Who Made the T/C Contender Scopes?

[Wiresguy]

I wasn't going to go down the Contender rabbit hole again, but ended up getting a G1 from about 1983 with a Super 14 30-30 barrel. Mounted was a T/C 1.5x scope with the gold Japanese acceptance sticker.

The scope reminds me of the old Tasco scopes. Any idea who made the scopes for T/C?

 

[Bret4207]

In that time period Tasco would be a good bet. Nikon wasn't in the scope business till later I think.

 

[Tomme boy]

Simmons was the maker of TC scopes. At least thats what was the most accepted answer back in the day.

 

[Wiresguy]

Thanks. It looks like a decent little scope and I'll see how it does. I figger the scope is about the same vintage as the gun.

 

[Ben]

I once owned a T/C scope until it literally fell apart.
I don't have a very high opinion of them.

Ben

 

[Wiresguy]

Thanks, Ben.

I'll give this one a try and if it doesn't work out, I've got a Leupold 2x EER to replace it with. For what I paid for the gun the scope could be considered a "freebie."

 

[Bret4207]

Was Simmons around in '83?

 

[Petrol & Powder]

I once owned a T/C scope until it literally fell apart.
I don't have a very high opinion of them.

Ben

In the field of optics - You get what you pay for.

 

[GEMIHUR]

I collect the old TC scopes (Bushnell Lobo & Phantom) and mount them on the octagon barrels for period correctness.
When I shoot with serious intent like using a super 14 in 7-30 Waters I'll employ a variable of more modern construction.

 

[dale2242]

My Contender barrels have Leupold EER scopes on them.

 

[GEMIHUR]

Leupold and Nikon are my preference, of course but Bushnell and Simmons were relegated by budget.
Heck, we should all enjoy Leica glass!

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

I always thought Weaver was involved...

 

[Winelover]

Was Simmons around in '83?

Might have been. I still have a 4x Simmons 44Mag silver scope that used to be on my Ruger 10-22 Mannlicher carbine from around that time frame.............switched it out for a Weaver 2x7 scope. Not a bad scope and still use it on my CZ Scorpion 9 mm carbine for accuracy testing.

 

[beagle]

I had one on a 10" Contender in .45 Colt one morning. Was blasting away one morning and building a good group. Next shot, bullet hit 6" off. WTH! Looked and a jagged hole where the crosshairs were. TC replaced it but after that, I was always leary of their scopes. Don't know how they did their reticles but it sure spit a chunk out of the center./beagle