Tasco Scope

[Old Ugly]

Hi all,
First of all good luck to every one during these tough times.
When I was at the range the other day one of the members had a Tasco 6 x 24 x 50 scope he wants to sell for $100.00 Can. He said he bought it used for that price at a local gun shop. When I got home I looked on e bay and amazon and only found one similar scope (new) that looked like an older model. It was only $45.00 U.S. which would be about $100.00 Can. after exchange and other BS.
Now for the questions.
As I don,t know if the e bay scope was discounted for some reason what would the new price be on this scope?
Would this be a decent scope for the money?
How high would the mounts need to be to put it on a 1903 Springfield?
This Springfield has been re barreled to a 250 Sav. These days all I shoot is cast lead loads. I have eye problems, when looking through a scope the sight picture goes blurry within a second or two. I looked through the Tasco and this didn't seem to happen. This is why I am interested in this scope.
Will explain more as answers and advise comes in.
Thanks to all.
Rod

[garbler]

The earlier Japanese Tasco’s have a good reputation but I can’t recall the markings on those scopes that identifies them anymore. Tasco started farming out lenses and assembly to China and even Malaysia I think and quality went down commensurate with price. If you look around I’m sure you can find some discussions on which scopes were best and how to ID them.

Japan used to have a very interesting method of controlling good quality ground glass as for lenses. Instead of buying from one large source where a bad batch is always possible and control is more difficult the Japanese preferred to use small cottage or mom and pop shops. These shops tried harder knowing that a small order from them that was not up to standard would mean no more orders. And the buyer very smartly understood that it was better to have fifty bad lenses from one of thirty small manageable shops than 3000 from one big supplier.

Good luck
Rick

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Tasco has always been a mixed bag quality-wise, considered a cheap scope but usually o.k. for the purpose. I have several older ones, anywhere from 15-30 years past. I've returned two for repair, and they always sent back a new one of the comparable current model, so I don't think that they bother to repair them. A couple of them have held up quite well with no attention at all. Remember, you're thinking about buying a used scope, so one way of thinking is that if it's o.k. now it will probably remain o.k. If it's not o.k., and you're aware of that fact then don't buy it. However, I've actually purchased some scopes (like Simmons) that I knew were defective, but got them cheaply enough that it made sense to buy them and send them in for the warranty. Now days the scope companies seem willing to fix or replace them (usually the case) even if the original warranty is long expired. If your Canadian $100 is actually $45 U.S. you can't expect to get an upper level product. You might look around for what else is available in your price range.

[Winger Ed.]

With a 50mm bell, you'll probably need the 'high' size mounting rings.

I have had 40mm bell scopes on sport barrels and a O3-A3, they almost touch the barrel.
With a 50mm- they'd surely hit it.

[Tripplebeards]

I just bought a 6x24 for $27.99 new in the box. I also bought three of the 2.5x10’s. All tasco Target Varminters. Tasco discontinued them and there was a wholesaler that was blown them out for $24.99 shipped A couple months ago in the well just ran dry with them. The 6 1/2 x 24 42mm I have sitting in a box yet I figured I would save And if not used pawn off for a 100 bucks or more when the market dried up as it’s doing now. But in my opinion the 2 1/2 by 10’s are a lot better optics. The glass is just as clear as my Leupolds and Nikons. I will say the crosshairs are a lot thicker though. They were steal at 25 bucks apiece to your door. But for $100 I’d buy a What for $100 I buy a 3 x 9 Nikon. I posted not too long ago here that they were selling for $24.99 shipped. They were selling right on Amazon for $24.99 a month ago. Looks like everyone is trying to to sell the their $25 scopes they bought last month for $150 on the net.

