 The final prototype for the Type 94 was officially adopted by the Japanese Army in late 1934 after several redesigns.Production began under the supervision of the Nagoya Army Arsenal at the Nambu Rifle Manufacturing Company and later its successor, Chuo Kogyo Company, Ltd. An estimated 71,000 pistols were produced for the military but the exact quantity is unknown because of the production of unserialized pistols and undated pistols.During World War II the pistol became a preferred weapon for tank crews and paratroopers who required a smaller, more convenient pistol.