Weapons: New Powered Eyes For Marine Snipers

Archives

March31, 2006: U.S. Marine snipers are having much success with their new M-8541 sniper rifle scopes. These are military versions of the Schmidt & Bender 3x12 variable powered day scope. The new scope is more rugged than the old 10x scope that has been used for over twenty years. The M-8541 has superior optics, providing better visibility at low light conditions (dawn or dusk). The variable magnifications enables the sniper to use a wider view to spot a target, then go for the narrower, but more magnified, view to get the shot. The variable magnification also provides an easier- to- use view at closer ranges. The new scope weighs the same as the old one, despite all the new features. The M-8541 also uses regular AA batteries, making resupply easier. Marine snipers in Iraq began receiving the new scopes last fall.


 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contribute. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   contribute   Close