Schmidt & Bender
Schmidt & Bender is a privately held German manufacturer of premium precision riflescopes, founded in 1957 in Biebertal, serving hunting, sport-shooting, and military/defence end markets worldwide through an authorized-dealer network and direct defence sales.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1957
- HeadquartersBebertal Zwei, Germany
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Schmidt & Bender does
Schmidt & Bender GmbH & Co. KG is a privately held German manufacturer of premium precision riflescopes (Zielfernrohre), headquartered at Am Grossacker 42, 35444 Biebertal, Germany. Founded in 1957 by Helmut Schmidt and Helmut Bender, the company remains family-controlled through managing directors Sabine Bender-Gerlach and Karlheinz Gerlach. Its core products are high-end optical riflescopes serving three end markets: hunting (Jagd), sport/competition shooting (Sport), and defence/military (Defence). Key product lines include the Meta series for hunting and sport, the CM II High Performance and PM II lines for competition, and specialized PM II/PM II High Power models for tactical/military use. Technical differentiation rests on proprietary turret innovations (Posicon, MTC, ZC, SZC, LT) and an extensive in-house reticle library (SBX, SBX-S, GR²ID, Tremor3/5, MDR, LRR-MIL, and others), with performance claims including adjustment ranges exceeding 40 mrad and operational temperature ratings to -40°C.
The company operates an exclusive global authorized-dealer distribution model, with EXW (Ex Works) shipments from Biebertal, and supplements this with a direct sales function for defence and government customers. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of riflescopes starting at €3,590 for entry SKUs, with secondary revenue from warranty service, out-of-warranty repair, and turret retrofitting services. The company supports its installed base with a 10-year manufacturer warranty (extendable to 12 years via product registration), 20-year spare-parts availability guarantee, and 2-year warranty on electronic components. Differentiators include German handcrafted manufacturing, 65+ years of optical-engineering heritage, ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification, and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) customs clearance status (DE AEOC 108919). Marketing relies on a content-rich website, dealer network, trade-show presence, and email newsletter delivered through Brevo, with a strategic educational partnership with Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen supporting talent development in precision optics.
Schmidt & Bender firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Schmidt & Bender
- Legal name
- Schmidt & Bender GmbH & Co. KG
- Website
- https://schmidtundbender.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1957
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Schmidt & Bender is a privately held German manufacturer of premium precision riflescopes, founded in 1957 in Biebertal, serving hunting, sport-shooting, and military/defence end markets worldwide through an authorized-dealer network and direct defence sales.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Schmidt & Bender industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Precision Optical Equipment (Riflescopes)
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Optics & Sighting Devices Retail (Scopes, Binoculars, Rangefinders) (CRAMAKAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Hunting Accessories & Field Gear Retail (Calls, Decoys, Blinds, Game Cameras) (CRAMAKAE), Hunting, Shooting Sports & Archery Retail (CRAMABAK), Shooting Sports Equipment Retail (Targets, Clay, Range Gear, Hearing/Eye Protection) (CRAMAKAG)
Keywords
Where Schmidt & Bender is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bebertal Zwei
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Schmidt & Bender business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Riflescope Sales: Sale of premium riflescopes for hunting, sport shooting, and military/defence applications through authorized dealer network worldwide.
- Repair and Service: Warranty repairs, out-of-warranty repairs, and turret conversion/retrofitting services for Schmidt & Bender riflescopes.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | 3-18x42 Meta (1. BE) - Starting price |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Warranty - 10 year manufacturer warranty |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Schmidt & Bender product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Schmidt & Bender is a premium German manufacturer of precision riflescopes (Zielfernrohre) handcrafted in Biebertal, Germany. The company designs, engineers, and produces optical sighting systems across three distinct product lines for hunting (Jagd), sport/competition shooting (Sport), and tactical/military applications (Defence), complemented by proprietary turret systems, reticle designs, and a turret retrofit service. All products are distributed through a global authorized dealer network with direct sales support available for defence customers.
