United States Marine Corps Weapons & Equipment
M49 Telescope
Primary function: Daytime telescope for making ground observations.
Manufacturer: IMO, VARO, Garland, Texas and various other vendors
Length: 13.5 inches (34.29 centimeters)
Weight (without tripod): 2.75 pounds (1.25 kilograms)
Magnification: 20x
Unit Replacement Cost: $511
Features: The M49 Observation Telescope is a 20-power daytime telescope. The telescope is used for making ground
observations of a target area and effectiveness artillery fire. Having no reticle, it is not used as a sighting
device. Associated equipment is the M15 Tripod which has adjustable metal legs and a carrying strap. It allows
for full rotation of the mounted telescope.
The basic components of the M49 are the objective assembly, body tube, prism housing assembly, and eyepiece assembly
with focusing sleeve. The front end of the body tube extends 3/4 of an inch beyond the objective, thereby providing
a permanent sunshade. The telescope is furnished with an objective cover and an eyepiece cover cap which are screwed
in place to protect the lenses when the telescope is not in use.
Background: The M49 has seen several decades of general purpose use as a daytime observation device. Its most common
application is in the scout/sniper section of the infantry battalion where it is used to detect and identify targets.
Information and Photos Courtesy of United States Marine Corps
