One of Leupold's extraordinary employees, Simary Sam, Supervisor, Assembly.
When I kicked off The Maker Series, the first person to reach out was Leupold's Shawn Skipper.
"Leupold wants to be a part of this," he said. So, Leupold put me on a plane to Oregon and gave me a tour of their factory.
Like many gun writers, I arrived at Leupold expecting to be impressed by technology: state-of-the-art machinery, precision engineering, and all the sophisticated processes that turn raw materials into top-tier optics.
I saw all that. But what really struck me wasn’t the machines. It was the people.
As we moved through the factory floor in Beaverton, I realized I was paying less attention to the equipment and more to the men and women operating it. At every station, someone had mastered a skill most of us couldn’t begin to replicate.
It’s easy to assume machines do most of the work in modern manufacturing. Leupold shatters that assumption. Your riflescope wasn’t built by something. It was built by someone. And that someone is special.
What stood out immediately was the concentration. In a world full of distractions, Leupold workers focus on intricate assemblies that would give most people fits. Everywhere I looked, people were zeroed in on details measured in thousandths of an inch. Components were assembled, inspected, adjusted and verified with a level of care that bordered on artistry.
The gold ring is more than a logo. It’s a promise. A symbol of generations of craftsmanship, innovation, and pride built into every optic that leaves Beaverton. Long before it finds its way onto a rifle, that golden ring passes through the hands of skilled Americans dedicated to getting the details right.
The assembly areas fascinated me most. Rows of highly skilled employees moved with practiced dexterity, placing tiny components exactly where they belonged. Some jobs needed extraordinary hand-eye coordination; others called for the kind of patience and precision most people just don’t have.
Watching them work reminded me of surgeons, jewelers and master watchmakers.
We hunters and shooters think we’re detail-oriented. We debate quarter-inch groups, torque values, reticle subtensions and ballistic coefficients. But after seeing the Leupold team at work, I realized we’re amateurs. The professionals? They’re all in Beaverton making your riflescope.
The men and women on the assembly floor operate at a level far beyond ours. Even the most meticulous among us would seem careless by comparison.
After talking with several employees, I learned their attention isn’t just for perfectionism’s sake. It’s driven by purpose. Every lens, every component, every adjustment gets their full attention because they understand that the smallest detail can affect the finished product.
It also became clear that intelligence at Leupold is everywhere. Brilliant minds aren’t confined to engineering offices or executive suites. They’re on the factory floor, too.
Engineers solve complex problems. Machinists turn raw materials into precision components. Technicians detect imperfections most people would never see. Assemblers trust experience as much as instrumentation, often sensing when something isn’t quite right before any measurement confirms it. Then, before your optic ever leaves the factory, one final set of Oregon-based hands scrutinizes it with a level of precision and discipline that would bring a tear to a drill instructor’s eye.
There’s a difference between knowing how to do something and understanding why it matters. Leupold’s people know both.
As I walked through the factory, I couldn’t help but notice that no one seemed disconnected from the mission. Whether someone was machining components, assembling riflescopes, building red dots, testing electronics, or inspecting finished optics, there was a quiet sense that the work mattered. The optic on the bench in front of them would eventually find its way into someone’s hands; a hunter on a mountainside, a competitor on the firing line, a law enforcement officer, or a service member in harm’s way. I don’t pretend to know what motivated every person I met, but it was clear they understood their work had a purpose beyond the factory walls, and that was something I came to deeply respect.
Another realization came to me during my visit.
When I first envisioned The Hunting Wire’s Maker Series, I didn’t have a particular person or company in mind. I wasn’t picturing a specific gunsmith, engineer, engraver, designer or machinist. I just knew our industry spends too much time celebrating products and brands, and not enough time celebrating the people who make those products possible.
The makers at Leupold, engineers, machinists, technicians and assemblers, rarely ask for recognition, but their commitment is the foundation of the company’s reputation. After witnessing their dedication, I felt a responsibility as a hunter to honor their work in the field. Knowing the care and expertise poured into every riflescope, I realized using their equipment is a privilege that deserves my best effort and respect.
Leupold’s story is also a story of American craftsmanship. In an age when so many products are manufactured entirely overseas, there is something powerful about watching skilled American workers assemble, calibrate, test, and inspect every riflescope in Oregon. The result is more than an optic; it's a product shaped by generations of expertise, precision, discipline, and pride.
Touring Leupold changed how I see optics. Now, I see not just materials and technology, but also the talent and work ethic behind each product. Excellence at Leupold isn’t an accident. It’s built one careful decision at a time by people who take pride in what they do.
My visit left me proud, not just to use Leupold’s products, but to celebrate the American spirit behind them. The real story isn’t just the optics. It’s the people who make them, and the generations of craftsmanship and dedication they represent.
Leupold loves to remind you their rifle optics are assembled in America.
America should be just as proud of Leupold.
Look for more from the Leupold factory floor as we continue The Maker Series.
ScentLok introduces the BE:1 Puffy Jacket and Pant, featuring Sorona Aura insulation for warmth and packability, Carbon Alloy scent control technology, and articulated design for mobility. Both items are priced at $219.99 and now available.
