Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Does Cabela's have one of the big complanies making these scopes for them? Anybody have any experience with these?

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

It varies from model to model, and even on the some model sometimes. Like say you want a 3x9x50 and they offer several different reticle choices. The duplex scope might be made by a different company than the one with the mildot reticle. I live near one and was asking them this at the store. They said they really don't have a clue, they listed some of the manufacturers they use and said it could be any of them, its hard to tell sometimes. Some of there stuff it is pretty obvious who makes it, and sometimes they will flat out tell you if they know. These guys said the scopes change so much they can't tell for sure. The best way is to look at other scopes until you find one that looks really close by a name brand company. Then it is probably made by that company, but maybe to different specs especially for Cabela's.

I can tell you that I own one of them and am very happy with it. It is a 6x24x42 AO model. I think I paid around 320-350 for it. It was comparable to other scopes in that range and even some of the 500 dollar ones. I put it on my 200 dollar savage 17HMR. I was mostly concerned with optics at higher powers and it was one of the best I looked at out of many until I got above the 500 dollar mark. 300 was extravigant for me, so 500 wasn't going to happen.

Plus they have an excellent return policy, so if you don't like it, just take it back. I went thru three scopes until I found the one I wanted. I would buy one then take it home and try it out on my gun. If I didn't like it I took it back and tried another one. I asked if they were getting sick of me coming back and they said no that is what they want me to do if that's what it takes to be happy with my purchase. I went from a $99 scope and worked my up to 300 some dollars before I found something I was happy with. So I guess they made out in the end.

I don't think you will be dissapointed if you get one. I think mine is a nikon, but I'm not sure. I forgot the companies he told me that made scopes for them.

Paul

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Alaskan Guide . . . Japan . . . probably Hakko

Pine Ridge . . . Red China . . . probably VanguardUSA . . . also makes Winchester scopes.

All guesses . . . good as any . . . :D

Hey . . . the Alaskan Guide scopes are SUPER!

Cheapos are junk . . . like most Chinese stuff. You get what you pay for.

Get an All-American scope . . . including optics . . . Burris.

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

From my expierence with them. (not to much) the Alaskan Guide scopes are good quality. UNBEATABLE . Warranty.

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

They are not made by any one manucturer, They have several that they purchase from. Most likely japan stuff though. The pine ridge stuff is pretty simular to buying a bushnell or simmons in the 50 to 80 dollar range. I wouldn't call them complete junk, but they aren't the best for sure. Of course with the warranty they have if you didn't like it you could get your money back or trade up.

Paul

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Be careful in describing sources for Simmons or Bushnell. They are made in several countries. The Aetec and 44 MAG are made in the Phillipines. Others are made in Korea. The cheapos [Blazer] are made in Red China - as are BSA. Winchester scopes are distributed by VanguardUSA but made in Red China - NOT by BSA. MAY be better. Anyway - they give you a free box!!! Whoopee [:o]

Alaskan Guide scopes are made in Japan. I suspect that they are made by LIGHT OPTICAL WORKS - a super company that makes - from what I have been told - WEAVER and others. The other possibility is HAKKO - another good company. I know they make TIKKA scopes and they market HAKKO scopes in Australia and other places.

Cabelas Pine Ridge scopes are made in Red China - I DID get that out of a very tight-lipped sales person. Frankly, I think it is STUPID to conceal sources. Leupold does that with their lenses. But, Cabelas does back up their scopes with a good warranty. I think you should buy something better! Waste of money in my opinion. I do own a Bushnell Trophy - made in Korea . . . works well . . . nicely finished . . . dang good buy!

OK . . . want a US scope? Buy a BURRIS . . . the only one that makes everything. Best warranty in the world . . . clearest lenses . . . better light transmission than most Leupolds. Besides that . . . they are made in Colorado . . . yahoo!

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Burris, man are you crazy or what.[8D][8D] I had my last burris. Customer service blows. [:@] The scope has very little eye relief and not near what they claim. And any scope you have to set a screw to lock in the rectiles, you ought to be leary about.

Just got rid of my 6-20 signature, and it had like 21MOA verticle adjustment. And for me to get it mounted on my 300RUM to get the 8MOA I need to shoot 600yards, I had to buy those signature series rings, and screw around with them and a collimator for a few hours. Finally got it on the gun, and performed the Box test. You know where you shoot a group, raise the elevation up 6MOA and to the left 6MOA, and down 12MOA, then to the right 12MOA, so on and so on to see if number one it makes a perfect box, two, returns to zero. Well guess what it doesn't.

