Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope Review

The Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope Made a Bold First Impression

The Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope enters a crowded market of budget-friendly optics, promising to deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank. Tasco, a name synonymous with accessible optics, aims to provide hunters and recreational shooters with a versatile scope for various applications. I was initially drawn to this scope by its appealing price point and the promise of variable magnification, something I was missing on my trusty .22LR rifle.

My old .22 had served me well for years with simple iron sights, but my aging eyes were starting to struggle with target acquisition at longer ranges. I needed an optic to extend my effective range for small game hunting and target practice without investing a fortune. I considered a few other options in the same price range, like the Bushnell Banner and the Simmons Whitetail Classic, but the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope seemed to offer a slightly better feature set for the money. This included a wider magnification range and what appeared to be a more robust build.

Upon unboxing, I was pleasantly surprised by the solid feel of the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope. The matte finish looked durable, and the zoom ring operated smoothly, instilling confidence that it was built to last. While it’s not the lightest scope on the market, its weight felt appropriate for its size, suggesting a decent amount of glass and metal.

My initial excitement was tempered by the realization that the included rings were not compatible with my .22’s dovetail rail. This meant an immediate trip to the local sporting goods store for a separate set of rings, an unexpected but not uncommon hiccup. Despite this setback, I remained optimistic that the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope would prove to be a worthwhile addition to my shooting setup.

Real-World Testing: Putting Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope was at my local outdoor shooting range on a crisp, clear autumn morning. The range offers distances from 25 to 100 yards, perfect for testing the scope’s capabilities on my .22LR. I started by zeroing the scope at 50 yards, which proved to be a relatively straightforward process using the clearly marked turrets.

The glass clarity was acceptable for a scope in this price range, providing a bright enough image even under overcast conditions. The scope performed adequately even during periods of light rain, proving its waterproof capabilities. I did notice some slight distortion at the highest magnification settings, but this was expected given the price point.

One initial frustration was the relatively short eye relief, which required me to position my eye precisely to avoid a darkened image. This took some getting used to, and initially impacted my shooting speed and consistency. Despite this, the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope proved to be a significant improvement over my iron sights, allowing for tighter groupings at longer distances.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope has held up remarkably well. Despite being subjected to occasional bumps and scrapes during transport, the scope’s finish remains intact, and the turrets continue to adjust smoothly and consistently. I’ve used the scope in temperatures ranging from freezing to moderately warm, and it has consistently maintained its zero.

I’ve made sure to clean the lenses regularly with a lens cloth and solvent to maintain optimal clarity. The external finish has required minimal maintenance, as its matte finish has proven to be reasonably resistant to dirt and grime. Compared to my previous experience with similar budget scopes, the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability.

While the glass clarity is not on par with higher-end optics, it remains perfectly adequate for recreational shooting and small game hunting. The adjustable magnification continues to be a valuable feature, allowing me to easily adapt to different target distances and lighting conditions. Overall, I’ve been impressed with the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope and its ability to withstand the rigors of regular use.

Breaking Down the Features of Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope

Specifications

• Magnification: 4-12x – This variable magnification allows for versatility in different hunting scenarios.
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm – The 40mm objective lens gathers ample light for a bright sight picture in various lighting conditions.
• Field of View: (ft. at 100 yds.): 17/4.5 (M at 100M): 5.3/1.4 – This FOV provides a wide enough view for quick target acquisition.
• Eye Relief: 3.5/3 (in) 88.9/76.2 (mm) – The shorter eye relief can be a challenge for some users.
• Exit Pupil: 7.3/1.8 (mm) – The exit pupil is suitable for daylight conditions but might be less ideal in low light at higher magnifications.
• Weight: 21.7 oz 615 g – The scope’s weight is fairly standard for its size and features.
• Click Value: .1 MIL (in at 100Y) 2.54 MIL (M at 100M) – The .1 MIL click value allows for precise adjustments to windage and elevation.
• Adjustment Range: 40 MOA – The 40 MOA adjustment range is sufficient for most common shooting distances.
• Reticle: Truplex – The Truplex reticle is a simple and effective design for precise aiming.
• Finish: Matte – The matte finish reduces glare and helps to prevent the scope from being easily spotted.
• Fully-coated lenses – Fully-coated lenses enhance light transmission for a brighter and clearer image.
• Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof – These features ensure the scope can withstand harsh weather conditions and recoil.

Performance & Functionality

The Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope performs admirably for its price point, providing a clear and usable image for hunting and target shooting. The adjustable magnification allows for easy adaptation to varying target distances, while the Truplex reticle offers a simple and effective aiming point. The scope’s strengths lie in its ease of use, reliable adjustments, and decent image quality.

One area for improvement would be the eye relief, which can be unforgiving, especially at higher magnification settings. Also, the image clarity isn’t on par with high-end scopes. Still, for its intended purpose and price range, it meets and even exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope is surprisingly solid for its price. The scope feels robust and well-constructed, with smooth adjustments and a durable matte finish. Its weight is manageable, and it doesn’t feel overly bulky on a standard rifle.

The scope is user-friendly, with clearly marked turrets and an easy-to-grip zoom ring. The short eye relief can require a bit of a learning curve, but overall, the scope is simple to set up and use.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope is built to last. Its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Regular cleaning of the lenses is essential to maintain optimal performance, but overall, the scope requires minimal maintenance.

The solid construction and durable finish suggest that it will provide years of reliable service. The Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope appears to be a sound investment for anyone looking for a budget-friendly optic that can stand up to regular use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope comes with basic lens covers for protection against dust and scratches. While the scope itself isn’t highly customizable, you can easily replace the mounting rings to accommodate different rifle platforms. Compatibility with standard Weaver and Picatinny rails is common, allowing for a wide range of mounting options.

Aftermarket accessories like sunshades and more robust lens covers can further enhance the scope’s performance and protection. The .1 MIL adjustments are common, therefore most tools will be compatible.

Pros and Cons of Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope

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Who Should Buy Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope?

The Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope is perfect for budget-conscious hunters and recreational shooters looking for a reliable and versatile optic. It is ideally suited for small game hunting, target practice, and plinking, especially for those who are new to using scopes. It’s also a great choice for those looking to upgrade from iron sights without spending a fortune.

Hunters who prioritize low-light performance or require long-range precision should consider higher-end optics with larger objective lenses and more advanced features. Competitive shooters might find the features lacking compared to match-grade scopes. A user requiring high adjustability may find only 40 MOA adjustment range is inadequate.

Must-have accessories include quality mounting rings appropriate for your rifle, a lens cleaning kit, and potentially a sunshade for bright conditions.

Conclusion on Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope

The Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope delivers a solid performance and reliable functionality at an unbeatable price. Its variable magnification, decent image quality, and durable construction make it an excellent choice for budget-minded shooters. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end optics, it provides a practical and effective solution for a wide range of shooting applications.

The price is definitely justified, considering the features and performance offered. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and dependable scope for their hunting or target shooting needs. If you’re looking for a scope that won’t break the bank and will get the job done, the Tasco Sportsman Hunting 4-12x 40mm Rifle Scope is definitely worth considering.

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