WW2 Rifle Scopes vs. Modern Optics: A Comprehensive Comparison
Warfare technology has seen significant advancements, especially in the realm of optical sights for rifles. The rifle scopes used during World War II (WW2) have been compared and contrasted with the average rifle scopes of today, highlighting their effectiveness and limitations.
Historical Context: WW2 Rifle Scopes
WW2 rifle scopes were relatively expensive sporting hunting optics of their era. Their construction was, except for early Russian models, comparable to a good quality hunting scope of today. However, modern optics are more rugged and cheaper to produce, offering superior quality.
Perhaps the most notable use of sniper systems was by the Germans, who developed high-precision weapons. Rifles like the FMJ-BT sniper rifles with a Ballistic Coefficient (BC) G1 between 5.8 and 6.0 were used. These projectiles were FMJ-BT (Full Metal Jacket - Boat Tail), a result of using a rifle-caliber machine gun for both machine gun and rifle roles, simplifying logistics. The Japanese also used FMJ-BT in their T99 rifles, albeit with limited numbers.
US and British Experiences
The United States also faced challenges with its Weaver-based M73 and M81 scopes. These issues were more due to design incompatibilities with climate change and rugged military use, rather than design flaws. The field of view for these scopes was quite narrow, but they still managed to be quite effective, particularly the M81/82. Both the US and Germany struggled with semi-automatic rifles to properly accommodate scopes, and the field of view was not particularly great.
Scopes with Unique Features
Notable features of WW2 rifle scopes included ballistic drop compensator (BDC) turrets for estimating range. American scopes used MOA (Minute of Angle) turrets, while Japanese scopes had a wide field of view and a calibrated/BDC reticule. None of the US or UK scopes had range measurement reticules. Russian and German scopes used the subtension between bars to estimate distance, while Japanese calibration markings could provide a rough estimate but fell short of modern mildot or MOA reticules.
WW2 Scope Specifications
WW2 rifle scopes generally had fixed magnification, with US scopes tending to magnify around 2.5x, Unertl at 8x, Russia and the UK at 3.5x, and Germany at 4x or 6x.
German, Russian, and British Scope Comparisons
Some German optics like Ajack and Hensoldt were considered very good for their time. The Russian PEM was one of the best, though it was heavier and had slightly less clarity than the Ajack. The British No 32 scope lasted until the early 1990s and was reliable, efficient, and simple. The Russian PU scope and the German ZF4 set the trend for military optics in the next 50 years, being small, simple, and affordable. The French APX copy of the ZF4 was a straightforward design.
Modern Sniper Optics
Modern military optics such as ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) are virtually indestructible, with optics that are impressive. These sights are used on a large percentage of rifles in combat today, with magnification ranging from 3.5 to 4x, covering up to 600 meters. Advanced technology introduces 30 magnification scopes, which cost 2000 to 4000 to produce. While these scopes are not designed to be used as clubs, their ruggedness and effectiveness are remarkable.
Comparative Analysis
A hunting scope costing around 200 dollars today would not match the Russian PU from 1944 in combat settings. However, a top modern ACOG like the 1000 ACOG would unequivocally surpass the Russian PU in every aspect.