Inside Japan’s WW2 20mm Anti-Tank Rifle - The Type 97 with Curatorial Assistant Joe Ford

Published on November 12, 2025
Duration: 20:27

This video provides an in-depth look at the Japanese Type 97 20mm anti-tank rifle, presented by Joe Ford from the Royal Armouries. The presentation covers its historical context, technical specifications, and a detailed disassembly and reassembly process. The rifle, chambered in 20x124mm, was produced mainly at Kakura Arsenal and served from 1939 to the end of WW2 with limited success, being outclassed by later tank designs. The video highlights its complex recoil system, gas operation, and the manual cocking process.

Quick Summary

The Japanese Type 97 anti-tank rifle fired a 20x124mm cartridge and weighed approximately 52 kg unloaded. It was semi-automatic only, despite some historical reports suggesting otherwise, with full-auto fire likely due to mechanical issues. Its penetration capabilities were around 30mm at 250 meters.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Type 97
  2. 00:14Type 97 20mm Anti-Tank Rifle Overview
  3. 01:57External Characteristics
  4. 03:52Magazine and Bolt Hold Open
  5. 04:54Disassembly: Stock and Recoil System
  6. 06:17Disassembly: Bolt and Working Parts
  7. 08:21Disassembly: Barrel Removal
  8. 08:53Gas System and Recuperator
  9. 09:22Disassembly: Body and Frame
  10. 10:11Recuperator Details
  11. 11:27Body and Safety Mechanism
  12. 12:08Trigger Group and Disconnector
  13. 13:36Frame Details: Sights and Bipod
  14. 15:11In Use: Crew and Deployment
  15. 15:59Combat History and Performance
  16. 17:04Effectiveness Against Armor
  17. 17:39Role Shift to Infantry Support
  18. 17:53US Encounters and Ambush Potential
  19. 18:52Successors and Related Designs
  20. 19:47Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Japanese Type 97 anti-tank rifle?

The Japanese Type 97 anti-tank rifle fires a 20x124mm cartridge. This substantial round contributed to its role as a heavy anti-tank weapon during World War II.

How much did the Japanese Type 97 anti-tank rifle weigh?

The Type 97 anti-tank rifle was a heavy weapon, weighing approximately 52 kg (115 lbs) unloaded. With its carry handles, it increased to 55 kg, and adding an optional gun shield brought the total to a massive 62 kg.

Was the Japanese Type 97 anti-tank rifle fully automatic?

No, the Japanese Type 97 anti-tank rifle was semi-automatic only. Reports of fully automatic fire are generally attributed to mechanical failures, such as seized recuperators affecting the trigger reset mechanism.

What was the effective range and penetration of the Type 97 anti-tank rifle?

The Type 97 anti-tank rifle could penetrate approximately 30mm of armor at a flat plate at 250 meters. At longer ranges, up to 2,000 meters, it could still achieve around 9mm of penetration.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Royal Armouries

View all →