Redfield optics are among the oldest manufacturers of firearm optics in the USA. Their scopes are associated with American pride, indigenous components, and a very high-quality scope to vouch for.
Here we will cover the interesting story of Redfield optics and also review the best scopes from Redfield available on the market today. So roll up your glasses and let’s begin!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Redfield Scopes
- OUR TOP PICK: Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm
- BEST REDFIELD REVOLUTION SCOPE: Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm
Comparison of the Best Redfield Scopes
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Who is Redfield?
It all started in 1893 when a young firearm enthusiast by the name of John Hill Redfield decided to set up a gunsmith shop in Oregon. His travels later encouraged him to set up the Western Gun Sight Company in Denver. He later renamed it to Redfield Gun Sight Company in 1932. Since then, the company changed hands many times and even filed bankruptcy once in 1998 to cease operations.
The brand is now owned by Leupold & Stevens. While most of the models have gone out of production, some are still alive. Leupold offers a limited lifetime warranty on all scopes manufactured by Leoupold, i.e., after the year 2008.
Why Are Redfield Scopes So Popular?
Since the company had been taken over by Leupold in 2008. It offered only a limited number of models that prominently include the Revolution and Rampage series. Redfield is now popular for offering high-quality products at a reasonable asking price. Something that Leupold is also famous for.
However, the popularity is only limited to the third generation of Redfield scopes, which are manufactured by Leupold. Since they are only the ones covered by a prompt warranty. Another factor is that almost all of their products are strictly manufactured in the U.S. Plus, the brand has a sense of classic Americanism associated with it.
Review of the Best Redfield Scopes
Even though a fading product line, Redfield still has some amazing scopes to offer. Now let’s review some of the best scopes from them which have been handpicked by us to suit different applications.
Best Overall:
Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm
The 2-7x revolution scope is suitable for hitting targets accurately up to 300 yards. Which makes it a useful tool for hunting coyotes, prairie dogs, turkeys, and whitetail deer. It can also be used for hitting hogs due to its wide FOV and good eye relief. Other uses include medium-range shooting competitions and range use.
Additionally, the scope is expensive and low powered enough to be helpful for beginners learning the craft of hunting.
Is the Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm Compatible With Any Rifle?
The compact and lightweight design makes it suitable for low caliber rimfire rifles like .22lr. Whereas the tough body and the ability to hold zero ensures that it can be used with high caliber rifles like the 50 cal. The usage spectrum for this scope with rifles is fairly wide due to its small measurements.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm?
The scope has a 33mm objective so low to medium height rings will work very well. You can also look for co-witness mount options if you wanna go that way. However, the scope may come packaged with Leupold scope rings that work very well on all rifles.
The eye relief is generous and the field of view is great. If you are planning to mount it on a high caliber centerfire rifle. Make sure to purchase a better and more firm set of mounts.
Best for the Money:
Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm
This is a high power spotting scope that can be used for hunting, watching animals, gazing at the moon, target identification, bird watching, and any other possible use for a spotting scope out to 2000 yards. This scope can clearly spot miniscule differences at close range and is a great tool for spotting targets at the range.
This is a perfect entry-level spotting scope for beginners who don’t want to invest too much money initially.
Is the Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm Compatible With Any Rifle?
This spotting scope is compatible with assisting almost any rifle because of its long-range visibility. It features a straight body which makes it ideal for marksmanship competitions where you have to shoot from a prone stance. This scope will save you that long 100+ yard walk to know where your bullets have landed.
What Do I Need to Know About Using the Redfield Rampage 20-60x60mm?
The Rampage scope features a tripod adaptable mount which can be quickly attached with the included tripod. The tripod is fully functional and can be used to pan the scope as needed. The tripod is compact but very stable and offers ample elevation for prone use.
The translucent carry case and lens covers are good extras to add value. Plus, the sunshade makes it suitable for very bright days.
