Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II

• 3-12x magnification range: This zoom span covers close to medium-long distances with one riflescope, giving a wide enough view at 3x for faster target acquisition and enough magnification at 12x for precise shot placement.
• 50 mm objective with over 90% light transmission: The large objective lens and efficient optical system help maintain a bright, usable image in poor light, which matters when detail and contrast start to fade.
• First focal plane illuminated reticle: Because the reticle stays in proportion to the target across the zoom range, holdovers and ranging remain consistent at any magnification, while red illumination improves reticle visibility against dark backgrounds.
• Lockable tactical turrets with Zero Stop: The turret layout is built for repeatable dialing under field pressure, and the Zero Stop gives a fast, reliable return to the original zero after elevation corrections.
• 34 mm tube and rugged sealed construction: The larger tube allows generous adjustment travel, while the waterproof, fogproof and shockproof build supports dependable use in hard weather and demanding tactical or precision-shooting roles.

About the Schmidt & Bender PM II Series

The Schmidt & Bender PM II series began in 1999 with the 3-12x50 PM II, a model that introduced parallax adjustment to the line and set the pattern for the series that followed. Schmidt & Bender positions PM II riflescopes for police, military and competition shooters, and the range sits in the company’s Defence portfolio. Across the family, PM II models cover roles from shorter-distance work to extreme-long-range shooting, so the series is known less for one fixed format than for a consistent design approach.

PM II riflescopes are defined by robust mechanical construction, precise adjustment systems and configurations tailored to professional use. The series includes different reticle and focal-plane options depending on model and application, allowing shooters to choose a layout suited to dialing, holding or mixed use. Within the current range, variants such as ShortDot, Ultra Short, High Power and High Performance show how the PM II concept extends from compact tactical optics to high-magnification precision riflescopes. What ties them together is a focus on repeatability, practical reticle design and optical performance that supports accurate work under changing field conditions.

About the Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II

The Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II is a tactical riflescope built around a highly practical balance of moderate low-end magnification, enough top-end power for precise aiming, and a compact overall format for rifles that must remain manageable in the field. At 3x, it offers a broader view for observation and quicker engagement at shorter distances; at 12x, it gives the image scale needed for careful shot placement and target identification at longer ranges. The 50.00 mm lens, fully multicoated optics and light transmission above 90% help preserve contrast and image brightness when light conditions become less forgiving.

This model uses an illuminated first focal plane reticle, which is especially useful in tactical and precision shooting because the reticle’s subtensions remain valid throughout the magnification range. That allows the shooter to hold or range without being tied to one specific power setting. The red illumination is intended to improve reticle visibility rather than function as a daylight-bright aiming point, and the auto turn-off feature helps conserve battery life during real use.

The mechanical layout is equally purposeful. Its 34 mm tube provides substantial adjustment travel, with 27.00 mrad elevation and 24.30 mrad windage available for dialing. The lockable tactical turrets reduce the chance of accidental movement, while the Zero Stop gives a clear return point after corrections. Side-focus parallax adjustment from 50m - inf. helps keep the image and reticle on the same visual plane, which supports more precise aiming as distances change. With a 342.00 mm length, 860.00 g weight, nitrogen filling and waterproof, fogproof and shockproof construction, it is built for hard service without becoming unnecessarily bulky.

About Schmidt & Bender

Schmidt & Bender was founded in 1957 by Helmut Schmidt and Helmut Bender in Biebertal-Fellingshausen, Germany. The company remains headquartered in Biebertal and is known for making precision riflescopes for hunting, competition shooting, police and military use. Its product lines include the PM II and Zenith families, reflecting a long focus on premium optical sights for both sporting and professional applications.

Over time, Schmidt & Bender expanded its technical base as well as its product range. In 1992, the company established a Hungarian subsidiary based on an optical department acquired from MOM. It later introduced the first Zenith 2.5-10x56 in 2001, followed by FlashDot illumination in the Zenith series in 2002. That history helps explain the brand’s reputation in riflescopes such as the PM II: a combination of mechanical precision, optical specialization and long-term development within the premium sporting and tactical optics market.

Main Features

• Magnification: 3.00 x - 12.00 x
• Objective lens diameter: 50.00 mm
• Main tube diameter: 34 mm
• Reticle position: 1. focal plane
• Reticle illumination: Yes, red
• Turret type: Tactical - Lockable
• Zero Stop: Yes
• Elevation adjustment range: 27.00 mrad / 93.00 MOA
• Windage adjustment range: 24.30 mrad / 83.00 MOA
• Elevation per turn: 13 mrad (ST), 26 mrad (DT)
• Eye relief: 90.00 mm
• Field of view: 11.10 - 4.30 m/100m
• Parallax adjustment: Yes - side focus, 50m - inf.
• Light transmission: >90%
• Lens coating: Fully Multicoated
• Diopter range: +2 / -3 dpt
• Length: 342.00 mm
• Weight: 860.00 g
• Working temperature range: -25° / +55° C
• Filled with: Nitrogen
• Waterproof: Yes
• Fogproof: Yes
• Shockproof: Yes
• Made in: Germany

Warranty

10 years. Schmidt & Bender states a 10-year manufacturer warranty for assembled parts on its riflescopes.

In the Box

• Optik Cleaning Kit Pro
• Tenebraex