I can tell you after about 16x to 18x it’s hard to use. At I had it up to 22x and playing with it. It was pretty clear but there is no eye relief variance at higher powers. I put one if the 10x on my air rifle and one on my 35 Remington 336. I will end up putting them on my rimfires and the 336 will get a different optic. There is a tasco world class 3x9 for around $30 on amazon. I have the mil dot version that’s in 3 x 9 and I had it on my 35 round and never knocked it off once. I removed it and put it on my cz452 ultralux. I can hit quarters and shotgun shells every time at a 100 yards with it. Good, cheap optics imo. I was load testing my 336 before I removed the 3x9 mil dot and found a load that shoots a hair under MOA with it. I have too many guns and can’t afford leupolds and Nikons for everyone so some of them have to get cheap optics.


The most recent version was the 6x24 42mm target varminter which is what I just bought a month or so ago NIB. If I remember mine retailed for around $189 NIB when they premiered around 2000’.


Here is the 2.5x10 version on my air rifle.

https://i.imgur.com/4PgbANK.jpg

[JWFilips]

Old Jap tascos, Yes! Anything else is a crap shoot...some good; most bad

[Old Ugly]

Thank you all for the replies.
I assume with high mounting rings the safety on an 03 would work. I only load one round at a time but having a usable safety would be a good thing.
I originally thought that this Tasco scope would be pricier than it is. The sight picture not going blurry is what got my attention. The seller also offered to meet me at the range at a later date and let me mount the scope on my rifle and try it out. I wouldn't be able to do this with a new scope. Of coarse I would need to buy high mounting rings to do this.
Because I don't know much about scopes I would sooner buy one from a local gun shop but if I wouldn't be able to take it back if I don't like it. I am hoping to get something in the $2-300.00 (Can.) range. I'm probably dreaming.
I think I will take the guy up on his offer as I wouldn't be obligated to buy it. I think I will go to my two mom and pop gun shops and see what they have for used scopes. I really don't need a 24 power but would like a bit more than 9 power. They may let me return a used one if I don't like it.
If anyone has suggestions as to what to look for it would be appreciated.
Thank you all.
Rod

[Lloyd Smale]

tascos have been allways entry level scopes. Even the old ones were nothing to write home about. Single coated lenses and many of them with internal lenses not even coated. Only decent tascos ive seen are the world class models and the euro models. At least they had multi coated ocular and objective lenses. To be honest other then those two models I wouldn't give you 5 bucks for anything with tasco on it.

[Tripplebeards]

If you order an optic on Amazon and don’t like it you can return it. They even send you a return label. A $100 for used Tasco is way to expensive imo. Walmart even has a return policy. They also sell leupold rifleman and Nikon optics? To be honest I wouldnt have paid much more then the $27.99 for mine. Imo they are great optics fro the price but I would have a hard time trusting one deer hunting. I had a Japan 4x I used back in 84’ bought new for $29.99...it was all my dad could afford at the time. I shot dozens of deer with it. But it did come off zero a few times through the years. To be fair I’ve had Leupolds jump zero many of times as well. Amazon had a world class 3x9 by 42 world class mil dot for $38 shipped last month. I’ve used mine quite a bit and it hasn’t lost zero. But if your budget is a $100 I’d be buying a Nikon buckmasters 3x9. Probably have them right a Walmart with a return policy if you hate it.

[lotech]

I had many Tascos thirty or more years ago and don't recall ever having one fail. However, I used to buy and sell and trade guns and scopes often back then. I quickly found that Tascos had very little in the way of resale value. Aside from that, pretty good scopes.

[Tripplebeards]

Berelli’s is who was blowing them out. Looks like they’re long gone.

https://gun.deals/product/tasco-varmint-riflescopes-closeouts-2499-2499

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tasco-Varmint-2-5-10x-42mm-True-Mil-Dot-Reticle-1-4-MOA-Turrets-Riflescope/223691704913?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

I can focus my 2.5x10 Clearly at 20 feet on ten power. Good for close target shooting with 22lr or air rifle work.

[pietro]

I had many Tascos thirty or more years ago and don't recall ever having one fail.