Heck, I thought it was just my scope. So I talked my buddy into getting a 30MM Black diamond to put on his tactical rifle that Cabelas had a clearance on. While adjusting, it moved 2MOA instead of .5MOA. Sent it back and they said they found and fixed the problem. Still wouldn't move elevation and windage smoothly. We both put them on ebay, and put the loopys back on. Even with them, little dissatisfyed. So now only bying the conquest.

So how do youkno they are clearer? Do you have a back reflection setup in your lab? Optical loss meter. I do. Or this personal opinion.

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Thanks for the replies

I was trying to narrow my choices for a variable scope that had a fairly WIDE range or power...like a 2-10 power or a 3-12 power...And as I looked around I saw the Cabela's Alaskan Guide scope line..They advertised it with the 3-12 compact model for $229.00 just didn't know if they were in the same class as the Leupolds and Nikons.......
Thanks again

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Hi 8mm/06 . . . several good scopes out there . . . and you don't need advanced equipment to test them . . . just use the human eye . . . best instrument there is . . . something wrong if you can't tell the difference. ANYWAY . . . still would pick a Burris over almost anything. One scope that has not been mentioned is the WEAVER GRAND SLAM . . . and I have used them . . . super bright - high quality - made in Japan [Oh well!]. Made by Light Optical Works. Nothing wrong with Leupold either - but keep in mind they have a cult following. Leupold owners never look at anything else. Afraid they might find something just as good for less money! :D Sightron is good. Bushnell Elite 4200 and 3200 are good.

Your Alaskan Guide is good too - just be ready to be ragged over your choice. Cabelas is a fantastic company and will back your purchase. Very reputable company. So is Sightron . . . heck, if your Sightron is defective they just give you a new one!

The real me? I lean toward the Weaver Grand Slam. Burris second. Leupold third. Sightron fourth. But it is all a matter of subjective preference when you are looking at scopes in these price ranges.

Good luck on your purchase. I guess I am lucky, but I have NEVER been stung on a scope purchase. My old Weavers from El Paso were good - but not as bright as these new scopes - whatever the company.

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Weaver makes a 4.5 - 14 and a 3 - 10 in the Grand Slam. They also give a portion of their sales of Grand Slams to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Thinking that a Remington 700 RMEF with a Weaver Grand Slam would be doing ones best for RMEF . . . ;)

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Cordite, If you can actually see the difference in brightness of 95% tranmission and 90%, then you have super human eyes.

If a scope is adjusted properly for focus, I don't think you could tell the difference without extended use. I have did this test several times. Took someone to Bass Pro, adjusted the focus (something most owners don't do), and held them up to their eyes to see if they can tell the difference. Usually not.

I am in the business, or kinda now and used to be of buying lenses for goverment purposes. I have toured all kinds of index matching coating facilities and manufacturing facilities from japan to Austria. Those names you are throwing out and places are not easy to get. In fact, most are not public knowledge but not hidden either. In fact you almost have to be in the industry to know these things.

Yes, several of these companies buy thier lenses from several sources, but the parts are spec'd. Its very common to outsource things like this. It sure doesn't mean they are worse or better. I can buy optics that have a 30db back reflection from a famous german or austrian company. They will be twice as cheap as ones with 60db Back reflection. They will make them as cheap or expensive as I want them. It all depends how much money I want to spend for them on the quality process. Japan definately has some top notch plants for index matching and lenses.

Lets see you live in Colorado. Hmmm.

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

BSA has really good customer services as well. Everyone talks about them being junk, but mostly people that say that have never owned and only buy 300 dollar scopes. Optically they are not as good as a more expensive scope, but they don't cost nearly that much either. I have owned more than a few of them and never had any problems with them.

I had buddy buy one for this upcoming gun season and he had a problem with his. Rather than take it back he called BSA directly. They said the one he has is back ordered, so he could pick any scope from thier catalog he wanted and they would rush it to him. Then when the other scope came in they would send it along. He was told he could keep both scopes free of charge for his inconvenience. That's not a bad deal, especially since he already has a leupold to use on it any way. He just liked the BSA Catseye better? Ya, I don't get it either. I'm not a huge leupold fan, but I do think they are better than any BSA made. I just can't afford them is all.

And the guys at cabela's told me what companies make thier scopes for them, there were several. Nikon being one of them. They even showed me comparable models from name brand companies. They are japanese companies though, mine even says it on the scope I think. They just don't know which models are which is all, because there are so many. Now if all the japanese scopes like bushnell and nikon and the such come from the same manufacturer than they could all be the same for all I know. You never know these days. My Sebring is a chrysler suposedly, but it is actually a Mitsibushi with a different badge on it. Funny thing is it is made in Illinois not japan? Now my neon was a dodge but was made in canada? Go figure right.

