Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Snipers have new scope

Marine snipers at Camp Mercury, Iraq put the Corps’ latest sniper optic to the test and it proved to be spot-on. Proof is one less bad guy planting roadside bombs.

Snipers of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment proved the 3x12 variable-powered Schmidt & Bender M-8541 Scout-Sniper Day Scope’s usefulness a few weeks ago when they killed an insurgent planting improvised explosive devices near Fallujah. It was the first recorded combat kill with the new optic.

“It was kind of a big deal with the sniper community to get the first kill with the new scope,” said Gunnery Sgt. Paul Starner, platoon sergeant for the battalion’s Scout-Sniper Platoon, who squeezed off the shot. “After the kill, we did a picture-perfect extraction. They didn’t even know we were there.”

The scope’s ability to allow Marines to target insurgents wasn’t a one-time stint, though. Marines in the platoon reaffirmed the scope’s combat utility seven times since then, according to Starner.

The new Schmidt & Bender allows better positive target identification, according to 2nd Lt. Jake Cusack, Sniper Platoon commander. The Schmidt & Bender scope has a greater light-gathering capability, boasting a 50 mm objective lens and illuminated mil-dot reticle pattern, better adapted to drop insurgents at a distance in low light conditions as well as daylight.

“We’re here to find the enemy and kill him, and that’s what we’re doing,” Starner said. “Any time you make them think twice about what they’re doing, you’re doing your job. I want it in their heads that we’re watching them.”

Colonel Creedon is reported to have said "I want!"

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I want! Although it looks kinda bulky , but then, the target will never see it. It'll look magnificent on my 82A1.

Unknown said...

Cubaboy already has this scope (bought it on ebay last month) and is currently training it on his supervisor and laughing maniacally.

Major General Creedon said...

Christ. I'll end up being the only one without one. LOL

Anonymous said...

I'll get one Colonel. And you'll be my first kill.

Anonymous said...

and then you could leave him behind as a form of revenge?

Anonymous said...

Yessssss!!

Anonymous said...

But then we'd have no blog to post on :(

Anonymous said...

..and nothing to read evey day. Our lives would have no meaning.

Major General Creedon said...

Do not worry my friends/fans. I'll be here for quite some time.

Anonymous said...

Good work, Guns, you've got the Colonel lulled into a false sense of security. At last we shall have our revenge.

Anonymous said...

oi! thats my line!
Good to see you back again!

Anonymous said...

Sithy. Good to be back, been busy suppressing rebellions on the Outer Rim.

Anonymous said...

They always were troublesome rascals out there. Supress with overwhelming - planet destroying if you will - force, its the future!
(apologies for bad puns)