can i use the german binocular as rangefinder?

[NoelGallagher]

it seems those marksers means something 

i have googled it but couldn't find any information about what those lines escatly means

it seems like it's mils

if anyone knows about waht this means 

can you give me specific information about that? thx  

 

it's also in tigerfibel range finding section 

but it doesn't explain about this particualr thing 

Edited November 2, 2021 by NoelGallagher

[Arfsix]

     You are correct. The markings in the binoculars are mils. You will also find mil markings in the weapons sights.

     These mil markings are used to measure the width or hight of targets to determine the range. The following article explains the procedure.

 

ASSISTED METHOD (BINOCULARS WITH MIL-RELATION FORMULA)

The binoculars and mil relation are used in the assisted method of range determination. To use this method, the width or height of the target must be known. Using the known threat vehicle width or height with the binocular mil scale, substitute the mil relation and compute the range. When measuring the frontal width, measure only the vehicle front slope (from left front corner to right front corner). When measuring flank width, measure the entire vehicle. Accuracy of this method depends on the target dimensions and the vehicle commander's ability to make precise measurements with the binoculars (see Figure 4-1).

Note. The distance between tick marks on the horizontal scale is 10 mils.

Figure 4-1. Target Measurement Using Binocular Reticle.

The mil is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/6400 of a circle. There are 18 mils in one degree. One mil equals the width (or height) of 1 meter at a range of 1,000 meters. This relation is constant as the angle increases from one mil to two mils, and the range increases from 1,000 meters to 2,000 meters. Because the mil relation is constant, other units of measurement (such as yards, feet, or inches) can be substituted to express width or range; however, both width and range must be expressed in the same unit of measurement. For example, if the sides of a one-mil angle are extended to 1,000 yards, the width between the ends of the sides is 1 yard.

Since the relationship of the target width in mils (m) to the target width (W) in meters is constant at varying distances, accurate range determination is possible. The mil relation holds true whether the W factor is length, width, or height; therefore, the range can be determined if the target dimensions are known.

To determine the range (R), the m and W factors must be known.

The m comes from reading the target width (height or length) on the mil scale in the binoculars. The W comes from Table 4-1, Mil Relation for Various Targets, or other vehicle identification aids (GTA 17-2-13 or FM 23-1), and is expressed in meters.

MIL RELATION FOR VARIOUS TARGETS
This table is a quick reference for determining the range to threat vehicles. Threat vehicles have been grouped, and the sizes of the vehicles have been averaged.
Group 1 (BMP, Tank, BTR, ZSU, OT MT-LB, and TAB)
Target width (mils)	5	4.5	4	3.5	3	2.5	2	1.5	1
Flank 5.5m	1,400	1,600	1,800	2,000	2,300	2,800	3,400	4,600	6,900
Front 3.0m	600	700	800	900	1,000	1,200	1,600	2,000	3,000
Group 2 (BMD and BRDM)
Target width (mils)	5	4.5	4	3.5	3	2.5	2	1.5	1
Flank 5.5m	1,200	1,300	1,400	1,600	1,800	2,200	2,800	3,800	5,500
Front 2.35m	400	500	600	700	800	1,000	1,200	1,600	2,400
Group 3 (HIND-D Helicopters)
Target width (mils)	22.5	20	17.5	15	12.5	10	7.5	5	2.5
Flank 17.255m	800	900	1,000	1,200	1,400	1,800	2,400	3,600	7,000
Target width (mils)	5	4.5	4	3.5	3	2.5	2	1.5	1
Front 6.9m	1,400	1,600	1,800	2,000	2,400	2,800	3,600	4,600	6,900

Table 4-1. Mil Relation for Various Targets.

The known target width (W) is then divided by the mil (m) width; this equals the range (R) factor. Multiply R by 1,000 to determine the target range. For example, a BMP is 6.75 meters long (W). Using binoculars, the vehicle commander determines that a BMP measures 5 mils in length (W ÷ m = R). Substitute the two known values for W and m and round to the nearest tenth (6.75 ÷ 5 = 1.35 = 1.4). Since R is expressed in thousands of meters, multiply by 1,000 (1.4 X 1,000 = 1,400 meters, the range to the BMP).

Table 4-1 shows the results of the computation for threat vehicles at various ranges. Determine the width of the target in mils. The range to the target is listed in the column below the mil measurement. Be sure to use the correct range, depending on whether the vehicle is viewed from the front or flank.

[Lofte]

30 minutes ago, NoelGallagher said:

it seems like it's mils

Right. To find a range you need to know lenght or height of the object. Then use mils formula:

 

Distance (in thousand yards or meters) =  Lenght or width (in yards or meters)/ mils

 

or

 

D = Size/ mils

[ShampooX]

I don't think it's possible to use the binos effectively to do this quickly.  I use the gunsight on max magnification in the gunner seat.  Back in my younger days we followed an unscientific but effective and fast ranging technique for people.  So not tanks, but this is a good example: 100yds see face, 200yds, no face, 300 yards no hands, 400 yards no head, 500 yards no light between legs, 600 yards triangle shape.  Then, already knowing where your scope is dialed, you can do the "hold-off" accordingly. Guaranteed to get rounds on the beaten zone asap.

 

Now for TC I think we can assume the same type of thing.  Not scientific, but I would say these rules apply to a tank presenting a full side 45' profile sight picture, using the German reticle:

 

500 meters: Tank takes up the double size of aiming triangle. All details visible

1000 meters: Tanks just fits inside aiming triangle, Bogeys visible, track not visible.

1500 meters: Bogeys barely visible.

2000 meters: Bogeys and track not discernible from rest of tank, shading variance still visible between upper and lower part of tank: top light/bottom dark

2500 meters: One shade, no discernible details other than profile and barrel

3000 meters: Barrel barely discernible

>3000 meters: Barrel and hull indistinguishable

 

This might help.

Edited November 3, 2021 by ShampooActual
updated better distance ques