Bushnell spacemaster

[#1bcshooter]

Anyone have a Bushnell model 78-2317 Spacemaster 15-45 X 60
I just pick one up as new in the original box . This is an older model made in Japan NOT China !
I know it's not a high end spotting scope but it seems to have very nice optics to me .
Wondering what others think of this model & if anyone knows when they switched from quality Japan made to China ?
Anyone know what these went for when new ?

 

[Buckmastr]

I have a couple of old spacemaster spotters. They are excellent value. Heavy but well built. Perfect for a truck spotter or for use at the range. Considering these go for 200$ on the ee, everyone should have one imo.

 

[zupermann]

Anyone have a Bushnell model 78-2317 Spacemaster 15-45 X 60
I just pick one up as new in the original box . This is an older model made in Japan NOT China !
I know it's not a high end spotting scope but it seems to have very nice optics to me .
Wondering what others think of this model & if anyone knows when they switched from quality Japan made to China ?
Anyone know what these went for when new ?

IIRC, mine was bought for $399. I bought a 60X eyepeice on top of that. I still have it and still use it. I though about upgrading but it works for my use, so have no reason to replace it.

 

[TacticalTeacher]

I have two of them that I employ for clients at my clinics and matches.

Cheers, Barney

 

[R1200GS]

I think mine was around $325 with the 22 power wide angle eyepiece.
I've heard they may be better for reading mirage than the real high end glass.

 

[NVShooter]

Also have one and my brother has my dad's. Little story...when my dad was dating my mom, he drove her up to his trap line on a date, found a clearing and (no, not that!) set up this scope on a small tripod on the roof of his 58 Chevy (not a classic but dad was a simple man) and showed her the visible constellations...and then proposed to her. That story hangs like a ribbon around that scope... it will be in the family for awhile and that is why I bought mine. His also had the extra eye-piece with higher magnification. We both have original boxes. They are nice units. I use mine all the time. My brother has dad's at his office and has been spotting an eagle's nest not far off.

 

[Hitzy]

Had mine for 20 years now maybe...other then the minute eye relief, no complaints. Very clear and durable.

 

[#1bcshooter]

Thanks for the replies to my OP.
Sounds like I got a good deal , Paid $75 @ flee market
Says div of Bausch & Lomb on the box & Made in Japan on the scope

 

[Buckmastr]

Nice! In the box too!
The old Bushnell window mounts are quite good as well. Keep a look out for one.

 

[NVShooter]

...The old Bushnell window mounts are quite good as well...

Have one of those. Picked it up on eBay if I recall.

Nice score OP!!!

 

[#1bcshooter]

Nice! In the box too!
The old Bushnell window mounts are quite good as well. Keep a look out for one.

What's the difference between the old window mount & the ones Bushnell sells now .
I assume the new ones are made in China . I haven't seen the old ones .

 

[NVShooter]

What's the difference between the old window mount & the ones Bushnell sells now .
I assume the new ones are made in China . I haven't seen the old ones .

Looks a little different, that is all. If someone doesn't beat me to it, I'll post a picture later today.

 

[Buckmastr]

These are much better than the new ones. This is for sale Edmonton local for 25$

ht tps://www.kijiji.ca/v-camera-camcorder-lens/edmonton/bushnell-all-metal-bird-watching-car-window-mount/1347761041

 

[NVShooter]

...These are much better than the new ones.

Yep, that is exactly what mine looks like, thanks for posting. Pretty beefy metal thing...can't comment on the newer ones. Mine is a little darker green but could just be the lighting in that shot.

 

[Skullboy]

I bought the Space Master kit with bench tripod and backpack 25 or so years ago. Never had an issue with it.

 

[Suther]

Nice score OP. $75 doesn't get you much with spotting scopes, that looks much nicer than what you'd get new for sub$100.