Yesterday I was givena Tasco World Class 3x9x40. Looking through the scope it issuprisingly bright and clear, although not equal to my Leupolds and Nikon. This scope was purchased new in 1992 andhas obviously not seen much action. I know Ihave a bad taste in my mouth from the cheap Bushnells of that era, so I'm wondering if this scope will fall into the same category? I have a Remington 742 that I thought about putting this scope on just to see what happens. How were these scopes and wouldit be suitable for a rifle that may see action one or two times a year?

IMO it's not much to brag about. It might be o.k on low recoilers for awhile (at the bench) but I wouldn't trust a special hunt on it.

My dad has had one on a muzzle loader that kicks like a mule for probably 8-9 years !! It is really a descent scope for what they cost and he has had no problems of any kind !! There is definately better scopes......but he got 2 for $60 each and they came with a descent hunting knife at the time !! Really can't beat it for that !!

I've had two Trashco's fail! Some others will tell you of having them for years with no problems! I will never trust another hunt to a cheap scope! That said, ANYTHING man-made is subject to failure! Quality usually costs more to produce though!
It all boils down to how much you can or want to spend, and how much failure risk that you you are willing to live with!

Maybe I should just put it on a .22 so I don't have to worry about it.

I have mainly Leupold scope on my rifles but I do have one World Class Tasco 3.5X10X50 that has been a good scope I have had it on everything from a 223 to a 300 Win mag and it is still going.