Rifle Scopes is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

NBK-YOTIE

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Minuteman
Jun 27, 2010
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monmouth il. usa
ive been hearing leupold scopes are not made in u.s. anymore. that there parts are being brought in from out side and assembled here. can anyone set me straight on this. i know there are alot of big companys out there claiming "made in u.s." but they really are not. thanks
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

From Leupold.com

"Leupold uses foreign sourced components for some parts of Golden Ring products, primarily lenses. This is because at this time, there is no American manufacturer that can supply the quantity of high quality lenses that Leupold needs for its annual Golden Ring Optics production. Leupold’s lens systems are designed at Leupold, by American optical engineers, in its state-of -the-art optics lab and then procured from outside vendors who must meet stringent quality standards.

Incoming parts are carefully inspected in our testing facility before they are accepted into the assembly process. Incidentally, all major optics producers worldwide acquire some or all of their glass from the same sources as Leupold. Some of these sources are located domestically, some are European, and some are Asian. Leupold has acquired its lenses this way for over 50 years."

From the Federal Trade Commission FTC.gov
"Buy American Act — Requires that a product be manufactured in the U.S. of more than 50 percent U.S. parts to be considered Made in USA for government procurement purposes. For more information, review the Buy American Act at 41 U.S.C. §§ 10a-10c, the Federal Acquisition Regulations at 48 C.F.R. Part 25, and the Trade Agreements Act at 19 U.S.C. §§ 2501-2582."

Only one pieces of glass meets those standards, US Army M24 scope, and the M4 spotter
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

You know WTF gets me is,Lenses I understand,but other parts such as tubes and internals can be tooled up for and produced right here as easily as in China,and assembled here instead of the Philippines.Keep QC up and you are only producing one scope per customer order instead of two or more to get it Marginally right and it is still a POS with no resale value.I love the Millett boxes with the American flag on them and "An American Company" in big letters.Leupold at least does not even have this crap on the box.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

thanks guys! i thought it was true. ive never been a leupold fan ever since the past varmint scope's ive had tracked like a terd in the grass. i would never spend the kinda money they trying to get for there tactical scopes either. nightforce is the same cost and cheaper then some of the tactical scopes leupold makes and i have never had a single problem with them. ive stepped up to a uso and will never look back. but i wanted to hear the truth about leupold and thanks guys for the feedback.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

“This is because at this time, there is no American manufacturer that can supply the quantity of high quality lenses that Leupold needs for its annual Golden Ring Optics production.”
But left out: “At the cost level of foreign produced products.”

Our politicians encouraged this. Not just the current adm., but those before as well.

Schott Glass has the capabilities, German owned but produces very high quality optical glass in the U.S., But, is very expensive! http://www.us.schott.com/english/index.html#home
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All Mark4's are made here except the glass. They are just as American made ; if not more then any other company claims! </div></div>

If that's the case you would think Leupold would proudly mark there products as such
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All Mark4's are made here except the glass. They are just as American made ; if not more then any other company claims! </div></div>

If that's the case you would think Leupold would proudly mark there products as such </div></div>

Maybe but I have a mk4 6x and a 10x neither is marked made in USA. I have two friends with m3a's which were made before most new where China is and they are not marked made in USA either.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All Mark4's are made here except the glass. They are just as American made ; if not more then any other company claims!</div></div>

I don't believe this is true of the newer models...

Go to the Tactical Products website and there isn't a single reference to this being so, as well I am not sure they are still showing up as Made in USA on the box or anywhere else.

This has been debated at nauseum and nobody seems to be able to show a single reference from the company that states "made in america" on any but a very few models... the Mark 4 didn't appear to be listed this way any longer. In contrast the current Nightforce models are marked in "many" places including on the website, and the scope. So why would they remove any reference to the fact if it was so important to folks.

I think in this case, dates are important.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

The Mark4 line technically still qualifies under the law to carry the Made in USA stamp. They don't because of people always giving them grief. Some other companies don't care and they qualify to put on the USA stamp; so they do.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Mark4 line technically still qualifies under the law to carry the Made in USA stamp. They don't because of people always giving them grief. Some other companies don't care and they qualify to put on the USA stamp; so they do.</div></div>

You said it was on the box, I looked I don't see, the fact they maybe able to by law and are not... I am not buying that because clearly it is an issue, and it is missing as noted on all this and I can sample more if you like.

