Nikon quit making scopes ?

[Oldbrass]

Nikon quit making scopes, AARG! What rock have I been under and how can this be? The go to optic for the budget minded deer Hunter and weekend target shooter. I have a 4x on a savage mark II and a 3-9x40 prostaff on a beater 7-08(it's a shooter). These are great scopes, OK enuf I just went on Amazon and bought a 3-9X40 Buckmaster II just because they'll all be gone soon.

[JEBar]

several of us were sad to see Nikon get out of the rifle scope business .... all of the scopes we have now are Nikons and I literally have no clue what brand(s) I'd look for if/when I should need another one

[Team Roper]

It ticked me off too when I heard they quit making scopes. I'll hang onto mine.

[North Country Gal]

I'm one of those whose go to brand was Nikon. My other brand has always been Leupold, but I've always maintained I got more for my optics dollar with Nikon. In the past, I used a lot of TC pistol scopes and those are gone, too.

Also, note that Weaver is no longer in the scope business, though they still make mounts and you may still find some left over stock for sale on some websites. If you do, know that you'll have no option with Weaver if you need a repair. Weaver is owned by the same parent company that owns Bushnell, Tasco and Simmons. If you call Weaver, you'll get directed to Bushnell CS.

[Sir Henry]

I think Leupold is a better scope but not for the same dollar. Nikon was like getting Leupold quality at Tasso prices for me.

NCG is the one that told me about Nikon. I don’t think I would have bought enough any if she hadn’t.

[Vaquero]

I have several Nikons, Love 'em, I have recently bought a couple Vortex, and have been pretty happy.
Especially the 1-4x24 I have on the 41 BBS.

RP

[Rifletom]

I'm one of those whose go to brand was Nikon. My other brand has always been Leupold, but I've always maintained I got more for my optics dollar with Nikon. In the past, I used a lot of TC pistol scopes and those are gone, too.

Also, note that Weaver is no longer in the scope business, though they still make mounts and you may still find some left over stock for sale on some websites. If you do, know that you'll have no option with Weaver if you need a repair. Weaver is owned by the same parent company that owns Bushnell, Tasco and Simmons. If you call Weaver, you'll get directed to Bushnell CS.

Weaver made good, quality scopes once. I still have three, all have"Japan" stamped on them and they are very good scopes.
Just another business that didn't last on it's own. Don't know where they're made now, if even made. Too bad.

[North Country Gal]

As someone who has worked in the optical industry, I especially mourn the loss of Nikon riflescopes. You can count on the fingers of one hand scope makers who make scopes in their own factories and even even fewer who make their own lenses. Nikon was one of them. Even their products made outside of Japan are made in Nikon factories managed by Nikon staff. That optical production capability is what made Nikon scopes the best bang for the buck in terms of optical quality.

Leupold is another brand with their own factory in Beaverton, Or, but because there are no lens makers operating in the U.S., anymore, Leupold has to import lenses to stay in business. It's why Leupold can no longer claim their scopes are made in the U.S.A., only assembled in the U.S.A.

Burris is still operating out of Greeley, Co, but the company is now owned by the same parent company that owns Beretta, Steiner and other companies and their current scopes are made mostly in the Philippines.

Weaver is owned by the same parent company that now owns Bushnell, Tasco and Simmons and it was decided that having Weaver continue to make scopes was pointless, so no more Weaver scopes. It's been many decades, now, since Weaver was making scopes in El Paso.

Keep in mind that almost all of those familiar brands of riflescopes and binoculars are made on a contract basis with wholesale optical houses in the Far East. As such, there has never been a Bushnell, Tasco, Simmons, Vortex and so on factory with those names. It's no coincidence that a lot of products with different brand labels look so similar. It's because they are being made in the same optical houses on contract for various brands.

Not that all of these contract brands are the same. Some, such as Bushnell and Vortex have the financial resources to contract the degree of QC and exclusive features. A great many brands, though, simply select products from the optical house's menu and have their label slapped on their product.

[Cofisher]

NCG, you are a continuing source of education for me. Thank you for your well thought out and presented information.

I went to Leupold for my scope based on your input. After learning of Nikon Ceasing their production and warranty concerns. May still buy one if the circumstances are right.

Again, thank you.

[North Country Gal]

You are very welcome, Cofisher. I'm keeping my eyes open for Nikons, too, warranty or no warranty.

[Hatchdog]

I'm one of those whose go to brand was Nikon. My other brand has always been Leupold, but I've always maintained I got more for my optics dollar with Nikon. In the past, I used a lot of TC pistol scopes and those are gone, too.

Also, note that Weaver is no longer in the scope business, though they still make mounts and you may still find some left over stock for sale on some websites. If you do, know that you'll have no option with Weaver if you need a repair. Weaver is owned by the same parent company that owns Bushnell, Tasco and Simmons. If you call Weaver, you'll get directed to Bushnell CS.

That’s too bad Weaver going out of business. I put their Classic 4X on my Marlin 39-A and it’s the perfect size for that rifle and has a nice clean look. Lately I’ve been buying the Leupold Freedom line of scoped and I am very impressed with how clear the lens are. I have a few Nikons currently and have had a few more in the past and they all have been excellent. Too bad to see them go.

[North Country Gal]

I agree on the Leupold Freedom line. We have several of the rimfire versions. The Freedom line is helping us to recover from the loss of the Nikons.

[Team Roper]

I agree on the Leupold Freedom line. We have several of the rimfire versions. The Freedom line is helping us to recover from the loss of the Nikons.

I wanted one of those Freedoms but my friendly Fins, Feather, Furs store , can't keep them in stock long enough. They are gone as soon as they hit the shelf. The word must be out.

[Cleveraction]

Hi all! Ordering a scope for my first Henry and wanted to share that Cabelas does have some Monarch 5's on sale for 399 (100 off). But, in the reviews it is mentioned that if you have to send it to Nikon they are not fixing them/replacing them but give you a Nikon credit good for other merch. instead. Not super helpful if you want a scope. I did look at the VXi-3 too and was leaning that way; however I have had really good luck with my Vanguard binos and found that they also have some pretty good sales going on and decided to try them. For a wee bit less ($60) then the Leupold I get 4 extra mills of objective, a bit more magnification, illuminated reticle (new to me, but heck I am getting old), and rings thrown in. I will check it out and report back. Glad to be here and looking forward to my new 30-30 getting here soon!

[North Country Gal]

Thanks for the heads up. May check out the Cabela's sale.

[Sir Henry]

Natchez also has limited Nikon scopes left.