Japanese Type 97 Sniper Rifle

The Type 97 sniper rifle is a Type 38 infantry rifle with a scope and mount and the bolt handle turned down to clear the scope. Nagoya Arsenal marked, about 14,000 Type 97 rifles were produced by this arsenal. Serial number 6121 follows the arsenal mark. The serial number of the rifle does not match the number on the scope mount nor does it match the three digits (638) on the bolt handle or dust cover. The top of the receiver has the “mum” ground off, the three characters meaning Type 97 are clear and there are 2 gas holes as used on the Type 38 rifle. The safety is nicely checkered and the rifle comes with a wire monopod mounted near the muzzle. Scope is 2.5 power x 10 degrees field of view and made by NTC Kogaku. Scope number is 3894, not matching the rifle. Optics are clear and rubber eyepiece is intact, soft and pliable. Overall rifle is in very good condition, bore is dark with strong rifling, 6.5 Arisaka calibre. Comes with very uncommon scope carrying case made of hardened rubberized fabric, including shoulder strap faintly marked with Japanese characters. Also has unusual spring loaded muzzle cover shown in photos. Complete with sling and cleaning rod.