I’ll admit, I have my biases about where brands come from. Who can blame me, right?
I’ve had some pretty unfortunate cases where a scope brand made in China, while affordable, is as good as junk.
Speaking of affordability, let’s talk about CenterPoint.
The CenterPoint scope line is a popular and wallet-friendly scope brand, and this line is a budget hunter’s favorite.
But where is it made?
Moreover, are they good enough for your next hunting trip? Read on to know who makes CenterPoint scopes and learn more about them!
Who Makes CenterPoint Scopes?
So, who makes CenterPoint scopes?
Crosman Corporation makes CenterPoint scopes. Crosman has manufactured its scopes in a Chinese optical factory.
So yes, it’s made in China.
I know I said rifle scopes made from China are likely junk, but this scope is an exception!
Many decent-quality rifle scopes in the US firearms market came from Chinese optical factories.
Crosman Corporation does its research well!
While it’s no top-of-the-line brand like Leupold or Vortex, it’s known to create AFFORDABLE and RELIABLE products.
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Is CenterPoint Really From Crosman?
If you’ve heard about CenterPoint for some time or tried a CenterPoint scope, you might be slightly surprised about who makes CenterPoint scopes.
CenterPoint has associations with other brands.
CenterPoint and Walmart
While it’s not the in-house brand of Walmart, CenterPoint seemed to have a marketing deal with Walmart.
The retail stores feature and prioritize CenterPoint scopes, giving it a reputation as a cheap but reliable firearm product.
I’ve been able to find mine for less than $100!
The retailer also sells other firearms and accessories for those purchasing them – from earplugs to gun security cabinets.
BSA Scopes and YOH
Some people believe Crosman’s facility in China might also be the same factory that makes entry-level scopes for other major brands in America.
A few people believe that YOH optics is the Chinese facility involved in making CenterPoint products.
I can definitely feel some similarities after hunting with both BSA and CenterPoint scopes.
The Background of CenterPoint Scopes
CenterPoint scopes are under Crosman Corporation, an American company known for its airguns and airsoft products – especially pellet and BB guns.
At some point, Crosman Corporation began producing rifle scopes branded as Crosman scopes – CenterPoint didn’t receive its name then.
None of them were sold as an actual, separate scope model at first. Instead, they were part of Crosman air rifles.
Eventually, the Crosman scopes expanded, selling only a few models. The number of scopes then increased, and each model increased in quality.
The Crosman rifle scopes became the CenterPoint scope line we know today.
What Is CenterPoint?
The CenterPoint line is Crosman’s official scope line. The brand is also unofficially called CenterPoint.
And not every model is a riflescope; the model with the most raving reviews is the crossbow model.
The CenterPoint is budget-friendly and reliable enough to be a featured scope line in Walmart.
Are All Crosman Corporation Products Made in China?
Crosman Corporation does rely a lot on Chinese factories.
Aside from its CenterPoint scopes, the spring piston and gas ram break-barrel air rifles are from China.
Though CenterPoint scopes are manufactured in a Chinese optical factory, they still have the standards of the USA company.
What About The USA?
Crosman Corporation designs most products in-house in their USA facilities.
Their US facility in Crosman Airgun Factory in Bloomfield, NY, manufactures many parts, too.
Meanwhile, many BBs and airguns are manufactured in the US facility, not just designed.
Their oldest model still used today is the 760 Pumpmaster multi-pump air rifle. Some other US-made products of theirs include barrels, breeches, and pressure tubes.
Now that you know the CenterPoint scope background, there’s, of course, that question.
Is CenterPoint Worth Buying?
CenterPoint scopes are remarkable, considering each scope is usually less than $100. Some scopes are even less than $75!
Still, despite the scope being made in China, I’ve had nothing but good experiences with their CenterPoint model.
It’s sad that China brands get a bad rep when a good number of them provide high-quality products.
CenterPoint scopes are great if you’re looking for a basic, no-frills scope model. I recommend them for the BUDGET-MINDED shooter!
If you’re not looking for the top-of-the-line scope but don’t want to go with naked hunting gear, then a CenterPoint scope might be for you.
Let me break down my experience with this scope.
Decent and Reliable
CenterPoint scopes are usually precise and reliable basic scopes. They feature fully multi-coated lenses.
Plus, the parallax of many of its scopes can focus down under the 50-yard mark.
Many CenterPoint scope models also have precision lock turrets with zero resetting capabilities.
Thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses, I’ve only had SHARP images at close ranges. Holding zero was no problem either!
Low Costs Come at a Cost
If you feel CenterPoint scopes are too good to be true, then I need to emphasize that a CenterPoint scope is GREAT for ITS PRICE.
I’ve had affordable scopes before, but I’ve never had one that’s less than $100.
I didn’t think it was possible for companies to make them that cheap and still perform well.
But CenterPoint made it happen!
A CenterPoint model is a hit-or-miss (buying-wise – no pun intended).
The quality is decent but I still can’t put them above brands like Vortex, Burris, and Nikon.
Bad Lens
Unfortunately, not every scope of theirs has the clearest optics. It was kind of a nightmare for me to shoot at long ranges.
Many CenterPoint glasses become blurry at high magnifications with their thick reticles.
Eye Relief Issues
Another common criticism from reviews is the low eye relief. You’ll have to keep your eyes close to the scope to see.
I know how dangerous it can be to have your eye too close to the eyepiece, so the poor eye relief was quite a downfall.
I was fortunate not to get hit with recoil this time, but it still wasn’t enough. At best, that can make hunting with it a hassle.
CenterPoint Scope Models and Recommendations
Not all of CenterPoint’s scopes are terrible. In fact, I would recommend a few!
