Schmidt & Bender 3-12×50 PM II Review

The Schmidt & Bender 3-12×50 PM II scope is one of the rare scopes that we hardly ever speak of in conversations. However, the notoriety of the scope has skyrocketed in recent years due to the US Marines. Due to the adaptation of the scope to professional sniper rifles, more people have regarded it as one of the leading scopes.

However, the scope comes with a high price tag, reducing the market that can afford the scope. While most people have heard about it or seen the scope by now, we have taken it upon us to see what it is made of. In this article, you will find out if the Schmidt & Bender 3-12×50 PM II is worth it for your rifle.

To create a review of this scope, we need to keep in mind that it has passed the USMC test for durability and accuracy in combat. We have broken down the reviews to make them easier for you to understand when it comes to quality. You should also keep in mind that it is one of the favored scopes used by the Police force as well.

Durability:

One of the main features that come to mind is the durability. Since the Marines need to endure tough conditions, often leading to them spending time underwater, you might have guessed that the underwater feature is prominent. Additionally, the aluminum construction is not only impervious to shock from falls, but it can also handle a shot from enemy fire.

Once mounted on a rifle, the user will have access to the fast focus feature. However, the adjustments on the side of the scope do not require any special equipment. Since a 0 MOA dot size is used, the user can adjust this to the size that is needed. This feature will help in various terrains that a hunter or combat shooter might find themselves.

Mounting:

With any riflescope, the mounting is a paramount feature that can make or break a scope. The Picatinny base is one of the most common that is used in the modern era. With a common base, it allows the shooter to remove the scope in less time than most competitive scopes. It can be remounted and zeroed in only a couple of minutes.

Optic Quality:

No matter which tests a scope has passed in the durability section, one of the major features is the optics. Without accurate optics, it can be very difficult to zero your scope for your rifle. Schmidt & Bender has introduces the newer Gen-2 Mil-dot reticle, which includes the half mill hash feature for snipers in desert terrains.

The lenses have been multicoated and the large objective lens with a diameter of 57mm absorbs a lot of the light. With so much light being absorbed, it becomes easier to use it in low light conditions. We also need to mention that the version used by the USMC has a few slight upgrades that the average person might not find in the standard stock version.

Lastly, you will notice that the magnification is much higher than your standard hunting rifle. Most hunting rifles are fine if you have a magnification of 5X, depending on the shot you are. However, the Schmidt & Bender 3-12×50 PM II has a magnification of 12X, making it possible to get up close with targets far past 1000-yards. However, the version designed for the USMC has a magnification 16X for long-range combat.

Adjustments:

The adjustment to the scope is one thing that many professionals feel is important. We did mention that the fast-focus eyepiece is great for quick shots, but there are a variety of adjustments that can be made on the fly. One of the specs of the main adjustment knob will give you a full 30 MOA, with it spaced out in ¼ clicks along the way.

The inside of the scope will also tell you exactly when you have crossed the 30 MOA mark. Once the small bar has filled up to yellow, you will know that you are on the next revolution. We need to also mention that the other adjustment knob can give the shooter a full 56 MOA of elevation, making it possible to adjust for wind and distance.

Is It Worth Buying The Schmidt & Bender 3-12×50 PM II?

With all of these features, the main debate remains whether the scope is worth the heavy price tag. However, you will need to decide if you are going to be using it as often as you should. If you are an avid hunter, but you don’t shoot at excessive ranges, it might be worth it to pay the price. However, competition shooters will find all the adjustments helpful.

We would highly recommend it based on the features and the quality thereof. If compared to some of the other leading brands like Nightforce and even Trijicon, you will find a couple of combat and tactical scopes that have a big reputation.

Wrap-Up:

Whether you like to read about new scope technology, or you are actively looking for a new sniper-type scope, the Schmidt & Bender 3-12×50 PM II is an interesting scope to look at. Although it features a high price tag, it’s still a leading rifle scope on the market. Let us know your thoughts about the scope in the comments below.