Thank you for the discussion thus far on my inquiry about "British Arisaka Sporters".

I've found another tantalizing reference to the 6.5 Arisaka in Britian and Rigby making some sporters, but no pictures yet.
http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/256brit.htm

I agree the Arisaka action is rough on the late-war models but the workmanship on the pre-war, turn-of-century actions is good. I can see why the British firms "might" have converted some for possible Far East / Hong Kong area trade. It would be interesting to see one...