I looked I can't find it... I get what you saying about other companies but we're not talking about other companies we're talking about a specific company.

here is a box of a new model where is it marked :

Leupold%2058850%20MK4%20LRT_01.JPG


Not on this box either;

4lt54p.jpg


I think the confusion comes from having a non-descript American Flag on the box like in this image:

2mxo4td.jpg
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The new box is either digicam or carbon fiber looking that says Dual use.

</div></div>

I have a newer box from 07 and it doesn't have Made in USA on it anywhere.
P1030424.jpg
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

Sorry, but even the older ones didn't say it on the scope; just the Ultra's. I apologize for my pic taking abilities but it is not a plain black box. If you'd like the ser # is on the box, perhaps you can call them tomorrow to attest to it's recent production? Damn, I hope it's not a fake!!!
grin.gif

Here is a link to their video on their site directly from Leupold. Around 14.25 it gets interesting!
http://www.leupold.com/leupoldtv/videos-by-topic/videos-about-leupold/
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The new box is either digicam or carbon fiber looking that says Dual use.

</div></div>

I have a newer box from 07 and it doesn't have Made in USA on it anywhere.
P1030424.jpg
</div></div>

Well there you go, I knew it changed -- date wise I wasn't sure.

I posted for Mike @ CS Tactical to let us know on the new models he has in... but clearly some things have gone missing.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry, but even the older ones didn't say it on the scope; just the Ultra's. I apologize for my pic taking abilities but it is not a plain black box. If you'd like the ser # is on the box, perhaps you can call them tomorrow to attest to it's recent production? Damn, I hope it's not a fake!!!
grin.gif

Here is a link to their video on their site directly from Leupold. Around 14.25 it gets interesting!
http://www.leupold.com/leupoldtv/videos-by-topic/videos-about-leupold/</div></div>


Funny in the video it says all the scopes are QC 5x per to check them before leaving: This must be the reticle straightness tester:

Cross-Eyed%20Surgeon.jpg
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The new box is either digicam or carbon fiber looking that says Dual use.

</div></div>

I have a newer box from 07 and it doesn't have Made in USA on it anywhere.
</div></div>

Well there you go, I knew it changed -- date wise I wasn't sure.

I posted for Mike @ CS Tactical to let us know on the new models he has in... but clearly some things have gone missing. </div></div>

It could have been before that. The only reason I know 07 is it's on the box.
P1030433.jpg
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

It's not about winning, its about whether changes have been made.

If I am wrong and the new boxes are marked as much I'll say so... but having an older box with it is one thing, a guy showing you a slighter new box without, say something as well.

It shouldn't' be about anyone "winning", it either is as it was or it isn't.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry, but even the older ones didn't say it on the scope; just the Ultra's. I apologize for my pic taking abilities but it is not a plain black box. If you'd like the ser # is on the box, perhaps you can call them tomorrow to attest to it's recent production? Damn, I hope it's not a fake!!!
grin.gif

Here is a link to their video on their site directly from Leupold. Around 14.25 it gets interesting!
http://www.leupold.com/leupoldtv/videos-by-topic/videos-about-leupold/ </div></div>

Sorry, but you're wrong.
P1030431.jpg
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

Please understand it's not about proving one wrong. It's not about what's marked where.It's not about QC. It's about where certain scopes are made and a certain company's voluntary omission of stating where it is made. Hopefully I've provided some info to help the non biased to make up their own mind. I am out on this; Don't like to hang around the kitchen when the cook is around. A little too warm for me!
wink.gif
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry, but even the older ones didn't say it on the scope; just the Ultra's. I apologize for my pic taking abilities but it is not a plain black box. If you'd like the ser # is on the box, perhaps you can call them tomorrow to attest to it's recent production? Damn, I hope it's not a fake!!!
grin.gif

Here is a link to their video on their site directly from Leupold. Around 14.25 it gets interesting!
http://www.leupold.com/leupoldtv/videos-by-topic/videos-about-leupold/ </div></div>

