Inexpensive scope (Tasco, Barska, or ???)

Starship · Oct 19, 2015

Well my grandson has decided we need (meaning Grandpa should buy) an S&W MP 15-22.
He's a good kid and I enjoy having him as a shooting buddy, soooo, guess what Grandpa is in the market for.

Also, thinking of maybe a scope for it so looking for suggestions. I'm generally a handgun, shotgun guy so my rifle experience is very limited, to say the least.

Currently looking at two scopes: Tasco PH39X32D and the Barska 3-9X32 Plinker. We are almost exclusively target shooters. These seem to be budget priced (right up my alley) and yet both have good reviews on-line.
Budget would ideally be under $100.

Any comments or suggestions on these two scopes or any others I should be considering???
All help greatly appreciated.

Kruel J · Oct 19, 2015

I just listed a great scope in the classifieds that would work well for you.

Regardless, I would honestly avoid both the Tasco and Barska. Look at BSA and Bushnell for budget scopes that work.

PDXSparky · Oct 19, 2015

I would also consider Simmons as a decent budget scope. I have 1 on a 10/22 and it's fine.

bmw2 · Oct 19, 2015

I had a bushnell banner 1-4 on a 30/30 and it heald up fine, about 100 bucks new. I've had a couple of Cabela's brand scopes too and was impressed for the money. I just picked up one of their 2-7 scopes for my AR, on sale online for 60. They'll price match in store if you let them know.

Kruel J · Oct 19, 2015

I run a Banner on my 77/22WMR and that rifle is as accurate as they come. It will out shoot my skills and even forgive me on a bad day.

Side note, Simmons are ok depending on model. But Tasco and Barska should be avoided IMHO.

Sgt Nambu · Oct 19, 2015

My experience with the less expensive Bushnell's has been that the crosshairs cover .22 size targets, critters and such!
Not fine reticles!
I can't speak to modern Tascos but I have a couple from, gosh, 1985-90. I like them so well that I have one on my Kimber of Oregon .22K Hornet. One of the finest firearms I own! My opinion on Tascos is/was good optics, just don't put one on something that has much recoil. Good luck finding what you need. It is very cool that you shoot with your grandson!

Starship · Oct 20, 2015

After some further research and thanks to all that imparted their wisdom here I decided to go with the Simmons 3-9X12 (Bi-Mart had one). Thanks again for all the help it is appreciated.

Haven't bought the gun yet but me thinks that tomorrow is the day.

Kruel J · Oct 20, 2015

I have a 15-22 with a BSA Contender scope. Its as fun as it gets!

Member 5605 · Nov 4, 2015

Since I was a kid I've been around Bushnell scopes. They work. I've had recently Nikon, Bushnell Banner, Tascos and now have a fleet of Vortex on my rifles.

I wouldn't hesitate to go a Tasco or Bushnell Banner scope again.