I quickly found that Tascos had very little in the way of resale value.

Aside from that, pretty good scopes.


+1

FWIW, although I've long switched out to Leupold scopes, I used Tasco's with confidence when I was younger. (aka: older Tasco's)

I've never had to pay more that $50 USD for a new Tasco (usually $29.95 @ WallyWorld) , or more than $25 USD for an excellent used specimen.

IME, in ANY gun transaction, most buyers consider a Tasco scope to have an added value of $0.00 in any currency.

.

[lotech]

+1

FWIW, although I've long switched out to Leupold scopes, I used Tasco's with confidence when I was younger. (aka: older Tasco's)

I've never had to pay more that $50 USD for a new Tasco (usually $29.95 @ WallyWorld) , or more than $25 USD for an excellent used specimen.

IME, in ANY gun transaction, most buyers consider a Tasco scope to have an added value of $0.00 in any currency.

.

I agree.

[Froogal]

This thread reminded me that I have a brand new, in the box, never used Tasco scope. I'm not even real sure where it came from, but I had to hunt it for it. After about 4 different attempts, I did find it. It is a 4x15, and the registered trademark on the box has a date of 1991. I have a similar scope on my ancient .22 single shot, bolt action rifle, but this one is a whole lot prettier. I may even explore the possibility of mounting it on my Henry Golden Boy.

[sghart3578]

I put a old 6X24 Tasco on my Savage M12 223 bull barrel. It is an older model stamped "HAKKO, JAPAN" on the bottom.

It has an adjustable focus on the objective and is very clear. Makes my rifle a joy to shoot.

[Tripplebeards]

Here’s one of my $24.99 tascos in action for the first time today. First time I shot cast in a 35 Rem as well. Here are a couple of my best 100 yard groups when ladder testing cast HPs this afternoon. The top one is MOA or just a hair over.

https://i.imgur.com/yziWvsL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/uv6NGaO.jpg

[Texas by God]

Dad has a 4x Tasco Pronghorn on his 1894 Marlin .218 Bee. I sighted it in and took it Prairie dog hunting in 1991. It has turned purple but it's still sighted in. I think I paid $29 at Wally for it. I've never been a fan of their variables, for a cheapy scope, I preferred Bushnell.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Old Ugly,
Welcome to the forum.
I am a bit of a Scope snob. All I use now are Leupold, Burris, and Vortex. If you eye's aren't the best (mine aren't), it's best to have a clear as possible (as much as you can afford) scope (with the best eye relief). With that said, I haven't looked through a Tasco for about 25 years. Maybe they are better now? In the early 1990s, I did have a Tasco 6x18-50 (mounted on a ruger #1 (223rem), when adjusting it to the higher magnifications, the image would get grey and blurry around the edges, and eye relief would get shorter. I joined a rifle league about that time, I learned a good many things from my friendly competitors. One thing was good scopes are worth the money. also, I've found it better to have the high magnification in a spotting scope and not so high in the Rifle scope...I guess if you shoot Prairie dogs on a regular basis, then maybe a High Magnification rifle scope is a good thing? maybe?

Anyway, I have to agree with Lloyd...

tascos have been allways entry level scopes. Even the old ones were nothing to write home about. Single coated lenses and many of them with internal lenses not even coated. Only decent tascos ive seen are the world class models and the euro models. At least they had multi coated ocular and objective lenses. To be honest other then those two models I wouldn't give you 5 bucks for anything with tasco on it.

[Jeff Michel]

You can pick Leupold 3-9 VX-1 for less than 200.00 on the used market. I'd save my money and pickup something with a bit better track record. You will never regret spending money on good glass. JonB and Lloyd pretty well summed it up.

[Murphy]

Older made in Japan Tasco scopes have a good reputation. I currently own two 3X9's I gleaned of an auction site. Back in the 90's, I had one fog over the last day of deer season and swore off of them.

