Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[ROBERT H.]

HI
THIS MAY SOUND AS A DUMB QUESTION, BUT HERE GOES. I HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF TYPE 97 SNIPER RIFLES OVER THE YEARS. AND MOST I HAVE SEEN THE BARRELS ARE SHOT OUT?? ONLY FEW HAD A GOOD BORE. THEY WERE NOT FIRED LIKE A SOLDIERS RIFLE. RIGHT AND YOU THINK A SNIPER WOULD HAVE TAKEN BETTER CARE OF HIS SNIPER. MOST OF THE TYPE 99 SNIPER HAVE A GOOD BORE.
REGARDS
BOB

[Francis C. Allan]

Dear Robert;

The rifling on both Type 97 and Type 99 Sniper Rifles were both of the hammer forged polygonal (Metford) type were the lands and grooves are gradual rather than having distict shoulders. Unlike standard rifling, the polygonal rifling's lack of sharp angles on the lands and grooves allows the projectile to fly better in a cross wind because there are no sharp edges to be significant affected by the wind. This type of rifling lasts longer, but is much more difficult to manufacture. At first glance the rifling appears worn, but this is just a misperception. The chrome lining of early Type 99 barrels may just look sharper.

Frank
_________________
Francis C. Allan
20Courtney Place
Palm Coast, FL 32137

(386) 445-4225

[ROBERT H.]

HI FRANK,
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION ABOUTTHE TYPE OF RIFLING THAT THE JAPANESE USED.
BOB