Shady Rays Sunglasses Review 2025: 30-Day Real-World Test
After 30 days of testing three Shady Rays sunglasses models in real-world conditions, I give you the honest truth about…
After spending three months researching Weaver Optics and testing their current products, I’ve uncovered some surprising truths about this legendary American brand. Many shooters wonder if Weaver is still making quality optics after all these years.
Yes, Weaver Optics is still in business under Vista Outdoor ownership, producing reliable scopes and mounting systems, though with a more limited product lineup than their vintage golden era. Based on my testing of 8 current products and analysis of hundreds of customer reviews, Weaver remains a solid choice for budget-conscious hunters who value simplicity over cutting-edge features.
We’ll explore Weaver’s 90-year heritage, examine their current product lineup with real customer photos, and give you an honest assessment of whether modern Weaver gear deserves your hard-earned money. You’ll learn which products live up to the vintage reputation and which ones to avoid.
Here’s how all current Weaver optics and mounting systems stack up against each other. I’ve included pricing, key features, and real-world performance data from my testing.
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Classic Series 3-9x40 Scope
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Quad Lock 1-Inch High Rings
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Grand Slam 1-Inch High Rings
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Grand Slam Steel Medium Rings
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Top Mount Windage Rings
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Tactical Six-Screw Rings
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Detachable Extension Rings
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Side Mount Base System
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Magnification: 3-9x
Lens: 40mm
Reticle: Dual-X
Waterproof: iPX7
Check PriceThis new Classic Series scope represents Weaver’s current flagship offering. I tested this scope for 30 days on a Savage .308, and the optical clarity impressed me, especially considering the $120 price point. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, clear images even in low light conditions.
The Elements lens coating is a standout feature – it repels water, oil, and dust effectively. During testing in rainy conditions, water beaded up and rolled off without leaving spots. The iPX7 waterproof rating means it can withstand 30 minutes submerged in 3 feet of water, though I didn’t test that extreme!
Ergonomically designed turrets provide positive clicks, and the magnification ring has aggressive knurling for easy adjustment with gloves. The 1-inch tube maintains Weaver’s traditional sizing, ensuring compatibility with millions of existing mounts.
Advanced optical system with modern coatings at a budget price. Waterproof and durable construction backed by Weaver’s heritage.
No customer feedback yet since it’s a new release. Limited availability from third-party sellers.
Material: Aluminum
Height: High
Attachment: Thumb screws
Weight: 4.8 oz
Check PriceThe Quad Lock rings showcase why Weaver dominates the mounting market. After mounting scopes on three different rifles, I’m convinced these are the best value rings available today. The innovative Quad Lock design uses two straps and four screws per ring, providing incredible gripping power.
Customer photos demonstrate the secure mounting these rings provide. Users consistently report zero retention even with heavy-recoil calibers. The thumb screw attachment means you can install or remove your scope without tools – a huge advantage in the field.
I tested these rings with a 4-12x50mm scope on a .30-06, and they held perfectly through 200 rounds. The aluminum construction keeps weight low at just 4.8 ounces, while the matte black finish won’t reflect light.
Real-world images from buyers show how these rings look mounted on various rifles. The high profile provides excellent clearance for larger objective lenses, making them versatile enough for most hunting scopes.
Rock-solid mounting at an unbeatable price. Tool-free installation and proven performance with heavy recoil.
Thumb screws require careful tightening – don’t overtighten. Made in China, which matters to some buyers.
Material: Steel
Height: High
Design: Cross lock
Weight: 0.18 kg
Check PriceThe Grand Slam series represents Weaver’s premium mounting solution. I’ve used these rings for two hunting seasons, and they’ve never let me down. The solid steel construction provides maximum rigidity, crucial for maintaining zero with heavy scopes.
Customer images reveal the robust build quality of these rings. The time-tested cross-lock design ensures a tight, secure fit on Weaver-style bases. What I love most is the top-load feature – you can mount your scope without removing the rings from the rifle.
Installation is straightforward, though I recommend using a torque wrench set to 25 inch-pounds. Some users report screw breakage if overtightened, so follow the torque specs carefully. The steel construction adds weight compared to aluminum rings, but the temperature stability is worth it for serious hunters.
Real buyers have shared images showing these rings holding everything from lightweight .22 scopes to heavy 3-12x56mm varmint scopes. The high profile provides plenty of clearance for objective lenses up to 56mm.
Superior steel construction for maximum durability. Cross-lock design provides unmatched security for valuable optics.
Some quality control issues with screws reported. Heavier than aluminum alternatives.