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) concluded a successful 2026 Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, with over 3,100 student archers from 40 states and one Canadian province competing in Bullseye and NASP3D formats. Grand Champions Callan Hignight and Isabella Caplinger were recognized, along with academic excellence honorees and inaugural Grand Champion Award recipients.
Murray Road Agency, a strategic marketing firm serving the outdoor industry, has been named a Marketing Firm Regional Winner in the 2026 Best of South Carolina awards by The Guide to South Carolina. CEO Tim Brandt highlighted the company's commitment to helping outdoor brands connect authentically with customers through comprehensive marketing services.
Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois and his series "Duck Camp Dinners" received a James Beard Foundation Award in the Lifestyle Broadcast Media category. The show, now in Season 4 on MyOutdoorTV and Outdoor Channel, explores Louisiana's wetlands and Cajun culinary traditions.
Winchester Ammunition received the Industry Partner of the Year Award from the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) U.S.A. for supporting the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program through employee volunteer efforts.
Zanders Sporting Goods, an all-women-owned distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has partnered with Pro-Shot Products to stock firearm cleaning and maintenance solutions. Pro-Shot, a USA manufacturer since 1982, offers premium cleaning rods, kits, solvents, and accessories trusted by hunters, Olympic shooters, and law enforcement.
Krieghoff International celebrated a successful 2026 Pennsylvania State Shoot with multiple Team Krieghoff championship wins. Clare Schaffer of Newtown, PA won the Krieghoff Challenge and a K-80 Trap Special, becoming only the second woman to win in the event's 22-year history. Don Neilson Jr. and Deborah Ohye Neilson were inducted into the Pennsylvania Trapshooting Hall of Fame.
Conservation and hunting leaders, including the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, Boone and Crockett Club, and the National Wild Turkey Federation, issued a joint statement emphasizing that Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) efforts are essential to hunting's future alongside public education and support.
Target Sports USA launched "250 Years of Firepower," a campaign celebrating America's 250th anniversary featuring a Ford F-250 giveaway for AMMO+ members. The initiative partners with ammunition manufacturers CCI, Federal, HEVI-Shot, Remington, and Speer, honoring firearms' role in American history through historical content, promotions, and commemorative offerings.
Whitetails Unlimited granted $125,620 to 4-H programs during the 2025-2026 fiscal year to support youth shooting sports and leadership development. The organization's Target Program aims to preserve the hunting tradition for future generations through hands-on learning experiences.
Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is hiring a full-time Pennsylvania Program Coordinator to launch its outdoor mentoring program across the state. The role involves organizing mentored hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting sports opportunities while connecting youth with volunteer mentors. Applications are due July 6, 2026, with an anticipated start date of August 15, 2026.
Blaser USA is hiring a Regional Sales & Account Manager for Texas and surrounding states to drive rifle sales growth, manage dealer relationships, and represent the Blaser Group portfolio. The full-time, field-based position requires firearms industry experience, extensive travel, and a proven sales track record.
ScentLok released the Ridge Bib, a new hunting bib featuring Carbon Alloy® and Silver Alloy™ scent control technologies, designed to complete the brand's premier midseason system. The bib combines elite scent management with thermal efficiency and dead-silent mobility, now fully stocked and shipping.
ATN Corp announced the launch of the Odin 6 MFT, a professional-grade thermal imaging optic that functions as a handheld monocular, helmet-mounted viewer, thermal clip-on, and weapon-mounted sight. Built on ATN's 6th Generation thermal engine with detection ranges up to 1,700 meters, the device offers 8-hour battery life and is available in 320 and 640 sensor configurations.
SOG Knives released a limited edition 250th Anniversary SEAL FX Fixed Blade knife featuring a 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade, forged and assembled entirely in the USA. Only 250 individually numbered knives were produced, each retailing for $250 and available at SOGKnives.com.
Galco has released the Stow-N-Go IWB holster for the Springfield SA-35 4", part of their Concealed Carry Lite line. The holster features an open top for fast draw, reinforced mouth, and is constructed of Premium Center Cut Steerhide, offering comfortable daily carry options.
FALCO® Holsters announced the A914 GBGuns IWB Holster, developed with Graham Baates of the GBGuns YouTube channel. The hybrid Kydex and Italian leather holster features a Griffin Wing for comfort and weight distribution, with an MSRP of $159.95.
Blocker Outdoors introduced its Fused Cotton series, engineered to handle heavy land management and early autumn hunting. The collection features a cotton-polyester blend with S3® silver antimicrobial technology and includes Field Pants, Bibs, Hoodies, and Long-Sleeve T-Shirts designed for durability and breathability.
Duck Commander has unveiled the Commander Cut: America 250, a limited-edition duck call featuring patriotic design with blue, red, and white accents. Only 50 calls are available exclusively through Duck Commander's online store, celebrating America's 250th birthday with performance-engineered specifications for waterfowl hunting.
LOWDOWN Viewer has renewed its partnership with Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised the high-speed trail camera viewer for its efficiency in managing photos from multiple cameras and brands, enhancing off-season scouting capabilities.