If you want to see the best the CenterPoint line offers, here are their top three scopes.
1. CenterPoint Archery Crossbow Scope 4x32mm (Model LC432ERG2)
Even though I rarely use a crossbow when I’m outdoors, my time spent with this crossbow scope was very enjoyable!
The crossbow scope of the CenterPoint line is universally loved! It’s accurate at even a range of 60 yards.
It features clear glass and adjustable, illuminated brightness.
I brought this scope out on a cloudy day and on a late evening, and I had no problem with it at its highest power.
It is safe to say this scope has some great low-light capabilities!
The crisp dot reticle (red, blue, or green) becomes a small circle at around 20-30 yards. But some reviews claim that this is a FEATURE for them, making target acquisition easier.
One of the few issues that I had is the position of the illumination zero mark.
It’s at the east where the rear scope ring covers it, rather than the north where it’s expected to be.
For many, that seems to be a non-issue, so I highly recommend this model if you want to replace your crossbow’s red sight.
It’s a cheap scope that comes with GREAT quality.
2. CenterPoint TAG BDC 4-16×40 mm Rifle Scope (Model LR416AORG2)
This rifle scope is Walmart’s second-best scope in the CenterPoint line and has the BEST reviews for its features.
The side focus adjustment and rings made parallax easy to adjust. Holding zero was no problem for me as well!
I could even sight at 10x with the mil-dot reticle! I give this scope extra points for easy-breezy target acquisition.
I’ve taken this second focal plane scope out on some long hunting sessions. It’s gone through water, dust, and dirt, but it still feels brand new!
However, I have to deduct points for eye relief at 12-16x magnification.
But being around $60, this model is a huge bargain.
3. CenterPoint TAG 6-20x50mm Rifle Scope (Model LR620AORG2)
This CenterPoint rifle scope features a bullet drop compensating reticle for long-range hunting.
I can EASILY calibrate this model to any combination of bullets or load.
But if you’re willing to pay for top-of-the-line quality scopes, you might want to skip this.
I must deduct points for durability. I used it under the same conditions as the previous scope, but it didn’t handle the harsh outdoors as well.
I don’t think this scope will last a long time, so you may be due for an upgrade sooner than later
Still, you can’t find rifle scopes like this model that can work for more than $70.
What is the CenterPoint Scope Warranty?
Many gun enthusiasts know that the warranty of a scope is a great way to determine whether it’s a high-quality scope.
If the business is confident enough in its wares and scopes, then it will be sure enough to guarantee that every scope in its line will last well and long.
Let’s see what the CenterPoint warranty has to say.
Basic Limited Warranty
All CenterPoint scopes in the rifle scope division have the SAME limited lifetime warranty, meaning you can call customer service to replace the scope that came broken.
However, a limited warranty also means you can’t request a new scope model if it breaks from wear and tear.
Only If It’s Shipped That Way
You can’t request a new scope model if it breaks from wear and tear.
If the scope breaks from recoil from shotguns or doesn’t last a year, the warranty is expired.
Incidental or consequential damages won’t get repaired. Not giving routine maintenance to your beloved scope also voids the CenterPoint warranty.
Consequential damages are damages to a product because it’s poorly made.
Incidental damages are when your accessories break because they were bounced around in a transportation truck or dropped in a cardboard box after all the packaging.
That’s right; there’s NO guarantee the CenterPoint scope WON’T break.
Non-Transferrable
If your old hunting buddy gave you a CenterPoint scope he bought, and it breaks, you can’t call customer service to repair it.
Only the ORIGINAL BUYER can benefit from the warranty and get the scope repaired or replaced.
Unnecessary Charges
If you’re shipping your CenterPoint to customer service, make sure the warranty still applies.
If it doesn’t, and you send it to customer service, you might have to pay more than you expected (i.e., incidental expenses).
Local Laws
Remember that some of your warranties might differ depending on where you live!
Laws being local and all, your specific legal rights depend on what state you live in.
Not What You Expected?
If CenterPoint doesn’t work as you expect, we’re sorry, but that’s on you. CenterPoint disclaims any implied warranties.
They also don’t have limitations on implied warranties, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
DIY Issues
And if you try to repair your scope by disassembling it?
Or if you wanted to modify it yourself? Like many other products, modifying your scope will void your warranty.
How would businesses know if your modifications are why their product is broken?
That’s also why I don’t recommend fixing your scope yourself if you are a beginner. I suggest taking it to a professional if you must repair it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CenterPoint Scopes Waterproof?
Yes, CenterPoint scopes are known to be water-resistant and can withstand moisture quite well.
However, I would NOT recommend full submerging it in water to test it. I personally would not submerge a scope I were unsure of the durability.
Can CenterPoint Scopes Be Used in Low Light Conditions?
Yes, some scopes have illuminated reticles and adjustable brightness levels which are extremely helpful for low-light conditions.
The reticles can come in red or green, depending on what is more suitable for you.
Can CenterPoint Scopes Be Mounted on Any Rifle?
Most CenterPoint scopes are compatible with most rifles and come with a standard 30mm or 1-inch mounting rings.
Remember to double-check the scope’s specifications to find the right mounting tools.
Conclusion
Now you know that Crosman Corporation is the company who makes CenterPoint scopes.
Sure, CenterPoint is made on an assembly line in China, and not every CenterPoint scope is great.
But their rifle scope division is NOT junk – they’re decent enough for hunting.
If you’re part of its ideal market (i.e., a hunter who needs a decent and cheap scope), a CenterPoint scope is worth your money.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who makes the CenterPoint scopes line or whether it’s Walmart-sold or US-made.
What matters is whether the scope is good enough for you and your wallet!
