One Week with the **Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings**
My quest for an affordable, reliable optic for my .22 rifle led me to the Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings. Tasco has a long history in the optics market, and this particular rimfire scope promised to deliver “big game style performance for rimfire rifles,” a claim that certainly piqued my interest. I needed something versatile enough to handle plinking at the local range, some pest control on a friend’s farm, and perhaps even a bit of varmint hunting come the cooler months. My previous scope, a fixed-power model, was simply too limited for the varied distances I encountered.
Upon arrival, the initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. The matte black finish felt durable, and the overall heft of the optic, combined with the included rings, suggested a product built for regular use. I had briefly considered a few other rimfire-specific scopes in a similar price bracket, but the Tasco’s variable magnification and inclusion of mounting hardware swayed me. My first reaction was a quiet sense of satisfaction; it felt like I had found a practical solution to a common problem without breaking the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings** to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds were the familiar confines of my local indoor/outdoor shooting range. Mounting the Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings onto my Ruger 10/22 was straightforward, though I’ll detail a slight snag with the included rings later. Once zeroed at 50 yards, I began exploring the magnification range. The 3x setting offered a generous field of view, perfect for rapid target acquisition, while dialing up to 9x brought distant targets into sharp focus.
The fast-focus eyepiece proved surprisingly effective, allowing for quick adjustments to maintain a clear sight picture as I moved between different ranges. Throughout a two-hour session, involving about 150 rounds, the optic held its zero admirably, even after a few bumps against my bench rest. The only minor quirk was the adjustment turrets; they offered tactile clicks but felt a tad mushy, lacking the crispness found on more premium optics.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the subsequent weeks, this Tasco optic became a permanent fixture on my .22LR rifle, seeing action in a variety of settings. I took it out to a friend’s rural property where it successfully dispatched a few nuisance squirrels at ranges approaching 75 yards. Even during a light drizzle, the fully coated lenses provided a surprisingly clear view, with no significant fogging or water spots marring the image.
In terms of durability, the scope has held up remarkably well. While I haven’t intentionally subjected it to extreme abuse, it has endured being carried in a rifle bag and the general rigors of outdoor use. The matte black finish, while showing a few minor scuffs from brushing against tree branches, remains intact. Cleaning has been simple – a quick wipe down with a lens cloth and microfiber towel keeps it in prime condition. Compared to a previous budget scope I owned, which lost its internal coatings after only a year, this Tasco optic feels significantly more robust and reliable for its price point.
Breaking Down the Features of **Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings**
Specifications
The Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings boasts a versatile 3-9x magnification range, allowing shooters to adapt to various distances. Its 40mm objective lens gathers a decent amount of light, crucial for twilight conditions or low-light scenarios, and is complemented by a fully coated lens system designed to reduce glare and enhance light transmission. The fast-focus eyepiece ensures that users can quickly adjust for a sharp image, a vital feature for dynamic shooting situations.
Furthermore, the scope features a Truplex reticle, a classic and highly effective aiming point for rimfire applications. The ¼ MOA windage and elevation adjustments offer precise aiming point corrections, though their tactile feel is somewhat basic. Its 1-inch tube diameter is standard and compatible with most mounting systems, and the overall weight of 11.6 oz (330g) makes it a lightweight addition to most rimfire rifles. The included rings are designed to fit standard Weaver-style bases.
Performance & Functionality
The core function of any optic is to provide a clear and accurate aiming point, and the Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings largely succeeds here. The 3-9x variable magnification is exceptionally useful, transforming a plinking rifle into something more capable for longer shots. Clarity through the lenses is quite good, especially at the lower end of the magnification spectrum.
