In the industry of tactical optics, 1-4x scopes stand out as one of the most versatile options for close-to-mid-range shooting. The best 1-4 scopes are favored by hunters, competition shooters, and tactical operators for they allow a seamless transition between 1x magnification for quick target acquisition and up to 4x magnification for more precise shots at mid-range distances.
The 1-4 scopes vary widely regarding build quality, glass clarity, reticle design, ease of use, and price point. It is therefore important to choose a high-quality model with durable and waterproof construction to withstand challenging outdoor conditions.
Additionally, the scope should offer easy adjustment in dynamic conditions to help you get the most out of your shooting expeditions.
Why a 1-4x Scope?
Investing in the best 1-4 scopes for hunting, competitive shooting, or tactical applications comes with multiple benefits that include:
- Versatile Range: The variable 1-x zoom power provides flexibility for engagements from 0 to about 300 yards, covering close quarters and moderate distances.
- Close-Range Efficiency: At 1x magnification, the scope works like a red dot, allowing for fast aiming and shooting with both eyes open.
- Enhanced Accuracy at Mid-Range: The maximum 4x magnification supports precise shots at medium ranges without needing a more powerful, bulkier scope.
- Wide Field of View: Furthermore, the low magnification gives a broader field of view which is vital for improving awareness in dynamic or close-quarter situations.
- Lightweight & Compact: Most 1-4x scopes are designed to be portable and balanced, reducing the overall weight on the firearm.
If you prioritize quick target transition and also want the flexibility to reach out a bit farther, the following 1-4x scopes are a perfect choice for your shooting needs and preferences. Let’s take a look.
Best 1-4 Scopes
1) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-24 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: German #4 Crosshair w/ Green Dot
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Illumination Color: Green
- Field of View: Linear: 24.1 – 94.2 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.2 in
- Weight: 14.4 oz
- Length: 261.62 mm, 10.3 in
The Trijicon AccuPoint TR-24 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is the best 1-4 scope. It is a high-quality, versatile optic for both close and mid-range shooting, offering an unmatched combination of clarity, durability, and precision.
The highlight of this LPVO is its German #4 Crosshair with a Green Dot reticle. It delivers a clear, uncomplicated sight picture that is particularly well-suited for fast target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
Furthermore, the green illumination color on the dot is bright and easy to pick up, especially in low light, providing a crisp contrast against most backgrounds.
Furthermore, the scope is built to last. It is made in a 30mm tube diameter that maximizes light transmission for enhanced brightness. Moreover, the optical tube is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and capable of withstanding tough conditions without adding excessive weight.
The field of view, ranging from 24.1 to 94.2 feet at 100 yards, offers ample awareness of the surroundings, making it ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios.
Over and above that, the scope weighs only 14.4 ounces and measures just over 10 inches in length, so it maintains a low-profile setup while ensuring reliable performance.
Pros
- Large field of view
- Solid and reliable construction
- Bright and clear optics
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
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2) Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: TMCQ MOA
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Weight: 16 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 220 MOA
- Eye Relief: 4in
- Length: 9.7 in
Vortex is renowned for its high-quality and cost-effective optics and the Viper PST 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope with TMCQ MOA reticle is not any different. It is an impressive optic for tactical and hunting applications, striking a balance between performance and versatility.
This second focal plane (SFP) scope has a magnification range of 1-4x, which makes it particularly useful for close to medium-range shooting. The TMCQ MOA reticle is designed for quick target acquisition, with a precise aiming point that’s highly effective for both speed and accuracy.
Moreover, the 30mm tube diameter ensures ample light transmission, delivering a clear and bright sight picture, even in low-light conditions. At 16 oz, this scope is lightweight yet rugged, which keeps it manageable for extended periods on the field without adding significant bulk to the rifle.
With windage and elevation travel of up to 220 MOA at 100 yards, the Viper PST provides a wide range for various shooting situations. The 0.5 MOA adjustment click value offers precision for zeroing, allowing fine tuning with each click while the 4 inches of eye relief make it comfortable to use, even on rifles with substantial recoil.
Pros
- Solid and durable construction
- Generous eye relief
- Compact length and lightweight design
- Great value for the price
- Positive and repeatable windage and elevation adjustments
Cons
- Poor reticle adjustability
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3) Mueller Optics Speed Shot 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Dot
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Field of View: Linear: 25 – 100 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Weight: 17.6 oz
- Length: 10.25 in
As one of the best 1-4 scopes, the Mueller Optics Speed Shot 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope delivers a solid performance for both competitive shooters and hunters alike. With a magnification range of 1-4x and a 24mm objective lens, it’s ideal for short- to mid-range shooting.
The selling point of this optic is its ease of use. The reticle is a simple yet effective dot, which allows for fast target acquisition without cluttering the sight picture. Besides, it is easy to install and carry in the field thanks to the lightweight construction.
The build quality of this rifle scope is stunning. It is built with a 30mm tube diameter that provides an increased field of view and allows for better light transmission. Furthermore, the waterproof and fog-proof design gives confidence in its performance and longevity under different weather conditions.
The Mueller Speed Shot scope also has a 0.5 MOA adjustment click value, giving users precise control over windage and elevation adjustments. Over and above that, the scope features an illuminated reticle that offers enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions.
Pros
- Large field of view
- Generous eye relief
- Durable and weather-resistant construction
- Precise windage and elevation adjustment
- Wide field of view with a wide objective lens
Cons
- Tight illumination dial
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4) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: V-Brite Reticle
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second
- Field of View: Linear: 24.1 – 96.1 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/2 MOA
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Weight: 16 oz
- Length: 9.8 in
The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is the go-to option for hunters and shooters looking for versatility, clarity, and durability in a compact scope. The scope is ideal for close to medium-range targets, and its 24mm objective lens provides a bright, clear image even in lower light conditions.
