Type 97 20 mm Anti-tank Rifle

Type 97 Anti-tank semi automatic rifle. The receiver is marked with the Kokura arsenal symbol of the three interlocking rings, 15.8 (August 1940) and the serial number. IT is an all metal contruction apart from the wooden pistol grip and butt pad. The tripod is an integral part of the weapon which it is made up of one rear and two forward telescoping legs, each of which can be folded against the receiver for transportation purposes. It takes a seven round box magazine and has a round muzzle brake on the barrel.

This weapon was the heaviest antitank rifle produced during World War Two and one of the most unpleasant to fire. It is fired from a closed bolt being unlocked by a gas piston and the remaining movement being controlled by the simple blowback forces. This system made no allowances for absorbing recoil so the entire barrel and receiver moved along a slide in the stock for about 150 mm. Ammunition came in two types, a solid armour piercing shot and a high explosive shell. A small number of Type 97s were used in New Guinea where they had some success against light armour.