Product overview
Schmidt & Bender is a German premium manufacturer of precision riflescopes founded in 1957, operating across three market segments: Hunting (Jagd), Sport (Competition), and Defence. The product portfolio centers on precision riflescopes with various magnification ranges and configurations. Key product lines include: the Meta series (3-18x42 Meta 1. BE and 2. BE) for hunting and sport applications; the Polar T96 and Stratos lines for specialized hunting; the PM II series (including Ultra Short and High Power variants) for sport and competition; and the CM II High Performance models (6-36x56 and 10-60x56) for competitive long-range shooting. Supporting the core riflescopes are specialized turret systems (ASV II, Posicon CT, DT II+, MT II) offering various adjustment ranges and locking mechanisms, plus multiple reticle options (A7, SBX-S, MDR, GR²ID, Tremor3, etc.). The company also offers turret retrofit services and provides a comprehensive warranty program including 20-year spare parts availability. All products are handcrafted in Germany at the Biebertal facility.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- 3-18x42 Meta (1. BE) Premium riflescope combining modern technology with proven functionality and distinctive design, suitable for both hunters and sport shooters. Features 3-18x magnification with 30mm tube diameter and multiple turret configurations including SBX-S reticle.
- 3-18x42 Meta (2. BE) Second-generation Meta riflescope with enhanced turret options including ASV II LT and ASV II-B LT configurations, Posicon adjustment system, and Sub-Zero Click capability.
- 3-12x54 Polar T96 Hunting riflescope featuring the Polar T96 reticle and Posicon turret system, designed for use in bright outdoor conditions.
- 6-36x56 CM II High Performance High-performance competition riflescope serving as a new benchmark for dynamic and static long-range shooting, with optical performance exceeding the 5-25x56 PM II. Features over 40 mrad internal adjustment range.
- 10-60x56 CM II High Performance Extended magnification range competition riflescope with MT II and DT II+ turret options, designed for precision and extreme long-range sport shooting.
- 5-25x56 PM II Iconic PM II riflescope widely used in competition and tactical applications, featuring DT and ST turret configurations.
- 3-20x50 PM II Ultra Short Compact PM II model with ultra-short design, offering 27 or 35 mrad adjustment range with MTC locking turret options and multiple reticle choices.
- 5-20x50 PM II Ultra Short Ultra-short PM II variant with 50mm objective lens, designed for compact mounting configurations while maintaining high optical quality.
- 3-27x56 PM II High Power High-power PM II model with 3-27x magnification and 56mm objective, featuring DT II+ MTC LT and ST II ZC LT turret options.
- 5-45x56 PM II High Power High-power variant with 5-45x magnification range, featuring GR²ID reticle and advanced turret configurations for extended range applications.
- Klassik Line Classic riflescope line with Klassik CT (Capped Turret) adjustment system, available in various magnification configurations including 3-12x42, 3-12x50, and 4-16x50.
- Zenith Line Premium hunting riflescope line featuring Posicon turret system with color-coded adjustment indicators, available in multiple configurations including 3-12x50.
- 1-8x24 Exos (TMR) Compact 1-8x24 riflescope with TMR reticle, featuring ASV II LT and Posicon CT turret options with Sub-Zero Click functionality, rated to -40°C for tactical applications.
- Stratos Line Hunting riflescope line with interchangeable turret options, designed for versatile field applications.
- Turret Retrofit Service Service offering to retrofit existing Schmidt & Bender riflescopes with modern turret systems, including options for Exos, Polar T96, Stratos, Klassik, Zenith, PM II, PM II Ultra Short, and PM II High Power lines.
- Warranty Program Lifetime satisfaction guarantee on riflescope performance, including 20-year spare parts availability, 10-year manufacturer warranty (extendable to 12 years via product registration), and 2-year warranty on electronic components.
Quantifiable outcome
- 6-36x56 CM II High Performance optical performance significantly exceeds the iconic 5-25x56 PM II
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Schmidt & Bender
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Schmidt & Bender technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature7 records
Schmidt & Bender partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM)coreStudy-Plus partnership supporting education and research initiatives. Schmidt & Bender collaborates with THM in the areas of education and research, contributing to the development of future talent in the optical and precision engineering fields.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Schmidt & Bender competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Sig Sauer Electro-Optics: Division of Sig Sauer offering riflescopes, rangefinders, and binoculars across hunting, sport, and tactical segments. Broad incumbent competitor with strong North American military presence, competing with Schmidt & Bender across multiple price tiers.
