Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope – 3.50″ Eye Relief, 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12.20″ Length Review

First Thoughts on the Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope – 3.50″ Eye Relief, 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12.20″ Length

Rimfire rifles, especially the venerable Ruger 10/22, are staples in many a shooter’s collection. They’re affordable, fun, and perfect for training, plinking, and small game hunting. The Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope – 3.50″ Eye Relief, 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12.20″ Length promises to be an equally affordable and functional optic to pair with these rifles. Is it a budget-friendly champion or a compromise too far?

My need for a reliable rimfire scope stemmed from wanting to enhance the accuracy of my aging Marlin Model 60. The factory iron sights were limiting my effective range and making it difficult to engage smaller targets consistently. I was looking for a scope that offered decent magnification, clear glass, and dependable zero retention, all without breaking the bank.

Unboxing the Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope, I was initially impressed by its solid feel. The scope had a decent weight to it and the finish appeared to be evenly applied. However, closer inspection revealed some slightly rough edges on the turrets and a somewhat stiff magnification ring.

I considered the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn and the Simmons Truplex scopes as alternatives, but the Tasco seemed to offer a slightly better balance of features for the price, particularly the adjustable magnification. I was hoping the advertised adjustable objective (AO) would provide added clarity at varying distances, something critical for precise rimfire shooting.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It certainly looked like a viable scope for the money, but the proof would be in the shooting.

Real-World Testing: Putting Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope – 3.50″ Eye Relief, 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12.20″ Length to the Test

First Use Experience

I mounted the Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope on my Marlin Model 60 and headed to my local outdoor range. The weather was typical for late spring: overcast with a light drizzle. This presented a good opportunity to test the scope’s performance in less-than-ideal conditions.

Initially, I was struck by the relatively clear image provided by the Tasco scope. However, as I began to dial in the focus, I noticed a significant issue: there was no adjustable objective (AO), despite the product description claiming its presence. This was immediately disappointing. The scope worked okay at the set distance, but this was misleading.

The scope was easy enough to zero using the finger-adjustable turrets, though the clicks felt a bit mushy and indistinct. After about 20 rounds, I had the rifle grouping reasonably well at 50 yards. The 3.5-inch eye relief proved comfortable, even at the highest magnification.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular range sessions, the Tasco Rimfire scope has held up surprisingly well, despite the missing AO. The zero has remained consistent, even after a few accidental bumps and jostles during transport.

Visually, the scope shows no signs of external wear and tear. However, the mushy turret clicks haven’t improved, and the magnification ring is still a bit stiff. Cleaning the lenses is straightforward, and the scope has proven resistant to fogging during early morning shoots.

Compared to the more expensive Leupold VX-Freedom rimfire scope I’ve used on other rifles, the Tasco certainly doesn’t offer the same level of optical clarity or precision. Still, considering the price difference, it’s a serviceable option for casual shooting and small game hunting at closer ranges.

Breaking Down the Features of Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope – 3.50″ Eye Relief, 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12.20″ Length

Specifications

• Magnification: Adjustable 3-9x: Provides versatility for various target distances.
• Objective Diameter: 40mm: Allows for decent light gathering, improving visibility in low-light conditions.
• Eye Relief: 3.50″: Offers comfortable viewing distance, reducing the risk of “scope bite.”
• Field of View: 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds: Provides a wide field of view at lower magnification, narrowing as magnification increases.
• Length: 12.20″: Compact enough for most rimfire rifles.
• Tube Diameter: 1in: Standard size, compatible with a wide range of mounting rings.
• Finish: Truplex: Simple and effective reticle design.
• Rings Included: Weaver style: Simplifies mounting process.

These specifications combine to create a scope suitable for rimfire rifles, providing adjustable magnification and manageable dimensions. The lack of an AO, however, significantly impacts the scope’s usefulness for precision shooting at varying distances.

Performance & Functionality

The Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm performs adequately as a basic optic. The adjustable magnification allows for target acquisition at different ranges, although the image quality noticeably degrades at higher magnifications.

The Truplex reticle is simple and easy to use, but the crosshairs are a bit thick, potentially obscuring small targets at longer distances. The windage and elevation adjustments are functional, but the lack of tactile and audible clicks makes precise zeroing challenging.

The scope meets the basic expectations for a budget-friendly optic, but falls short in terms of image clarity, adjustment precision, and advertised features. The absence of the AO is a significant drawback.

Design & Ergonomics

The Tasco Rimfire scope boasts a reasonably durable build quality for its price point. The metal construction feels solid in hand, and the finish appears to be scratch-resistant.

However, the stiff magnification ring and mushy turret adjustments detract from the overall user experience. The scope is relatively lightweight and doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the rifle. Mounting is simple thanks to the included Weaver style rings.

Durability & Maintenance

The Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm has shown reasonable durability during my testing. It has withstood regular use and mild impacts without losing zero.

Cleaning the lenses is simple with a lens cloth, and the waterproof and fog-proof construction provides added protection against the elements. With proper care, the scope should provide years of reliable service for casual shooters.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope comes with Weaver style mounting rings, eliminating the need to purchase them separately. Beyond that, customization options are limited.

The scope is compatible with standard 1-inch scope rings, allowing users to choose different ring heights or materials. However, there are no aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this scope.

Pros and Cons of Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope – 3.50″ Eye Relief, 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12.20″ Length

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Who Should Buy Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope – 3.50″ Eye Relief, 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12.20″ Length?

The Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm is perfect for casual plinkers and recreational shooters looking for an affordable optic for their rimfire rifles. It’s also suitable for beginners who want to get started with scoped shooting without investing a lot of money.

Those seeking precise long-range accuracy or needing an adjustable objective should skip this product. The misleading product description and lack of AO makes it unsuitable for serious target shooting or hunting scenarios where precise parallax adjustment is essential.

A must-have accessory would be a quality set of lens covers to protect the glass from scratches and debris.

Conclusion on Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope – 3.50″ Eye Relief, 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12.20″ Length

The Tasco Rimfire 3-9x 40mm AO Rifle Scope – 3.50″ Eye Relief, 32 – 11 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12.20″ Length is a budget-friendly scope that offers decent performance for casual rimfire shooting. However, the misleading product description regarding the adjustable objective is a significant drawback.

The price is somewhat justified for a basic optic, but buyers should be aware of its limitations. The missing AO negatively impacts value.

Would I personally recommend it? With the caveat that it does NOT have an adjustable objective, yes, I would recommend it for casual plinking or beginner shooters. However, if you need a true AO scope, look elsewhere. Consider this scope ONLY if you understand its limitations and are on a very tight budget. Don’t expect miracles, but it will get you on target.

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