Thread: Why I wouldn't buy Weaver or Nikon scopes...

What I'm surprised that @Hermitage has failed to bring up is that the nice Weaver GrandSlams were made in Japan by LOW (Light Optical Works).

A reasonably comprehensive list of the scopes they make can be found here: https://sageratsafaris.com/light-optical-works-japan/

Not surprised that everyone from Ziess to Nightforce use them to make scopes.

Browsing on their site is interesting: Light Optical Works

Shame that very few Japanese manufacturers put their own brand out there, as they can clearly make the goods.

Brands like Tasco and Nikko Sterling were quite well regarded in your part of the world until they shifted production to China, Sightron also springs to mind although these companies appear to be US based.

March stands out as the only 'Elite' Japanese brand, I think the lack of a local market for riflescopes in Japan makes things very difficult, as unlike other US and European brands, they will be relying on external input instead of employees.

I imagine companies like Leupold have plenty of hunters and ex-military floating around so they are never out of ideas.