Author Topic: BSA Vs. Tasco Scope, I need help choosing scopes (Read 3353 times)

FireMarshal91 · « **on:** March 09, 2004, 04:17:22 PM »

Dear Forum Members,

I have the opportunity to purchase a varmint scope for my Savage FVSS in .223. I am wanting to make it a 300 yard varmint rifle. I need help choosing between two scope marked the same price. The scopes are:

1) Tasco 6-24x-42mm varmint/tactical scope
2) BSA Contender Target scope in 6-24x-40mm

Both are in excellent condition and are mil-dot scopes. The parties involved are asking $55.00 for either one.

Folks, what scope should I choose?

Thanks,

Jason :?

jgalar · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2004, 04:46:40 PM »

don't take it personal - neither

Thats a nice rifle you got put a better scope on it.

FireMarshal91 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2004, 05:12:27 PM »

Let me ask also another question:

If neither of these scopes are good, what one do you folks recommend for about $100-150?

Thanks,

Jason :wink:

jgalar · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2004, 05:24:29 PM »

I just put a bushnell legend 5-15 with mil-dot on a Marlin 22 mag. I am very pleased with it. It normally sells for around $200 but midway had it on sale for $159

On the cheaper scopes the higher magnification only magnifies the blurr. To get a clear sight picture at higher magnifications you need very good glass and very good internal alignment. You won't get that in a cheap scope. You are also adding AO, finger adjustable target type turrets and mil-dots. The extra stuff don't come cheap.

Don't limit that Savage's potential with a crappy scope.

KN · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2004, 06:05:19 PM »

If you have to go with one of the two, Take the tasco. But I agree with jgalar 100% on this one. Decent optics are really a must on a varment rig. KN

New Hampshire · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2004, 01:07:27 AM »

I have had such amazing results with BSA Catseye scopes. So much so, in fact, I just bought another. I cant afford to spend hundreds of dollars for a new scope. BSA lets me have quality without the cost. Sure the tubes are made of Aluminum and can dent easier, but I dont plan on taking the thing on a Ram hunt in Alaska. For your purposes the BSA should do just fine.
Brian M

skb2706 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:44:21 AM »

While neither are my first choice I do have a BSA Contender 8x32 40mm that I use all the time for load development and really have no complaints. It has been mounted on a whole bunch of rifles of all degrees of recoil and not ever had a problem. Best $84 scope I ever owned.
But I think for the kind of money you are talking the Bushnell Elite 3200 series scopes are the best value. .....options will vary.

varmit_master · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:44:49 AM »

Hi if i was you i would look at a Simmons or a Bushnell scopes try to stay away from the other 2 Tasco or BSA scopes VM

Wlscott · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2004, 04:29:06 AM »

Jason, I'd say stay away from both also (especially the BSA). I've never owned one, but several friends/shooting partners have tried them. The edges of the mil dots in the BSA's are not sharp and clean. They're fuzzy in every BSA scope I've looked through. It's like they weren't cut with a sharp enough tool when the crosshairs were made. They also don't seem to hold zero very well through the range of magnification of the scope (Point of impact changes when you change magnification). It also seems like they offer a bunch of extra crap like mil dots, illuminated reticle etc at the expense of good glass and coatings.

I know it hurts to hear this, but if you truly want a 300 yard varmint rig, you're gonna have to throw some money into the optics.

Now I'm not saying that you need to spend a thousand bucks on a scope. I've got a Weaver 6-24 on my AR15 that is clear and bright. I think I paid $200.00 for it on sale from Natchez Shooters Supply.

Lawdog · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2004, 01:55:10 PM »

Jason,

Tasco was JUNK before they went bankrupt. Tasco was JUNK when Bushnell bought them. Guess What, they haven't improved any since. How does one spell Tasco, J U N K.

This may sound funny coming from a died in the wool Burris and Leupold backer/user but a few of the men that work for me have bought BSA scopes and they are working just fine for them. I know nothing about their history but the scopes that I have looked thru are clear and sharp to the edge of the viewing area. Also my son in-law to be has one of their air rifle rated scopes on his RWS 350M(.22) air rifle and it is working great. I also know of a guy that has one on his RWS M48(notoriously an air rifle that has the worst reputation for tearing up scopes) and he has well over 3,500 pellets thru it and no sign of problems. If the BSA stands up to the pounding of these magnum air rifles then they should stand up to whatever you are going to put them thru. If money is the problem(and who isn't having problems with money) then I would go with the BSA scope and forget you ever heard of Tasco. Lawdog

BUCKWILD · « **Reply #10 on:** March 10, 2004, 02:41:21 PM »

Just remember, at 300 yards you can't shoot what you can't see. You may look at a Simmons 44 Mag Series in a 6.5-20x44 A/O,Mil Dot with target knobs. Priced with SWFA for 159.95, not a bad scope for the money. BUCKWILD

FireMarshal91 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 10, 2004, 08:17:11 PM »

Wow, what response.

