Bausch & Lomb 12-32x40 target/varmint scope

[South Pender]

A question about a vintage scope: A hunting buddy has a Bausch & Lomb 12-32x40 target/varmint scope. It's an older scope, although I don't know precisely when they were made. He's not using it anymore and wondered whether I might be interested in taking it off his hands. It looks to be in good condition and has a fine cross-hairs reticle. Does anyone on this forum have any experience with this scope? I guess I'm wondering about the optical quality of these older B&L scopes along with their tracking ability and adjustment range. Did they compare favorably with the Leupold scopes of the day? If I take it, I'll mount it on a varmint rifle.

 

[Ggmac]

I’ve had excellent experience with the older B&L .
Cannot really judge against todays scopes , my eyes were much younger when I used them . I still have 2 and a big spotter .

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Will he let you "try" it? Mount on a known good rifle. run a couple box test etc. Check out the optics, eye box etc. Since there is no warranty or support from the manufacturer, this is the only way I'd even consider it. But if the price was right I would like to have one!

Frank

 

[marazzi59]

I'm not sure how much I would trust the adjustments of the turrets but a simple test can answer that. I have an older b l spotting scope that's nice for the time period

 

[Prose]

A question about a vintage scope: A hunting buddy has a Bausch & Lomb 12-32x40 target/varmint scope. It's an older scope, although I don't know precisely when they were made. He's not using it anymore and wondered whether I might be interested in taking it off his hands. It looks to be in good condition and has a fine cross-hairs reticle. Does anyone on this forum have any experience with this scope? I guess I'm wondering about the optical quality of these older B&L scopes along with their tracking ability and adjustment range. Did they compare favorably with the Leupold scopes of the day? If I take it, I'll mount it on a varmint rifle.

The "ELITE" line are outstanding scopes to this day. They are from a time before twisting turrets was a thing, and they don't have an adjustment range comparable to most modern scopes, but for a set and forget varmint rifle they are simply the best.

The Elite 12-32x40 would be worth at least $400 in good condition. I do not think you can get a better scope at this price point nowadays.

 

[nilebartram]

I have a 2 B&L 36X scope and for the quality of the optic's and the price, you can not beat.

 

[South Pender]

I don't think it's an "Elite." Aside from "Bausch & Lomb" inscribed on the side of the turret, it has "Balvar" inscribed on it just ahead of the eyepiece. Were these before the Elites? Better or worse than the Elites?

 

[AckleymanII]

I have owned at least eight of the 12x32 B and Lomb, they are excellent varmint scopes, still have one left on a 6 Dasher. These scopes can usually be purchased for around $450 and they are a steal, I have never had one not track perfectly, and I twisted knobs all day long on p. dog towns.

 

[jghoghunter]

I've had 3 or 4, 6-24 B&L on pd guns and twisted knobs all day long as stated by Ackley. I've also had absolutely no issues. I think B&L scopes are a great bargain.

 

[South Pender]

I have owned at least eight of the 12x32 B and Lomb, they are excellent varmint scopes, still have one left on a 6 Dasher. These scopes can usually be purchased for around $450 and they are a steal, I have never had one not track perfectly, and I twisted knobs all day long on p. dog towns.

Wow, eight! Well, if anyone should know about this scope it would be you, Ackleymanll! Can you comment on their optical quality in comparison to modern high-end scopes?

​

 

[AckleymanII]

They are darn good in optics, but not a March, or Nightforce. They are not blury at all. Easy to see the edges of bullet holes at 100 yards.

 

[jmatters]

I cried when mine crashed and Bushnell couldn't fix it.