Kowa Rifle Scopes
Hello genethornton3,
I'm new to THR and your inquirey on Kowa rifle scopes is from Jan. 31, 2006. This response is quite a few years from the original posting.
Kowa/Kowa Optomed has produced optics in Japan since the mid-1800's.
Kowa has produced superb medical optics, cameras, and camera lenses for many years; as well as recently producing the highest quality spotting scopes and binoculars.
In the 60's through the 80's Kowa manufactured complete rifle scopes , rifle scope lenses, and rifle scope sub-assemblies for several companies distributing rifle scopes in the United States(Nikon, Bausch & Lomb-Bushnell, Swift, Pentax and others).
During the 60's through the 80's, Kowa manufactured rifle scopes under the Kowa brand name but did not distribute in North America because of contractual agreements with the previously mentioned sports optic companies. Some individuals purchased Kowa labelled rifle scopes overseas and brought them into the United States during the 60's through the 80's.
They are extremely rare in the United States. I own several in 2-3/4x, 4x, 8x, 10x, and 2-1/2 x 7 variable.
The Kowa rifle scopes are as high a quality as Kowa's spotting scopes and Kowa's binoculars(I own a Kowa spotting scope & a Kowa binoculars) The Kowa brand named rifle scopes are equal or better than the best German Zeiss and Hensoldt rifle scopes and the American made Leupold rifle scopes(I own Zeiss, Hensoldt and Leupold rifle scopes).
You'll have to search eBay, gun shows, flea markets, lawn & garage sales to acquire one of these jems.
Good Luck.
