Whatever became of Redfield?

[jski]

I know that Redfield is now owned by Leupold. But way back when I was a wee pup, the Redfield Widefield was as well regarded as a Leupold. Are they now the "Schwinn" of the gun world, a cheaply manufactured (in China) discount scope sold at low-end megastores, e.g., WalMart?

 

[LoonWulf]

Redfields Revolutions are made in the us (at least as far as i know), the Revenge is made in the Philippines.
Ive handled and used, but never owned any of the new redfield optics. Ive found them to be pretty good over all, and quite good for the cost.

 

[VoodooMountain]

My resfiels revenge is probably my least favorite scope of the 8 or so I have in that price range

It just doesn't compete well from what I've seen with my eyes .

The VX1's I have are far superior to my eyes

I'll check when I get home but I thought remembered seeing a China or Philippine sticker when I bought it

 

[Bartojc]

My Revolution was made in the US, or at least assembled here. It a decent scope for the price. I'd put it on par or slightly below the VX-1. I also have a VX-1 on a hunting rifle and I think it is slightly better glass.

-jeff

 

[jonc]

I love my revolution 2-7. I also have a vx3i and vari x iii

 

[22250Rem]

Bought a new Redfield Revolution 4-12x 40mm with the Accu-Range reticle and it's been great. Made in USA.... but I bought it in 2011 and don't know what the story is on them nowadays but from this thread I'm thinking they may still be made here. E.T.A..... Just checked the Midway USA web site... That same model of scope is still available and it even states "Made In The United States" in the information section on it.

 

[jmr40]

The Redfield Revolution IS the same scope as the now discontinued Leupold Rifleman. And and the Rifleman WAS the same scope as the old VX-1 but with fewer options available. By older VX-1 I mean those made prior to 2012. The VX-1's made 2012 until they were discontinued were upgraded. They didn't upgrade the Rifleman nor Redfield. Neither was a bad scope for the money when introduced, but after Leupold upgraded the VX-1 and kept it at the same price point it was hard to recommend the Rifleman or Redfield for the same money. The VX-1 and VX-2 have been replaced with something else, the name eludes me at the moment. Time will tell if it is any good.

I have no experience with the Revenge. But know it is Asian made and it doesn't have a good reputation.

The old Redfields were good scopes in their day. But optics have come so far in such a short time that a $200 budget scope today is a better option than most of the high end stuff made prior to the 1990's.

 

[Skylerbone]

The VX-1 and VX-2 have been replaced with something else, the name eludes me at the moment. Time will tell if it is any good.

Now the VX-Freedom line. I hope to give a range report if it ever stops snowing here or if the range keeper ever plows the road. My initial impression is I’m gonna miss the VX-2s and perhaps stray to another brand before buying another VX-3. The past few years were a magical time for optics values from Leupold, Zeiss, and a few others who gave us our money’s worth and then some. By contrast I’m not half as impressed with this year’s values.

 

[cdb1]

Now the VX-Freedom line. I hope to give a range report if it ever stops snowing here or if the range keeper ever plows the road. My initial impression is I’m gonna miss the VX-2s and perhaps stray to another brand before buying another VX-3. The past few years were a magical time for optics values from Leupold, Zeiss, and a few others who gave us our money’s worth and then some. By contrast I’m not half as impressed with this year’s values.

I’m with you big guy. The Terra isn’t as good as the Conquest to my eyes. When Leupold went from VX-3 to VX-3i I personally don’t believe they made it any better but they certainly didn’t make them any worse. The Freedom from what I can tell isn’t as good as a VX-2 but better than a VX-1.

 

[Laphroaig]

My first exposure to Redfield scopes goes back to the mid-1960's. My Dad thought that they were the best scopes, and bought a 3x9 in 1962 or 63. He bought a 2x7 for me in 1964. His cost $99 and mine $95, which was a ton of money in those days.

If I recall, the Redfield variables were one of, if not the first, to use second focal plane. That allowed the cross hairs to remain the same thickness as the power was increased. The glass was clear and the optics held zero. My Dad had a problem with his after many years. Redfield wouldn't replace it, but gave him a discount on a 2x7 Widefield. I still have that scope, but don't think its of the same quality as the originals.

I also still have my 2x7, and hunted with it until last year. It never failed me in any way. Its still crystal clear, but has a slight sepia tint in the glass. I put it on my dad's old M88 Winchester that I still plan to hunt with from time to time.

 

[greyling22]

Redfield got into trouble with the EPA for dumping chemicals in a river or something back in the 70s(?), went under, got sold around a few times as a name, quality tanked, reputation was tarnished / ruined, then Leupold bought them to be a budget brand.

 

[Moparnut]

I have 2 Redfields, both are Revolution models. 1 is a 2-7x33 and 1 is a 3-9x40. They are mounted on 30-30s. Both have held zero well and seem to be good scopes imho. The Revolution models say designed, machined and assembled in the USA. The Revenge models were/are made in the Philippines. The (newer) Redfields seem to be on closeout in a lot of stores as of late. I like others think that Leupold "muddied the waters," somewhat, by having so many options in or around the same price range.

Anyway, I personally thought the Revolution models were better than the Rifleman and at least as good, if not better than, the VX1. I would not hesitate to buy one of the Revolution models again.