Tanegashima Teppó
(Long Rifle)

Tanegashima Teppó (rifle) is a Japanese matchlock rifle which was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese around 1543. The matchlock guns of the samurai era were known as either Hinawaju 火縄銃 (Fire rope gun) or Teppo 鉄砲 (Steel tube gun). The marksmen were formed into groups called Teppo Tai. It was originally known by the name Tanegashima, named after the Island of Tanegashima who was governed by 16 year old Tanegashima Tokitaka (1528–1579 A.D.).  The Tanegashima Rifle was purchased, quickly reproduced and then sold throughout Japan and these new Japanese matchlock rifle were commonly called “teppo” 鉄砲. 

Within the first three years of the matchlock rifle being in Japan, the samurai clans either accepted the teppo (rifle) and tantutu (pistol) into their arsenals, or were quickly defeated by them. By the end of the 16th century it was reported that Japan had become the largest producer of firearms in the world.  The amount of teppo that had been produced and used in Feudal Japan may have been greatly exaggerated. Teppo’s played a major role in ending the Sengoku Era and bringing peace to Japan.

Our Replica Tanegashima Teppo (rifles) are handmade in Japan using wood for the dai (stock), brass for the jiita (plating) and zinc alloy for the tsutsu (barrel).  It is crafted to look and feel like a real Tanegashima, but also to meet import laws for most countries, which is why it is a non-functional replica. Although the powder box can be opened, the trigger can be pulled and the hammer will drop. It cannot be made to fire and will be shipped as a “movie prop”.  The teppo offered by Iron Mountain Armory can be modified to fire caps and blow smoke only, it cannot be modified to fire or function like a real rifle. This item is for decoration and re-enactment only.

Features:

• Barrel 86 cm,
• Handle 25 cm,
• Overall length: 111 cm ~ 4.5 lbs.  
• Hand assembled – May have some blemish

Shipped directly from Japan or our New York warehouse. Due to pandemic restrictions please allow Express Mail Service at least 1 to 2 weeks for delivery.

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