S&T Type 97 Arisaka Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle

Whether you collect period-accurate WW2 rifle replicas or have a taste for the classics, you'll love the S&T Type 97 Arisaka Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle. This spring bolt action sniper rifle replicates the real steel Type 97, the most common Japanese sniper rifle of World War 2, equipped with a factory zeroed 2.5x scope, a folding monopod and a bent bolt handle, setting it apart from the Type 38 Arisaka rifle it is based on.

The real Type 97 was produced from 1937 until 1943 by a variety of different Japanese arms manufacturers before being supplemented by the Type 99 sniper rifle many will know from Call of Duty: World at War. Being credited with a relatively low muzzle report and minimal muzzle gasses thanks to its moderately powered 6.5x50 Semi-rimmed Japanese cartridge and long barrel, the Type 97 was a foe to be feared according to historical US military documents. A sniper wielding the Type 97 was far harder to locate than those using the Type 99, making it perfect for ambushes and static defence of machine gun nests and mortar positions from up in a nearby tree, as Japanese sniper doctrine dictates.

A museum-quality replica packaged with a period-accurate Type 97 2.5x scope, the S&T Type 97 boasts full metal construction with a gorgeous antique finish and a beautiful real wood stock. This Type 97 replica is almost exactly perfect, even down to the detailed markings beneath the steel dust cover which perfectly match the markings on real Type 97 sniper rifles produced in 1937 at the Nagoya Arsenal.

On the inside, we are remarkably lucky for such a unique rifle platform. The internals are partially based on the VSR-10 platform, meaning you can upgrade the HOP-up bucking, inner barrel and main spring to your heart's content using the widest aftermarket for sniper rifle upgrades out there. As it comes, the Type 97 is equipped with a whopping 600mm long inner barrel with a tightened 6.03mm bore, meaning maximum air efficiency, low muzzle report and an accuracy advantage straight out of the box. Whether you are an IJA reenactor or a historical rifle fan, the S&T Type 97 belongs in your collection!

Starting at the front, we can see an unthreaded alloy outer barrel boasting an antiqued finish with the front sight mounted just aft of the tip. The front sight is a barley corn-style blade, protected on either side with alloy wings with ports in the centre for maximum light transmission. The front sight blade itself sits in a dovetail inside the sight assembly, showing S&T cares about the details!

Just behind the front sight, we come to the front barrel band assembly, constructed from alloy with the same authentic antiqued finish applied. The front barrel band holds the forend of the stock to the barrel and also includes a mock bayonet lug and cleaning rod, just like the real thing. The cleaning rod can be removed but shouldn't be used to clean your Airsoft barrel (it won't fit for one thing!) and we aren't aware of a dummy bayonet that fits. Being a sniper rifle, if you need your bayonet you are doing something wrong (or right if you are an IJA reenactor!).

Moving rearwards, we get our first hint of the beautiful real wood used for the Type 97 stock assembly as we reach the forestock. The wood both looks and feels fantastic, providing the appropriate weight for a realistic replica and looks that make it equally impressive hung up in the man cave as it is out on the field.

Following the forestock, we come to the second barrel band which includes a sling swivel and the folding monopod. The monopod was a feature of the early production Type 97, intended to help support the long front end of the rifle when fired from a static position, either high up in the trees or low down in a foxhole. To deploy the monopod, simply swing it down. Folding it again is equally simple, and its folded steel construction allows it to hug the stock tightly when stowed with no wobble whatsoever. While the monopod can be unscrewed and removed if you want to replicate a late production Type 97, it is actually remarkably useful to keep this long and heavy rifle stable when taking long-range shots.

Next up, we reach the handguard and stock, both constructed from real wood with a gorgeous satin finish. When discussing rifles of this era, the term "handguard" refers to the upper wood section mounted to the top of the stock, intended to guard the hand from the spicy hot barrel. The stock includes a pair of grooves, one on each side so you can grip the Type 97 firmly despite its lack of checkering, rail covers or other gripping aids.

On the bottom, we can find the magazine well, positioned slightly in front of the action as it is on most spring-powered sniper rifles. The Type 97 uses a proprietary magazine which holds 25 bbs, inserted with the feed lips at the rear. The magazine release is built into the magazine itself, requiring a forward push on the textured surface, after which the magazine will spring out thanks to its built-in spring-loaded extraction mechanism, similar to a Maruzen pattern L96 replica.

To the rear of the actual magazine well we have a dummy magazine floor plate, authentically simulating the real Type 97 and its fixed magazine stripper clip-fed configuration. Built as part of the same assembly, the trigger guard follows just behind, featuring a dummy magazine floor plate release and a curved trigger to match the real Type 97. The trigger pull is nice and light, with minimal take-up before you reach the wall, thanks in part to the pre-installed 90-degree sear.

The receiver of the Type 97 is a spot-on match for the real thing, even down to the arsenal markings on the top. The iconic chrysanthemum flower marking indicating that this rifle belongs to the Emperor of Japan is present, followed by the correct markings for a Type 97 sniper rifle produced in 1937 at the Nagoya Arsenal. S&T are known for paying attention to the details when producing historical replicas, but they may have outdone themselves here!

On the left side of the receiver we can find our scope mounting apparatus, including a groove and spring-loaded tab. To install the included 2.5 x Type 97 scope, first position the rotary lever on the scope mount so it faces the front of the rifle. Next, slide the scope into the groove with the textured tab inside the scope groove held down. Release the tab, pull the knurled tip of the rotary lever on the scope mount out and rotate it by 180 degrees so it faces the rear of the rifle. Your scope is now attached!