I decided a few years ago to always have a backup rifle, cheap & economical. I picked up a bolt gun in .308. I decided to give Tasco one more chance. I purchased a 3X9 mil-dot model. It lasted a whopping 3 shots before it was out of focus and would have to be sent back. Sent back for what? More junk? I decided I would return it for repairs and sold it to a co-worker with warning it may, or may not be suitable for a .22 LR and nothing more. He had fair luck with it as far as I know. Other than that? I see a Tasco that doesn't say made in Japan on it, I feel like the only thing I'm really looking at is a couple of handy magnifying glasses as soon as I can get them out of the tube and chunk it.

Murphy

[Lloyd Smale]

ive never had one fail either but mostly because they sit in the junk scope box and are never used and pulled off a gun as soon as it comes in the door. Same thing with the old weavers. I know some love them but ive had them fail more then any other scope. Mostly no doubt do to there age and the seals being dried up. But you couldn't give me an old k weaver. Today you can buy a decent import scope from cameraland or optics planet for a 100 bucks that would put a vari x2 leupold from 20 years ago to shame. Why would you even bother with something like a used tasco on a big game gun that might cost you the trophy of a lifetime. Maybe on a 22 but even then it would be a cheap 22!
I had many Tascos thirty or more years ago and don't recall ever having one fail. However, I used to buy and sell and trade guns and scopes often back then. I quickly found that Tascos had very little in the way of resale value. Aside from that, pretty good scopes.

[rtyler8140]

I was given a Tasco 3x9x50 Muzzleloader scope. After about 90rds through my AR, it rattled the crosshairs loose. I reached out to customer service (Bushnell bought them out) and they told me to send it in. If it was made before 2002 they will just send it back to me because it is not their problem. If it is post 2002, they will fix it and ship it back (on my dime). I figured for the $10 to ship it there and $10 to ship it back without knowing for sure whether they would fix it or not was too much of a gamble for a cheap scope. For inexpensive but still decent, I like Simmons. I've had a 3x9x50 on my 30/06 for 18 years that I got from walmart for $45. It holds zero without fail and even survived a 12' fall from a tree stand. My buddy borrowed the rifle and fell out of the tree stand. He landed on the rifle, broke his pelvis and tore his rotator cuff. Surprisingly, the scope was still dialed in. For what its worth, Natchez is running their Simmons 3x9x50 scopes for 29.99 right now and their 3x9x40 for 27.99. I bought 2 of the 3x9x50's.

[iomskp]

Many years ago I purchased a Tasco 6-24 x 44 for my Brno 22 for 100 mtr rimfire and the sales pitch was a life time unconditional life time warranty when the scope failed I contacted them and the answer was Oh we don't do that anymore, so I don't buy Tasco anymore.

[Old Ugly]

Hi again,
Many thanks to all for their input.
I read the survey in the thread "Rifle scopes, the good, bad and ugly'. I then went to amazon and e-bay to check out the makes and models. while doing so I came upon this scope, although not on the list it got my attention. Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn 6-24 x 40. I like the 7.25" mounting length. The big problem is that they are not available to my area at this time or are out of stock. they also make a 4-12 power but same problem. Priced at about $179.95. I think I will look locally or maybe phone Bushnell.
Again thank you all for your input.
Rod

[Tripplebeards]

If your spending that king of money I’d suggest a Leupold Rifleman, Nikon prostaff, of a vortex. If your going to hunt with it a 6x starting power is way to hi of a power. I prefer a 2 to 3.5x starting power. IMO field of view is poor with any larger magnification. I have issues finding close running deer with a straight 4x.


If you are exclusively target shooting a higher power optic will be fine. With your budget the optic you buy in a 6x24 the odds of getting useful crisp clear magnification past 14x is going to be hard imo.

