The SHOT show rumor concerning Kahles making Leica's new riflescopes has been debunked in an email from Dave Brown, Leica Sport Optics US vice president of sales. Here is an excerpt below:
".........Here’s the straight scoop, for example, regarding Leica rifle scopes:
First, it’s important to know that a lot has changed a Leica – so much so that it’s a substantially different company than it was even a year ago. The ownership is new, a separate vertical Sport Optics Business Unit has been created, and the management, product development, and marketing teams are almost entirely different, both in Germany and the US.
Heading up the new business unit is Dr. Gerold Dobler, a hunter and shooter, and formerly a dominant force in the development of the Swarovski rifle scope line. At Leica, Dr. Dobler has surrounded himself with some of the best minds in the optics industry, brought in from companies like Zeiss, Swarovski, Schmidt & Bender, and others. Combined, they have many decades of experience designing and building premium rifle scopes.
Leica has no association or connection with Kahles or any other optics brand, and there is no secret manufacturing partner for rifle scopes. Leica scopes are being made 100% by Leica in our factories. They are expensive; we know that. But we wanted to start out by establishing a really high standard with a flagship-type product. Leica is serious about becoming a major entity in the premium rifle scope business, and ultimately there will be many different models at many different price points.
All the best to you, and please let me know if there is anything I can help you with.
Dave Brown
Vice President, Sales
Leica Sport Optics US"
Our take: Congrats to Leica for re-starting their riflescope program from the ground up. Serious shooters can't have too many quality options. I wonder if Leica will be adverse to entering the tactical market??
Also, the first paragraph reference to turnover and re-structuring may explain why there has been reports about uneven quality control in Leica products over the last year or two. I personally examined their new $4000 spotter that had serious chromatic aberration in an optical system designed to eliminate it. Not acceptable in my book. Looks like "change" is in effect at Leica. Until the dust settles, I would be cautious about purchasing Leica products, especially through internet or mail order. Examine your prospective purchase thoroughly.
Best of luck to Leica Sports Optics in their return to prominence.
Scott
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