As a shooting enthusiast or an avid hunter, choosing the right riflescope can significantly impact your experience in the field. The market is saturated with a plethora of brands, which makes it a bit overwhelming particularly for novices in this sphere. Among the line-up of brands, Academy Sports + Outdoors, commonly known as Academy, has carved a niche with their Redfield scopes. A burning question on the minds of several enthusiasts, however, revolves around the manufacturing origin of these scopes. If that’s you, look no further. This comprehensive blog post is aimed at shedding light on this topic.
Understanding Redfield Scopes
Understanding the origin of a product often involves a brief dive into its background. The history of Redfield scopes paints a picture of a product line that has experienced growth, evolution, and a series of acquisitions.
Redfield, an American company, was a reputable player in the optics market since its inception. In the late 1990s, the company ran into financial problems, leading to its subsequent acquisition by Meade Instruments in 2008. However, Meade later sold Redfield’s brand name to another heavy-hitter in the optics industry, Leupold & Stevens, in 2008.
Production of Redfield Scopes
So where are Redfield scopes manufactured now? Well, since Leupold & Stevens took over, there have been changes in the production location for the Redfield scopes. While under the original Redfield company, the creation of these optics was done largely in the U.S.
Manufacturing Under Leupold & Stevens
After the acquisition, Leupold & Stevens began the manufacture of Redfield scopes within the US. Leupold & Stevens have always been renowned for producing quality scopes, and their manufacturing operations are based in Beaverton, Oregon. However, this only applies to some Redfield scopes. More often than not, these are the high-end models which require meticulous attention to detail, a trait synonymous with Leupold & Stevens.
Global Manufacture of Redfield Scopes
Not all Redfield scopes are made in the U.S. The brand, under Leupold & Stevens, decided to outsource the production of some of their scopes to cater to the varying needs and budgets of their customers. The aim was to deliver more cost-effective products that maintain a high level of quality.
As such, several Redfield scopes are manufactured in different parts of the world, predominantly in Asia. These scopes still uphold high standards of quality and reliability. Nonetheless, precision, durability, and overall performance of these scopes may be slightly lower compared to their U.S. manufactured counterparts.
A Peek into Redfield Scopes Quality
Whether they are made in the U.S. or globally, Redfield scopes are renowned for their superior craftsmanship and top-tier optics. They are characterized by impressive light transmission, sustainable ruggedness, waterproof capabilities, and shock resistance, all vital elements for outdoor, shooting, and hunting expeditions.
U.S Manufactured Redfield Scopes
As mentioned earlier, U.S manufactured Redfield scopes are considered high-end models. They exhibit exceptional clarity, precision, and durability, thus suitable for various demanding outdoor environments. Their performances are top-notch, making them ideal for serious hunters and shooting experts who require advanced features and superior functionality.
Globally Manufactured Redfield Scopes
Although marketed as a more affordable range, globally manufactured Redfield Scopes still maintain an admirable level of quality. They offer good performance, clear optics, and durable construction that can withstand regular use. These models provide great value for those on a tighter budget or novices who are just venturing into the world of shooting and hunting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Redfield scopes’ manufacturing location is mainly determined by their product classification. High-end models are produced in the U.S, specifically in Oregon, whereas more affordable ranges are globally manufactured, chiefly in Asia. Regardless of the manufacturing location, one thing that continues to stand out about Redfield scopes is their commitment to excellent quality and durable construction, making them a worthy addition to any shooting or hunting arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Redfield scopes still made by Leupold?
Yes, Redfield scopes are currently manufactured by Leupold & Stevens, a renowned American optics company. Leupold acquired Redfield in 2008, and since then, they have been responsible for producing and maintaining the Redfield brand.
2. Does Academy own Redfield scopes?
No, Academy Sports + Outdoors does not own Redfield scopes. Redfield is a separate brand owned and operated by Leupold & Stevens.
3. What rifle scopes are made in the USA?
Several rifle scopes are manufactured in the USA. Some notable brands that produce scopes domestically include Leupold, Nightforce Optics, Trijicon, Vortex Optics, Burris, and Zeiss. These companies have facilities in the United States and adhere to stringent quality standards.
4. What happened to Redfield optics?
Redfield Optics was once an independent company known for its quality scopes. However, due to financial difficulties, Redfield declared bankruptcy in the late 1990s. It was later acquired by Leupold & Stevens in 2008, becoming a subsidiary of the larger optics company. Leupold has since reinvigorated the Redfield brand and continued producing Redfield scopes.