When good scopes die...

SingleShotLover · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 4:48 pm Post subject: When good scopes die...

It had to happen. My favorite and most dependable scope finally died a natural death. It was a Tasco Pro Varmint/Target 8-32 power with target turrets manufactured in the early '80s when they actually made good quality scopes for a reasonable price. It has resided on a multitude of rifles ranging from .223s to .30/06 and was always precise and held settings perfectly. Now the end of an era has come. It is easy to see how quickly it happened by looking at the targets below. The target on the left started it all with three shots making a ragged hole and the rest starting to string. Further shooting saw it scatter shots all over the backstop. Just too depressing to bear. Switching to a backup scope gave the final verdict - it wasn't the rifle, a Ruger #1B in .22/250.

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Its successor is on the way. I chose a Redfield Revenge 6-18, which is reputed to be a good scope, but it will have a struggle replacing an old friend.

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Huh, I learned something. I didnt know they made a #1B in 22-250. I have 22-250 in 1V and its an unbelievable gun. Oddly, the first ever scope I had go bad was on that rifle, in that caliber as well (Weaver). I feel your pain about loosing a "friend".

Lately I while still love Leupold first and foremost, I picked up a Nikon Buckmaster (next tier up from Prostaff) for my boys 7mm08 and for the money, its been fantastic. So much so I picked up 2 more for AR's (3x fixed and a 4-12).

If I ever win the lotto and have money to burn, I would like to make a collection of "red pad" Rugar #1's in every model and caliber they offered.

-DallanC

SingleShotLover · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 6:30 pm Post subject: Re: When good scopes die...

DallanC wrote:

If I ever win the lotto and have money to burn, I would like to make a collection of "red pad" Rugar #1's in every model and caliber they offered.

-DallanC

So would I. Even though I cheat on my first loves (1Bs) with the occasional harlot M700, Browning or 03 Springfield, I do have a few though not all "red pad". The .22/250 and .280 are, but my .223 and .30/06 (all 1Bs by the way) aren't. I have had #1s in most of the more common calibers from .223 to .45/70. I have had to bow to common sense and only keep what I shoot, but I am always on the alert for #1s in .257 Roberts and would swoon over a 9.3X72R.

Elvis · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 11:41 pm Post subject: Re: When good scopes die...

my old .270 has worn and killed at least 6 scopes since I got her..the loopy 3x9x40mm on her will be its last....it wont die and if it does the good folk at loopy factory will fix it up.
my 3x9x40mm nikko stirling gold crown is still the best scope for field of view, its sitting it cupboard as back up and is sighted in for the .22 but off as Im using that with open sights for now.

Aloysius · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2015 1:00 am Post subject: Re: When good scopes die...

DallanC wrote:

If I ever win the lotto and have money to burn, I would like to make a collection of "red pad" Rugar #1's in every model and caliber they offered.

-DallanC

Maybe I can help then. I happen to have in my collection a Lyman-centennial Ruger #1 in 45-70, complete with wooden box, manual, dies, cases, ...

it has that very long 4x optics with external adjustment knobs...

not that it was that expensive, but it might be before I get it back in the States.

lesterg3 · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2015 4:07 am Post subject: Re: When good scopes die...

Sorry man, good luck with the new scope.

MacD · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2015 7:08 am Post subject: Re: When good scopes die...

Funny thing about scopes. I have a Bushnel by Baush and Lombe made in Japan in the 50's. It is a low power variable. I got it with a model 99 I bought used. I also bought last year a Nikkon Monarch with identical power and objective lense size. The Bushnell has obviosly been on the 99 for many years as the bluing beneath scope and the mounts was perfect and deep blue. However it is just as clear and smooth as well as accurate as the Nikkon. The manufacturing technology separating those scopes is 60 years of new seal and optical mounting glues etc. yet both scopes deliver the same service. I can buy the Bushnell from a place in Ontario from old stock, brand new in the box for $75. I paid close to $500 for the Nikkon.

lesterg3 · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2015 7:43 am Post subject: Re: When good scopes die...

Well, (and this is not a commentary on the quality of various scopes, older and new) but, based on inflation that 1950 dollar (US) is now worth $9.94. I cannot believe that the Canadian Dollar is much different. So that $75 old stock scope if produced today would cost $745, that brings the Nikkon into a better perspective.

Vince · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2015 8:41 pm Post subject: Re: When good scopes die...

Single Shot...why not look at getting your scope refurbished mate? We have a guy out here in Brisbane that specialises in refurbishing higher end scopes for what is a reasonably attractive cost compared to the price of a new scope, including regassing. From what I've seen and heard, his refurbishment makes the scope pretty much 'as new'.

Food for thought mate, and you will still have your familiar old mate sitting on top of your rifle.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2015 4:55 am Post subject: Re: When good scopes die...

It's a thought. It would be interesting to see if anyone would work on it. It's sad, but I'm also being realistic. My newer scopes show far superior optics when compared to that old '80s veteran. I do mourn the severe quality decline of Tasco scopes since that era. They were one of the best kept secrets for good quality at reasonable prices at that time. I haven't seen a really good one produced in years. It might be fun to keep it around if it could be fixed.