Meopta rifle scopes are made and assembled in Prerov, Czech Republic. The company centers its core manufacturing, R&D, and optical production in Europe, while some budget models use Asian-sourced components for cost control. Final assembly and quality control remain in Meopta’s Czech facility.
The Origins of Meopta Optics
The Czech Republic’s premier optical manufacturer began its journey when Dipl. Ing. Alois Beneš established Optikotechna in Prerov, Czechoslovakia. Dr. Alois Mazurek, who constructed the first Czechoslovak enlarging lens, played a pivotal role in the company’s early technical advancements.
Founded in 1933 as Optikotechna
Optikotechna initially produced a limited range of optical components including lenses and condensers. However, the company quickly expanded its product offerings. By 1936, Optikotechna had established new facilities to accommodate its rapid growth. The product line soon included enlargers, composite lenses, binoculars, riflescopes, cameras, and slide projectors – notably the renowned Flexaret range of cameras that would later become emblematic of Czech optical engineering.
Transition from military to consumer optics
In 1935, Optikotechna became a subsidiary of Zbrojovka Brno and began serving as a major supplier of military optics for the Czechoslovak Army. During World War II, the company was seized by the German Wehrmacht in 1939 and forced to produce military riflescopes and binoculars.
Following the war, the company was nationalized in 1946 and renamed “Meopta” – an acronym for MEchanická OPTická výrobA (mechanical optical manufacturing). Between 1947 and 1970, Meopta became one of the world’s major manufacturers of cinema projectors. Nevertheless, from 1971 until 1989, production was again refocused primarily on military products, with approximately 75% of Meopta’s business dedicated to military optics.
The dissolution of the Warsaw Pact brought an abrupt halt to military demand. Consequently, Meopta had to refocus mainly on civilian applications. By 1990, military production had decreased to zero percent.
Ownership shift to American family in 1991
A significant turning point came in 1991 when Meopta completed its first step toward privatization, establishing itself as a joint stock company. Subsequently, in 1992, the company was fully privatized, becoming the only optical enterprise remaining in the Czech Republic.
Notably, Meopta was acquired by a New York-based American family of Czech descent – the Rausnitz family. Paul Rausnitz, who had twice fled from Europe (once from the Nazi invasion in 1939 and then from the Russians in 1946), had established a successful optics company in the USA called TCI. When the Iron Curtain fell, he returned to the Czech Republic seeking investment opportunities and purchased Meopta.
This acquisition and the subsequent significant investment into infrastructure and personnel rapidly enabled Meopta to become one of Europe’s dominant optical manufacturing companies.
Where Are Meopta Rifle Scopes Made?
Meopta’s production facilities span multiple continents, with each location playing a specific role in creating their renowned optical products. Understanding these manufacturing centers helps explain both the quality and pricing of their various scope lines.
Main factory in Prerov, Czech Republic
The heart of Meopta’s operations remains in Prerov, an industrial Czech city with deep manufacturing roots. This advanced state-of-the-art facility houses R&D, engineering, coating design, manufacturing, assembly, and administrative offices. Of Prerov’s 45,000 residents, approximately 2,500 work at the expansive Meopta campus, making it a significant local employer. This location handles the production of most premium Meopta rifle scopes, particularly their high-end MeoStar lines, which are 100% Czech-made.
Assembly and distribution in the USA
Complementing their Czech operations, Meopta maintains a U.S. presence with headquarters in Trinity, Florida, just outside Tampa Bay. Additionally, the company operates assembly facilities on Long Island. These American operations employ approximately 150 people, focusing primarily on final assembly and distribution.
Interestingly, some Meopta products destined for the American market are shipped as components rather than finished goods – a strategic approach to avoid tariffs imposed on completed optical products. These parts are then assembled at Meopta’s USA facilities before reaching consumers.
Why some scopes are labeled differently
The varying origins of Meopta scopes explain the different labeling you might notice across their product lines. Their premium MeoStar line is wholly manufactured in the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, the more affordable Optika series incorporates some Asian components while maintaining Czech assembly standards.
