There is no doubt that 1-4 variable magnification scopes are among the most popular out there. These scopes have low to mid-range power advantage that is advantageous for many applications and provides shooters immense versatility. In this review, we will help you find the best 1-4 scope.
1-4 scopes are favorites among hunters, especially when hunting in more wooded and denser areas. Tactical shooters also use them. A quality 1-4 scope is immeasurably useful when used in the right settings and might be an option you should take a closer look at.
But What Really Is a 1-4 Scope?
A 1-4 scope is an optic with a 1-4x magnification setting. This implies that its lowest setting is 1x, which is what you see with the naked eye, and you can crank up the magnification to 4x, which means four times the magnification compared to what you see with the naked eye. A 1-4 scope is made for close to intermediate distances.
So, what is the best 1-4 scope? We have combed the market and analyzed the best scopes in terms of crucial factors like durability, optical quality, convenience, and performance. Here are the best scopes for you.
Best 1-4 Scopes
1) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-4x24mm is precision machined from a solid block of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for resilience, straightness, and durability. Thanks to the o-ring seals and argon gas purging, the one-piece tube is waterproof and fogproof, and it is also shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in all conditions.
Additionally, the lenses are treated with an Armortek coating that fights scratches and dust for longevity. The hard anodized finish bolsters the scope’s durability by keeping it from abrasions.
Optically, the Viper PST features extra-low dispersion glass, which heightens resolution and color fidelity, leading to sharp and crisp images. Proprietary coatings on the lenses boost light gathering power, resulting in more brightness and sharpness.
The glass-etched illuminated reticle is not only durable and reliable but also enhances visibility in challenging light conditions. The tall, uncapped turrets facilitate easy windage and elevation adjustments. The CRS Zero Stop helps with return to zero after dialing temporary elevation correction.
This best 1-4 scope features a fast-focus eyepiece that helps focus the reticle, aiding quick target acquisition. The fiber optic turret rotation indicator offers a highly visible and tactile reference point for turret rotations.
Features
- 30mm tube
- O-ring sealed and argon purged
- XR lens coatings
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- Armortek lens treatment
- 5 MOA adjustment click value
- Second focal plane
- 4 inches of eye relief
- Glass-etched reticle
- CRS zero stop
Pros
- Well built
- Overwhelmingly solid and smooth adjustments
- Unmatched warranty
- Awesome glass quality
Cons
- The reticle is too thin
2) Hawke Sport Optics Endurance 1-4x24mm Riflescope
Be ready for your next hunt or your next day at the range by grabbing the Hawke Endurance 1-4x24mm riflescope. The scope is designed to conquer the great outdoors, helping you fill your tag at any range.
The riflescope features a glass-etched reticle with red illumination, providing a clear and sharp aiming point. The illumination is adjustable, allowing optimal brightness in various lighting environments and enhancing visibility and precision.
The side rheostat offers infinite adjustability, allowing for precise control over the reticle’s brightness. This stepless design ensures you can fine-tune the illumination to suit your preferences and the shooting conditions.
The inclusion of a coil erector spring system guarantees that the zero will remain stable even after repeated recoil. This feature ensures that your riflescope maintains accuracy over time, providing reliable performance in the field.
The fast-focus ocular system allows you to quickly set the diopter, ensuring that the reticle is sharp and clear for your eyes. This feature is particularly useful for shooters who need to make rapid adjustments on the go.
Features
- 30mm tube
- Constructed from high-quality aluminum
- A Japanese-engineered optical system
- Glass-etched red illuminated reticle
- Coil erector spring
- Adjustable side rheostat
- Fast focus ocular
- Nitrogen-filled for weatherproof performance
- Second focal plane
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Weighs 1.1 pounds
Pros
- Wide field of view
- 100-yard parallax-free range
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- No night vision
3) Barska 1-4x28mm Mil Dot Reticle Riflescope
This riflescope from Barska sits comfortably as the third contender on our list of the best 1-4 scope recommendations. It has a ton of features that will leave you wondering why you hadn’t bought it sooner.
