Generally speaking, Crimson Trace scopes are amongst the most popular budget-friendly optics on the market. The Brushline Crimson Trace Scope line is very popular with hunters & performs great in many different conditions. However, many shooters want to know where their scopes are made before making a purchase. In this post, we will break down where Crimson Trace rifle scopes are made & explain their manufacturing process!
Where Are Crimson Trace Scopes Made?
Although Crimson Trace is an American company, they do not make their scopes in the United States. In fact, it is very uncommon for optic manufacturers to make their own optics in the United States. Most Crimson Trace rifle scopes are made in the Philippines or China.
Philippines Manufacturing
- It is no secret that the Philippines has carved out a niche in the world of manufacturing firearm optics. The combination of skill & relatively affordable production costs has contributed to the Philippines steadily gaining a positive reputation for producing quality rifle scopes. These scopes are known for their durability, performance, and precision. Many of the Best .338 Winchester Mag Rifle Scopes are made in the Philippines.
China Manufacturing
- Many American shoppers may think of low quality when they picture Chinese-made products. However, the reality is these products are low-cost alternatives to more expensive, high-quality options. Many brands that want to sell scopes at competitive prices are forced to manufacture in China and other Asian countries. Also, the Holosun 507c & 507k are made in China & they are my favorite red dot sights!
Where Is Crimson Trace Headquarters?
Crimson Trace is based out of Wilsonville, Oregon. This is a privately held company that currently has around 200 employees. This is a privately held company that is known for selling pistol laser sights and rifle scopes to their international audience.
Should You Only Buy American Scopes?
Before deciding on the best rifle scope for your needs, you need to first decide if you want American or internationally-made products. The quality and craftsmanship of rifle scopes can vary significantly depending where they are made.
American-made scopes:
- Better reputation for quality than those made in Asia.
- Shoppers like to support their local economy
- Better production quality control.
- Products are generally more durable and last longer than products made with cheaper materials in Asia.
Asian Manufacturers:
Rifle scopes and other products made overseas can get a bad reputation for quality & attention to detail. This is understandable as nobody wants to invest hundreds of dollars only for their scope to stop working a few months later! However, many of the Red Dots for a Hellcat that I’ve used are from China or the Philippines. Here are some of the main points to consider when buying products overseas.
- Less Durable – Some products will not last as long as American-made competitors.
- Cheaper Materials
- Cheaper Labor
- Long Lead-times – With recent supply chain issues, products can often take very long to ship to American customers.
Most Popular Product Lines
Although we have primarily been discussing rifle scopes from Crimson Trace, they manufacture many different products! Here are some of the most popular product lines made by Crimson Trace.
- Laser Sights
- Tactical Lights
- Rifle Scopes
- Red Dot Sights
- Accessories
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Crimson Trace scopes made in USA?
Which US optics scopes are made in USA?
What scopes are made in Germany?
What scopes are made in Japan?
Are vortex scopes made in China?
The Bottom Line
Crimson Trace is one of many scope manufacturers that outsource their manufacturing & production overseas. Most Crimson Trace rifle scopes are manufactured in China & in the Philippines to reduce production costs. However, this does NOT mean these are low-quality optics. Their scopes with an illuminated reticle are amongst the best for low light hunting! But if you want to shop only American, check out our list of Best 350 Legend Scopes including Leupold & Trijicon!
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