Hey guys, I just aquired four scopes from an older gentlemen and would put the age around twenty years old. They are Bushnell Banners, one is a lite site 3-9x40, one is a 3-9x56, one is a Banner Trophy with bullet drop compensator 3-9x40 and the last is a Buckhorn. All are brand new in box never used. I am not sure if they are worth anything but I think they are really cool being that old and in new condition. Anyone have any feedback on the quality of the old Japanese made Bushnells. I never even knew they made a 3-9x56? The boxes say they are Bushnell by Baush and Lomb just wondering if they are the quality of the Baush and Lombs of old. Thanks for feedback
Made in Japan Bushnell Banners any good?
- Thread starter shorttrac
- Start date
They were good scopes. B&L (actually Bushnell, but they kept the name for their higher end stuff) took some pride in what they built, at the time. Generally speaking Japanese built optics are a good value for the money. Once they switched manufacture to China, quality took a real palpable hit. - dan
I had one years ago I bought broken at the Calgary Gun show and sent it in to them asking to have it repaired. They sent a brand new one back to me with a $35 dollar bill and it's still going strong on a 30-06. I was happy with the deal.
These have very clear Japanese glass, and are very well regarded, I pick them up at gunshows as most have no idea how much better built they are than anything they make nowadays!
I still have a 3x9x40 that was on an original Win pre-64 300 H&H, and when i got it, it still tracked true and clear ,even though the adjustment was stuck on 3 power forever more, and I still can't through it away!
I mostly use Leupold scopes and othe European scopes, but still regaurd these B&L Japan glass as very worthy!
cheers Dale Z!
I still have a 3x9x40 that was on an original Win pre-64 300 H&H, and when i got it, it still tracked true and clear ,even though the adjustment was stuck on 3 power forever more, and I still can't through it away!
I mostly use Leupold scopes and othe European scopes, but still regaurd these B&L Japan glass as very worthy!
cheers Dale Z!
nomad 68
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
From what i gather,Trace scope repair will service older Banners.
I have several, and I love them. Scopechiefs and Banners. I'm reluctant to add this, since I check the EE for them about 3x a day. 
I think your 56 is a bit of a rarer one, and the Lite ones only come-up a few times a year. Check that it works. I have one in a fixed 4x. (batteries under the switch)
Value~harder to nail down. The most I've ever paid is about $175 if memory serves, most around $100-$125 if they're in excellent condition. New ones~good question.
I think your 56 is a bit of a rarer one, and the Lite ones only come-up a few times a year. Check that it works. I have one in a fixed 4x. (batteries under the switch)Value~harder to nail down. The most I've ever paid is about $175 if memory serves, most around $100-$125 if they're in excellent condition. New ones~good question.
I have a 4x32 and a 4x40Lite-Site from the old Bushnell Banner line made in Japan by B&L. Lens coatings have improved since then and computer controlled machinery makes it possible for manufacturers to build good stuff more cheaply than in those days but that doesn't mean it happens. I am confident I can rely on these old B&L Banners, I am not as confident about any modern Bushnell production below the Elite model lines.
Older Japanese‑made Bushnell Banner scopes, especially those marked Bushnell by Bausch & Lomb, were considered better quality than the later Chinese/Korean Banner series. They’re not high‑end like the Elite line, but they offered solid glass and durability for their price point, and being new‑in‑box makes them collectible to the right buyer.
- Location
- WMU248 near Edmonton
oooohhh Necro thread.....
but yes the old Banners made in Japan were good scopes for the price point. I would not hesitate to pick one up and use it on a range gun.
the later made in Korea ones were OK but the ones made in China.... That's where things really fell apart.
but yes the old Banners made in Japan were good scopes for the price point. I would not hesitate to pick one up and use it on a range gun.
the later made in Korea ones were OK but the ones made in China.... That's where things really fell apart.
- Location
- WMU248 near Edmonton
just found a pair of Tasco scopes one made in Japan the other made in Korea. They are not that bad either.
I have a couple of those still. Yes, they are a decent scope for the money. Their old world class varmint scopes were the optical bargain of the decade back in the day. - dan
- Location
- WMU248 near Edmonton
