SOLD - Rare Japanese Type 97 Sniper Rifle (7158 - 23585)

Description

9/24/23 - This is a rare and original Type 97 Japanese sniper rifle. This one is especially rare because it was made at the Kokura Arsenal - only about 7,200 made. These were based on the Type 38 rifle, and when fired, the mild 6.5x50mm Arisaka cartridge gave off little flash or smoke and made counter-sniper activity difficult. This particular rifle is all matching numbers throughout, including the bolt. It has the proper sniper characteristics, such as the sniper scope rail attached to the left side of the receiver, the forward position of the serial number on the receiver, and a turn-down bolt. No scope included with the listing. The Imperial mum stamp on the receiver has been canceled but not ground off. The metal parts have retained about 94% of their original finish with some thinning on the bolt handle and on the floor plate. Earlier style rust bluing as opposed to the later, rougher finish done at Nagoya. Spotty oxidation on the butt plate, which is a rare, original example with the original Kokura proof. The stock shows all the typical signs of wear and use. Mint bore.