This is a solid representative example of a very rare mid-WWII production Japanese type 99 "cutback" sniper, fitted with a 2.5x sniper scope. The Type 99 rifle was adopted in 1939 as a replacement for the previous Type 38, 6.5 mm rifles. The Type 99 fired the larger, heavier 7.7 mm bullet. This series of sniper rifles was produced on an extremely limited basis with only approximately 2,500 produced in total in the 5000-7500 serial number block. They very rare to find today as most were destroyed after the war, and they can be identified by the type of sniper scope base fitted the receiver. The rear edge of the has been cutback 1/4 of an inch so that the Nagoya Arsenal could use up the old style 2.5x sniper scope from the Type 97 production. This was done before they introduced the newly developed 4x sniper scope. The scope are also identified by the fact that they have a larger 1/4 inch rear edge on the scope mount (to fit the base), and the top of the tube is correctly marked "99". The chrysanthemum has been removed from the receiver ring; however, the Kana markings (for Type 99) remain. The rear ring is stamped with the symbol for the Nagoya Army Arsenal over serial number "6994". It is fitted with its complete matching original bolt assembly that is numbered on the underside "994" with a matching extractor, firing pin, and safety. It has the standard front and rear sights without anti-aircraft wings. It is fitted with its original hardwood stock and handguard with a matching numbered front barrel band, unnumbered middle band and front band with finger grooves on the sides. The underside of the stock has two Nagoya Army Arsenal inspection marks, with no drain hole in front of the trigger guard and a cupped sheet metal buttplate. As noted, it comes with the correct style Type 99 cutback scope. It is marked on top with "2.5 x 10/inverted triangle inside a circle, (manufacturers code)/99 No.2578". The rifle is fitted with an original WWII Japanese canvas sling.

Very fine with 80% plus of the original blued finish overall with only minor edge and high spot wear, showing some minor light spotting on the trigger guard and floor plate. The mum has been ground. The stock and handguards are also in very fine condition with handling marks on the sides with slightly heavier marks in front of the middle barrel band. The wood components have a nice dark matching color overall. Mechanically really excellent. The scope retains 95% of its original black wartime finish with clear optics, showing some light specs inside. A very fine example of a very scarce WWII Japanese Type 99 "cutback" sniper rifle with its correct scope.