Canadian R.E.L. Sniper Scopes & Cases

Research Enterprises was a wartime only manufacturer of optical, electronic, radar equipment etc. for Canada and for Canada’s allies. It was located at the Northern edge of Toronto, Ontario.

Earlier published  research stated that R.E.L. was located in Quebec, but that was incorrect. 

Sniper Scope Models made by R.E.L.

Initially R.E.L. used the same model number as the British, as the early models were authorized copies of the British designs, but Canada soon started to add a “C” prefix (for Canada). Some differences and unique Canadian models appeared. Initially the “C” was inserted retroactively, above the model number, and laterm as apart of the model number.

C No. 32 Mk. I

C No. 32 Mk. IA

C No. 32 Mk. II

C No. 32 Mk. 3

C No. 32 Mk. 4 (later renamed C No. 67 Mk. I)

C No. 67 Mk. I serial number 52-C mounted on rifle 80L8006. the rubber eye shield is turned the wrong way in this photo.
C No. 67 Mk. I serial number 52-C mounted on rifle 80L8006. the rubber eye shield is turned the wrong way in this photo.

CANADIAN EXPERIMENTAL SNIPER RIFLE SCOPES

3.5X

5X

Tropical

AMERICAN SNIPER SCOPES USED BY CANADA

C No. 32 Mk. I TP – Canada also used 350 of custom made American Lyman “Alaskan” scopes due to the slow delivery of scopes from R.E.L. Slow delivery of sniper rifle scopes was a common problem for the UK, Canada and USA. 

Weaver 330 / M73B1 – Canada tested the American Weaver 330 / M73B1 scopes but did not adopt them.

R.E.L. Scopes Cases

C No. 8 Mk. I – Used for the C No. 32 Mk. I, Mk. IA, Mk. 2 and could be iused for the Mk. 3. It could also be used for the British counterparts. 

C No. 8 Mk. 2 – These appear to have been intended for the C No. 32 Mk. 3 scopes. It could also be used for the British counterparts. 

REL CANADA No8 MK2 scope case for C No. 32 MK. 3 scope Colin Stevens' Collection (2) - Case front, top folded b but not secured.
REL CANADA No8 MK2 scope case for C No. 32 MK. 3 scope Colin Stevens’ Collection (2) – Case front, top folded, but not secured.

C No. 18 Mk. I – For the Lyman “Alaskan” “Trade Pattern” scope

Long Branch No. 4 MK.I* (T) Trade Pattern. Two of the 350 sniper rifles built by Canada that were fitted with U.S. made Lyman Alaskan No. 32 TP MK. I scope. Both sets are matching. The two "orphaned" scopes are originals. The upper one is in a Roger Payne replica slide and the bottom one is in an original slide. The scope case C No. 18 MK. I matched the bottom rifle with its scope.
Long Branch No. 4 MK.I* (T) Trade Pattern. Two of the 350 sniper rifles built by Canada that were fitted with U.S. made Lyman Alaskan No. 32 TP MK. I scope. Both sets are matching. The two “orphaned” scopes are originals. The upper one is in a Roger Payne replica slide and the bottom one is in an original slide. The scope case C No. 18 MK. I matched the bottom rifle with its scope.

C No. 19 Mk. I – For the C No. 32 Mk. 4 / C No. 67 Mk. I scope. 

No. 4 Mk. I* (T) 80L8006 with C No 67 Mk I scope 52-C at a rifle range 2018 August.
No. 4 Mk. I* (T) 80L8006 with C No 67 Mk I scope 52-C at a rifle range 2018 August.

CASE FOR EXPERIMENTAL TROPICAL SNIPER SCOPE

 

R.E.L. also made the Telescope, Observing Sniper’s C Mk. I. 

Telescope on tripod stand and the carrying case.
Telescope, Observing, Sniper’s C MK. I Serial number 403-C made by Research Enterprises Limited in Ontario Canada. Typically scope is dated 1944 and the case is dated 1945.