Classic Redfield Rifle Scopes

 

 

Redfield rifle scopes would not come into existence until 1961 when they would purchase the Stilth scope company design. Redfield would be primarily a scope mount company and manufacture scope mounts for many different rifles during the 1950s. They would also manufacture many high quality hunting and Olympic style receiver sites or peep sites during the 1950s and 1960s.As a gunsmith in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, I would use many Redfield scope bases and receiver sites. We would install many Redfield rifle scopes on customer’s rifles in our shop in Pennsylvania. Redfield would be noted for its high quality and  nice sleek looking design in their scope models.


One of their top selling scopes in the 1960s and 70s would be the Bear Cub model. The 4 power Bear Cub was quite popular in our part of Pennsylvania. The Bear Cub model 4 power scopes would be installed on many of what I consider the brush guns of that time, like the Marlin model 336.


Some of the larger caliber Winchester rifles or the Remington 760 pump rifles would be fitted with larger power scopes. They would be installed on some of the higher quality firearms of that period. I still remember installing the 3 to 9 power Redfield rifle scopes on some Remington 700 BDL model rifles from the 1970s and 80s. They did make a nice combination with the smooth looking Remington 700 BDL and the nice 3 x 9 Redfield rifle scope installed on it.


We would install many Redfield Rifle scopes on Remington bolt action firearms and Winchester bolt action firearms. I do recall installing many on the Ruger 77 model firearms in the 1980s. Many of the Redfields of that era are still used today and can make a very nice looking addition to the classic guns of the 1950s and 60s.


But a big issue with the older Redfields is that those from the 1950s or 60s era can no longer be serviced or repaired. So it may be advisable that if you’re Redfield is still serviceable and in good condition to maybe keep it on your non hunting collector guns. It defiantly can add to the classic firearms appearance and this will protect the scope from the elements and damage. (Update Below)


Redfield would cease production in 1998 and would not become available again until the Leupold scope company acquired the rights to again manufacture the Redfield rifle scopes. Leupold scope company would acquire Redfield in 2008.


One thing I do like about the newer Redfields and why I do highly recommend that people buy them is that they are made in the USA. I have talked to men who have sold them and used them and I have had very good reviews from those people.
So if you are looking for a new scope I would highly recommend the new Redfield scopes. They not only are made in the USA but have the great Redfield name and quality.

A couple of nice Redfield scopes over at Amazon.com that I would recommend. A Redfield 3-9 USA for the larger classic rifles and a Redfield 2-7 USA for the more compact rifles or carbines. I would mount many of those great Redfield rifle scopes in the 70’s and 80’s and always liked the look and quality. Both of these scopes have great reviews.

 

Redfield Receiver Sights