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

2026 Golden Bullseye Awards
2026 Golden Bullseye Awards

Best of the Best: American Rifleman's 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners

From firearms to accessories to optics to ammo and suppressors, we’ve determined these to be the stand-out products from the last year, providing firearm enthusiasts with innovation, value, utility and performance.

Review: Diamondback 9 mm SDR

Folks might be a bit surprised that Diamondback would choose 9 mm as the second caliber for its SDR revolver, but a closer look reveals why 9 mm is a solid caliber option for the platform.

Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest

There exists a zone within the New York City metropolitan area where law-abiding gun owners are not just imperiled but specifically targeted for exercising their rights. It is an outrage that has continued for far too long.

Wilson Combat Acquires Guncrafter Industries

Wilson Combat has acquired the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, uniting two of America’s foremost custom firearm manufacturers.

Bill Bachenberg Unanimously Reelected NRA President; Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO In Houston

Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), unanimously reelected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA, and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.

Heirloom Accuracy: The Springfield Armory Garrison Target

Springfield Armory expanded its "heirloom-quality" line of Garrison 1911s with an all-new target model chambered in either 9 mm or .45 ACP.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.