Ross Purnell, Editor/Publisher of Fly Fisherman Magazine, interviews legendary skier and fly fisherman Andy Mill on episode #33 of the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast. Mill discusses his transition from a world-class skiing career to becoming a dominant saltwater fly-fishing tournament champion, winning 11 major tarpon tournaments and earning induction into the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Hall of Fame and International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame.
Hawke Optics announces the Vantage HD 30 SF riflescopes featuring System H2 optics, 30mm chassis, and advanced turret systems at affordable prices. Available in 4-16x50 and 6-24x50 magnifications with multiple reticle options and illumination, backed by Hawke's No-Fault Lifetime warranty.
Code Blue Scents has partnered with TreeCruTV, an authentic hunting content team, to feature Code Blue's premium whitetail scents across TreeCruTV's hunt recaps, episodes, and social media content. The collaboration combines Code Blue's industry-leading scent technology with TreeCruTV's passionate storytelling and connection with hunters.
Burris Optics announced a partnership with Promoboxx to provide retailers with automated digital marketing solutions. The collaboration delivers brand-approved promotional content including email, social media, and web assets to help dealers increase product visibility and sales while maintaining consistent brand messaging.
Megan Plete Postol, Lead Editor of Athlon Untamed, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). She will begin her three-year term following the organization's August 2026 board meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, during OWAA's 100th anniversary celebration.
Sierra Bullets announced three new rifle bullet offerings: 25 Cal 135 Gr Tipped MatchKing, 7MM 185 Gr Tipped MatchKing, and 22 Cal 77 Gr MatchKing X. Developed in response to customer demand for high-ballistic coefficient, heavy-for-caliber bullets, these products are now available through dealers and www.SierraBullets.com.
Bear & Son Cutlery introduces the 537L Small Locking Farmhand, a compact American-made EDC pocketknife featuring a 2.5-inch high carbon stainless steel blade and Genuine India Stag Bone™ handle. Weighing 1.1 ounces with a lockback mechanism, the knife is now available through authorized dealers nationwide at $55.99 MSRP.
Arcus Hunting, LLC and Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. launched a new line of Smith & Wesson branded bear spray products manufactured in the USA. The lineup includes 8oz and 14oz canisters with effective ranges up to 40 and 45 feet respectively, designed for hunters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts in bear country.
Weatherby announces the Model 307 MZY, its first production muzzleloader, featuring the Arrowhead Rifles Gen2 ignition system and Peak 44 Bastion carbon fiber stock. Available in .45 and .50 caliber, the rifle is optimized for Blackhorn 209 powder and includes TriggerTech trigger and Williams Gunsight options.
Legacy Sports International announces the 2026 Pointer ST912 Walnut over-under shotgun is now shipping. The 12-gauge features a black finish, walnut furniture, adjustable comb, jeweled receiver, ejectors, and five extended chokes at an MSRP of $979.
Henry Repeating Arms is shipping the America's 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition Collection, featuring three collector-grade lever-action rifles including H1 .22 S/L/LR models and an H10 .45-70 Gov't rifle. Each features American flag Cerakote on nickel-plated receivers and Fancy-grade American walnut stocks to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary of independence.
WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, announced the Elegante Sporter bolt action rifle stock, crafted from hand-selected Claro American Walnut with an integrated aerospace-grade aluminum mini-chassis. Available for Remington 700, Ruger 10/22, and Ruger American Gen2 platforms, the stock starts at $569.00 for standard walnut and $899.00 for high-grade walnut.
The Boone and Crockett Club launched Big Game Records Live 2.0, an AI-powered platform integrating 140 years of harvest records with 12 data-driven analysis tools. The subscription-based platform features an AI Research Assistant trained on the Club's data to help hunters identify trends, geographic hotspots, and environmental variables affecting big game success.
Big Tine, a Rockville, Indiana-based maker of deer supplements and attractants, has renewed its national sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised Big Tine's premium products for helping hunters improve local deer herds and noted the company's passion for quality.
Vortex® and Hunter Constantine announced a $10,000 donation to the Second Amendment Foundation through sales of a limited-edition Vortex x Hunter Constantine Carry Belt, restricted to 250 units and supported by Vortex Nation™.
Bill Winke, a renowned whitetail bowhunter and long-time contributor to Outdoor Sportsman Group, is expanding his exclusive content library on MyOutdoorTV with nearly 375 episodes across multiple series including Bowhunting Whitetails with Bill Winke, Dream Farm with Bill Winke, and new JUST SHOT™ content featuring real-time hunting strategies and land management techniques.
The Cianciarulo family—Ralph, Vicki, RJ, and Aubrey—invite viewers to their 26th season of The Choice on Pursuit Channel and Wild TV. The episode features the family hunting daytime and nighttime hogs in Florida with Browning BAR rifles and Pulsar thermals, joined by Shaundi from Browning, airing June 29th at 6:00 AM EST.
MyOutdoorTV launches new summer episodes from seven popular hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventure shows including Haymaker Hunting, Hunting Beast, That Hunting Girl With Amanda Lynn Mayhew, The Given Right, American Heroes Outdoors TV, Reel Animals, and American Birdhunter, available on multiple streaming platforms.
