Approximately 8,000 Type 97 sniper rifles were manufactured at Kokura Arsenal and 14,500 at Nagoya Arsenal between 1938-1943. A scope-equipped variant of the Type 38 service rifle, the Type 97 was one of Imperial Japan's go-to sniper weapons for World War II and gained great infamy during the "island hopping" campaign in the Pacific. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights. The receiver markings are properly offset to accommodate the scope base, with a slightly defaced imperial mum above Type 97 markings on top of the receiver ring. Fitted with a dust cover, monopod and leather sling. The bolt and dust cover are both matching numbered "099" to the rifle. The top of the scope tube is marked "2.5X10" above a star logo and "No. 20840". Includes a correct rubberized canvas scope case with leather fittings and a muzzle cap.

Very fine, retains 80% original blue finish with some light freckling/surface corrosion. Stock is also very fine with scattered dings and scratches appropriate for period field use. Mechanically excellent. Scope is very fine with 85% original black painted finish with some flaking, partly absent deteriorating rubber eye piece, and crisp clear optics with a well-defined reticle. Scope case is fine.