PEM scope question

[sandwarrior]

So, as I'm reading the latest threads on Mosin-Nagants, I keep coming across the PEM scope.

From what I understood when I bought it, it was surplus that never made it onto a rifle.

Also, from what I'm understanding from some of the links given in other PE/PEM threads here on SH, is that PE's were made from 1931-1936. PEM's made from 1937-1940 and in 1942. PE's had adjustable focus, PEM's did not. Mine has a star, then hammer and sickle, and the little half moon on the bottom of the rear ocular. Forward of that it has a s/n of N 55070 and after that the date 1937 followed by what looks like a little "1"

By what the one link was saying, my PEM is a fake. Because it has a rear focus.

Any other opinions on this?

 

[Joop]

Re: PEM scope question

Your's does look like a repro, from the finish in the pic and the markings don't look like most I've seen. I would have to see more of it to be sure, though. In any case, it's a PE and not a PEM. However, I do believe a small amount of PEs may have been made in 1937. The real designation is "PE model of 1937", but it was simplified to "PEM". There had to be some transition time in that year, however. The original PE was the 1931 model with the ocular focus and will usually show the "1931" model date on it, as well.

 

[Joop]

Re: PEM scope question

I knew I had seen at least one '37 PE, before. I did some quick searching and found one with Google that's an obvious repro and seems to be closest to what you have (but without more/better pics of your's, that's not really a fair assessment). The finish looks suspect and the reticle is a dead giveaway. Here's that one:

http://www.lonestarguntrader.com/optics-...30-pe-scope_135

The original I had seen is here (only one pic in post #92, but you can see the difference in the serial/date style, which is typical of Progress factory scopes):

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?27477-Guide-to-Russian-Optics-Manufacturers/page3

Any original PE scope is rare. A 1937 would be even more so and probably only rivaled by 1931 and '32 dated examples.

Now, that's not to say that it won't work just fine. The Ukrainian repros that I've used work exactly like the real thing and I've even torn one apart and they're built in the same way. Works fine for somebody who can't find, or doesn't want to shoot a $1000+ original PE.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: PEM scope question

Joop,

Thanks. It's pretty amazing that even as a repro (possibly) that these are so well made. Never seen a repro that outclassed or at least stayed even with the original as well as this one.

The reticle on this one is like a German #4 but the bottom post is pointed and no connection between any of the three posts in between.

 

[Joop]

Re: PEM scope question

SW,

That appears to be one of the Ukrainian made repros and, yes, they are very well made. Even the PUs you see on their repro "snipers" seem to be just identical to the originals, in terms of construction and function, spare a few minor cosmetic details. I currently have one on a restored '34 Tula ex-PE. I did have a problem with the reticle wandering and when I took it apart, I found no grease in the turrets (originals are usually packed) and the turret main screws needed to be tightened into the reticle assembly. Since I fixed that, it's been perfect.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: PEM scope question

Joop,

You aint down at Dakota County Gun Club are you? That was my old club until I moved out here. Of course, you are in Minnesota and most of it looks the same... White with treelines intersecting every half mile.

Thanks for the info. And, breaking my heart knowing I've ONLY got a repro now. heehee

I was pretty sure it might have been a fake when I got it for less than $100. But, that was several years ago.

A<span style="color: #3333FF">dded:

I'll tell you what, if they'd have gone with these being built as 'new' scopes, and made rings for them, they'd have one heckuva market! These would be the ultimate scope. Maybe even get creative and do like Tasco did and make el./wind. drum sets for different calibers.</span>

 

[Joop]

Re: PEM scope question

I grew up in central MN where there are a hell of a lot more trees and lakes than where I live now in SW MN, near Marshall. It's the wind-swept plains out here. But, I have the luxury of shooting from my yard, or at my neighbor's gravel pit, any time I want. So, I'll take it, wind and all!

If you paid less than $100 for it, you did very well. These are actually popular with guys doing PE/PEM repros and restorations and will usually sell in the $200-250 range.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: PEM scope question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Joop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I grew up in central MN where there are a hell of a lot more trees and lakes than where I live now in SW MN, near Marshall. It's the wind-swept plains out here. But, I have the luxury of shooting from my yard, or at my neighbor's gravel pit, any time I want. So, I'll take it, wind and all!

If you paid less than $100 for it, you did very well. These are actually popular with guys doing PE/PEM repros and restorations and will usually sell in the $200-250 range.

</div></div>

I spent close to two years working down in Spencer, IA for Great Lakes Airlines in '97-'98. Until they moved to Cheyenne. I then went to work for Mesaba in the Twin cities.

 

[desola]

Re: PEM scope question

Any source for an affordable repro PEM scope? Aproximate price?

 

[Joop]

Re: PEM scope question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desola</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Any source for an affordable repro PEM scope? Aproximate price? </div></div>
The only one I know of, recently, is an outfit out of China that has been selling them on Ebay. I don't see any currently listed, but they've been up on a regular basis for the last few months. Price has been $260 for the scope, alone and they list them as "PE" but they are the PEM pattern without the focus adjustment. A couple of guys on Gunboards have bought them and they look nice, but I have not seen any actual field/range reports with them, yet.