Type 97 Arisaka Sniper Rifle (Nagoya) …………………. (F 1264)

Excellent and rare Type 97 Arisaka Sniper Rifle

On this side of the Atlantic Ocean, this rifle is a very rare thing to find.  It would not be an understatement to imagine that you could probably count the number of genuine examles over here on one hand. This example was sourced from the USA and imoprted individually, finally resting in the collection. Japan’s experiences in the Sino-Japanese war had taught them many things but, reaching out to long distances, to remove a particular threat, was fast becoming a new developement of their involvement of the second world war. Naturally they chose a long barrelled weapon and the rifle at hand was the tried and tested Type 38.  Chambered in 6.5mm with a Mauser Action and magazine, it was a good use of the standard infantry weapon.

There are not a great deal of differences between the “Sniper’s” version and the en-mass produced Type 38.  Few modifications were applied to achieve a perfectly usable and effective weapon. The most obvious is the addition of the scope and mounts. Closer inspection reveals the fact that the bolt handle had to be turned downward, to avoid contact with the scope during cycling. The other addition that does rather leap out, is the addition of the wire monopod, much akin to the examples on the new Type 99.  The scope is off set when mounted, on a mechanisum similar to the short side rails seen originating from Europe.

Although the Japanese military were becoming aware of the 6.5 mm calibers penetration limitations, when this rifle was introduce, they had not moved on to adopt the 7.7mm.  This they did later and that rifle became the “Type 99”.  To concentrate on the 6.5mm; it did have some distinct advantages which with the passing of time are easy to overlook.  The 6.5 is an accurate round with little recoil, this produces an inherantly more accurate result.  Also, the retention of the long barrel had its obvious advantage, but one which is often forgotten about; powder burn.  The longer the barrel, the more powder that is effectively burnt – resulting in less muzzle flash and less smoke.  Smoke and muzzle flash would bring unwanted attention, with 6.5 the Sniper could remain concealled for longer periods.  The jungles naturally offered far more folliate cover, making it extremely difficult to spot where shots were coming from.

The old classic John Wayne movies etc would often protray the sniper concealled in the tops of plam trees. This is something they did not get wrong.  It was an effective tactic. It gave the sniper lots of time and an elevated view of the battle field to plan his attack, something that also increased his chances.  One of the only effective counter measures was to rake the tops of the trees with machine-gun fire from which, would drop the sniper, if he wasn’t tied in!  The Japanese conducted tests and knew their round could penetrate the M1 American combat helmet at 150 yards. Once fully organised, the Japanese Infantry school could equip each unit with a trained sniper.  They were also well versed in the art of camouflage and concealment, making them a major dangerous hazard to the Americans.

Each scope was tried and tested in the factory and mated to an individual rifle. Afterwards they would be number matched. Unfortunately, this one can not be guarenteed as matching the actual rifle.  The number on the LHS of the receiver has been over-stamped so many times it is extremely difficult to tell its original number. There are within the collecting world very few genuine matched examples existant. The intergral scope mount has the number “12377” and the same Circled Inspection mark as the receiver. Because the mount covers the original position for the serial and Arsenal mark, they have been moved forward to the front LHS of the receiver ring.  The clear high-lighted Arsenal mark for the Nagoya Army Arsenal is present and the jumbled serial numbers; ” 299924265.”    The bolt arm root is stamped “935”.  The bolt handle was bent in the factory to enable clearence of the scope. The dust-cover is present but is stamped to the rear; “537” preceded by another Japanese character. Rear face of bolt with elaborately machine cut geometric pattern. Imperial Chrysanthemum has been ground away leaving only the characters meaning “Type 97”.

The lower half of the scope mounting system is attached to the LHS of the action outer wall, just infront of the mauser-type bolt release catch.  The fixed or “female” side of the mount presents a dovetail for the scope mount upper to slide in to.  A longditudinal leaf spring, clips closed behind ,when it reaches the correct position. The male part of the dove-tail is made as one piece, with the front half of the scope tube.  A floating central section of the dove-tail is pulled tight into position to lock the scope in place by a rotating lever that travels through 180 degrees from locked to the oposite position, each marked with the correct Japanese characters.  Focus is taken up by rotation of the rear section of the scope body and set in position by set screws on the rear.  The scope retains its original rubber eye-piece and has a very sophisticated reticule.  The reticule allows for accurately adjusting aim at distance, by graduations of height and windage.  The optics give a 10 degree field of view.  There are particles of loose paint within, but the whole is intact and the optics very good for such a mild magnification.  In mounting the scope off-centre, the designers have retained the ability to load via strpper clip, and also still use the open sights.

The rifle retains its rear ladder sight and front inverted “v” guarded front sight.  All the standard fittings are present including the extra monopod which pivots from the mid-band.  All other stock fittings are present and in good condition. The stock, with finger groves, is in exceptional condition, with minimal signs of use.  There is no external rust and all surfaces seem to match with the age of the rifle.  Blueing is strong with areas of more wear, colouring to silver-grey.  Bore is good with strong rifling and no obvious pitting.  Grooves are dark – may well clean with new keeper effort and use.  Finish on scope is paint – black which is mildly flaking off in areas.

What an oportunity to obtain a very rare and interesting rifle for a military Sniper collection!  This is the only one By Sword & Musket has had the pleasure of putting onto the UK market in 20 plus years in this trade.

FAC Required  –  Stock No’ F 1264

£ 6500.

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