The Japanese 6.5 mm Sniper’s Rifle, Model 97, is a manually operated, bolt-action, air-cooled, shoulder weapon similar to the Model 38 (1905) 6.5 mm rifle except for its monopod, turned-down bolt handle, and telescopic sight. The telescopic sight is attached to the left hand side of the receiver by means of a dove-tailed base. It is a fixed focus type of 2.5 power and has a 10° field of vision.
The telescopic sight is approximately seven inches long and is equipped with an eyepiece of soft rubber. The reticle is marked in the following graduations: vertical from 0 to 15, horizontal 20 mils each side of the center, the markings being at 5 mil intervals. The horizontal line intersects the vertical scale at the 3 mark.
The telescopic sight is removable and when not in use is carried in a well constructed canvas case which has a heavy coating of lacquer on the outside for waterproofing. The case is fitted on the inside with a wooden spacer to secure the sight when it is inside. A small pocket to hold the sight cleaning brush is also constructed inside the case.
The rifle is also provided with a folding monopod which is pivoted on the lower band.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight (w/ telescopic sight) | 10 lbs., 8 oz. | |
| Length (overall w/o bayonet) | 50.25 ins. | |
| Sight radius | 26.9 ins. | |
| Principle of operation | Manual, bolt-action | |
| Feeding device | Box magazine | |
| Capacity of feeding device | 5 rounds | |
| Cooling system | Air | |
| Ammunition types | Mod. 38, 6.5 mm ball and reduced charge ball | |
| Rate of fire | According to dexterity of user | |
| Type of sight | 2.5x telescopic sight | |
| Weight of barrel | ||
| Length of barrel | 31.4 ins. | |
| Length of rifling | 29.1 ins. | |
| Rifling | ||
| Twist | Uniform R.H. one turn in 7.88 ins. | |
| Form | Metford segmental | |
| No. of grooves | 4 | |
| Depth of grooves | ||
| Width of grooves | ||
| Chamber pressure | ||
| Muzzle velocity | 2,400 ft. per sec. | |
| Muzzle energy | ||
| Maximum range | 2,600 yds. | |
| Effective range (approx.) | 600 yds. | |
| Type of mount | Folding monopod |
Japanese: p. 208.1 (August 1, 1945)