All I know is I have one and looked at several and they are decent scopes for the money. Could you get better, heck yeah, just not for the same money in my opinion.

Paul

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Hi Paul . . . one interesting thing about BSA has been their openness . . . which I appreciate. I understand they have a good service department. I called them one time about a particular scope and they were quite open in suggesting that I MIGHT want to get a Leupold instead . . . interesting! He said that the BSA was a good scope for what you pay for it. I think that was an honest answer. As an addendum I chatted with him about China, having had a relative that worked in business over there for awhile. He said they would do better when they "got it all figured out! And they were getting close!" We laughed about that. He said he used a Leupold on his trip to Alaska!

Yep BIG COUNTRY . . . I live in Colorado . . . is there anywhere else? And NO I don't work for Burris! As a side point though . . . if you can't see it, why worry about the details? Rifles are like that too . . . some guys keep buying and "upgrading" to get the ultimate velocity or whatever. Great if they got the money. Nobody ever killed a deer with a chrono - the .30-30 probably takes more deer than anything - and according to the statistics it has always been inadequate - go figure. With all the hyper-velocity stuff out there I still would like to have a 7x57 . . . the new Rem Classic in 8mm is appealing too. If I had that, and a Weaver Grand Slam, I would hang it on the wall and just stare at it! ;)

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

They are all well and fine until one day Cabelas decides they don't want to import these scopes anymore since they are not making enough on them. Then who services them? Most if not all of them have very poor eye relief

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Hmmm . . . I have dealt with Cabelas since the 1960s . . . can't imagine them EVER failing to serve a customer. They just don't do such things. I wish more people had their business ethics. I can remember when they used to send me refund checks for just a few cents if I sent too much to cover shipping!

As far as eye relief . . . I can't say . . . but I do know that everyone talks about Leupold's eye relief . . . without knowing that other brands do equally well . . . but not all . . . I know that.

My problem with Cabelas is their silliness surrounding concealment of the sources. Myself, if Cabelas would tell me that their Alaskan Guide was made by Light Optical Works in Japan . . . as several brands are . . . I would be much more impressed. Then I can make quality judgments. With Leupold, and others, there is a sense of security concerning the purchase. Its a comfort thing. A silly thing, but a lot of hunters want their buddies to approve their purchases, or maybe even be a little jealous. You have a hard time doing that with a Cabelas scope. Much easier to do with a Grand Slam or a LPS. :eek:

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

In my own case, I've been reluctant to spend a couple of hundred dollars on a scope when I don't know who made it.

Heck, even when Sears and Penney's sold store-brand guns, it was no secret who was making them.

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Cabelas doesn't give them away either..plenty of name brand scopes that are better and probably cheaper if One would research it. Most scopes in that price range will surpass them in Eye Relief BTW.

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

My Aetec has more eye relief than any other scope I have had. They are a terrific scope .

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

I have a Burris Signature in 2-8x40 and I like everything but the posi Lock. As far as I am concerned it can go in the trash. It takes to long to sight in when the cross hairs move when you tighten the screw. I like my Bushnell Elites much better.

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Just wanted to weigh in here a liitle
As far as my experience with Cabela's has been.....they are superb when it comes to customer service...they have always sent me a new ANYTHING when I had a problem and told me to keep the defective or offending item..they didn't even want the old one back.
As far as the eye relief on the Alaskans..they advertise 3.7" on the model I've been considering...which is quite respectable.
I tend to like A LOT OF EYE RELIEF...and Leupold and a few others seem to be the few that offer in the near 4"+ range....
I will take a trip to the Cabela's near me in Dundee, Michigan and take a look through them ...I guess that is the only real way to judge how they appear...how they will hold up is another story.
I thank you all for the input.

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

The alaskan guide scopes are between 3-4 inches for eye relief and the compacts are closer to 4-5 inches. Thats pretty common from what I can tell. Certainly adequate for most guns. I did notice the leupold has a pretty generous amount of eye relief for all there models.

And I did some internet research and came up with something interesting about these scopes (alaskan guide models). I noticed that mine has a sticker that says inspected by Asia Optical Japan on it. So I tried to research the company. From what I can tell it is based out of Honk Kong but has plants in China in and Burma. There website makes it look like they mostly make glasses and frames, but here are some excerpts from an interview with the head guy in the Burma plant.





What are the main products and may we know the different stages of the production?
The main produce is producing lens of different sizes and shapes. Smoothing the surface of the lens and tinting with chosen colors. Clean the power lenses etc.

What is your main market?
The main customers are:- Japanese companies like, Sony, Pioneer, Kodak, Nikon, and Olympus.

