Type 97 sniper rifle

The Type 97 Sniper Rifle (九七式狙撃銃, Kyū-nana-shiki sogekijū^?) is a Japanese bolt-action rifle, based on the Type 38 Rifle. Following the standard practice of the time, it was adapted from an existing infantry rifle. The only difference between this rifle and the original Type 38 is that it had a lightened stock, a single-action hammer, a 2.5 power telescopic sight and a mid-band setup for a monopod, although later models has this deleted. The rifle entered service in 1937. When fired, the mild 6.5x50mm Arisaka cartridge gave off little flash or smoke and made counter-sniper activity difficult. The lack of flash and smoke comes from the length of the barrel; a 600 mm (23.5 inch) long barrel may allow cartridge propellant to fully burn and attain the optimum combination of accuracy and bullet velocity. The scope was offset to the left, to allow stripper clip loading. Like other Mauser pattern rifles, it has a five round box magazine. The rifle can be loaded with either a 5 round stripper clip, or single rounds.

The Type 97 was manufactured at the Nagoya Arsenal and Kokura Arsenal, with the bulk of them made in Nagoya.