Arisaka Type 97 Sniper
Kokura Arsenal · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1937
Also known as: Type 97 Sniper Rifle, Kyuhana-shiki sogeki-ju, Type 38 Sniper
Overview
The Arisaka Type 97 Sniper is a Japanese bolt-action sniper rifle adopted in 1937 as the standard precision weapon of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Built on the proven Type 38 infantry rifle action and chambered in the mild-recoiling 6.5x50mm Arisaka cartridge, it carried a 2.5x telescopic sight offset to the left of the receiver so the rifle could still be charged with standard stripper clips and use its iron sights. Its long barrel produced very little muzzle flash and smoke, making concealed shooters extremely difficult to locate.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3950 g (139.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4250 g (149.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1280 mm (50.39") |
| Barrel Length | 797 mm (31.38") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 25 N (5.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 762 m/s (2500 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2634 J (1943 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 12 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x50mm Arisaka · primary — also known as 6.5x50mm SR, 6.5mm Japanese, 6.5x50mm Meiji 30
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Safety
- Features: Type 97 2-5x Telescopic Sight, Left Offset Scope Mount, Monopod, Wire Crosshair Reticle, Bent Bolt Handle, Low Muzzle Flash
Service history
Operators
- Imperial Japanese Army · adopted 1937 · as Type 97 Sniper Rifle
- Imperial Japanese Navy
Conflicts
- Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
- World War II (Pacific Theater) (1941-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
Production
Estimated total produced: 22,000 · Production years: 1937-1945
Roughly 22,000 Type 97 sniper rifles were built between 1937 and 1945, primarily at the Kokura and Nagoya arsenals. Late-war examples show declining fit and finish due to wartime material shortages.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Designer: Nariakira Arisaka
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The 2.5x scope was permanently zeroed and offset-mounted to the left, leaving the top of the receiver clear for stripper-clip loading and backup iron sights. The optic had a simple wire-cross reticle, narrow field of view, and modest light transmission compared with contemporary Western sniper scopes. A folding wire monopod under the forend helped steady the rifle in prone positions. The mild 6.5mm recoil and low flash signature favored concealment over terminal performance; the limited range and stopping power later prompted the 7.7x58mm Type 99 sniper rifle.
Background
Japanese snipers armed with the Type 97 earned a fearsome reputation across the Pacific, lashing themselves into treetops and spider holes and harassing advancing Allied units for hours. Because the long barrel and 6.5mm load gave off almost no muzzle flash or smoke, U.S. and Commonwealth troops often could not locate the shooter, forcing them to methodically clear every tree and bunker at great cost.