First, the scope is equipped with fully multi-coated optics and an angled sunshade, which enhance light transmission for impressive clarity and make shooting comfortable even in harsh sunlight.
The glass-etched mil-dot reticle illuminates from black to either red for targeting in low light or green for targeting in daylight. You can adjust the reticle brightness to suit your prevailing light condition.
This best 1-4 scope is made with 1/2 MOA adjustments and adjustable rheostat for efficient shooting. Windage and elevation knobs have a locking mechanism that prevents unwanted adjustments ensuring stay-put accuracy.
Also, the scope is designed to last in harsh weather. It is dry nitrogen-filled and o-ring sealed for complete fogproof and waterproof performance. Its shockproof feature makes it withstand bumps, accidental drops, and recoil like a champ.
Features
- 5 inches of eye relief
- 30mm tube
- Weighs 16 oz
- Mil-dot illuminated reticle
- A length of 10 inches
- Black matte finish
- Optics are fully multicoated
- 1/2 MOA adjustment click value
- Reticle illuminates in black, red, or green
- Adjustable rheostat
- External locking turrets
- Waterproof and fog proof
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Holds zero flawlessly
- Installation ease
- Price
Cons
- Blurry sight picture at 4x
4) Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Bushnell 1-4x24mm riflescope is a small and compact device weighing just over one pound. It is built from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy coupled with an anodized finish and sealed to safeguard it from the elements.
It features the Drop Zone reticle that is made to be sighted in at 100 yards, with aiming points every 100 yards, up to 500 yards. The top of the reticle’s bottom post denotes about 600 yards.
The optics are treated with multiple layers of coating that intensify light transmission for high-quality images. The eyepiece has a fast-focusing mechanism that makes reticle focus a breeze, making target acquisition seamless.
This best 1-4 scope also has capped turrets that offer a lower profile and precise, pinpoint adjustments. The reticle is placed on the second focal plane, which means it remains the same regardless of an increase or decrease in the magnification.
Eye relief is decent at 3.5 inches, protecting your face from a nasty scope bite.
Features
- Drop Zone 223 reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- IPX7 waterproof
- Fogproof and shockproof
- Target turrets
- Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 30mm tube
- Anodized finish
Pros
- The side parallax works great
- Clear optics
- Smooth and accurate adjustments
Cons
- Non-illuminated
5) Sig Sauer Tango4 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Sig Sauer Tango4 1-4x24mm riflescope guarantees waterproof and fogproof integrity for reliable performance in inclement weather. It can survive immersion up to 1 meter and will not fail when you encounter snow or thick fog.
This 30mm tube riflescope hones your hunting skills. It is designed with low dispersion glass that results in incredible views, enabling you to survey the hunting grounds clearly for the finest opportunity.
The reticle is illuminated tremendously, increasing your target acquisition speed. The Motion-Activated Illumination powers the reticle upon sensing movement and powers off when there is none, helping conserve battery life significantly.
The reticle is located on the first focal plane, meaning it shrinks or grows in size depending on the magnification.
Features
- Low dispersion glass
- Waterproof and fog proof performance
- First focal plane design
- 30mm tube
- Motion activated illumination
- 24mm objective lens diameter
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Commendable clarity
- Holds zero and tracks well
Cons
- No scope covers
6) Trijicon Accupoint TR24 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Trijicon Accupoint TR24 1-4x24mm riflescope illuminates the reticle with tritium and fiber optics, offering vivid aiming without being battery-dependent. Say goodbye to failure-prone batteries with this best 1-4 scope.
Its rugged design endures extreme hunting conditions and is tested to military standards and protocol. The scope performs without fail or compromise, making it suitable for those who want the very best.
The multi-layer coated lenses on this best 1-4 scope provide incredible clarity with zero distortion, no matter the time of day. The unit is also waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, which makes it resistant to adverse weather conditions and rugged terrain.
