This is a rare type 99 sniper rifle that is fitted with the earlier, smaller 2.5 X power sniper scope. These rifles were produced in a very specific serial number from approximately 5100-7000 only with this rifle falling directly into that range. Type 99 was adopted in 1939 as a replacement for the previously type 38 or 97 rifles that were chambered for the smaller 6.5 mm cartridge. The intent on this rifle was that the Nagoya arsenal had left over supplies of the earlier 2.5 X scope that needed to be used up before they started equipping the type 99 rifle with the improved fixed 4X scopes. The top of the receiver has the Chrysanthemum intact, however it was struck three times, but not ground, indicating field capture, and the Kanji markings for "99 Type". The rear receiver ring is stamped wit the Nagoya Army Arsenal over the serial number 5856. It has the earlier pattern rear sight with the antiaircraft wings on the side, standard barrel bands and cupped buttplate. It is correctly fitted with the matching sniper bolt assembly. The scope as noted is the smaller 2.5X that is marked on top with "2.5X X 10/ with the factory symbol of the inverted triangle in a circle/99 No. 2236". The locking plate on the blank is unnumbered and it has the correct Kanji markings on the front side. The hardwood stock is clearly stamped with two Nagoya Army Arsenal proofs on the underside. It is complete with a small cloth sling.

Very fine with 90% of the original factory blue finish thinning overall on the edges and high spots with some browning and thinning on the floor plate. The bolt shows some blue loss from cycling. The scope retains 50% of the factory black over paint with a blue tone on the metal underneath. The optics are really clear for the Japanese scope with no specs inside. The stock and handguards are both in fine condition with some medium pressure dents overall with some heavier gouges on the underside of the forend. Overall a very nice example of a scarce type 99 Cutback sniper rifle.