Tasco 2.5-10x42 Tasco Varmint Riflescope 2.5-10x42 Black (Open Box)

First things first, I should point out that I rated this scope according to its price. Obviously it does not compare to much higher-priced scopes like Bushnell Elite 4200's or Nikon Monarch's (both of which I own as well). I am rating this scope in the $50-$60 scope range in which the competition is fierce, and there are many decent scopes for the buyer on a budget. I have owned many scopes in this price class over the years. When I was younger, they were all I could afford; and a few went on cheaper airguns or other plinkers that weren't particularly expensive or superbly accurate. I can definitely say that with optics you tend to get what you pay for, and you definitely don't get what you didn't pay for. That said, not everyone can rationalize spending several hundred to several thousand dollars on optics. If you only have $50-60 to spend, you at least want to get the best deal for your modest money that can be had. This review is for those folks who don't want to regret their inexpensive scope choice. You should usually avoid no-name optics. At this price range, especially, avoid any brand that has not been around long and earned some recognition. Also, there are brands like Barska, and NC Star that may make some decent products in their higher-end lines, but their lower-priced stuff tends to be pretty poor for the money. I have owned both these brand's budget line and cannot recommend them. (With the exception of the NCstar fixed-power pistol scope line...they aren't great, but they work and literally no other scope manufacturer is anywhere near their price on a pistol scope). I assume if you are reading this review, you want something with an adjustable objective (perhaps for a rimfire or airgun where ranges are typically short), and a mid-powered variable magnification range. There are not that many choices at this price range if these are specifications that interest you. Most scopes that are about $50 are fixed power such as 4x32mm or do not have an adjustable objective, like a typical 3-9x40. Really, the only other scope that offers all of this at this price point that I could recommend is the Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32AO. It does not, however, offer a mil-dot reticle, has slightly less magnification, and the smaller objective results in a bit dimmer image at equal magnification levels, and, to the best of my knowledge it is not rated for spring-piston airguns (which are known to trash scopes with their bi-directional recoil). Basically, if you want a mil-dot, variable power scope with at least 9-10x magnification, with a full-size objective (42mm), and that is airgun rated, this is just about the only choice from a reputable manufacturer (for around $60 anyway). I have been told that Tasco was purchased by Bushnell, who I believe to be the top scope-maker for the money in most instances. Whether that is true, or not, this scope stands on its own merits. Since I only own one other scope that is equivalent to this one in being airgun rated, possessing a 10x maximum zoom, and having an adjustable objective, I tested this scope against it. The other scope is a Bushnell Super Banner 3.5-10x36mm with an adjustable objective. That scope now retails for about $120 on Amazon. So basically twice the price of the Tasco. Keep that in mind as we get this test started. I tested this scope in the same fashion that I test all my scopes: I evaluate the smoothness of the adjustable objective and zoom ring. Bushnell: Zoom ring is smooth with good resistance. Objective is a bit jerky. Tasco: Zoom ring and objective are both smooth with good resistance. WINNER I test the eye-piece for adjustment ease and precision. Bushnell:Fast focus eyepiece is much easier to set up, so better for a rifle that will often see more than one shooter. WINNER Tasco: American-stye eyepiece is slower to set up, but works fine once it is set. I also let a light source spill onto the objective while viewing a target at night to evaluate white out glare. Bushnell: A LOT of white-out. Many scopes have this problem even well over the $100 mark. Tasco: Absolutely amazing control of white-out! It bests some of my much more expensive scopes. WINNER by a very large margin. I evaluate the reticle for thickness and sharpness. Bushnell: Duplex reticle is a bit thick for my taste, though it will function just fine. Tasco: Mil-dots are almost always a winner in my book, with multiple aiming points, plus a thinner crosshair. WINNER I test the tracking of the windage and elevation turrets, as well as their ease of use. Bushnell: Repeatable, consistent tracking with small grip area for finger adjustments. Tasco: Surprisingly equal tracking to the bushnell, but with easier to turn, large, target style turrets. WINNER Overall image sharpness and color rendition. Bushnell: Somewhat crisper image with slightly more accurate color rendition. Enough to be noticeable. WINNER Tasco: Good image quality and color rendition but not quite equal to the Bushnell. The lower cost has to manifest somewhere, and this is where it shows. Finally I target shoot from a rest and assess their ability to hold a zero. Bushnell: Holds zero perfectly on a Beeman R9 Spring-piston air rifle. Tasco: Holds zero perfectly on the same gun. Final Verdict: Different scopes will suit different people and types of shooting. I found this scope to be an excellent match to a rifle that will be used for hunting or informal target shooting under various conditions. I don't think it can be matched by anything under $80. It has good image quality, offers focusing as close as 5 yards (which is closer than any other scope I own), has an excellent mil-dot reticle, and offers a very useable magnification range. It's performance under less-than-ideal conditions should be a real deal maker. If you will be shooting where sunlight can directly hit the objective, or will be shooting at night with a light source hitting the objective, this scope is a true champion. The white-out control is absolutely astonishing at this price point. Under ideal conditions, it's a draw for me between this scope and the Bushnell that goes for twice the price. I can say that I currently own, and have owned, several scopes under $80, and not a one was as good as this tasco. For around $90-$100 you can find a Centerpoint 4-16x40 AO mil-dot scope with an illuminated reticle that offers everything this tasco offers and has slightly better image quality and more magnification, but it also handles white-out worse than any other scope I have used. I also feel that, at $30-$40 more, it is hardly in the same price class. Basically, this Tasco is just awesome for the money. I am beyond satisfied with what my $44 (used) got me and would gladly pay the current $60 asking price if I needed another cheap scope for popping spinners and shooting paper.