You got a bargain there, there's one for sale in the classifieds in Shooting Sports magazine for £30 (think it's in Dudley, if anyone fancies it).
Tasco started selling them again a few years later for about £70, I was straight on the phone to order one. When I got it I found it was a cheap copy with a totally different zoom ring and eye-bell. I sent it back and got a refund
I used to have a 4x40 AG and wish I'd never parted with it. I wonder how these old Tascos compare to modern scopes like MTC or Bushnell? Anyone done a comparison?
Lionel
Personally, I consider these scopes inferior to the models they replaced e.g. 626V, 615W, etc., all of which had the black anodised finish. When the matt finish AG range first appeared, each came with a free lock knife attached, so I bought one of each model and used the knives for prizes at the following Christmas shoot. These scopes did not prove very reliable: turrets falling off and objective lenses falling out were common. The 4x40 was a lovely scope to use, as the image was unusually bright and came to the eye readily for snap shooting. I still have a 2.75x40, which has easily outlasted the rest of the bunch. However, I also still have a number of the older models, including three of the 626v and one of the 1.75x40 models (615W) and these are still working flawlessly. The black anodised TR range (4-16x40 and 6-24x40) was also excellent. As a matter of interest, I use Bausch & Lomb and Leupold too but I have an enduring fondness for these little Tasco scopes. Not once did I experience a reticle breakage, even when fitted to gas ram rifles - they made them tougher in those days, I guess. RIP Tasco.
Yes, I've had a couple of TRs, excellent.
The AG 4 x 40 is very nice but it pales in comparision to a 22 year old Japanese Nikko Gold Crown 6 x 40 I have, it is outstanding. It is optically superior to a Leupold M8 6 x 42 I had and the reticule (a very tight duplex, number 15?) is great.
Just as a matter of interest does anyone know which Japanese factory makes the big Nikko 10-50 x 60? It doesn't look anything like a LOW scope, Hakko are dead, is it made by Optisan who make the MTCs?
Best Regards
Simon
I've got some slug guns.