There are still a large number of very nice B&L scopes from the 1960’s and 1970’s still floating around today.
#Unertl 36x series#
Bushnell moved production of the rifle scope line to a plant in Japan and renamed the line the Bushnell Elite series (which is still produced today). In 2004, the licensing agreement ended and Bausch and Lomb elected not to renew the arraignment so Bushnell could no longer use the B&L name. Bausch and Lomb scopes of this time period were still manufactured in the Rochester plant, and were still called the Elite series. In 1973, Bausch & Lomb decided to move away from the sports optics field and more towards the medical optical field, so they sold licensing rights of their scope line to Bushnell, who changed the scope model names, but continued to market under the B&L name. The “B” series did well, leading B&L to release a 3rd generation of scopes known as the Elite 3000 and Elite 4000 series. This series was a continuation of the early BAL models with a “B” appended to the name such as a Balvar 8B. In 1968, Bausch and Lomb released their 2nd generation of scopes known as the “B” series. Most of the Balvar models were a variable 2.5 to 8 power scope. Many people commonly think that the scope series was a “Balvar” and didn’t realize that it was a combination of the abbreviation and the scope settings. This scope was a success, which led to the introduction of other B&L models, including a very popular variable model called the Balvar (var meaning variable). BAL was an abbreviation for Bausch and Lomb and “four” was the power of the scope. In 1962, Bausch and Lomb marketed their first series of rifle scopes, called the Balfour. Once the wars were over, Bausch and Lomb saw the optics market change so they changes as well. By the end of the 20th century, Bausch and Lomb was producing eyeglasses, microscopes and binoculars, as well as projectors, and camera lenses.ĭuring WW1 and WW2, the demand for optical based military equipment reached an all time high for B&L as military products accounted for almost 70% of all the products they sold.
When the company first started, they manufactured a high end (for that time period) line of monocles and eye glass frames. Bausch was an optician, while Lomb was the financial backer of the company. However, in the mid 1960’s, Bausch and Lomb did venture into the sporting optics market and produce a number of rifle scopes.īausch and Lomb was founded in Rochester, NY in 1853 by John Bausch and Henry Lomb. Hope this helps a little, enjoy your new scope.When people hear the name Bausch and Lomb, they typically think contacts and sunglasses, instead of rifle scopes. Should your scope ever need service, suggest you contact Gil Parsons of Parsons Scope Service who specializes in servicing this scope. Believe these scopes were introduced in the '40's and produced into the '60's.
#Unertl 36x serial number#
They no longer carry the original printed pamphlets but will make a copy and mail it to you.Ĭannot determine the date of manufacture from the serial number however from the four digits would guess that it is an earlier scope. You can email Lyman and request an instruction pamphlet. Move it in the direction that you want your groups to go. Your scope is externally adjustable for both windage and elevation. The ring with the power stamped on it carries the cross hairs which is normally factory adjusted and left in position. Tighten the lock ring to maintain that focus. Point the scope towards a distant blank wall and rotate the ocular lens housing until the crosshairs are focused to your eyes. It is the ring that butts up against the ocular lens housing, not the ring farther up with the power stamped on it. In order to focus the crosshairs, loosen the ocular lens (the one in the rear) lock ring. First thing to remember is if you are going to make adjustments to the objective lens (the one in front) ALWAYS loosen the lock ring which is located just behind the lens cap. Really like these old scopes and have them mounted on my Winchester 52Ds.