Direct peers
- Carl Zeiss Sports Optics (Zeiss): German manufacturer of premium hunting and sport riflescopes under the Conquest and V8/V6 lines. Direct competitor with comparable German engineering heritage, premium price positioning, and overlapping hunting and sport segments.
- Vortex Optics: US premium/mid-tier riflescope and optic maker (Razor, Viper, Strike Eagle lines) competing across hunting, sport, and tactical segments. Comparable on product breadth and dealer distribution model; Schmidt & Bender competes more on premium tier while Vortex spans entry to premium.
- Nightforce Optics: US-based premium manufacturer of tactical and competition riflescopes (NX8, ATACR, BEAST lines). Direct peer in long-range/competition optics and a major competitor in the defence/tactical segment alongside Schmidt & Bender's PM II and CM II platforms.
- Leica Sport Optics: Premium German manufacturer of riflescopes (Magnus, PRS, Fortis lines) for hunting and competition shooting. Highly comparable on premium positioning, German manufacturing, and target audience of discerning hunters and long-range shooters.
- Trijicon: US-based manufacturer of advanced riflescopes, red dot sights, and night vision used by military forces and law enforcement. Direct peer in the defence/tactical riflescope segment with comparable military and law enforcement customer base.
- Swarovski Optik: Austrian premium manufacturer of riflescopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes serving the same hunting, sport shooting, and nature observation segments. Closest direct competitor to Schmidt & Bender given shared European premium positioning, handcrafted optics, and overlap across hunting and long-range sport lines.
Emerging players
- March Scopes (Deon Optical Design): Japanese high-end riflescope brand widely used in F-Class and long-range competition. Comparable niche positioning to Schmidt & Bender's competition/CM II line, though smaller scale and focus on competition over defence.
- US Optics: US manufacturer of precision tactical and competition riflescopes targeting ELR and PRS shooters. Comparable in long-range precision tier and overlap with Schmidt & Bender's CM II and PM II High Power ranges.
- Maven Optics: US direct-to-consumer premium optics brand rapidly scaling in hunting and long-range sport segments. Emerging competitor at premium tier with a more digitally native distribution model challenging the traditional dealer-led approach of Schmidt & Bender.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Schmidt & Bender social profiles
Digital presenceSchmidt & Bender compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Schmidt & Bender financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Schmidt & Bender leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Schmidt & Bender funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Schmidt & Bender M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Schmidt & Bender
What does Schmidt & Bender do?
Schmidt & Bender is a premium German manufacturer of precision riflescopes (Zielfernrohre) handcrafted in Biebertal, Germany. The company designs, engineers, and produces optical sighting systems across three distinct product lines for hunting (Jagd), sport/competition shooting (Sport), and tactical/military applications (Defence), complemented by proprietary turret systems, reticle designs, and a turret retrofit service. All products are distributed through a global authorized dealer network with direct sales support available for defence customers.
Is Schmidt & Bender a public or private company?
Schmidt & Bender is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Schmidt & Bender founded?
Schmidt & Bender was founded in 1957. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Schmidt & Bender based?
Schmidt & Bender is headquartered in Bebertal Zwei, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Schmidt & Bender make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Riflescope Sales are the primary driver. The others are repair and Service.
Who are Schmidt & Bender's main competitors?
Sig Sauer Electro-Optics is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Carl Zeiss Sports Optics (Zeiss), Vortex Optics, Nightforce Optics, Leica Sport Optics, Trijicon and Swarovski Optik. Emerging players are March Scopes (Deon Optical Design), US Optics and Maven Optics.
Does Schmidt & Bender have an API?
No public API is recorded for Schmidt & Bender.
What industry is Schmidt & Bender in?
Schmidt & Bender's product category is Precision Optical Equipment (Riflescopes). Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAKAC, Optics & Sighting Devices Retail (Scopes, Binoculars, Rangefinders), with a secondary code of CRAMAKAE, Hunting Accessories & Field Gear Retail (Calls, Decoys, Blinds, Game Cameras). Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3827.