I guess I'll need to save some money up to purchase a better scope in the future. I currently have a Simmons 3-9x42mm scope on Leupold mounts/rings on the Savage .223. Guess that will have to do this varmint season.

Just wanted to add a note on the Savage 12FVSS .223. For those folks who wonder as to the out of the box accuracy of these rifles, the rumors are true. The darn things are ACCURATE right out of the box (3/8" groups with a 52 speer HP behind 24.2 g of IMR 3031 at 100 yrds). Bolt looks a little ugly though and the stock feel cheap. BUT, that dessert rat can't see my rifle that well from 200-300 yrds away anyway, so who cares.

Keep them in the ten rings folks!

Jason :grin:

jgalar · « **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2004, 01:40:47 AM »

I would look in the $200-$300 range. Especially if you are considering high magnification. If you go to www.midwayusa.com you can put scopes that interest you in the wish list. When/if they come on sale midway will email you.

Questor · « **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2004, 08:14:49 AM »

I should have bought a better scope. I bought the Tasco and I am regretting it.

coopershooter · « **Reply #14 on:** March 29, 2004, 06:05:37 PM »

the optics in the bsa are very clear! i own four, but have had two sent back and replaced, because of a wandering zero problem. at 300 and 400 yards off the bench, they would change poi. from day to day or double group! almost impossible to see at 100 yds. two bad scopes out of four is not a good average. i,ll save my money for simmons or sightron in the future. by the wayi have a savage in 222 mag. AI.(IMPROVED) that shoots like yours. it has an old unertl 20 power.

vhunter · « **Reply #15 on:** March 31, 2004, 04:12:56 AM »

I have wasted alot of money buying different scopes tasco, BSA, bushnell, and others! Take the advice of most us and don't make the same mistakes we made!! Save a buy a good scope! I have spent enough to buy a couple great scopes the first time. I recommend the Leuapold rifleman scope 3x9 for $199.00 or the 4x12 for $240.00. You could also get the Nikkon scope with same adjustable power scope as above for about the same price or less! Also, if you have to go cheap then look at the Swift scopes. I have never owned a Swift scope but others that I have talked to say they are great! Maybe someone else can help ya with that!
I was always told to buy the best optics you can and put a rifle under it!! There is alot of truth to that!! Good luck!

Flash · « **Reply #16 on:** April 01, 2004, 11:43:56 AM »

I have an 8x32 Platinum BSA on a 22-250 and I love it. A buddy of mine spent $700 on a Burris 8x32 and we are shooting alike at 300 yards. The only difference is that I have enough money left for another varmint gun and a BSA 8x32 but he doesn't!

MINNESOTA DICK · « **Reply #17 on:** April 02, 2004, 02:31:28 AM »

Sure wished you guys wouldn't have told me that my Tasco and BSA scopes were no good. So I guess I have to get out the Magic Marker and paint over the lables so I won't reailize I am shooting with no good (bad)scopes.

But I don't thinks would improve my shooting because my scopes just work great for me.

Enocre 26" hvy barrel 223 Rem with BSA Platinum 8x32x44 target dot.
Contender 22" hvy barrel 17 Rem with Tasco 8x32x44 target dot.
H&R 22" std barrel 223 REm with Tasco 6x24x44 target dot.
H&R Ultra 24" hvy Barrel 243 Win with Tasco 6x24x4s dual x.
Ruger 1V 26" hvy barrel 220 Swift Tasco 6x24x44 target dot.

P-dogs don't complain to much about the Band of scopes I use on them. Most of my shooting is at 250 to 350 yard.

coopershooter · « **Reply #18 on:** April 02, 2004, 02:59:28 AM »

i have and use many less expensive scopes! i,m not saying they are not good! but the chances of getting a bad one are greater, the less you pay! i have had bad luck with bsa scopes. i have had two out of four with shifting point of impact. thats 50%! bsa replaced them both for free, i have had several tasco scopes, that were just fine, but a few failed. and since the name of our game is hitting what we shoot at! every time we do our part, we expect our gear to keep up with our ability,s and im sure the scopes that cost more, are not replaced as often as the cheaper ones.
it also depends how demanding you are, i mean a benchrest scope is going to need to be very consistant compared to a plinking rifle! i shoot alot from a benchrest at 300 and 400 yards. and it separates the winners from the loosers! fast!
i think to an extent, you get what you pay for with scopes. i have used unertle, sightron, lupold, bsa tasco, simmons, and some no name scopes. and i have noticed diffrences in performance between the more and less costly.