Best Redfield Revolution Scope:
Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm
With its 4-12 x magnification, this scope will be your first choice for long-range hunting. Especially for big game animals like elk and a drop tine. The accu-range reticle helps with holdover estimations for longer ranges. Plus, the bright black crosshairs help with distinguishing the target in a contrasting background.
Additionally, the scope also works great for varminting, precision shooting competitions, and any tactical applications in broad daylight.
Is the Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm Compatible With Any Rifle?
The scope works with rifles chambered in any caliber. However, the best results can be expected with .308 and .30-06 cartridges. You can use this scope with low power centerfire rifles like the .22lr and also heavy calibers like .450 bushmaster.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm?
The scope can be mounted using medium or high scope rings. Whatever works best for your rifle. The magnification changes are very crisp and 4-12x is reached in about a quarter-turn of the rings.
One thing to note is the very long eye relief of this scope. So you must position the scope in a manner that suits your eyesight and comfort zone.
Best Redfield Tactical Scope:
Redfield Revolution RL-RS-118348
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Redfield Revolution RL-RS-118348
The best use for this Revolution scope will be hunting. Ideally for varmints and a medium-sized game that can be shot within a range of 300 yards. The scope can be used to take short and long-range shots and the fast dial-in turrets can help with quick action.
However, that won’t be the case generally because of the range you’ll be mostly using this scope for. You may also use it for practice and casual competition use.
Is the Redfield Revolution RL-RS-118348 Compatible With Any Rifle?
It works best with low to medium caliber rifles like .22lr, .223, .243, and up to .308. The scope is not too bulky and fits really well with smaller rifles.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Redfield Revolution RL-RS-118348?
This is a standard 3 - 9 x riflescope that’ll use low or medium scope mount rings on most rifles. The maximum eye relief is about 4.2 inches so positioning and the lack of adjustable stocks won’t be a problem.
The turrets can twist up to 56 MOA with an adjustment click value of 0.25 MOA. Zeroing the scope is super easy and can mostly be achieved within 5 rounds.
Best Redfield Spotting Scope:
Redfield Rampage 20-60x80mm
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Redfield Rampage 20-60x80mm
This is a full-size high-power spotting scope fit for long-range precision shooting, watching wildlife, basic astronomical uses, and surveillance. The scope has a very large 80mm objective that projects an astoundingly clear and crisp image, even at high magnifications and over a long-range. The focus is nice and the angled eyepiece is a preference for many. Especially when lying prone.
Is the Redfield Rampage 20-60x80mm Compatible With Any Rifle?
This is a full-size spotting scope that has ample magnifying power to suit the range of the most powerful rifles. Plus the retractable sunshade, compact tripod, and angular eyepiece are perfect for long-range marksmanship and tactical applications. The best bet would be to use it with rifles when aiming beyond 400 yards.
What Do I Need to Know About Using the Redfield Rampage 20-60x80mm?
The scope comes complete with all components required for its functioning. The standard mount base accepts most aftermarket tripods. The tripod included in the package is short and may feel too short for some users. However, the angled eyepiece covers this difference to some extent. The rest is your personal preference.
You can mount a camera on the eyepiece using an adapter to film videos. The carry case and neoprene case are good and so are the lens covers. Overall, amazing value for your money.
Best Redfield 3x9 Scope:
Redfield Revolution 3-9x50mm Waterproof
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Redfield Revolution 3-9x50mm Waterproof
A large objective lens diameter that gathers enough light to clearly view a deer sight target 400 yards away with the best details. It is an ideal hunting scope that will offer a better effect in low light conditions with that large objective. It holds zero very well and will be a great scope for long-range precision shooting competitions up to 400 yards.
Other uses of this scope include target practice, plinking, and as a handheld monocular
Is the Redfield Revolution 3-9x50mm Waterproof Compatible With Any Rifle?
