Inside Italian defence tech (2026)
Jul 17
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Biebertal, GermanyBiebertal, Germany
Products & Solutions
PM II Defence Series
The PM II (Police Marksman II) is Schmidt & Bender's military and law enforcement riflescope family, introduced in 1997. It spans eight models from the compact 1-8x24 ShortDot Dual CC for close-to-medium tactical use through to the 5-45x56 High Power, which combines sniper optic performance with spotting scope observation range. The 3-12x50 PM II is the only riflescope to have passed the US Marine Corps' full two-year qualification programme. Scopes are configurable with a wide range of reticles, turret types, colours and accessory mounts to meet specific procurement requirements.
Zenith Hunting Series
The Zenith series is Schmidt & Bender's premium hunting line, with models ranging from the compact 1.5-6x42 for driven hunts and fast-moving game to the 2.5-10x56 for low-light hide hunting. The 3-12x50 Zenith covers the most versatile mid-range applications and can be configured precisely to individual shooter requirements. All models emphasise high image quality and reliable performance in demanding field conditions.
Klassik Hunting Series
The Klassik series offers straightforward, rugged riflescopes for hunters who prioritise reliability and optical clarity. Models include the 2.5-10x56 for low-light use, the 3-12x42 and 3-12x50 for general-purpose field hunting, and the 4-16x50 for confident long-distance shots. The 3-12x50 Klassik shares its optical design with the legendary 3-12x50 PM II, giving hunters access to the same optical quality in a non-tactical format.
Meta Series
The 3-18x42 Meta is Schmidt & Bender's newest riflescope family, designed for hunters and competition shooters. It is available in first and second focal plane variants and features a wide field of view combined with fast target acquisition. The Meta is well suited to dynamic disciplines such as NRL Hunter and works on both semi-automatic and bolt-action platforms.
CM II Competition Series
The CM II High Performance is Schmidt & Bender's competition riflescope family, built for benchrest, F-Class and long-range precision disciplines. The 10-60x56 CM II delivers maximum magnification and optical resolution for static long-range shooting. The 6-36x56 CM II combines a high zoom range with over 40mrad of internal adjustment travel, making it suitable for both dynamic PRS competition and extreme long-range disciplines including King of 2 Mile.
About
Schmidt & Bender was founded in 1957 by Helmut Schmidt and Helmut Bender, two precision-mechanics instrument makers who began production in a laundry room in Biebertal, Hesse. What started with limited manpower and modest means grew within a few years into a recognised premium brand. The company remains a family business, now in its third generation, with all design, manufacturing and service conducted in Biebertal under the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.
Offices
Biebertal, GermanyCustomers & Partners
US Marine CorpsUS Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
Timeline
2012
The 3-27x56 PM II High Power won the USSOCOM Extended Long Range (ELR) programme.
2005
The 3-12x50 PM II passed the US Marine Corps two-year qualification programme, becoming the USMC M8541 Scout Sniper Day Scope.
1997
Introduced the Police Marksman (PM II) series, a dedicated riflescope line for military and law enforcement procurement.
1957
Founded in Biebertal, Hesse by Helmut Schmidt and Helmut Bender, two precision-mechanics instrument makers, initially producing riflescopes from a laundry room.
Open Positions (0)
No positions available
Schmidt & Bender doesn't have any open positions at the moment.
Products & Solutions
PM II Defence Series
The PM II (Police Marksman II) is Schmidt & Bender's military and law enforcement riflescope family, introduced in 1997. It spans eight models from the compact 1-8x24 ShortDot Dual CC for close-to-medium tactical use through to the 5-45x56 High Power, which combines sniper optic performance with spotting scope observation range. The 3-12x50 PM II is the only riflescope to have passed the US Marine Corps' full two-year qualification programme. Scopes are configurable with a wide range of reticles, turret types, colours and accessory mounts to meet specific procurement requirements.
Zenith Hunting Series
The Zenith series is Schmidt & Bender's premium hunting line, with models ranging from the compact 1.5-6x42 for driven hunts and fast-moving game to the 2.5-10x56 for low-light hide hunting. The 3-12x50 Zenith covers the most versatile mid-range applications and can be configured precisely to individual shooter requirements. All models emphasise high image quality and reliable performance in demanding field conditions.
Klassik Hunting Series
The Klassik series offers straightforward, rugged riflescopes for hunters who prioritise reliability and optical clarity. Models include the 2.5-10x56 for low-light use, the 3-12x42 and 3-12x50 for general-purpose field hunting, and the 4-16x50 for confident long-distance shots. The 3-12x50 Klassik shares its optical design with the legendary 3-12x50 PM II, giving hunters access to the same optical quality in a non-tactical format.
Meta Series
The 3-18x42 Meta is Schmidt & Bender's newest riflescope family, designed for hunters and competition shooters. It is available in first and second focal plane variants and features a wide field of view combined with fast target acquisition. The Meta is well suited to dynamic disciplines such as NRL Hunter and works on both semi-automatic and bolt-action platforms.
CM II Competition Series
The CM II High Performance is Schmidt & Bender's competition riflescope family, built for benchrest, F-Class and long-range precision disciplines. The 10-60x56 CM II delivers maximum magnification and optical resolution for static long-range shooting. The 6-36x56 CM II combines a high zoom range with over 40mrad of internal adjustment travel, making it suitable for both dynamic PRS competition and extreme long-range disciplines including King of 2 Mile.
Open Positions (0)
No positions available
Schmidt & Bender doesn't have any open positions at the moment.
About
Schmidt & Bender was founded in 1957 by Helmut Schmidt and Helmut Bender, two precision-mechanics instrument makers who began production in a laundry room in Biebertal, Hesse. What started with limited manpower and modest means grew within a few years into a recognised premium brand. The company remains a family business, now in its third generation, with all design, manufacturing and service conducted in Biebertal under the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.
Offices
Biebertal, GermanyCustomers & Partners
US Marine CorpsUS Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
Timeline
2012
The 3-27x56 PM II High Power won the USSOCOM Extended Long Range (ELR) programme.
2005
The 3-12x50 PM II passed the US Marine Corps two-year qualification programme, becoming the USMC M8541 Scout Sniper Day Scope.
1997
Introduced the Police Marksman (PM II) series, a dedicated riflescope line for military and law enforcement procurement.
1957
Founded in Biebertal, Hesse by Helmut Schmidt and Helmut Bender, two precision-mechanics instrument makers, initially producing riflescopes from a laundry room.
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