nikon , pentax, and burris, I put all in the same class. very good scopes, will work easily for anyone, good for the seasoned hunting pro, a benchrester, a 22 dude, or a total newb. the nikon and pentax both have no questions, lifetime warranties, and you get a darn good scope, at a very reasonable price. Not sure on the wrrty situation with burris, though I like their glass, and their reticle choices.
As for where a scope is made; generally speaking, getting some type of optical anything made in japan, should be super good, proly a notch below german or such. Why? becuase Japan has very strict laws and standards for things like scopes , cameras, telescopes, etc., and has to pass rigorous inspection , both privately and then by government agencies. That is why their cameras outrocked everybodies, from the 60's through the 90's it seems. Now I don't know if they still have to be checked
by differing agencies, but I can't imagine Japan letting their reputation for optics, engineering and glassmaking,
to go to hell's bathroom. that is why anytime I go to a gunshow, I look for a Tasco, about 30 to 40 years old, with hi polish, and very nice ring ens, good clear lettering, and finish work on them. Look for 2 things, Japan, molded somewhere into the occular bell, and a small little goldor silver colored stamp shaped like a football on them, about 1/4 the size of a raisin, this is the quality control govt., stamp that is put on them.
I buy those scopes, whether I need them or not.
