Type 99 Arisaka Sniper
Kokura Arsenal / Nagoya Arsenal · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1939
Also known as: Type 99 Sniper, Arisaka Sniper, 99-shiki Sogekijyu
Overview
The Type 99 Arisaka Sniper was the designated sniper variant of the Imperial Japanese Army's standard bolt-action service rifle, chambered in the more powerful 7.7x58mm Arisaka cartridge that replaced the earlier 6.5mm round. Fitted with side-mounted telescopic sights - initially 2.5x scopes from the Type 97 and later a standardized 4x fixed-power scope - the sniper variant served throughout the Pacific Theater. Approximately 10,000 sniper variants were produced between 1942 and 1945, seeing extensive use from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima and Okinawa, where Japanese snipers became a feared threat to Allied forces in dense jungle and fortified positions.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3950 g (139.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1120 mm (44.09") |
| Barrel Length | 657 mm (25.87") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 730 m/s (2395 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3010 J (2220 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 700 m (766 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.7x58mm Arisaka · primary — also known as 7.7mm Japanese, 7.7x58mm Type 99, .303 Japanese
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Mounted Safety
- Features: Telescopic Sight 4x, Chrome Lined Barrel, Monopod, Anti Aircraft Rear Sight, Side Mounted Scope, Stripper Clip Compatible
Variants
- Type 99 Short Rifle — Standard Infantry
- Type 99 Long Rifle — Long Barrel
Service history
Operators
- Imperial Japanese Army · adopted 1939 · as Type 99 Sniper Rifle
- Imperial Japanese Navy (SNLF)
Conflicts
- World War II (Pacific Theater) (1942-1945)
- Battle of Guadalcanal (1942-1943)
- Battle of Iwo Jima (1945)
- Battle of Okinawa (1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1942-1945
Approximately 10,000 sniper variants produced at Japanese state arsenals including Kokura and Nagoya. Total Type 99 production (all variants) exceeded 2.5 million rifles.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Designer: Nariakira Arisaka / Kijiro Nambu
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Early production Type 99 sniper rifles featured chrome-lined barrels, monopods, and anti-aircraft rear sights, though these features were progressively eliminated as wartime production pressures increased. The initial 2.5x scopes inherited from the Type 97 sniper were eventually replaced by a purpose-built 4x scope with a 7-degree field of vision to better exploit the 7.7mm cartridge's superior range. Japanese sniper doctrine emphasized concealment and patience over the rapid engagement tactics used by Soviet snipers, with individual snipers sometimes remaining in position for days. Late-war production quality declined significantly, with many rifles exhibiting rough machining and simplified stocks.
Background
Japanese snipers armed with Type 99 rifles were among the most feared adversaries faced by Allied forces in the Pacific Theater. Operating from concealed positions in trees, caves, and bunkers, they employed a doctrine of extreme patience - sometimes waiting days for a single high-value target. On Iwo Jima and Okinawa, Japanese snipers tied themselves into treetops to prevent falling if wounded, creating a psychological terror among advancing Marines that led to the systematic destruction of any suspicious vegetation.