Rifleman Q & A: Mystery Miroku

by
posted on May 14, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mirok.jpg

Q: I have an old, like-new-condition revolver made in Japan by Miroku marked for “.38 Special Caliber” that looks like maybe a copy of an S&W, but the cylinder-release catch looks more like something from a Colt. The serial number is: XX090. The gun shoots great, and the trigger pull is very smooth. In single-action mode, the pull is very light. What model gun do I have, and when was it made?

A: Your revolver is the “Police Model” made by the B.C. Miroku Firearms Co. in Japan from 1960 to 1970. Your serial number places manufacture around 1961. A quick Internet search reveals a similar example for sale at $285.

--Michael F. Carrick

Latest

Red Dot Revolvers 1
Red Dot Revolvers 1

Putting Red-Dot Optics On Revolvers

The red-dot trend is so pervasive that consumers can choose from a range of semi-automatic handguns that are cut to accept optics. But what about adding red-dots to revolvers?

Quiet Trend Defies Retail Challenges

The business of protecting shooters' hearing is booming—quietly, of course.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Model 36 Lipsey’s Exclusive Revolver

Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson offer a Field Ethos-themed revolver.

I Have This Old Gun: Medieval Hand Cannon

It all had to start somewhere, and for handheld firearms in Europe, Genesis is what we call the "handgonne" or hand cannon, a simple metal tube lashed to a wooden tiller.

New for 2026: Heckler & Koch VPA1 X and VP9A1 Tactical Pistols

Heckler & Koch release two new versions of its popular VP9 striker-fired 9 mm handgun.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional Rifle

Blaser released a modern take on the iconic straight-pull bolt-action rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.