Sorry, but you're wrong.
P1030431.jpg
</div></div>

Not necessiraly this one is a good bit older then yours.
dicksling008.jpg
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry, but even the older ones didn't say it on the scope; just the Ultra's. I apologize for my pic taking abilities but it is not a plain black box. If you'd like the ser # is on the box, perhaps you can call them tomorrow to attest to it's recent production? Damn, I hope it's not a fake!!!
grin.gif

Here is a link to their video on their site directly from Leupold. Around 14.25 it gets interesting!
http://www.leupold.com/leupoldtv/videos-by-topic/videos-about-leupold/ </div></div>

Sorry, but you're wrong.
P1030431.jpg
</div></div>
You are right, there were a few years where they were stamped as such; it's been a while. They say memory is the second to go! In this case I really don't mind being wrong. Nice collection btw.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

That whole factory thing is a scam.
They built that facility and pay all those people, but they don't really make scopes, it's just a show.
All their stuff is made in china.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

Looked pretty empty for a place where 600 people work. Must have been a weekend shift.

the other 500+ people could work in offices, marketing, sales, CS, etc. and that wouldn't be false advertising.

At least you can rest easy knowing that your 'custom' leupold is <span style="text-decoration: underline">engraved</span> right here in the U S of A.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hesco</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what about burris, uso and NF seems like i read NF uses bushnell tubes?</div></div>
Nightforce uses proprietary designs on everything they have. They do not use the same erectors, internals, tubes or any other component that other companies use. They glass they use is the only thing that is used by other companies, but Nightforce has their own coating system/composition. I personally talked to NF about this, and it sounded like they're very annoyed with this on-going rumor. They are well aware that the rumors are out there, too.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All Mark4's are made here except the glass. They are just as American made ; if not more then any other company claims!</div></div>
Mark4's use Chinese and Japanese components, and since a majority of the products are outsourced, they no longer can stamp them as Made in USA.
Other companies are better. Nightforce scopes are primarily Japanese, but they're assembled in Utah. The exceptions are the 2.5-10x and the 3.5-15xF1 scopes, as they are all made in USA with USA components.
US Optics is all American, save the Schott glass.



By the way, is Leupold glass Japanese?
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

It occurs to me that very few complain about Vortex being 100% made out of the US, or the vast majority of Nightforce’s line being outsourced, and yet many act as if Leupold is shit because they may or may not get X number of parts from overseas.

All other things being equal I would prefer to have a 100% made in the US product. That being said, this argument is silly. How the product performs should stand on its own. If you’ve personally had bad experiences with Leupold and think they’re shit, fine. If you’ve been happy with them and think they’re fine, great. We can obviously conclude that the presence of outsourced parts doesn’t automatically mean a faulty product by looking at Nightforce. They have a great rep for reliability despite the outsourcing. So… who cares?

Personally, it makes sense to me that only a minimal amount of parts aren’t coming from here (at least on mk4 / gold ring products). They’ve got to be doing something in that big ass facility and I don’t think it’s just engraving. But again… who cares?
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

I have never heard of anyone getting a straight answer from Leupold as to where their scopes are actually made.At least I know my IOR is Romania,Sightron is Japan,Zeiss Diavari is Germany,Trijicon is USA,and NF 5.5-22 is Japan.Leupold is not marked anywhere as to the origin,and it does matter to a lot of people.I think Loopy has sold their once solid reputation out to the CHICOM's and corporate profits.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hesco</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what about burris, uso and NF seems like i read NF uses bushnell tubes?</div></div>
Nightforce uses proprietary designs on everything they have. They do not use the same erectors, internals, tubes or any other component that other companies use. They glass they use is the only thing that is used by other companies, but Nightforce has their own coating system/composition. I personally talked to NF about this, and it sounded like they're very annoyed with this on-going rumor. They are well aware that the rumors are out there, too.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All Mark4's are made here except the glass. They are just as American made ; if not more then any other company claims!</div></div>
Mark4's use Chinese and Japanese components, and since a majority of the products are outsourced, they no longer can stamp them as Made in USA.
Other companies are better. Nightforce scopes are primarily Japanese, but they're assembled in Utah. The exceptions are the 2.5-10x and the 3.5-15xF1 scopes, as they are all made in USA with USA components.
US Optics is all American, save the Schott glass.



By the way, is Leupold glass Japanese? </div></div>

So when NF tells you something its the gospal but when leupold says something its an outright in defensable lie????

