Just saw them on the Bushnell site yesterday. Made in South Korea.
https://www.bushnell.com/search?q=4500&search-button=&lang=default
Why couldn’t they have tacked another $100 on them and had them made by LOW in Japan?
Looks to me like they somewhat came to their senses. Lots of people buying up the used ones for sure.
I like my LOW made 4200’s.
DF
Which of the other elites were LOW made?
The South Korean Bushnell Scopes have been very good. Mostly Banners and the newer Primes? I will give the 4x16 a try. More eye relief is good. 4.3 inches compared to 3.3 for the older version.
Not a 4500 but my old 3500 is just fine...
IIRC, the 3200 was Philippine. Where is the 3500 made?
DF
I have 12 japanese elites,4200,4500,6500.
DF, my 3500 says Japan...
The 3000/3200 and 4000/4200 scopes were all made in Japan. The 3500 3-9x40 and 4-12x40 that I have were made in Japan. These were all made before Bushnell dropped the Elite line for the Primes.
Thanks for that clarification.
I examined a friend's Bushnell Limited Edition. At least they didn't call it an Elite. Here, compared with a 4200 Elite. IIRC, the Limited Edition is Chicom.
Both 3-9x40, the Limited had a side parallax adjustment. Glass was pretty close, Limited was a bit heavier and slightly longer.
DF
All the 3200/4200-3500/4500 were Japan made,though they may have made a 3200/3-9x40/side focus that was Chinese…
They didn't label the Limited Edition as 3200/3500, 4200/4500, or Elite.
I don't know if it's still an item, just saw this one.
It compared favorably with the 4200, just heavier. And, had the side focus. Glass quality about a wash. Wouldn't surprise me if the lenses came from the same source.
When they say glass is from the "Pacific Rim", could be from anywhere in that area. Even American made (assembled) Leupold reportedly gets their glass from somewhere like that. I understand that there aren't but a few glass manufacturers, supplying a number of scope makers..
DF
I'm not trying ti be negative here, but from looking at the 4500 Elite 2.5x10x40, it looks like 20 ounces is the new "light weight" for this power range of scope. RJ
Thanks for that clarification.
I examined a friend's Bushnell Limited Edition. At least they didn't call it an Elite. Here, compared with a 4200 Elite. IIRC, the Limited Edition is Chicom.
Both 3-9x40, the Limited had a side parallax adjustment. Glass was pretty close, Limited was a bit heavier and slightly longer.
DF
DF; I picked up a Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 3-9x40 a few years ago for use on a .22lr after owning a couple 4200’s. I knew the Legend was a chicom but the side focus down to 10 yards was enough for me to try it out. It’s exceeded expectations. Other than the power ring being different the rest of it looks very similar to the Limited Edition you posted, especially the turrets. Possible the LE is just a tweaked Ultra HD.
Chicoms can make decent stuff, if you're willing to pay for it.
They're good at making lesser stuff for a specific price point.
This whole Chicom mess is all about money and profit. But, that's what makes the world turn, capitalism at its best.
DF
Are these available any where? Seems to only be on bushnell website
Weaver and Bushnell are the same parent company. Scopes are being made under the Weaver label now and offered as Natchez Exclusives. They too are made in Korea based on what a member said in a previous thread. I wonder how closely these are related to the Weavers.
Just say NO to chicom anything. Mass murderers. They killed John Prine.
I had a Elite 4200 I used with my suppressed .44 mag "hog rifle", and liked it. Later replaced it with a EOTech and EOTech magnifier, so it is mow am "extra". waiting to be needed on some other rifle.
Mike Holmes
I have a Jap Elite 4200 3-9x40 . Its a great scope but on a rifle that I rarely use. I paid about $230 for it on the classifieds NIB. Pretty nice scope.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if I needed a scope.