
Factory attachment point: confirm the connector fits and closes fully on the exact attachment. The existence of a loop does not establish McLean connector clearance.
Why this sling on the Arisaka Type 38 / Type 99
Lever-action and traditional rifle stocks can have fitted swivels, bare studs or no sling base. Establish the correct attachments first, then choose a carry setup that remains comfortable while walking and keeps excess strap controlled.
The McLean design is a two-point sling with a patented retention system: it cinches tight to hold the rifle against your body hands-free, then releases into a ready position in one pull. It ships in one size and adjusts, so there is no length to choose.
Fitting it
- Clear the rifle. Unload and clear it following the firearm manufacturer’s instructions before fitting any accessories.
- Front: confirm a compatible connector and follow the sling and attachment manufacturer instructions.
- Rear: confirm the matching connector for your stock or rear attachment; do not assume a slot, stud and QD cup are interchangeable.
- Adjust wearing your kit. A setting dialled in without a vest comes up short once it is on.
- Check the transition. It should shoulder without pulling tight across your chest.
Choosing hardware for your configuration
Side-mounted and bottom-mounted swivels carry the rifle differently. The handbook also records that the Type 38 carbine has its sling attached to the side, and that a longer 7.7 mm rifle has its swivels on the bottom. Do not assume the layout from the calibre or the name alone.
Late-war Type 99 rifles were simplified in production, and many surplus rifles were altered after 1945. Check that both swivels are present and note the opening size before selecting a connector. Sporterized stocks need their own assessment.
Questions
Does the McLean Dynamic Retention Sling (DRS) fit the Arisaka Type 38 / Type 99?
Compatibility depends on the exact configuration and connectors. Confirm both attachment points and the connector fit before ordering. A factory attachment point does not by itself confirm a direct fit for the McLean sling.
Do I need a snap hook for the front of my Arisaka Type 38 / Type 99?
The McLean sling already carries a front hook. Choose a compatible attachment loop or swivel for that hook, and confirm its clearance and closure on your exact setup before buying additional hardware.
What do I need to buy for the Arisaka Type 38 / Type 99?
Front: Factory attachment point: confirm the connector fits and closes fully on the exact attachment. The existence of a loop does not establish McLean connector clearance. Rear: Factory attachment point: confirm the connector fits and closes fully on the exact attachment. The existence of a loop does not establish McLean connector clearance.
What length sling do I need for the Arisaka Type 38 / Type 99?
There is no length to choose. The sling ships in one size and adjusts, so the same sling covers carry and cinched retention. Set it wearing the kit you actually carry in — a setting dialled in without a vest or heavy coat comes up short once it is on.
Manufacturer and attachment references
Other firearms we have fitment for
Arisaka Type 38 / Type 99
FN SCAR
Springfield Armory M1A
M1 Garand
M1 Carbine
HK G3 / HK91
FN FAL
Springfield M1903
Firearm photos: Arisaka Type 38 / Type 99 — Tom Loghrin, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); FN SCAR — Defense Technical Information Center, Public domain (Background removed with segmentation and reviewed manual mask corrections; subject cropped, proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); Springfield Armory M1A — Stag1500 at English Wikipedia (Original text: Michael Sullivan), Public domain (Background removed with segmentation and reviewed manual mask corrections; subject cropped, proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); M1 Garand — Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum), CC BY-SA 4.0 (Single side selected from the original two-view image; background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); M1 Carbine — Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Rama, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Single side selected from the original two-view image; background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); HK G3 / HK91 — Harald Hansen, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Single side selected from the original two-view image; background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); FN FAL — Esquerroa, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.); Springfield M1903 — Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum) through the Digital Museum ( http://www.digitaltmuseum.se )., CC BY-SA 3.0 (Single side selected from the original two-view image; background removed; proportionally resized and centered on a transparent 1536 × 768 canvas.).
