The Type 97 Sniper Rifle is a Japanese bolt-action rifle, based on the Type 38 Rifle.
Following the standard practice of the time, it was adapted from an existing infantry rifle. The only difference between this rifle and the original Type 38 is that it had a lightened stock, a longer, bent bolt, a 2.5 power telescopic sight and a mid-band setup for a monopod; although later models has this deleted. The rifle entered service in 1937, or on the Imperial Japanese calendar, year 97 of the current Imperial era. Due to the fact that if fired the mild 6.5x50SR cartridge from a long barrel, it gave off little flash or smoke when fired and made counter-sniper activity difficult.
The Type 97 was manufactuered at the Nagoya and Kokura Arsenals, with the bulk of them made in Nagoya.