Bushnell Celebrates 75th Anniversary

by
posted on July 13, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Bushnell Celebrating Its 75Th Anniversary
Photo courtesy of Vista Outdoor.

It was David P. Bushnell’s 1948 honeymoon in Japan that started it all. Two crates stuffed with binoculars accompanied him during his return trip to California, where he launched the company that still bears his name. Initially selling them by mail order, it wasn’t long before his brand found its way onto store shelves and manufacturers began producing models to his specifications.

In 1971, he sold his company to Bausch & Lomb. Today, Bushnell is among the legendary firms under the Vista Outdoor corporate umbrella, where it squarely remains focused on designing and bringing to market innovative products “Built for the Pursuit”—whether it’s hunting, shooting, birdwatching or any other outdoor passion.

“The 75th anniversary is a significant milestone for Bushnell, and we are incredibly proud of our journey so far,” said Jim Bruno, president of Vista Outdoor Hunting and Shooting Accessories. “Our success can be attributed to our loyal customers, dedicated employees and unwavering commitment to delivering superior optics that are built for your pursuit. We are grateful for the trust they have placed in us and look forward to many more years of innovation and excellence.”

Since its founding in 1948, Bushnell has remained committed to its mission of providing top-notch options that deliver exceptional performance without breaking the bank. Over the years, the brand has earned a reputation for its dedication to quality, reliability and precision, making it the go-to choice for those seeking to experience life through a new lens.

A big part of the company’s success can also be attributed to its patented technologies. The brand’s innovations, such as RainGuard HD water-repellent lens coating, EXO Barrier lens protection and ARC (Angle Range Compensation) technology, have set new standards in optics while earning consumer trust along the way.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Bushnell will be launching a variety of contests, social campaigns and retail incentives that pay homage to the brand’s rich heritage. Fans are encouraged to follow along on the anniversary webpage or the company’s Facebook and Instagram pages as the brand embarks on its next chapter.

Latest

Red Dot Occlusion 4
Red Dot Occlusion 4

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.