However, at the maximum 9x magnification, some minor image degradation and slight chromatic aberration can become noticeable, particularly around the edges. This is not unexpected for an optic in this price range, but it’s worth noting for those seeking absolute edge-to-edge sharpness. The Truplex reticle is clean and unobtrusive, making it easy to acquire targets without obstruction.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this Tasco optic is functional and unassuming, with a matte black finish that minimizes glare, a critical factor for any optical instrument. Its 12.2-inch length and 11.6-ounce weight contribute to a balanced feel on a rimfire rifle, avoiding an overly front-heavy setup. The fast-focus eyepiece is ergonomically designed for quick adjustments, and the power adjustment ring has a ribbed texture for a secure grip.
The windage and elevation turrets are covered by simple caps, which is standard for this class of scope. While the turrets themselves are functional, their click-feel is a bit soft, lacking the positive engagement found on higher-end models. This means that while adjustments are possible, there’s a slight ambiguity in confirming each ¼ MOA increment.
Durability & Maintenance
Regarding durability, the Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings appears to be built for its intended purpose – rimfire rifles. The one-inch tube and fully coated lenses suggest a level of resilience suitable for the recoil of a .22 LR. I have experienced no internal fogging or lens separation issues during my testing period, even with minor temperature fluctuations.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A soft lens cloth for the glass and a dry cloth for the body are all that’s needed. The 50-yard parallax setting is fixed, meaning there’s no adjustment needed for parallax error at that specific distance, simplifying its use. For longer ranges, some minor parallax shift might be observed, which is a common trade-off in this scope class.
Accessories and Customization Options
The most significant accessory included with the Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings is a set of mounting rings. These are designed to fit standard Weaver-style bases, a common mounting platform for many firearms. While the rings themselves appear robust and well-machined, a key detail emerged during my initial setup.
As noted in the user feedback, these rings are designed for Weaver/Picatinny bases, not the smaller, tip-off bases often found on .22 caliber firearms. This meant I had to use my existing, albeit older, rings to properly mount the scope to my rifle. It’s a minor point but one that potential buyers with specific rimfire mounting systems should be aware of. The scope itself offers limited customization beyond mounting, as its primary purpose is fixed by its magnification and reticle.
Pros and Cons of **Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings**
Pros
- Excellent value for money, especially considering the included rings.
- Versatile 3-9x magnification range suitable for various rimfire applications.
- Fully coated lenses provide clear and bright images for its class.
- Fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick target acquisition and focus adjustment.
- Robust matte black finish minimizes glare.
- Lightweight design that won’t excessively unbalance a rimfire rifle.
Cons
- Included rings are for Weaver-style bases, not always compatible with rimfire tip-off mounts.
- Edge clarity at maximum magnification (9x) can be slightly reduced.
- Adjustment turrets offer tactile clicks but lack the crispness of higher-end optics.
- Fixed 50-yard parallax setting may lead to minor parallax error at significantly different ranges.
Who Should Buy **Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings**?
The Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings is an ideal choice for budget-conscious plinkers, backyard pest controllers, and new rimfire rifle owners who want a dependable optic without a significant financial outlay. It’s perfect for anyone looking to upgrade from a basic iron sight setup or a fixed-power scope for the first time. This optic provides a significant step up in versatility and capability for casual shooters.
However, those requiring absolute edge-to-edge optical perfection at extreme magnifications, or those who need specialized parallax adjustment for precise long-range varmint shooting, might want to consider higher-end alternatives. Buyers should also be aware of the mounting ring specification; if your rimfire rifle uses traditional tip-off mounts, you’ll likely need to source your own rings. For optimal use, a good quality lens cleaning kit is always recommended.
Conclusion on **Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings**
The Tas Rimfire 3-9X40 Rifle Scope W/Rings punches well above its weight class, offering a compelling blend of versatility, clarity, and affordability. While it won’t compete with premium optics in terms of absolute optical perfection or turret feel, it delivers a solid and reliable performance that far exceeds its modest price point. For the dedicated rimfire enthusiast looking for an economical upgrade, this optic is a fantastic choice that will enhance enjoyment and capability across a range of shooting activities. I would readily recommend it to anyone fitting the profile of the budget-minded rimfire shooter seeking a functional and dependable aiming solution.