WWII Japanese Nagoya Type 99 Sniper 7.7x58mm Bolt-Action Rifle, 1939-45 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3625
LSB#: 220906PG040
Make: Nagoya Arsenal, Japan
Model: Arisaka Type 99 Sniper Rifle
Serial Number: 5303
Year of Manufacture: 1939-1945, C&R
Caliber: 7.7 mm
Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine Fed By Stripper Clips. The magazine has a hinged floorplate.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with the serial number and the Nagoya Arsenal marking. The top of the chamber ring is marked with characters denoting “Type 99”. The chrysanthemum has been completely removed. The rear face of the bolt has decorative metal work.
Barrel Length: 26”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” dovetailed into a banded rectangular base with protective ears. The rear sight is a ladder sight that is screwed to the barrel. The rear of the ladder has a fixed peep sight for use when the ladder is folded down. When the ladder is folded up, there is an aperture in the center of the slider for use. The sides of the ladder are marked from “4” to “15”. The slider has spring-loaded latches for raising and lowering the slider and locking it into position. There is no visible import mark. While there is a scope mount, no optic is present.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is smooth wood with finger grooves, metal nose cap with a hole for the cleaning rod, pistol grip, straight comb, steel buttplate, and two sling loops. The buttstock is made from two pieces of wood, with the bottom piece starting near the bottom of the pistol grip. The lower tang wraps around the front of the bottom piece to better secure the piece. The wood has been oiled and maintained as much of the wear is dark, under the varnish oil. There are numerous scattered compressions, impact marks, scratches, scuffs, and discoloration—the most notable of this wear is on the left hand side of the forend and on either side of the buttstock. Some of these defects have removed light portions of surface wood. The LOP measures 12 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows scattered nicks and impacts and thinning along the edges. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion in the bore, but minor stubborn fouling persists in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is light thinning around the muzzle. There are some little nicks through the finish scattered about the metal. There is light-to-moderate oxidation on the rear of the bolt and bolt handle. The band and cap have shifted slightly to a patina and light pitting from erosion can be seen. The bottom metal has light-to-moderate erosion and finish loss. The screw heads are disfigured but serviceable. What markings remain are fairly clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Type 99 sniper rifle was a Japanese sniper rifle used during the Second World War. It was a sniper version of the Type 38 rifle, chambered in the 7.7×58mm round. There were a few variations of the Type 99 sniper rifle, some with the straight bolt and the scope mounted on the left side of the receiver which allowed use of stripper clips. This variation is one with a bent bolt. The shorter barrel, combined with the larger caliber round made concealment more difficult than the Type 97 rifle that preceded it, considering the louder muzzle blast and flash caused by the increased powder capacity. This variant is ready for a side mounted scope and is capable of receiving stripper clip rounds. Just 12,000 of these were made at the Nagoya arsenal. While no scope is included, this is a truly rare piece and this example is in better condition than many Arisaka rifles we see. Good luck and happy bidding!