The scope works best with .223 rifles. However, it has been successfully used with .22lr’s and .308’s as well. It's eventually your rifle that’ll decide the range. But if you’re concerned about the caliber, this is a tough, shockproof scope that will get along well with most centerfire and rimfire rifles.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Redfield Revolution 3-9x50mm Waterproof?
First of all, the scope has an objective lens diameter of 50 mm. That clearly translates to using a high rise mount/rings on your rifle. The class is clear and sharp, and temperature change doesn’t seem to affect it. Plus, the reticle once zeroed in will hold its position for a long duration.
The turrets are a bit rounded on the surface, so you may face problems with placing the level gauge during installation. So keep an eye out for that.
7. Redfield Revolution 3-9x40
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40
Featuring a 3-9x variable magnification and a 40mm objective lens. This scope is best suited for hunting deer, turkeys, birds, and other game within a range of 400 yards. However, the scope can perform exceptionally well beyond that and is also a suitable option for target practice and competition.
The reticle with hash marks helps with drop estimations and the quick focus eyepiece helps with instant focus and sighting. Ideal scope for beginners and casual hunters
Is the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 Compatible With Any Rifle?
This entirely depends upon your taste and preference. The scope is shockproof and handles recoil very well. People widely use it with .308, .30-06, .243 Winchester and .223 caliber rifles. Whereas some use it as permanent scopes with their heavy caliber rifles. Some have even reported the scope to hold zero with the aforementioned calibers after years of use.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40?
This scope can be mounted using Picatinny/weaver or dovetail standard medium height rings on any rifle of your choice. The eye relief lies between 3.7 to 4.2 inches and offers ample space for fore or aft adjustments. The scope has a non-reflective black matte finish and will come in handy for encountering wary games like turkey.
The scope is supplied with Butler Creek flip-up lens covers which offer good quality and will last for years.
Redfield Scope Model History
Since the company has changed hands many times during its 127 years of existence. You’ll find many models that have been discontinued or lack a warranty. Let’s learn more about Redfield’s scope model history.
First Generation Scopes
These scopes were manufactured by the original team of Redfield when they were still in business. Also termed as ‘Original Redfield Scopes’, these were manufactured in the Redfield’s Colorado facility and 100% American made. These models were discontinued in 1998 when Redfield filed bankruptcy. There’s no warranty on these scopes. But you can always get a new one from Leupold for a good discount if you want to claim the warranty.
Second Generation Scopes
These scopes were manufactured after 1998 when Redfield’s patents and leftover assets were taken over by Blount International. These scopes are not original Redfields but manufactured with different schematics and at different facilities. These scopes have no warranty either and the same ‘Leupold discount’ logic applies to them.
Third Generation Scopes
These are the scopes manufactured after 2008 when Leupold took over the brand. However, Leupold has discontinued all the Redfield series scopes except the Revolution series. These scopes are covered by a limited lifetime warranty by Leupold.
Conclusion
Redfield optics has a legacy associated with it. It is famous for its high quality, affordable, and 100% made in the USA scopes. The company is now owned and operated by Leupold and offers a compact line of rifle scopes and spotting scopes.
People Also Ask
Redfield optics has an interesting history and the company has changed hands several times. Let’s find out some interesting facts and important info about the company.
Are Redfield Scopes Any Good?
Redfield scopes are affordable and offer great quality for what they are. Since they have been manufactured by Leupold, they adhere to the same quality and pricing standards. You’ll find several useful options in their product line and each of them will definitely suit your budget.
Are Redfield Scopes Discontinued?
Redfield scopes have not been discontinued as of October 2020. However, they have shrunk down to only a few product lines of optical scopes and their future doesn’t seem very bright.
Is Redfield Owned by Leupold?
Yes. Leupold & Inc. acquired Redfield in 2002 from Meade Instruments and has since been manufacturing their scopes. The scopes manufactured by Leupold are called the third generation Redfield scopes and are the only generation covered by a warranty.