[Old Ugly]

Tripplebeards,
I will try to check out your suggestions.
A couple of things I should point out, Walmart here doesn't sell anything gun related. I'm not sure if this is across Canada or just our store and don't forget I'm working in Canadian dollars.
Thanks again.
Rod

[Tripplebeards]

Sorry, didn’t see where you were at. I googled Cabela’s in Canada. They have a 3x9 Nikon on sale fro $215.oo with a thousand times clearer and brighter glass than a bushnell. They also have a vortex 3x9 for $239.00. Cabela’s also sends a return label with Their orders here and charges $7 for return shipping. No questions asked returns. Doesn’t look like they carry Leupold rifleman scopes. You can always buy off of eBay. I buy many of my optics there. Most have 30 day return policies.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/125222/nikon-prostaff-p3-1-inch-riflescopes

I’m sure whatever you’ll get you’ll be happy with.

[Shawlerbrook]

Agree with most of the above. I would definitely opt for a used, economy gun over a used economy optic. I am using “economy” to be kind. The only used scopes I will buy are Leupold( lifetime warranty) and other high end optics.

[izzyjoe]

The older Jap Tasco's are decent scopes, but I wouldn't pay much for one. I've been using Redfield Reveluton scopes the last ten years, and am really impressed with them, I have 6 of them now with no complaints. A good friend is really braging about the new sig sauer whiskey scopes, maybe I'll try one soon!

[nueces5]

Hello, I am reading the whole thread, jumping while I take care of my little daughter, so I do not know if someone told her this that I am going to advise her.
Clarity of vision may be obtained by being able to make some adjustments such as Objective Adjustment (AO) or eyepiece adjustment.

Maybe if you could access a medium quality scope with these settings, you could see if this is your problem.
If you could stretch your wallet a little, I recommend now that they are not going to make more scopes, the Nikon brand. I think they maintain a decent quality in all their lines. I have a Monarch that is years old and I am really very satisfied with the performance, for the price I pay, but everyone knows how deep their pocket is.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

I have a Tasco 6x18 scope that uses the Lyman/ Unertle style mounts. The optics in the scope are as good as I have looked through but the scope rings, not so good.

[Win94ae]

...I have eye problems, when looking through a scope the sight picture goes blurry within a second or two. I looked through the Tasco and this didn't seem to happen. This is why I am interested in this scope...

Sounds like the eyepiece focus is adjusted for your eye, or parallax, or both; with the Tasco scope. The other scopes you've looked through probably only needed to be adjusted for you specifically.

[Tripplebeards]

^ I agree. That’s why I really like my Nikon’s with a quick focus eyepiece in the front of them. After I had Lasic surgery I can see far away but fuzzy up front. The front quick focus eyepiece makes my optic crystal clear. It takes an act of God for me to use open sites now. My Ruger new vaquero I can deal with. I just have to hold it way far away from my head.

[Cephalopod]

I was in a dilemma on which mattress brand I will be choosing until a friend suggested for me to try Avocado green mattress https://bestmattressesreviews.org/avocado-green-mattress-reviews/. So far so good, I recommend this for any type of sleeper.

[Tripplebeards]

The Tasco varmint Got to go to the range today again. I lightened my trigger pull to 2 1/4 pounds and re tested the 40 grain varget load and one loading of h4895...

Three shots each at 100 yards...


https://i.imgur.com/uVbAZ73.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yby2coi.jpg

I’ll have to zero it in now and see if it shifts after use.

[JWFilips]

Nice shooting !
I bought a varmint 24x used but I think it is a lemon. Works fine for the first 10 shots then if I adjust it they will roam all over! When it holds zero it is awesome when it it is adjusted you can not depend on it. I have a bunch of Tasco's but this one is my problem child

[Tripplebeards]

They have a lifetime warranty just send it in.

