Howa · Sniper Rifle
Howa Type 64 DMR
Gas-operated · 7.62x51mm NATO · introduced 1989
Also known as 64式狙撃小銃, Type 64 Sniper, Type 64 Marksman
About the Howa Type 64 DMR
The Howa Type 64 DMR is the designated marksman variant of the standard Howa Type 64 battle rifle, adapted for the precision shooting role within the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). After the adoption of the Type 89 assault rifle in 1989 as the standard service weapon, surplus Type 64 rifles were repurposed as squad-level marksman weapons by fitting them with optical sights. The DMR variant retains the standard Type 64's gas-operated action, 7.62x51mm NATO chambering, and 20-round detachable magazine, but adds a scope mount and either a surplus M84 scope or a Nikon-produced equivalent set at 2.2x magnification. The Type 64 DMR served as the JGSDF's primary designated marksman weapon until it was replaced by the M24 Sniper Weapon System around 2002. The rifle uses specially loaded reduced-charge 7.62 NATO ammunition developed for Japanese service, which lowers muzzle velocity to approximately 700 m/s to reduce recoil for smaller-statured Japanese soldiers.
The Type 64 DMR embodies Japan's pragmatic approach to military equipment -- rather than procuring a dedicated sniper system, the JGSDF simply added optics to their surplus battle rifles. The notoriously fragile single-screw scope mount became a well-known frustration among JGSDF marksmen.
Howa Type 64 DMR specifications
General
- Type
- Sniper Rifle
- Action
- Gas-operated
- Firing mechanism
- Rotating bolt
- Trigger
- Single stage
- Calibres
- 7.62x51mm NATO
- Magazine capacity
- 20 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 450 mm (17.7 in)
- Overall length
- 990 mm (39.0 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 4.40 kg (9.70 lb)
- Weight (loaded)
- 5.00 kg (11.02 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:10 in (254 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 4
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Wood
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 700 m/s (2297 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 2285 J (1685 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 500 m
History
- Introduced
- 1989
- Discontinued
- 2002
- Production status
- Out of production
- Country of origin
- JP
- Designer
- Kenzo Iwashita
Features
- 2-2x magnification scope
- Scope rail mount
- Adjustable gas regulator
- Bipod compatible
- Reduced powder charge ammunition
- Designated marksman optic
Safety
- Manual safety
- Firing pin safety
The Type 64 DMR was not a purpose-built sniper system but rather a field adaptation of the standard battle rifle. Its accuracy in the marksman role was limited by several factors: the scope mounting system was poorly conceived, attached with only a single screw that would shift under recoil, and the 2.2x magnification was modest for a designated marksman weapon. Despite the elevation knob being marked for ranges up to 800 meters, the scope could only be practically zeroed for targets at 500 meters. The JGSDF typically assigned the scoped Type 64 to the best marksman in each division. Japan's constitutional restrictions on military exports meant the Type 64 and its DMR variant were never sold outside Japan.
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