Windage and elevation adjusters are precise and crisp and need no tools. Capped or zero adjusters prevent accidental shifting, ensuring uncompromised accuracy.
Several additional highlights include a matte finish, Bindon Aiming Concept that supports both eyes open shooting, easy focus eyepiece, and a repositionable power lever that makes magnification adjustments a cinch.
Features
- Weighs 14.4 oz
- 6061-T6 aluminum construction
- 10ft water resistant mark
- Fogproof and shockproof
- Bindon Aiming Concept
- Fiber optics and tritium illumination
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
- 2 inches of eye relief
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 30mm tube
- Second focal plane
Pros
- It holds zero very well
- Crystal clear glass
- Turrets have very crisp clicks
- Dual illumination
Cons
- No lens cap
7) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope
Another five-star riflescope that vies as the best 1-4 scope is this Crossfire II. The Crossfire is more pocket-friendly than the other Vortex model in this review, but that doesn’t mean it cuts corners on anything. It is armed to the teeth with terrific features.
The fully multi-coated lenses are incredibly clear and result in stunning images. The V-Brite reticle illuminates the center dot, enhancing performance in low-light environments. The reticle is placed on the second focal plane, thus staying the same at all power levels.
The build quality at its price point is mind-blowing. The 30mm one-piece tube is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum and is hard anodized. The interior is purged with nitrogen gas and o-ring sealed for fogproof and waterproof performance.
This is not to forget that the scope is shockproof, so whatever comes its way, it will withstand it.
This durable and stylish scope weighs 16 ounces. Regarding eye relief, shooters benefit from a comfortable 4 inches.
More advantage is found in the fast focus eyepiece that focuses the reticle like child’s play. The capped reset turrets are adjustable with the finger and have MOA clicks that zero-reset after sighting in.
Features
- Anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 4 inches of eye relief
- Measures 9.8 x 3.5 x 1.18 inches
- Made out of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Relentless weatherproof performance
- The focus range runs from 100 yards to infinity
- V-Brite reticle
- Hard anodized shockproof finish
- Weighs 16 ounces
Pros
- Very clear optics
- Durable
- Smooth turrets rotations
- Versatile
Cons
- No night vision
8) Monstrum G2 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Monstrum G2 1-4x24mm is a great choice for those on a tight budget. Despite its low price, its performance is pleasantly surprising.
This riflescope has a first focal plane range finder reticle, which is functionally designed for rapid range estimation and precise holdover correction. As the reticle scales with the magnification, it remains accurate and proportional, providing reliable targeting information at all zoom levels.
The etched reticle is clearly visible in black without illumination, ensuring usability in daylight conditions. The reticle can be illuminated in red or green for enhanced visibility at night or in low-light environments, offering adaptable brightness levels to suit various lighting situations.
This best 1-4 scope features a 1/2 MOA per click windage and elevation adjustment knob that allows for precise zeroing. The knobs are equipped with resettable zeroes, enabling quick and easy recalibration when needed.
The Monstrum G2 is constructed from high-quality aircraft grade 6061 aluminum for durability and resilience in demanding environments. This robust construction guarantees long-lasting performance and reliable protection against impacts and wear.
The scope tube is sealed and nitrogen-charged, providing excellent resistance to fog and water. This feature ensures clear, unobstructed vision in varying weather conditions, enhancing the scope’s reliability and usability in the field.
Features
- Illuminated CQB-BDC reticle
- A length of 9.6 inches
- 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Sealed and nitrogen-charged
- The focus range is from 400 yards to infinity
- 4 to 4.5 inches of eye relief
- MOA adjustment type
- Green or red illumination color
- First focal plane
- Multi-layer coated lenses
Pros
- Clear glass
- Price
- Solid and well-built
Cons
- Windage and elevation could be better
What To Look for In the Best 1-4 Scope
Construction Quality
The versatility of 1-4 scopes means they are ideal for various applications. This means they are perfect for competitions, tactical shooting, or hunting, where weather is always unpredictable.
