Chinese 4x24 scope for the NDM-86 Type-79 and Type-85 sniper rifles.
Not a lot is known about the history of these Chinese scopes. There appear to be at least 2 types (Type JJJ and RS-101) and 5 variations though any differences are subtle. The five variations are:
Type-79 JJJ 
Type-85-JJJ 
Type-85 RS101 
RS101 
No Type
The factory NDM-86 rifle owner's manual refers to the scope as the Type-JJJ. However the factory scope manual refers to it as the Type-1985 scope. It's not clear why there are two designations for the same scope. There are also "export" versions of this scope which do not have any Chinese writing on them and come with manuals in English. Optical factory 833 is the manufacturer of all these scopes.
Chinese 1985 Type-JJJ 4x24 scope (manufactured by factory 833) with infra-red detector and battery-powered illuminated reticle.
This is the standard scope that comes on Chinese Norinco NDM-86 Dragunov rifles. It has 4 power magnification with a 24mm objective lens diameter. This means what you see at 25 yards with the naked eye will appear the same size at 100 yards through this scope. The exit pupil measurement is 6mm (24\4=6). To clearly see a target in normal sunlight the human eye only needs 4mm of light transfer through a scope, so this scope's 6mm exit pupil will be sufficiently bright for good weather daylight operations.
The round infra-red charging screen is visible on the right. The IR detection device is an interesting though basically useless feature on all Chinese Type-79 and 85 scopes. To test it, charge the screen in the "up" position (this is the off position with the screen rotated up so you can see through the scope) in the sunlight for at least 20 minutes (if your scope has been stored out of the sunlight). You can also charge it under a bright light bulb. After exposing it to light put the scope in the transit box or somewhere out of the light for at least 2 hours. It is now ready to use. Rotate the IR screen down and aim the scope at an IR source, usually a TV remove control or a video camera with night vision will work.
The elevation turret has no detent for the 1 or 2 setting, allowing the turret to shift from the recoil of the rifle. This means after repeated shooting your scope may lose zero if you have it "set" at the 1 or 2 position.
This is an "export" model Type-JJJ Chinese scope as equiped on the NDM-86 in 7.62x51 NATO. All writing is in English. The scope's serial number will match the one stamped on the side of the buttstock (but not the receiver). This scope is functionally identical to the one equipped with the 7.62x54R NDM-86, including the bullet drop compensator.
This is the military scope which came on very few imported NDM-86s in 7.62x54R. All writing is in Chinese. Model is Type 1985-JJJ.
Windage turret also known as the deflection drum. It has a scale of 10 mils in each direction. Each click is one mil. The center "screw" should not be touched and is only used to remove the turret body for repair. The two silver screws are loosened (not removed) to unlock the numbered scale on the side of the turret drums.
Elevation turret also known as the range adjustment drum. Its scale ring is numbered 0 - 1000. It is also a bullet drop compensator.
The Chinese scopes use two small SR44 silver oxide batteries to light the reticle. You can use one 3 volt 2L76 lithium battery (same one used in Aimpoint red dot sights) or two 1.5 volt A76 button cell batteries.
Chinese 3 volt bulb. Your NDM-86 should have come with 2 spares in your scope's metal transit case.
The scope's rangefinding reticle is calibrated to a target 1.7 meters tall. This is roughly 5 feet 7 inches tall and is the military standard for "combloc" optics. The reticle is very faint but sharp and is much harder to see compared to Russian versions. When the reticle is lit it glows a very dim greenish white. You will need to be in total darkness to see the reticle light up. The quality of the lenses are quite good. I've found this scope to be brighter and show true colors better than Russian equivalent PSO-1 scopes.
The green steel transit case. These contain the scope, two styles of rubber eye shock covers, cleaning kit, small screw driver, and wooden box of spare parts. Sometimes a heavy-duty iron sight adjuster tool is also stored inside. The metal case is wrapped with a green canvas carry strap. Inside the wooden box of spares are two bulbs, a rubber switch cover, lens cleaning "velveteen" cloth, and lens brush.
The outside of the lid generally has the scope's model type, the manufacturer's "name" (Factory 833), and the scope's serial number.
Below is an early Type 1979 scope case. The writing says in simplified Chinese that this box contains a scope for the Type 79 sniper rifle. These are the original scopes for the Chinese Type-79 Dragunov rifle. The scope was later updated in 1985 and the rifle model changed to the Type-85 sniper rifle.
Note that the battery housing cover is longer and the bulb brass base is smaller on this early Type-1979 scope. Writing on the side is Chinese for "On" and "Off".
Original Chinese manuals for the early Type 79 rifle scope.
Type79 scope version with English writing. Photo by "Holescreek".