Arisaka Type 97
The Type 97 Sniper Rifle (九七式狙撃銃, Kyuunana-shiki sogekijuu?) 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, or on the Imperial Japanese calendar, year 97 of the current Imperial era. 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. However, it had a very slow rate of fire. To reload the rifle a 5 round stripper clip was used. The user loaded the rifle from the top, into the internal chamber then closed the chamber top via a small lever on the side.
The Type 97 was manufactured at the Nagoya Arsenal and Kokura Arsenal, with the bulk of them made in Nagoya.
 Type 97 sniper rifle |
|
| Type | Sniper Rifle |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |  Empire of Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1937-1945 |
| Used by | Imperial Japanese Army |
| Wars | Second Sino-Japanese War, World War II, Korean War, Chinese Civil War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1937 |
| Manufacturer | Arisaka |
| Produced | 1937-1945 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.95 kg |
| Length | 1280 mm (50.4 in) |
| Barrel length | 797 mm (31.4 in) |
|
|
|
| Cartridge | 6.5x50mm Arisaka |
| Action | Bolt-Action |
| Muzzle velocity | 2500 ft/s (762.1 m/s) |
| Feed system | 5-round internal magazine, stripper clip loaded |
| Sights | 2.5x Telescopic sight |
Comments