The M1 Sniper Scope is an infrared sighting system used with the special M3 Rifle. The infrared sighting system allows night vision target acquisition. The sniper scope uses an infrared light source to illuminate the target. The infrared light reflected from the target strikes a fluorescent screen in the scope which converts sub-visible infrared light to visible light. These required battery power and a vibrator-type power converter to provide 20,000 lumens for the sight electronics. The sniper scope enabled to fire on targets at night in total darkness with complete surprise unless the enemy had captured infrared equipment which could be used to detect the infrared emitter of the M1 Sniper Scope. These scopes were manufactured during mid to late 1944 and employed in very small numbers. The M1 Sniper scope was the first night vision system used by the US Military and preceded the starlight light amplification technology used in more modern night vision devices.  

M14 rifle with a M1 Night Vision Sniper Scope  attach.

 Selected rifles were used as sniper rifles. These were accursed to assure accuracy and reliability for the sniper in the field. Accuracy and reliability were the hallmarks of the sniper rifle