AR Sponsor
Posted: 6/21/2008 5:47:39 AM EDT
|
When was the colt 3x20 scope made? Are these 'made in the USA' or Japanese/Chinese made? Are they of good quality? I have an chance to pick one up at a decent price ..less than 200, no box or paper. So just wanted to a little info before I do the deed. Thanks Ron |
|
here is a repost--- link to two of my USA made scopes some other info on scopes Here is a quick rundown of the details. When Colt created the AR15 the also had some Carry Handle scopes made for them. The ONE pictured in the link is a 3x20 NOT a 4x20 as stated in the title. The first model was "made in the USA" and was so written on the scope without white lettering. These are 3x20mm There were only 300 or so units bought by the military BUT I dont know how many were made for the civilian market, if any. Later, Colt had Hakko (I believe) from Japan make the 3x20 and later 4x20 scopes (these had white lettering-some narrow, others "fatter" lettering. ) the 3x20 scopes have the narrower part at the rear while the 4x20 scopes have ALMOST the same diameter the whole length another japan 3x20 scope - note yellow sticker with inspection pass info. another 3x20 scope 3x20 scope 4x20 scope |
| As far as only 300 having been bought by the military, that may have been for one contract but that doesn't mean that specific units didn't buy and issue them to troops as well. I know in my last reserve unit for example, we had 3 we turned into DRMO after getting ACOGs for our M-4s that were likely our squadron supply folks with an IMPAC card that bought them with end-of-year money. Nothing that came from a supply depot from the original 300 mentioned previously but simply bought from another vendor and issued out. |
The Gun Zone chronology for March 1967 says, " 384 Colt/Realist 3x scopes arrive in Vietnam for mounting on M16A1 rifles." The scopes made by Realist are the ones marked MADE IN U.S.A. I believe the 3X20 marked Japanese made scopes are later but I don't know what years. I use the two scopes below and like them. Clear views from both and no problem holding zero. Using at the range for 100-200yds they are fine. There are some differences though. The MADE IN USA scope has a larger field of view and though they both have cross hair reticles the 3X20's is thinner about half the thickness. The eye relief is slightly different also but it's just a matter of getting used to it. For me the slight edge goes to the USA scope because of the larger (guessing 10% more) field of view.  |
)
AR Sponsor