The scope itself is a flawless replica of the real steel Type 97 sniper rifle scope, even down to the reticle which is bang-on perfect. The scope features authentic Japanese markings across the design and a rubber eye cup, and while the field of view isn't massive by today's standards, nor is the eye relief long, the glass is remarkably clear, probably far better than the real thing! Like the real thing, this scope cannot be adjusted, so when getting yourself zeroed we suggest working primarily using your HOP-up adjustment. Due to the nature of the scope mount, this scope will always mount in the exact same position, so once you have figured out where your rifle shoots in relation to the reticle it should never change when shooting the same ammo.

Like the Type 38 Arisaka it is based on, the Type 97 also includes an adjustable tangent rear sight with a built-in volley sight. The tangent can be adjusted by squeezing and sliding the textured tabs on either side of the sight ladder which will raise and lower the rear "battlesight" notch. You also have the option of flipping the sight up and using it in "volley sight" configuration for extremely long shots, though you may not get many hits using sights designed for 2000m + engagements, this old-school sighting system is still an essential part of the Type 97 and we are very glad S&T included it.

Hidden beneath the tangent sight, we can find the grub screw adjuster of the Type 97's TDC type HOP-up unit. This HOP-up unit is proprietary but is reportedly compatible with VSR-10 HOP-up buckings and inner barrels, should you seek upgrades down the line. The HOP-up allows you to tune the Type 97 for different ammo weights, looking for the flattest possible trajectory. The TDC unit type benefits over others thanks to its provision of direct pressure to the top of the HOP-up nub, minimising side-to-side shot deviation for improved accuracy downrange.

The receiver itself is shrouded behind a reciprocating steel dust cover, and if you didn't know the Type 97, you would be forgiven for thinking this is the receiver from a STEN gun! The dust cover is designed to minimise dirt and debris ingress for improved reliability, a useful feature Eugene Stoner included in the AR-15 and considered one of its most important features for field reliability. When you lift the bolt handle and pull back the bolt, the dust cover will retract to reveal the actual receiver and cylinder, and of course, the flawless Nagoya Arsenal markings. One of the best things about this dust cover is the noise it makes when the rifle is cycled; the additional metal on metal "clink clank" it provides makes the Type 97 far more exciting to use than a boring VSR-10!

The Type 97 has no manual safety, but we have found that if you rotate the bolt to the vertical position the trigger will lock and the bolt will stay in place. If your local skirmish site requires you to put your rifle on its "safe" mode in certain areas, we recommend rotating the bolt upwards to satisfy them!

Last up, we reach the butt stock of the Type 97, complete with a comfortable semi-pistol grip configuration and a steel sling swivel. The semi-pistol grip gives you great control over the rifle and remains comfortable whether you shoot standing, prone or anything in between. As Japanese rifles are known for, the stock is remarkably short for a rifle of this era and feels surprisingly modern to shoulder. The steel sling swivel can be paired with the front sling point to mount a two-point sling, ideal for situations where you need to draw your Nambu and take a shot inside your M.E.D.!

On the inside, the Type 97 has some treats in store! For starters, the inner barrel is a whopping 600mm in length and a 6.03mm tightbore, meaning this sniper rifle has the accuracy potential it deserves. The cylinder is stainless steel, guaranteeing a friction-free bolt pull for rapid follow-up shots and minimal internal wear. The pre-installed trigger pack is constructed entirely from metal and the sear is a 90-degree example, minimising trigger pull weight and allowing for stronger springs to be used without making the trigger pull to hard or putting undue wear on the internal parts.

The Type 97 is based partially on the TM VSR-10 internal system, meaning the HOP-up bucking, inner barrel and main spring are all compatible with aftermarket upgrade parts for the most prolific and popular sniper rifle system out there. Respectable as it is, those who must upgrade everything they own have plenty to do with the Type 97!

Whether you like to surround yourself with full metal, real wood historical platforms or are involved in WW2 reenactment, the S&T Type 97 Arisaka Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle is a fine piece of history and a fantastic Airsoft gun. Whether you hang it in your man cave or take it out in the field, the Type 97 will leave onlookers aghast not only at its unconventional form but at its chad of an owner!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - 600mm long, serious accuracy potential
• Real wood stock, forestock & handguard - Beautiful!
• 2.5x Type 97 Scope replica included - Period accurate looks, high-quality glass
• Authentic antiqued finish applied to the alloy parts - Looks fantastic
• Steel monopod pre-installed - Works like a bipod, helps support the hefty front end
• Sling points front and rear - Ready for a two-point rifle sling
• Adjustable open iron sights - Tangent-style open sights with ladder-style volley sight
• Scope mount on the left side of the receiver - Compatible with the included 2.5x Scope
• TDC Grub screw adjustable HOP-up - On the top of the receiver, beneath the rear sight
• Realistic receiver markings -  Visible when the bolt is held open, matches real 1937 Nagoya Arsenal sniper rifles
• Steel dust cover - Covers the action when not in use, makes cocking the bolt sound awesome!
• Bent bolt handle - Accurate to the real world Type 97 Sniper Rifle
• No manual safety - The trigger can be locked by raising the bolt handle to 90 degrees
• VSR-10 Compatible internals -
  • HOP-up bucking
  • Inner barrel
  • Mainspring
• Steel cylinder - Smooth bolt pull, very robust
• 90-degree sear - Suitable for stronger springs

Package Includes

• S&T Type 97 Arisaka Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
• 25rnd Magazine
• 2.5x Type 97 Scope
• User manual