Furthermore, Meopta has established itself as a manufacturer for other brands. The company produces components for several European optical manufacturers, including Zeiss – specifically, the Zeiss Conquest line. Even more surprising, some premium store-branded optics found in major American retailers are actually Meopta products. This diverse manufacturing approach allows Meopta to maintain different price points while leveraging their optical expertise across multiple markets and brands.
How Meopta Maintains Quality Across Locations
Quality control remains paramount at Meopta regardless of where components are manufactured. The company’s commitment to excellence is evident through their comprehensive approach to production.
In-house lens production and coating
Meopta manufactures 100% of their optics in-house without outsourcing any parts. Their optical division employs over 800 optical workers and engineers, making them one of the largest purchasers of Schott glass in Europe. The company applies their proprietary MeoBright multi-layer coatings using cutting-edge technology, with some lenses receiving up to 13 coatings. For specialized applications, they can apply up to 100 coatings.
Use of high-end materials and machinery
The company boasts 40 coating machines, including eight Syrus units costing 1.2 million Euros each. Moreover, their mechanical production area houses more than 120 CNC machines from renowned manufacturers. Meopta’s manufacturing facilities include advanced assembly lines and specialized clean rooms with standards from class 100 up to class 10.
Skilled workforce and quality control
With one of the best trained workforces in the industry, Meopta maintains ISO 9001 certification, demonstrating their commitment to global quality standards. In addition, their integrated measuring center uses 3D measuring devices to document and meet demanding customer requirements. Essentially, they control every aspect of production—from raw glass to finished optical components—ensuring consistent quality across all locations.
Product Lines and Their Manufacturing Origins
Meopta’s diverse product catalog includes several distinct rifle scope lines, each manufactured according to specific standards yet upholding the brand’s renowned optical quality.
Where are Meopta Optika6 scopes made?
Meopta’s MeoPro Optika6 riflescopes combine performance, reliability, and a versatile 6x magnification range. These scopes feature 30mm tubes unlike their Optika5 counterparts with 1″ tubes. The Optika6 line represents a significant departure from previous offerings, introducing first focal plane designs, mil/mil configurations, zero stops, and throw levers. Primarily assembled in the Czech Republic with some components sourced globally.
Where are Meopta Optika scopes made?
The MeoPro Optika5 series replaced earlier models, offering a 5x zoom factor. These scopes cater to both hunters and sport shooters with their combination of quality optics and one-inch tubes. Manufacturing occurs primarily in Prerov with potential component sourcing from global partners.
MeoStar and MeoPro: Czech-made excellence
The premium MeoStar lineup represents Meopta’s flagship offerings. MeoStar R1 features four-times magnification with illuminated reticles, whereas the top-end MeoStar R2 boasts six-times magnification in four versions. These prestigious lines are manufactured entirely in the Czech Republic facility.
New MeoHunter series and its focus
The MeoHunter series, successor to previous MeoSport models, explicitly targets hunters. It features advanced MeoBright™ coatings for enhanced light transmission and MeoDrop™ technology for hydrophobic and abrasion resistance. This next-generation premium European hunting optics series offers models including 3-15×50, 4-20×50, and 5-25×56 configurations.
Conclusion
Meopta rifle scopes stand as a testament to Czech engineering excellence, with their primary manufacturing hub firmly established in Prerov. Throughout their impressive 90-year history, this optical manufacturer has evolved from Optikotechna’s humble beginnings into a global player with 2,500 skilled employees. After all, few optical companies can boast such a comprehensive approach to manufacturing, controlling every aspect from raw glass to finished products.
The company’s production strategy certainly explains the varying origin labels across different scope lines. While premium MeoStar scopes come exclusively from the Czech Republic, the Optika series incorporates globally sourced components while maintaining Czech assembly standards. Additionally, their American facilities handle final assembly and distribution for many products, employing around 150 people near Tampa Bay and on Long Island.
What truly sets Meopta apart, however, is their unwavering commitment to quality. Their in-house lens production, proprietary MeoBright coatings, and state-of-the-art machinery ensure exceptional performance across all price points. Consequently, hunters and shooters who discover Meopta often become loyal customers, appreciating both the optical clarity and durability these scopes provide.
