Philippines & Korean Scopes

[oldskoolzzz]

Are there many scopes still made in the Philippines/Korea nowadays? Or has everything more or less moved to China?

I loved the Simmons and Bushnell glass back in the day as they always seemed to have a nice wide angle which really suits my preference but looking around now for something that’s semi decent and WA it’s a bit of a minefield.

Ok I know the glass is graded and even Chinese glass can be excellent but trying to find something modern that’s wide angle looks like the hawke panorama and NS Panamax offerings although I think both maybe discontinued now

I remember the new range Simmons WTC (China) but I think they are also discontinued.

Just weighing up my options as I want a nice-ish 3-9x40 WA but looks like I might have to go used perhaps?

[Mach 1.5]

I think Sightron are made in the Philippines but can't think over another company that does these days. Mach 1.5

[oldskoolzzz]

I think Sightron are made in the Philippines but can't think over another company that does these days. Mach 1.5

Cheers Paul, I’ve never owned a Sightron but it’s certainly one I’ll look out for and do some research

[Mach 1.5]

They did a lovely 3-9 x 36pa but try and find one!!. Mach 1.5

[angrybear]

Are there many scopes still made in the Philippines/Korea nowadays? Or has everything more or less moved to China?

I loved the Simmons and Bushnell glass back in the day as they always seemed to have a nice wide angle which really suits my preference but looking around now for something that’s semi decent and WA it’s a bit of a minefield.

Ok I know the glass is graded and even Chinese glass can be excellent but trying to find something modern that’s wide angle looks like the hawke panorama and NS Panamax offerings although I think both maybe discontinued now

I remember the new range Simmons WTC (China) but I think they are also discontinued.

Just weighing up my options as I want a nice-ish 3-9x40 WA but looks like I might have to go used perhaps?

Well, I'd just say compare the FOV on all, not just those claiming to be WA

the Hawke Panorama 3-9x40 FOV was 13.4-4.5m @ 100m, yes at the time that was wider than most, but not so true today.
most of the current Vantage range 3-9x40 it's 13-4.2m @ 100m, so virtually no difference,
the Vantage WA 3-9x42 is 14.1-4.4m @ 100m but ret choice is very limited.
The airmax 1" is 12.4-4.5m @ 100m so a little less,
there is no Airmax 30 3-9x40 but the 3-12x40 is 14.6-3.6m @ 100m, best FOV, but has high turrets.

[Mach 1.5]

Nikko Panamax 3-9 x 40 takes some beating i must say. Mach 1.5

[look no hands]

Nikko Panamax 3-9 x 40 takes some beating i must say. Mach 1.5

Totally agree, my favourite scopes now, very clear lenses and wide FOV, the mildots are handy as well.

[Bellycrawler]

I used Simmons untill they went Chinese. Very much a Bushnell & Vortex fan now. Philapeno scopes were great in therir day.

[Mach 1.5]

Wouldn't touch vortex scopes with a barge pole. Had 3 and all failed. They are made in china and hence with a massive market up price hence they replace straight away as they are produced cheaply. Just my opinion..give me leupold any day over them. Mach 1.5

[oldskoolzzz]

Thanks for the feedback chaps.

And thanks for the technical stuff AB.

I’ve just checked the Nikko website and AFAIK the Panamax is still in production.

The humble 3-9x40 Panamax FOV is 14.7 - 4.9 @ 100m

https://nikkostirling.com/products/r...inch/npw3940ao

I’m certainly considering another Panamax as I’m a big fan of decent WA scopes

[oldskoolzzz]

Wouldn't touch vortex scopes with a barge pole. Had 3 and all failed. They are made in china and hence with a massive market up price hence they replace straight away as they are produced cheaply. Just my opinion..give me leupold any day over them. Mach 1.5

Crikey Paul, that’s not good

I’ve had a couple of Vortex over the years and a very nice little Diamondback 2-7x35 which I thought was excellent.

I have heard the crossfire was a bit pony but I’m sure the diamondbacks were held in good esteem.

[samboy]

I've got 2 Philippines Simmons aetec scopes. 1 on my rimfire and 1 on my S510. They must be over 20 years old.
Brilliant scopes.

[Bob Brown]

I have a Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50 ao made in the Phillipines.
Although there is zero damage on the glass which is crisp and clear,it seems to have developed a blemish on the bottom corner of field of view.The scope is perfectly usable but it aggravates me,any ideas what thie issue is and can it be fixed as it is a fantastic scope.

[Bellycrawler]

Wouldn't touch vortex scopes with a barge pole. Had 3 and all failed. They are made in china and hence with a massive market up price hence they replace straight away as they are produced cheaply. Just my opinion..give me leupold any day over them. Mach 1.5

I have 2 versions of the Vortex Viper, can't fault them. Saying that, if I downsized the Bushnells are the last to go.

[oldskoolzzz]

Speaking of Korean glass popped over to a mates last night and picked up a lovely gloss Apollo 2 star 4x40 superb wide angle and crystal clear Korean glass

Just need something more period correct to plonk it on