Redfield 4x Widefield Scope - Amazing & Ahead of its Time so it Failed

Published on September 17, 2025
Duration: 9:09

This video reviews the Redfield 4x Widefield scope, a unique optic from the 1970s. The presenter highlights its exceptionally wide field of view (7 degrees, 36 ft at 100 yards), comparable to modern tactical scopes like the ACOG, despite its traditional hunting scope form factor. The scope's squished, rectangular lens design was ahead of its time but met resistance in the market, contributing to Redfield's eventual closure. The presenter praises its clarity and effectiveness for dynamic shooting on a 30-30 rifle.

Quick Summary

The Redfield 4x Widefield scope, introduced in 1970, featured a revolutionary 7-degree field of view, comparable to modern tactical optics like the ACOG. Its unique rectangular lens design was ahead of its time but met market resistance, leading to its failure despite offering excellent clarity and effectiveness for dynamic shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Redfield 4x Widefield Scope
  2. 00:09Preparing the 1894 Winchester
  3. 00:19Optic Selection: Traditional vs. Tactical
  4. 01:06The Shift in the Optics Market
  5. 02:01Rediscovering the Redfield Widefield
  6. 02:19Redfield Company History
  7. 02:30Introducing the Widefield (1970)
  8. 02:41Unique Lens Design: Rectangular Optics
  9. 03:04Field of View: 7 Degrees Explained
  10. 03:15Field of View Comparison: Redfield vs. ACOG
  11. 03:47Market Resistance to New Designs
  12. 04:14Why the Widefield Failed
  13. 04:40Redfield's Closure and Scope Availability
  14. 04:59Acquiring the Redfield Widefield Today
  15. 05:09The Redfield Name Today
  16. 05:26Putting the Widefield to Use
  17. 05:34Performance: Clarity and Effectiveness
  18. 05:53Dynamic Shooting with the Widefield
  19. 06:18A Hunting Scope from the 1970s
  20. 06:23Lessons from Old Designs
  21. 06:43The ACOG's Role in Acceptance
  22. 06:54Final Thoughts on the Redfield Widefield
  23. 07:09Why This Video Won't Go Viral
  24. 07:33Crowdfunded Content: Patreon Support
  25. 07:48Esoteric Old Hunting Scopes
  26. 08:12Appreciating Alternative Content
  27. 08:37Thank You to Supporters
  28. 08:57Conclusion: This Scope is Awesome

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Redfield 4x Widefield scope unique for its time?

The Redfield 4x Widefield scope, released in 1970, was unique for its exceptionally wide 7-degree field of view, achieved through a novel design with squished, rectangular lenses. This provided a field of view comparable to modern tactical optics like the ACOG, which was revolutionary for a hunting scope then.

Why did the Redfield Widefield scope fail in the market?

Despite its advanced features, the Redfield Widefield scope was considered too unconventional or 'oddball' by the hunting market of the 1970s. The resistance to its unique rectangular lens design and wide field of view prevented widespread adoption, contributing to its eventual discontinuation.

Where can I find an original Redfield 4x Widefield scope today?

Original Redfield 4x Widefield scopes are no longer manufactured. They can only be found on the used market, primarily through online auction sites like eBay. Prices can vary, but they are often available at reasonable costs for collectors and enthusiasts.

How does the Redfield Widefield's field of view compare to a modern ACOG?

The Redfield 4x Widefield scope offers a 7-degree field of view, which is identical to that of a 4x ACOG. This highlights how advanced the Redfield's design was for its era, providing a wide field of view that is still considered highly effective for dynamic shooting applications today.

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