Old Griz · « **Reply #19 on:** April 09, 2004, 05:42:38 PM »

:cb2: I bought one BSA scope and that was enough for me. Pitiful optics. I've used Tasco before and it was a better scope for the money than the BSA. Simmons is a little better. Finally bit the bullet and went with a Burris. I'll never go back to those cheap scopes again.

lilabner · « **Reply #20 on:** April 10, 2004, 04:46:41 AM »

Check out Bushnell, Sightron and Simmons along with what you are now considering. Price scopes and D&R Sports and some of the other internet sellers - save you money!

ba_50 · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2004, 09:40:24 AM »

I was interested in the target model (Japan or Taiwan) but I'm not sure how long the oufit that repairs them will be in business. I've had one older Tasco and the point of impact changed dramatically with power changes. Never had a BSA. I wouldn't get either.

v8r · « **Reply #22 on:** December 04, 2004, 03:55:12 PM »

I have several Tasco world class rifle scopes on my rifles,and never had any problems.I had one on my old browning .270 and accidentaly droped it while climbing down out of my stand once.The scope held zero after falling on the ground from about 8 feet in the air.I had a leupold 3x9x40 on a ruger #1 and it wouldn't hold zero for anything.I guess what I am saying is there are a few bad ones in every bunch.I don't think you should buy the cheapest scope you see, but buy what you can afford,and if it doesn't work for you send it back to the manufacturer.Most of the manufacturers will be glad to fix it for you,and most scopes i have seen recently have a lifetime manufacturers defect warranty.

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #23 on:** December 09, 2004, 03:40:05 PM »

FireMarshal91
Great To Hear From You!!

If I recall right we helped you just abit getting the savage. Always glad to help again so what you need to do is to show your wife all these post that want for you to get a Leopold!!!!

varmit_master · « **Reply #24 on:** December 11, 2004, 03:20:00 AM »

HI look at a Simmons you like be happer i just got a new BSA crossbow scope and had to send it back it would move the cross hairs i sent it back and got my money back VM

DWARREN123 · « **Reply #25 on:** December 11, 2004, 04:26:15 AM »

I would suggest the following scopes, Simmons Model #1048 6-20X44AO, Simmons ATV 4-14X40AO, Bushnell Legend 5-15X40AO, or any scope in this area.

Price does not always decide which is best but it gives a good starting point.

You may or may not need a scope that goes to 24, 32 or more magnification, a lot of people use a max magnifcation of 10, 12, or 14. It is not high magnification but clarity of view that makes a differences.

I would also suggest that you look at as many different scopes as possible, handle them, look thru them and talk to people that own them.

prairiedog555 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 08, 2006, 11:36:08 AM »

I have been poor, I have been rich, now I am doing pretty good. Retired at 55 and living in a game rich area. NE Kansas.
TBS, I still think poor, always looking for a bargin. A good axiom to remember is that "A poor man cannot afford not to buy the best"
Going cheap might work when buying a pair of pants or a tough steak, but for something that will last a long time it is an investment.
I have researched extensively this scope question. I want a bargin. But with the BSA/tasco/simmons group you never know when they will fail. Might be years, and when you miss you will always think, was it me or the scope?
A good compromise is Bushnell, especially legend line. Look in the optics forum, lots of recomendations for Nikon, zeiss, burris ect. but no bad rap for the Bushnell scopes, good waranty also.

backstrap · « **Reply #27 on:** December 12, 2006, 12:30:55 PM »

u get into burris zeiss nikon u going to get into some money i am a poor boy so i have to buy cheap scopes i have a tasco 3-9-40 on my h&r 223 and it works great clear i dont know how well this scope would work on a cannon but some thing with little recoil works great and if it goes bad i am not out hundreds of $ just 40 buck go get another 1 for another year or 2 and keep going i have to of these scopes on not on any thing yet when i get my new barrel for my rifle it will be on it u can also get busnell scopes that are very nice under a 100 dollers that works well i have a freind that has 1 on his 7 mag and hasnt had any trouble out of it yet thats just my 2 cents i am not saying any thing bad about these hige doller scpes becasue i would love to have them on my riges but i get buy with what i have and they work fine

beemanbeme · « **Reply #28 on:** December 14, 2006, 11:02:46 AM »

Let's talk about this for a moment. I've gone Pdog shooting with a 36x BSA on a 22-250 and killed Pdogs way out there (no skippy, I don't own a range finder). The only problem I had was the depth of field at extended range. You had to constantly adjust the AO. BUT, this is the same problem I had with high power, single power scopes of other makes. Including the almighty Leupold.
Get a varible powered BSA, say 6x24 or 4x16,and use it until you can go to the top end of scopes. If you buy a middle priced scope @$200-$300, you'll never get your money back out of it; with what you'll invested in a BSA, when you get ready to upgrade, you can use it for a tomato stake and not be out too much money.
In the FWIW dept.: I know a fellow that is shooting benchrest with a high-dollar rifle and a BSA scope. 'Cause that's all he can afford right now. He ain't winnin' but he's giving the ones that are fits.