After doing some brief research, there’s hardly anything written about the BALTUR B. Come to think of it, there’s not a ton written about Bausch and Lomb at all, even though B&L is historically one of the most significant American optics companies to ever exist and is still around today, though no longer in the scope business. So without diving in too deep to the history of B&L as a firm, let’s get into what I could find about the BALTUR B.

The Japan made BALTUR B shows a lot of resemblance to the Japan made Bushnell’s from the 1970’s (which I’m assuming is when this optic was made). Now, this makes a ton of sense, considering Bushnell sold to Bausch and Lomb in 1971. Ascetically speaking, I love the sleek design and the fact it feels like a full sized fixed 4X even though being only 2.5 power. After doing some digging online I found an ad for the BALTUR B 2.5X that reads as follows:

”The ideal scope for short range shooting in brush, or wooded areas. The very wide field of view, brilliant image and extra large exit pupil readily compensate for differences in head position in snap shooting… ideal for those shooters who are just making the transition from iron sights.”

The BALTUR B is perfectly designed as a low powered scope for a casual woods walk on a rimfire or centerfire rifle. The low magnification gives it the feel of looking down irons yet with the precision of a fine wire crosshair. Though I really enjoy this optic I think the readers money is better spent on a Japan made Bushnell equivalent. They’re easier to find and the glass is of the same quality, they’re also much more affordable. However, for the collector I completely understand the allure of a B&L. Enjoy the photos!

Just a very classic 70’s design. Would look incredible on a Remington 700 BDL.

Japan made markings on the BALTUR B

Model and manufacturer. One of my favorite features of the vintage optics is the subtle branding, it’s not glaringly annoying like the branding we see today.

A closer look at the turrets.

A closer look at the objective lens.

Indoor clarity board test due to the weather. Glass is clear and sharp but does have a light “glow” to it, perhaps due to some lens wax or just from small abrasions on the exterior lenses. Regardless, plenty clear and sharp for a 2.5X.

Thanks for read and I hope the readers find this useful. Cheers!

- Hayes