Or at least, to get a scope built there? The, "entry level" scopes are being built in China (& some in Korea), having fled the US, and even the Philippines. There are certainly more feature-filled scopes being made in China, but Japanese scopes have a far longer track record.

From what I've seen, for a:
* Japanese-built
* 2-10 (or similar) variable
* 40mm or 50mm objective
* Non-Christmas Tree (BDC or #4ish) reticle]
* 1" tube
* < 24 oz

... scope, a shooter will have to pony-up $7-ish bills to get a Tract Toric or a Trijicon Huron. Are there any others in that realm, or is this what the entry fee is these days?

FC

By the end of 1946 it was around 2 trillion and 187,000 casualties. Oh...sorry, I just was reading the title.

How about the Steiner GS3 2-10x42 - 4A #5009? We have it on sale for only $599.99. German optics assembled in CO

The Clearidge Optics Co. has Japanese scopes. I just today received their 3-9 x33 rimfire scope for $219.99. They have a 4.5-14X40 for $329.99 and a 2.4-12.5X42 for $409.99. This is my second Clearidge rimfire scope and I'm very impressed.

Doug: Steiner designed in Germany, made in China, and partially assembled in CO ?

I suspect that is how they are built.

Joe,

I am pretty impressed with some of the stuff Burris is putting out from the Philippines. Just ordered another one for $190.

I’d have a lot of interest in the E1 3-9 with the 3P#4 reticle. Naturally, they’re discontinued. ☹️

FC

My understanding is German optics and assembled in Colorado. The only time China is involved is if Chinese food is ordered in for lunch in Colorado

Zing!

Thanks for the update on the Steiner, Doug.

Well, I have one of the Steiners as Doug mentioned. It is a very nice scope. Was told it was the last one in stock..

Very tempting,

Trijicon Ascent 3-12 or Huron 2.5 -10, 3-9, 3-12.

All made in Japan.

Can be had for <$500 consistently if you shop for deals.

Check out the Crimson Trace scopes being clearanced out on Midway. They are made by LOW in Japan.

Jeez that was funny!

Still In Stock

It will cost you a bit more than $190, but GPO Passion 3x is, I think, a Japanese 1" scope. Doug would know better. I think he carries GPO products.

The new Crimson Trace Brushline and Brushline Pro are hunting scopes made in the Phillipines. I am looking at the Brushline Pro 3-9x50 sitting on my desk in front of me right now. It seems like a perfectly competent inexpensive hunting scope, so I will likely check out a few more as I go along.

ILya

Might not be logical, but I prefer optics designed and spec’d by the company selling them, then sourced to a quality maker, over stuff that’s just sold to them for resale by a supplier. Seems like that would make it easier to keep tabs on the quality. Funny that no Japanese company has come out with their own line, or have I missed it?

Just yesterday I received a Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14X for my Mauser M12 and though not yet mounted it appears to be a quality build with solid optics, definitive adjustments, a useful reticle (Ballistic Plex) and reasonably light for its class. I gave $190 for it. I'll mount it this weekend and take it to the range next week.

Just received this one, have it mounted but not zeroed...It's Chicom but as clear at all power settings like another I have manufactured in the Philippines with great eye relief at the lower to middle end at 3.9 "

Not mounted on a Creed however thought I'd try the reticle since I 've grown to like their E1.. This one seems like an E1..Windplex hybrid...We'll see

Anyone know if the optical market in Japan is similar to the electronics and motorcycle market? Stuff available that never reaches the U.S. I wonder what spotting scopes are available. I seem to recall they have very active birding groups.

I’ve spent time in Japan looking at spotters. I did see lots of brands not available in the US but Kowa is still king there and rightfully so. Other than that it’s the standard alpha glass options. Pricing is no advantage, same or less on sale in the US IME.