Somewhere under there is an M2 carbine

[Guardian 5]

Gents,

One can only imagine how unwieldy and impractical this infrared sight must have been.

All the best,
TJ

[hoover]

I handled one during an course in Hammelburg. They have (or had) two very nice examples in their educational collection. Very bad balanced, but that is what they had. I have a M1 and a M2 in my Bundeswehr collection, but a M3 is impossible.

The M3 clearly was nothing for a battle on the move.

[Guardian 5]

Hi Frank,

You have gotten to handle things I can only dream about!

Many thanks,
TJ

[Almost Samurai]

I watched a documentary recently on a German design like this. I think it was on the STG-44. The battery pack alone had to be carried in a backpack and only lasted a short period. It was described as being a hassle, especially when there was a possibility of being detected after the first shot. I believe after that it was developed for tanks as well.

[hoover]

The German Bildwandler 1229 works like the US night vision, but they were constructed parralel in timeline. But after what I read the German set was more complicate, but better in Range.

Both sets were heavy like hell.

A full Korean M3 set sometimes is sold for 5000 - 7000 $. Not that much but still too expensive for me. There are hundreds other items on my list first.

[Collectinsteve]

I watched a documentary recently on a German design like this. I think it was on the STG-44. The battery pack alone had to be carried in a backpack and only lasted a short period. It was described as being a hassle, especially when there was a possibility of being detected after the first shot. I believe after that it was developed for tanks as well.

Vampir (Zielgerät 1229). If you like good war based fiction, I highly recommend "The Master Sniper" by Stephen Hunter. Vampire has a staring role in it.

Steve