SOLD - Rare Japanese Type 97 Sniper Rifle (13104 - 22861)

Description

12/30/22 - This is a rare and original Type 97 Japanese sniper rifle, one of only 15,000 Nagoya Arsenal made from 1938-45. 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 assembly. The bluing on the rifle is in very good shape overall aside from the ground mum area, though there is visible oxidation on most of the metal parts. The stock has handling wear and a couple of small surface cracks. The rifle does come with the rare 2.5x10 sniper scope, as well as the canvas scope case. The scope has a mismatched serial number. Clear optics, but there is some debris inside the lens and the sight picture is tilted. The rare canvas case is in excellent condition and there is a strap included. Minty bore.