Type-97: is it really junk?

[Jarvy]

It would make sense if it works well. The problem is that it doesn't. No agency/military in their right mind would adopt a weapon with such an awkward manual of arms.

Except several countries have. And that awkward mag release? What do you think the FAMAS F2 has? Logistics trumps a lot, and its the easiest and cheapest way to adopt STANAG magazines for a rifle not designed for them, and while it's not optimal, it's acceptable.

A question for those that have the carry handle. Do these add on scope rails attach the same way that they do on an AR carry handle? If so then I wonder why no one offers a goose neck style mount for red dots. Seems like a no brained to me.

It has a propriety rail, which makes things more complicated. But I would love to see stock rail mounts for red dots.

 

[r34skyline]

In short. Yes. At best they are a gamble. Whether that matters to you or not is a different story. How hard will you use it? How much will you customize it?