[wildwilly501]

Nice shooting !
I bought a varmint 24x used but I think it is a lemon. Works fine for the first 10 shots then if I adjust it they will roam all over! When it holds zero it is awesome when it it is adjusted you can not depend on it. I have a bunch of Tasco's but this one is my problem child Yours isn't the only one.I have a range at my house over the years a lot of people have shot there.I've seen more than a few Tascos that did that. Another thing they do when sighting in they don't move when you adjust them then they take a big jump and even if you only adjust the elevation they move right or left too.I do all the little tricks tap on the turrets with a little rubber hammer and move the adjustment more than needed then back and they still do it.

[Petrol & Powder]

I wouldn't give you a dollar for a Tasco. You might find one that suits you but in the end they're worth about their weight in aluminum.

I learned my lesson with cheap optics. You're just throwing money away. While you might get a cheap scope zeroed in, the odds of it staying zeroed are not good. One day a shot will go wild or the group will open up. You will chase all types of possible causes: the barrel is dirty, the cartridge was bad, the stock is loose, etc. The reality is the scope lost its zero. The loss of zero is just one of many shortcomings of cheap scopes. The quality of the glass is inferior, the quality of the lens coatings is inferior, the ability of the scope to keep water out is inferior, the backlash on the adjustments is excessive, etc.

You don't need to buy a $2500 Schmidt & Bender to get a scope that's "good enough" but I've yet to see a $20 scope that is good enough.

When It comes to optics, I believe you get what you pay for.

[Tripplebeards]

You guys were making me think so I threw my 6x24 Nib $25 Tasco varminter on eBay and got 90 bucks for it. I would never use that type of magnification for anything but bought one because of how cheap they were. I see them selling for up to $149 now. I should have held out longer. I bought a Nikon bdc 3x9 from dicks for $79.99 with the proceeds. I’ll put the Nikon on my 450BM Scout. I still have three Nib Tasco vaminters left in 2.5x10. I think I’ll keep them for my 22lr, 22WMR, and one is already on my nitro piston air rifle. I’ve put over 2000 shots through it so far with zero issues. The one optic right out of the box has oil spotting inside the lens. It was the one used to shoot all in the same hole with the 336 above. Worked fine, just cosmetic issues, and went away when zoomed up to 5x and above. I sent it back to tasco for a replacement. I’m sure they’ll work just fine on my rimfires. I just don’t want to chance using a $25 optic...just to say I did it...and have it fail while I have a deer if a lifetime in front of me. It won’t bother me if it ever fails on a squirrel or other small game. I replaced my tasco optic on my 336 with a leupold 2x7. I’m sure I could sell them all off and make enough to replace them with more 3x9 bdc nikons but I’m a sucker for the little gopher with the cross hairs on it.lol

The Nikon I replaced it with came from dicks sporting goods. I’ve been watching and they have these on there for the last couple years and I’m sure with Nikon not selling optics anymore they soon will be gone as well. It was $99 and $20 off when you sign up for them to harass you were texting so I got it for 79 bucks. The next day they lowered it down to $89...just my luck. It comes in a brown generic box. It’s basically leftover parts right from Nikon And are putting them together and selling skulls just to clear out their warehouse I would assume. They just call it a Nikon BDC. No adjustment on the ocular lens like on their cheap rimfire scopes. They also use the Buckmaster and Buckmaster 2 magnification adjustment dial. It’s nice bright and crystal crystal clear. It’s basically their old school leftover parts that they’re assembling scopes and trying to make some money on I would assume. It’s not a bad deal for 79 bucks though. About half the price versus the same Nikon scope with an adjustment ocular lens to focus it. You can see it comes in a plain cardboard box with lens covers and also directions and warrantee paperwork. I have it sitting below next to my Leupold 2 x 7. I trust Nikons and I know it won’t fog up and will stay crystal clear and bright for as long as I own it. I actually kind of like it better than most the other nikons because it doesn’t have any writing on the on the scope bell so the lines to me look cleaner and not with cheesy “prostaff” “,rimfire”, Or “223” written on it.

https://i.imgur.com/wi1neH5.jpg