Russian scopes

Rifle scope model 1931 (or PE scope) and the Smirnsky mount

In 1932 the Krasnogorsk factory started the production of the “rifle scope model 1931” (accepted in service after trials in November 1931), that in 1933 was also addressed as the “PE scope”, a designation the collectors are more familiar with. Different trial scopes acquired by Russia for tests were in use already in 1931 and before and were inspiring the design of the PE. The initial version, produced in 1932, was different compared to the one below, that is reflecting the standard production model that was assembled starting from 1933. The initial model produced in 1932 had a squared box supporting the adjustment turrets and the turrets themself were different. Finding today an example with these “early features” from 1931-1932 is really difficult since these are really rare.

Between the different scopes that were ordered outside Russia for trials were Emil Busch of Rathenow “Visar” 5 scopes, that used in trials at the end of the 20′, heavily influenced the “model 1931” scope. 500 Carl Zeiss Zeilvier scopes were used for trials as well but at the end the focus remained on the E. Bush “Visar” 5, coupled with the “Smirnsky” model of mount.

In the previous two pictures, you can see two side views of a PE scope, or the “model of 1931”, in the version produced in 1933. The scope has several details of interest that i will highlight below and is presented together with a Tula produced Smirnsky top mount.

In the picture above you can clearly see the focus adjustment graduated ring, that will disappear with the introduction of the PEM scope in 1937. Above the box containing the serial number and the year of production we can see the indication of the model: “ВП” that stands for “винтовочный прицел” (rifle scope), “обр.1931 г” (obrazets 1931 god – model of the year 1931). Over the model, three letters (У.В.П.) stands for “Управление Военных Приборов” or “Directorate of Military devices of Main Artillery Directorate”.

A 1933 produced PE scope

The markings under the indicaton of the model are inside a box: here we have the serial number (5621) plus the year of production (1933). Obviously also the Soviet marking is present, with a big star and the “hammer and sickle” mark.

On the forward-central left view of the scope and mount, you can see the two turrets to adjust the reticle and the two big screws to secure the mount to the base. The small screw is a replacement that was added after probably the original one was lost. This scope and mount set is coming from Finland but has no Finnish markings on parts. Other screws are high likely replacement parts but for what i paid for the set is absolutely fine. This kind of top central mount, or Smirnsky model mount, was in use on Mosin Nagant M91/30 sniper rifles that were never produced outside the Tula Arsenal. The Top Mount PE sniper rifles were produced by Tula from 1932 until 1938. Starting from 1934, rifles designed to be used as sniper weapons were using barrels matching accuracy standards. These Tula barrels have a distinctive marking: СП (SP).

A complete set coming from Finland

The big screw on the focus adjustment ring, a tipical feature of the 1931 model scope, is also highly likely a replacement. In the future, I will show you an example with all the original screws/parts still in place, so you will see the difference on these little details.

In the above picture, we can observe the central mount rings and the screws. It seems the Smirnsky central top mount was subject to damages and breakings, so in 1936 a new mount was selected to be used: the Model 36 side mount. However, production of sniper rifles using the Mod. 36 side mount started only at Tula in 1938.

In the frontal-upper part of the scope a little screw is missing, while all the other parts are in place, like also the small screws on the turrets, that sometimes are can be missing also on other Mosin scopes like the PUs.

An original Tula Smirnsky mount

On the right side of the mount, we can find the markings: in this case a П (P) part of the mount serial number (106) and the Tula star (picture below).

Those original mounts are rare, even more rare than the original scopes. Please be aware that a lot of reproductions are around and still in commerce, but they can be spotted by collectors due to the different finish, machining/materials and lack of or even wrong markings.

Full overview of the right side of the Smirnsky central top mount with markings.

The frontal part of the mount is marked with a 3 and a 4. No other markings are visible on the mount.

Between the two turrets, there are a pair of unidentified markings, likely part of something that has been scrubbed.

1933 but still working

Lens are not damaged and are clear. The reticle is working as shown in the pictures.

The scope is 90 years old and probably saw field usage during the Second World War but is still fully functional.