 have folding wings that are meant for determining “lead” when firing at low-flying aircraft. Safeties on both versions are rounded, knurled knobs at the bolt’s rear. Beyond that, both types are simply knockoffs of Peter Paul Mauser’s ideas, including internal box magazines holding five rounds in a staggered column.
It is my opinion that the Japanese military considered Type 97s and 99s as infantry rifles first, and sniper rifles second. For instance, Japanese sniper rifles have a completely unobstructed view of their iron sights because the scope is mounted offset to the left. With their quickly detachable mounting system, Japanese doctrine was for the scope to be carried on the belt in a hard case and only attached when needed. Some German rifles had “tunnels” through the mounts so iron sights could still be used, but British, Soviet and American rifles did not. The Japanese system also allowed the Type 97 and Type 99 magazines to be fully charged by stripper clips. Most other countries’ sniper rifle magazines had to be loaded one round at a time.
Then there is the matter of scope adjustments. There were none; neither in the scope or in the mounts. (A small number of Type 99s were given adjustable scopes late in the war.) Rifles and scopes were zeroed at arsenals before being issued. To compensate for lack of adjustments, reticles were very complex, with hash marks for hold-off in regard to elevation and windage. The soldier was expected to learn and memorize which marks were needed for various conditions. Most German scopes only featured elevation adjustment in the scope itself, but windage was changed by the rear mount. American, British and Soviet scopes were completely adjustable. (The 8x Unertl scopes used by the U.S. Marine Corps, of course, had fully adjustable mounts.)
Grouping ability is another reason I think these sniper rifles were considered basic infantry rifles by the Japanese. Neither of mine are what I would consider “tack drivers,” and research has turned up no mention that Japanese armorers picked especially accurate rifles for sniper conversions. My examples are about 3 to 4 minute- of-angle shooters.
To someone who grew up using American sporting scopes, trying to figure out the Japanese sniper scope system is a formula for headaches. One afternoon I spent three hours and about 80 6.5mm handloads trying to shim my Type 97’s mount so it would be zeroed at 100 yards. I got it done, too. Next time out that rifle’s zero was completely off again. So what I am determined to do is follow Japanese doctrine. My 2018 New Year’s resolution is that I’m going to find which hash marks get me on at 100, 200 and 300 yards, and write them down. Then at last maybe I will be able to reliably hit something with them.