We learnt also that you are joining with big companies and are producing Brand products is hat true, if so, with which companies you are collaborating with?
We are collaborating with following companies to produce Brand products. They are:-Bushnell, Canon, Copal, Epson, Hitachi, Kodak, Konica, Kyuceramita, Minolta, NEC, Nikon, Olympus, Omron, Panasonic, Pen tax, Pioneer, Ricoh, Sanyo, Sony, Sharp, Simmons, Topcon, Tasco, Xerox and local major electronic and computer companies.

We learnt that you are producing goods for other world standard level big companies what products you are producing for them?
We are producing and exporting our products to United States and Japan. We export products like, office machines, cameras, optical components, Riflescopes, Prisms Laser, Range Finders, Plastic Injections, camera cases and bags, DVD, Micro Motors, SMT & CIS electronic products.

I guess that last question pretty much says it all. If indeed this is the same company that the sticker on my scope is refering to I would assume this is who made it. Who knows however if it was made in Japan, China, or Burma? I have worked in factories that put made in the USA on thier product and the only thing they did here was put the stuff in the box and ship it out. Heck, at Tecumseh products most of the air conditioning pumps are being made in France and india, soon to be china. We ship them Made in the USA stickers to put on the pumps when they have never even been here!?

If I get the chance I might go to cabela's and see what some of the other scopes have on them for stickers and stuff. I want to see if some of them are different from what mine is. I'd like to take a look at the Outfitter scopes as well and see what they say. They look different in design, but that doesn't mean anything really. I almost bought an outfitter scope instead, but I wanted the Milldot reticle and the had basically the same scope in the Alaskan Guide series but with that reticle, and it was a few bucks less. I think the Outfitter scope did look slightler better though. I almost took mine back switched again but didn't feel like messing with. The one I have works fine considering it's on a rimfire .17 for crying out loud.

And I do sort of agree, It shouldn't be so hard to figure out where something is made. But cabela's is no different than any other place. Even other scope companies, they out source the work and put thier logo on it. Who really knows were any of it is made unless you know someone that works for them.

All I know is I looked at all the simular models in the display case (lots of them!) and picked the one I like the best in my price range, 150 to 350 dollars and this is the one I liked best (I actually spent a bit more than that). I even took three home to try out (one at a time of course). I did look at a leupold for 400 or so. It had slightly better optics from what I could tell, but I didn't like the way it looked or was built. Just a pet peeve thing for the most part. It didn't have click style adjustment screws, and the power and objective rings did not turn smooth. They were sort of gritty and tight. Plus the objective didn't focus down as close as the other ones did, I think it bottomed out at 50 yards if I remember correctly. I could be wrong about that though. Keeping in mind cabela's return policy I didn't think the extra money was worth it when I liked the other one better.

Paul

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Heh Heh . . . this'll drive 'em nuts . . . :D
I think you and I travel the same wave-length. I just LOVE to research these various things and find out all the "secrets." It's fun to be an academic near-expert at times. I got into this over the Vanguard a couple of years ago . . . I am a walking encyclopedia of Vanguard info . . . and by dang it is right! Weatherby was MORE than willing to send me all kinds of info . . . neat company. Same with Tikkas accuracy claims. One of their managers, a personal letter by gum, sent me some info about a competition they were in . . . every "exspurt" on the now defunct "Shooters" from California to Australia disputed what I said . . . but I have been vindicated . . . Tikka put it in their FAQs on their website! . . . concerning the accuracy of the Tikka Continental. Oh well . . . those kind of people voted for Kerry :D

Well . . . here is what I found . . . Asia Optical is the largest optical maker in TAIWAN . . . your sticker is interesting . . . they probably assemble them in a garage in Japan [8D]. So we have TWO possibilities . . . Light Optical Works . . . who makes Weaver . . . and Asia Optical . . . I suspect they both have sweat shops all over the place.

Wouldn't it be nice if Cabelas would just "spill the beans" and stop all this speculation? Knowledge will set us free!

RE: Cabela's Alaskan Guide Scopes--who make's 'em?
 

Paul . . . I do have to add a personal impression to all this scope stuff. I have used Weaver, Leupold, Simmons, and Bushnell. Never a Burris . . . although they are up the road in Greeley.

BUT . . . one day I went to a local store and looked at a Weaver Grand Slam. Gawd . . . was I ever impressed. The workmanship was fantastic. The box it came in was as purty as the scope! I put that thing up to my eye and it lit up the whole store. Now that may sound like an exaggeration . . . and it probably is . . . but it was bright and clear! Course it cost three times what I could afford [champagne desires and a beer budget]. It was definitely marked "Made in Japan."

But I would never hesitate to recommend a Leupold to anyone.

A good scope, for the money, are the Simmons 44MAGs and AETECS . . . both made in the Phillipines. Very well done.