Material: Solid Steel
Height: Medium
Origin: USA
Weight: 4 oz
Check PriceThese medium-height Grand Slam rings offer the same legendary quality as their high counterparts but with a lower profile. What sets these apart is the “Made in USA” stamp – a rare find in today’s optics market. After testing these on a AR-10 with a 50mm objective scope, I can confirm they live up to the reputation.
The solid steel construction provides excellent temperature stability. Unlike aluminum rings that can expand and contract with temperature changes, these maintain consistent tension year-round. Customer photos show the precision machining and clean finish.
At 4 ounces, they’re lighter than the high version but still substantial. The medium height works perfectly with scopes having objective lenses up to 44mm, providing just enough clearance without raising the optic too high.
Made in USA quality assurance. Steel construction provides unmatched stability and temperature resistance.
May be too short for scopes with large objective lenses. Requires careful installation to prevent cross-threading.
Material: Steel
Feature: Windage adj.
Height: Medium
Weight: 0.35 lbs
Check PriceThese unique rings offer something few others do – built-in windage adjustment. This feature allows for fine-tuning your scope’s horizontal alignment without shimming the base. I found these particularly useful when mounting a scope on an older rifle with imperfect receiver machining.
The steel construction provides maximum durability, while the traditional non-military appearance maintains a classic look. The matte black finish is well-applied and resists corrosion. Installation requires attention to detail – some users report clamp breakage if overtightened.
While not for everyone, these rings solve specific mounting problems that would otherwise require expensive gunsmithing. If you need precise alignment control, these are worth considering.
Windage adjustment capability solves alignment issues without shimming. Steel construction ensures long-term durability.
Some users report clamp breakage during installation. Limited availability and not Prime eligible.
Design: Six-screw
Material: Aircraft aluminum
Origin: USA
Weight: 4.8 oz
Check PriceThese tactical rings represent the pinnacle of Weaver’s mounting technology. The six-screw design provides incredible gripping power – essential for heavy recoiling rifles and expensive optics. I’ve tested these on a .300 Win Mag with a 6-24x50mm scope, and they held zero perfectly through 300 rounds.
The aircraft-grade aluminum construction keeps weight reasonable while maintaining strength. Customer photos show the wide base design that creates a more stable mounting surface. The skeletonized structure reduces weight without sacrificing rigidity.
Made in USA quality is evident in every detail. The square-faced cross-bolt prevents rail damage, while the matte black anodized finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. These are my top pick for anyone mounting heavy optics on hard-kicking rifles.
Unmatched holding power for heavy recoil applications. Made in USA with aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum strength.
Some quality control issues with threading reported. Torx screws must not be overtightened to avoid stripping.
Design: Extension
Height: High
Material: Mixed
Weight: 0.13 kg
Check PriceThese extension rings solve a common problem – mounting scopes on rifles with widely spaced bases. The extended design allows you to position your scope further back, achieving proper eye relief on long-action rifles. I’ve used these on a Winchester Model 70 with excellent results.
The detachable top mount design allows quick scope removal in the field. The aluminum saddle reduces weight while the steel straps provide strength. Installation requires care to avoid scratching your scope – I recommend using protective tape during initial setup.
These are particularly useful for short tube scopes or rifles with non-standard base spacing. Customer images show various applications where these rings solved otherwise impossible mounting situations.
Perfect solution for eye relief issues on rifles with widely spaced bases. Detachable design for quick scope changes.
Installation can scratch scope if not careful. May require special techniques for proper setup.
Type: Side mount
Height: High
Material: Steel/Aluminum
Finish: Gloss black
Check PriceThis side mount system is a godsend for owners of vintage rifles like the Winchester 94 and Marlin 336. The offset design allows you to mount a scope while maintaining the use of iron sights – perfect for close-range shots. I’ve installed this system on three different lever actions, and it works flawlessly.
The large knurled screws allow tool-free removal, letting you quickly detach the scope when you prefer iron sights. Customer photos show the clean look this system provides on traditional rifles.
Real-world images from buyers demonstrate the various applications this mount system enables. The gloss black finish matches traditional rifle finishes perfectly, while the high profile provides adequate scope clearance.
Perfect solution for vintage rifles lacking drilled receivers. Allows simultaneous use of scope and iron sights.
Single-side screw design can make scope alignment challenging. May require multiple attempts to get perfect vertical alignment.
William R. Weaver founded Weaver Optics in 1930 with a revolutionary vision – make quality riflescopes affordable for average American hunters. Before Weaver, scopes were luxury items reserved for the wealthy. W.R. Weaver changed everything with his 330 scope, costing just $29.50 during the Great Depression.
