current sniper binos

[PrinzEugen]

Hi all, fancy a pair of binoculars for use on the range and on holiday etc and was hoping for advice as it's an area I know nothing about. Anyone know what ones are currently used by army snipers? I'm after something fairly inexpensive durable and preferably issued.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

I all depends on where you are........... On the courses we were using the old No2's and the rubber armoured L11's and 12's until August last year but JUST creeping in were pairs of LPO's with sandy coloured soft rubber 'armour' (but they weren't.....). These LPO's were Local Purchase Order bought by Ordnance. Not repairable, centre focus and therefore not either water nor dust proof.

Binos were falling out of favour a bit as the Kowa was a good spotter - as was the S&B. The binos had a good FoV but bring the mag down on the S&B and it increased the FoV and made a reasonably good replacement. We stopped the Kowa magnification at 20x via a stop screw in the ocular lens system

If you want more info I'll get it but the safe bet is the L11's made by Avimo and still serviced/maintained by them or the good old plodders........, the No2's. Mk2's were the best in my humble opnion.

The trouble with optics is that currrent Armourers don't do them and haven't been taught since envelopes had sticky flaps! Most go back to Ord/manufacturer for anything 'inside the case' as we call it. But that's progress.......

[PrinzEugen]

Thanks very much for that response Peter. I don't think I've ever seen anything about the L11/12 - does anyone own a pair - is there a commercial equivalent around?

On the Mk2 I was wondering how it compares optically to stuff around today? EDIT: Just found this testimony from a stargazer, which I think sums up Peter's recommendation quite well: Kershaw No.2 MK.2 Army Binoculars - Observing - with Binoculars - Stargazers Lounge

One last thing - I've seen reference to Davin Optronics marked binos being issued to British Army Snipers - is this true and has anyone seen them?

Thanks

[quiet_lurker]

Not sure if you specifically require binos of English origin, but if Ex Australian Binos will do?

Have bought two sets of these from that site.

Work ok. Reasonable optics, was rumoured that they were made by Bushnell under contract but have not seen any further evidence of this.

Good sturdy case. Has Mil lines built in.

Doesn't have international postage mentioned but there is a second store selling them for $10 AU more, maybe they will if the 1st doesn't.

Australian Issue 6x30 EX Military Army Binoculars With Case | eBay

Regards

Mark

[Peter Laidler]

They were good binos too. We had them in Australia of course and the old No2's. I didn't know they were made by Bushnell but if they were, then they'll be as good as any. When we specify them we specify glass optics simply because crunchies will insist on cleaning the oculars and OG's with old dirty flanlette or......, well anything really!

[lee_enfield223]

I have a set of those aussie bino's and they are very clear and bright, but I had to look through about 20 sets at a firearms show before I decided on the best pair, the aussie army is now buying elcheapo rubbish that falls to bits in the field or that's what I have been told

[CINDERS]

Well we have the Steyr as well plastic fantastic given an SLR and the latter I think my money lies with the SLR for knock down yeah light recoil but when a 7.62 round bites usually puts you down that reminds me of an Elmer Keith story from his childhood;

Goes that a friend of his a Marshall happened on a robbery and armed with a 32 cal semi auto (I think) planted 4 rounds into the crooks chest but he still kept a comin' after he got the better of the robber he swore never again a light calibre and swapped it for a 45 ACP, knock down is what it is all about.

And the Aussie powers that be would never scrimp on our armed forces why I heard they are going to buy the latest bait casters for them off of flea bay !!!!!! as a deterrent to would be invaders!!!!

[skiprat]

The No2 and L11/L12 have been replaced by the......LSBC's
Land System Binocular Capability..........
....or as everyone else will call them bino's.
made by Steiner in Germany. 8x30 and covered in green plastic armour.

[bigduke6]

Go on the aution site and tap in, WW2 binoculars, in the search, lots of no2,s etc also other types that were issued, PM me and I,ll give you a top tip what to look for, a lot are offered as spares or repair and with most its a very easy repair done in seconds and they are good for x amounts of years.

[Brian Dick]

I've been using a set of German Army Steiner 8 x 30's for 20 years and they're excellent.

---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:37 PM ----------

Mine were surplused dirt cheap in the early 90's.