By the way did you happen to see the pic of the scope I posted its pretty old and strangly enough is not marked made in USA but I assure you it is.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SANDRAT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have never heard of anyone getting a straight answer from Leupold as to where their scopes are actually made.At least I know my IOR is Romania,Sightron is Japan,Zeiss Diavari is Germany,Trijicon is USA,and NF 5.5-22 is Japan.Leupold is not marked anywhere as to the origin,and it does matter to a lot of people.I think Loopy has sold their once solid reputation out to the CHICOM's and corporate profits. </div></div>

Try watching the video posted(14:25 mark) I believe they state quite clear where they are made.They could be lying but that shure was a lot of multi million dollar machines to buy for a dog and pony show.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmg308</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SANDRAT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have never heard of anyone getting a straight answer from Leupold as to where their scopes are actually made.At least I know my IOR is Romania,Sightron is Japan,Zeiss Diavari is Germany,Trijicon is USA,and NF 5.5-22 is Japan.Leupold is not marked anywhere as to the origin,and it does matter to a lot of people.I think Loopy has sold their once solid reputation out to the CHICOM's and corporate profits. </div></div>

Try watching the video posted(14:25 mark) I believe they state quite clear where they are made.They could be lying but that shure was a lot of multi million dollar machines to buy for a dog and pony show.</div></div>

Go read their website they clearly state it is not... as well there is not a single reference to it anywhere, as well it is no longer on the box nor on the scope.

Barring the statement at 14:25, the proof is in the product.

Also I believe it is exactly as stated above, it was once there, no longer, and we are seeing increased issues out of the box of problems. They are betting you won't ask, won't know and will buy based on the reputation of the past.

Look at the site, they disclaim it clearly as 427Cobra quoted, that is from their website.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

This is a pretty sad topic, when I was growing up LEUPOLD was a name that almost everyone that I knew or hunted with respected, trusted, and relied upon to reliably hold a zero and not falter, a true American icon among scope makers, its a shame like so many other American companies that they saw the need to move production overseas and let the quality of there product decline, many of the old AMERICAN made vxll scopes still sit proudly atop a shit load of varmint rifles shamelessly because of the AMERICAN craftsmanship and pride that went into the production of a fine American product, just my 2 cents
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

I wish they would come out once and for all because there are so many different stories.The video is from their site as well and contradicts the quote.

I don't even like most of their stuff.And agree they are not the company they once were.

I've had good luck with the fixed MK4s thats it. I'm not saying everything is made in the US but thats a hell of alot of high dollar CNC equipment to be making nothing with.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmg308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

So when NF tells you something its the gospal but when leupold says something its an outright in defensable lie????

By the way did you happen to see the pic of the scope I posted its pretty old and strangly enough is not marked made in USA but I assure you it is.</div></div>
Where did I say Leupold was lying? Don't claim that I made comments that I never made. Learn to read more carefully. Leupold has publicly stated that they outsource for some parts. All I did was state where those parts are coming from.
But to properly respond, do you have proof to dispute what Nightforce is saying? I have never seen anything substantive or tangible that disputes NF; just baseless unverifiable rumors online. I've read the rumors, and have yet to see anyone back up the rumors. Seems to me that Bushnell could make a great sales pitch by saying "Nightforce uses OUR tubes, we're that good". But they don't. Maybe there's a reason... What do you have for proof that NF is BSing me?
...yeah, that's what I thought.


I'm not happy about outsourcing, but if that's what Leupold wants to do, so be it. They do it, they've acknowledged it, whatever. As long as it's quality. I have an old Leupold Vari-X II that I bought 11 years ago that was made in the USA. It's a great scope.
I'm not going to make a case about where Leupolds are built- I have other good reasons for not buying Leupolds.
 
Re: is it true leuplod scopes are not made in u.s.?

I agree with the last poster.
I for one could give two shits where something is made as long as it works. If Leupold could deliver me a scope at a decent price that tracks, has good glass, eye relief and knobs that feel good. I wouldn't care if the glass was made in Turkmenistan and the tube machined in Nigeria.

I think the problem is that there are many people out there that will blindly buy a product that is made in the US trusting that it will be of good quality. That sort of attitude lets certain US companies get away with producing turds and people being afraid to call them on it. We should hold our own products to a higher standard than that of foreign countries, not the other way around.