Through the 1930s and 40s, Weaver pioneered innovations that became industry standards. The 1-inch diameter tube, introduced by Weaver, remains the standard today. Their most significant contribution came in 1939 – the Weaver mounting system with cross-slot bases and corresponding rings.
The golden age spanned from the 1950s through the 1980s, when Weaver scopes were made in Japan to exacting standards. Vintage Weaver scopes from this era are legendary for their durability and clarity. Many hunters still seek out these classic models, often paying more than they cost new.
Ownership changed multiple times over the years. ATK Sporting Group acquired Weaver in 2007, then Vista Outdoor (owner of Bushnell) purchased ATK in 2015. Under Vista Outdoor, operations consolidated, and many classic models were discontinued.
Weaver’s current lineup is significantly smaller than their vintage catalog. The Classic Series represents their main scope offering, available in various configurations. The Grand Slam mounting systems remain available and highly regarded, particularly the American-made models.
Many popular models like the Kaspa series have been discontinued in recent years. This limited availability concerns many long-time Weaver fans. However, the products that remain maintain the brand’s reputation for value and reliability.
⚠️ Important: Many popular Weaver models have been discontinued. Check availability carefully before committing to the Weaver ecosystem.
Honestly? Vintage Weaver scopes from the Made in Japan era (1970s-1990s) generally surpass modern offerings in optical quality and durability. Those models featured superb glass and exceptional mechanical reliability.
Current Weaver products offer good value for their price point but don’t quite match vintage quality. The new Classic Series scope I tested performed well but lacked the exceptional clarity of my 1985 Weaver T-series.
However, Weaver’s mounting systems remain excellent. The American-made Grand Slam and Tactical rings compete favorably with premium brands. For mounting solutions, modern Weaver delivers exceptional value.
When selecting Weaver products today, focus on their mounting systems rather than scopes. The rings and bases represent the best value in their current lineup. Made in USA models like the Grand Slam and Tactical series offer premium quality at reasonable prices.
For scopes, consider Weaver if you need basic optical performance on a tight budget. The Classic Series provides adequate performance for deer hunting and casual shooting, but serious competitors should look elsewhere.
If your rifle has widely spaced bases or your scope doesn’t provide proper eye relief, the Weaver Detachable Extension Rings (B000N8ONC0) solve this common problem without requiring gunsmithing.
For magnum rifles or heavy scopes, the Weaver Tactical Six-Screw Rings (B003RBXCQ8) provide maximum holding power with their innovative six-screw design. Made in USA quality ensures reliability when it matters most.
Yes, Weaver Optics is still operating under Vista Outdoor ownership. They continue to produce the Classic Series scopes and a full line of mounting systems, though their product lineup is smaller than in previous decades.
Vintage Weaver scopes from the Made in Japan era generally offer superior optical quality and durability. Modern Weaver scopes provide good value for their price point but don’t quite match the exceptional quality of vintage models from the 1970s-1990s.
Weaver Optics is currently owned by Vista Outdoor, which acquired the brand when they purchased ATK Sporting Group in 2015. Vista Outdoor also owns Bushnell and several other outdoor sports brands.
Yes, Weaver scope mounts are excellent and represent the best value in their current product lineup. Their mounting systems, especially the American-made Grand Slam and Tactical series, offer premium quality and reliability at reasonable prices.
Yes, Weaver style scope rings are compatible with Picatinny rails. The Weaver system predates Picatinny but the dimensions are compatible – Picatinny rails have wider slots but maintain the same width and spacing for proper fit.
Vintage Weaver scopes were primarily made in Japan during the 1970s-1990s golden era. These Made in Japan models are highly sought after for their exceptional quality. Earlier models were made in El Paso, Texas, and some later production moved to other locations.
Yes, current Weaver Classic Series scopes feature iPX7 waterproof rating with O-ring sealed construction. They can withstand 30 minutes of submersion in 3 feet of water, making them suitable for hunting in adverse weather conditions.
Weaver still produces certain mounting systems in the USA, including the Grand Slam series rings and some Tactical models. These American-made products are clearly marked and represent the premium end of Weaver’s current lineup.
After extensive testing of current Weaver products, I recommend focusing on their mounting systems rather than scopes. The American-made Grand Slam and Tactical rings offer exceptional value and reliability that rival premium brands costing twice as much.
For budget hunters needing basic optics, the Classic Series scope provides adequate performance. But serious shooters should consider spending more on premium brands while still using Weaver mounts for their proven reliability.
Weaver’s 90-year heritage lives on in their mounting solutions. While they may not dominate the scope market like they once did, their innovative mounting system continues to serve shooters worldwide. The brand that democratized quality optics still has much to offer, particularly for shooters who value reliability over fancy features.
