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Nero
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my new vintage Kowa.
Dec 28th, 2021 at 8:24pm
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For several years now I have been using a vintage Kowa Prominar junior spotting scope with a fixed straight 20X eyepiece which will show 22 bullet holes at 100 metres but not 200 metres or sometimes when when the light is right in the white with a bit of a struggle and guess work.
Before Christmas I bought for a song online a vintage Kowa and a really nice stand which I bid on to replace the stand I was using.
Came with two eyepieces which I didn't realise came with it as only a blurred photo showing a 20X eyepiece and no mention of another eyepiece.
The small smooth and light focus knob is under the scope.
With the eyepiece shown I can see 22 bullet holes at 200 metres.
Nothing on the body of the scope except Kowa to show what model it might be.
So I wonder what power the eyepiece shown actually is.
Must say the angled scope is so much easier to use.
« Last Edit: Dec 28th, 2021 at 8:58pm by Nero »  
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oneatatime
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Re: my new vintage Kowa.
Reply #1 - Dec 28th, 2021 at 8:34pm
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I would guess the eyepiece is saying that it is a TS-1, TS-2 or TS-3;-)
  
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SSShooter
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Re: my new vintage Kowa.
Reply #2 - Dec 28th, 2021 at 8:59pm
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That really is a vintage Kowa. Am guessing the folks at Kowa USA would be happy to answer your question and would enjoy pic's of your scope. They've always answered my questions over the years.
  

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marlinguy
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Re: my new vintage Kowa.
Reply #3 - Dec 28th, 2021 at 9:22pm
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It isn't a TS-3 as that model adjusted focus with the eyepiece. The TS-1 and TS-2 adjusted with a separate knob, so you have one of those. That's the same scope I have, and wish I had that 32x eyepiece!
Mine doesn't have the red ring in the body, so yours might be a bit newer or maybe that makes it a TS-2??

Here's the Kowa site's history page:
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Kurt_701
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Re: my new vintage Kowa.
Reply #4 - Dec 29th, 2021 at 8:16am
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That scope was also marketed by Bushnell as a Spacemaster.. I have used one for years. I use a Kowa TSN-1 on the range now.
  

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Nero
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Re: my new vintage Kowa.
Reply #5 - Dec 29th, 2021 at 3:20pm
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Hi marlinguy,
thanks for the heads up regarding the Kowa models.
The description of the 1986 model says that the Prominar name was put on the body of the scope for the first time then.
The much earlier 20X I have been using has a small metal plate with the name Prominar just under the eyepiece.
The rifle is a 5.6 X 50R with a 6X Lyman.
Regards.
« Last Edit: Dec 29th, 2021 at 3:29pm by Nero »  
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marlinguy
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Re: my new vintage Kowa.
Reply #6 - Dec 29th, 2021 at 8:27pm
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Mine is earlier and doesn't have any tag, or Prominar name plate. And no signs of it ever having a plate anywhere either. I think mine's a pretty old guy.
  

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Gunfunpow
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Re: my new vintage Kowa.
Reply #7 - Dec 31st, 2021 at 12:07am
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These Kowa/Bushnell Prominar scopes are a great find. They have great resolution and are technically advanced for their time. Bushnell only had their tag put on, but all else was unchanged from the original Kowa specs. Nice score getting the 40x eyepiece, very handy to have.
  
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