Regardless of your scope application, it is essential to look at the construction quality. The best 1-4 scope is made from top-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. The material is a fine choice because of its durability and robustness.
Also, consider whether the scope you intend to buy is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Image Quality
The good thing about low-power variable optics, such as 1-4x scopes, is that it is easier for manufacturers to achieve high image quality and maximum image brightness. Higher magnification means more difficulty in getting a clear and sharp image.
However, this doesn’t mean that all 1-4 scopes generate flawless images, as the quality of the lenses plays an instrumental role. Fully multi-coated lenses are the best, as they amplify light transmission while effectively reducing glare. Image clarity is paramount if you are to get the most from the best 1-4 scope.
Reticle Style
Your reticle style can be a blessing or a curse to your shooting. Reticle choice is not easy peasy. There are tons of considerations to bear in mind, and the numerous reticle options available make the selection process perplexing.
Some reticles are wired, others glass-etched, and then there are the Duplex, Mil-dots, BDC, Dots, and German styles. There is no one-size-fits-all, so the answer to which reticle option is the best is not straightforward.
Your shooting style is pivotal to the appropriate reticle style. If you have used a riflescope and the included reticle aligns with your needs and preferences, stick with that type. A good reticle should be one that you are comfortable and confident shooting in.
However, if you are a newbie and own a riflescope for the first time, you can lean on shooting folks with scopes and ask if you can try theirs. By trying different reticles, you will get a feel of which style is most comfortable for you.
Reticle Illumination
Aside from reticle style, reticle illumination is also a key aspect prior to purchasing the best 1-4 scope. Red and green are the most common colors of reticle illumination. Red illumination is generally the best for weak light environments as the bright red contrasts extremely well and cleanly with the dark, often blue-toned shadows at night.
Green illumination is also effective at night, but it’s often beneficial during the day to make the reticle easier to see. Anytime your target area is close in color to black, like when there are harsh shadows or plenty of lines with long grass, being able to kick on some green illumination makes the reticle pretty easy to see.
Reticle illumination becomes more of a luxury than a requirement for long-range shooting scopes; however, as tactical use and versatility are frequently the main goals of 1-4x scopes, illumination can be a game-changer in the scope’s effectiveness. Illumination shines in fast target acquisition and low light conditions, for which most 1-4 scopes are used.
Eye Relief and Eye Box
Eye relief is crucial for both hunting and tactical operations. The eyebox might be more essential for tactical operations where the situation stipulates pulling off shots quickly without the time to correctly line up each shot.
When it comes to hunting, a tighter eyebox is acceptable in most scenarios where you have the luxury of sitting and lining up your shot. Regardless, a larger eyebox is always recommended.
Regarding eye relief, both hunters and tactical shooters will want to see a few inches in their scopes. This is especially true for those utilizing rifles chambered for high caliber, high power rifles.
Warranty
You should also check the manufacturer’s warranty of the scope you want to invest in. Several brands out there simply don’t mess around when it comes to standing behind their products, and that goes a long way if you need a device you can count on.
What Is the Effective Range of a 1-4 Scope?
The effective range of a 1-4x scope is primarily between 0 to 300 yards. At 1x magnification, it functions like a red dot sight, ideal for close-range shooting up to 50 yards, allowing for rapid target acquisition and situational awareness. Increasing the magnification to 4x extends the effective range to 200-300 yards, making it suitable for medium-range targets. Beyond 300 yards, precision can become more challenging, and higher magnification scopes are typically preferred for long-range shooting.
It is important to note that the size of the target, the precision level required, the eyesight, and even the speed at which you acquire the target are parameters that affect the effective range of a 1-4 scope.
Conclusion
The best 1-4x scope offers unmatched versatility for shooters, excelling in both close-quarters and medium-range engagements up to 300 yards. With its ability to function like a red dot sight at 1x for rapid target acquisition and provide enhanced precision at 4x for longer distances, it is ideal for a wide range of applications, including hunting, tactical scenarios, and competitive shooting.
We hope this review has been insightful, and you can now select a scope that is to your liking.
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