The scope features an illuminated V-Brite reticle, situated on the second focal plane. The reticle allows for fast target acquisition and enhanced visibility in dim environments, making it especially useful for early morning or dusk hunts. Furthermore, the generous 4-inch eye relief gives a comfortable shooting experience, reducing the risk of scope bites.
Regarding construction, the Crossfire II is robust and reliable, with a 30mm tube diameter that ensures durability while allowing for ample light transmission. Furthermore, it is operable in all weather conditions thanks to the water, fog, and dust protection.
With a field of view ranging from 24.1 to 96.1 feet at 100 yards, the scope enables one to scan and track moving targets easily and efficiently. Besides, it features capped reset turrets, a practical addition to prevent accidental changes to your settings, and 1/2 MOA adjustment click value that makes for precise windage and elevation corrections.
Pros
- Affordable
- Long eye relief
- Robust and reliable construction to withstand recoil and impact
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Cons
- Lacks edge-to-edge crispness at maximum magnification
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5) Trijicon Ascent AT424 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: BDC Target Hold
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second
- Field of View: Linear: 95 – 24.2 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 2.6 – 3.9 in
- Weight: 15.9 oz
- Length: 10.4 in, 264.16 mm
When it comes to performance and value for money, it is hard to go wrong with the Trijicon Ascent AT424 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope. It combines clarity, precision, and durability, making it an excellent addition to any rifle setup.
The scope features a second focal plane BDC Target Hold reticle for precise targeting at varying distances. The 30mm tube diameter provides a robust and stable platform for durability, while the 1/4 MOA adjustment click value allows for fine-tuned elevation and windage adjustments.
Furthermore, the scope is built with portability and ease of use in mind. It weighs just 15.9 ounces and measures 10.4 inches in length, making it an excellent choice for both field and range use. Furthermore, the large field of view, from 95 feet at 100 yards at 1x magnification to 24.2 feet at 100 yards at 4x, ensures that you can quickly acquire targets, even at longer distances.
To top it all off, the scope has a durable waterproof design to further increase its reliability in adverse weather conditions and make it a dependable choice for all types of outdoor environments.
Pros
- Rugged, range-ready construction
- Lightweight and portable
- Large field of view
- Bright and clear optics with edge-to-edge clarity
Cons
- Non-illuminated
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6) Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: G1
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Weight: 17.3 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 Mil Rad
- Length: 10 in
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 30/30 Mil Rad
The Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is one of the best 1-4 scopes for short-range and mid-range shooting. Its 1-4x magnification range provides excellent flexibility, making it ideal for close-quarters combat as well as longer shots in tactical situations.
The variable zoom power is complemented by the G1 reticle that is designed for quick target acquisition and precise holdovers. The reticle is housed in the second focal plane (SFP) to ensure that the holdover marks remain consistent throughout the magnification range. It is also illuminated for visibility across different light settings.
With a robust 30mm tube diameter, this scope is built to withstand the rigors of rough environments. On top of that, it has waterproof capabilities to ensure reliability in all weather conditions.
At just 17.3 oz in weight and 10 inches in length, the Steiner P4Xi strikes a balance between durability and portability, making it an excellent choice for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical professionals alike. The generous 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief provides a comfortable shooting experience, even during rapid shots or recoil-heavy conditions.
In addition to all these features, the scope features an adjustment click value of 0.1 Mil Rad allows for precise, repeatable adjustments for windage and elevation, with a total W/E travel of 30/30 Mil Rad at 100 yards.
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Consistent eye relief and a generous eye box throughout the magnification range
- Low-profile turrets and illumination controls are less likely to hang up or snag during movement
- Illuminated Reticle with 5 day/4 low Light/2 NV levels
Cons
- Comparatively costly
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7) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: L4A Dot
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 31.5 – 126 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 14.9 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Length: 11.1 in
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope suits you if you are a budget-conscious buyer. It comes at a price that is reasonably affordable without compromising on features or performance.
This rifle scope features an L4A dot reticle put on the second focal plane. The reticle is intuitive for quick target acquisition, and the 1-4x magnification range ensures adaptability for close- to medium-range shots. Furthermore, the impressive field of view enables shooters to easily track moving targets, making it ideal for both hunting and tactical use.
Built-in a 30mm tube diameter, this scope provides excellent durability and consistent accuracy across various shooting scenarios. Additionally, it has a 0.5 MOA adjustment click value that allows for fine-tuned precision and a long 3.5-inch eye relief that provides ample space for comfortable shooting, even with higher recoil.
Weighing just 14.9 ounces and measuring 11.1 inches in length, the Vantage scope is designed to offer a lightweight yet robust solution for any rifle setup. More importantly, the fully waterproof construction ensures reliability in harsh weather conditions, while the multi-coated lenses deliver crisp, clear images.
Pros
- Glass-etched reticle with red and green illumination
- Wide-angle optical system
- 11-layer fully multi-coated optics
- Fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Fixed parallax distance of 100 yards
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8) Bresser Condor 1-4×24 Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 5.2 – 15.2 mm
- Weight: 300g
- Eye Relief: 100 mm
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
The Bresser Condor 1-4×24 Rifle Scope is another excellent 1-4 scope for hunters and sport shooters looking for versatility and reliability in a compact, high-performance optic. The scope offers fast target acquisition at close ranges, as well as the ability to reach out to mid-range targets with precision.
As one of the best 1-4 scopes, this optic provides bright and clear image views with minimal distortion, even in low-light conditions. The robust construction ensures it can hold up in harsh environmental conditions while the nitrogen-purged optical tube makes it fully waterproof and fog-proof.
With the streamlined and user-friendly reticle, the scope aids in quick aiming adjustments in all environments. Furthermore, the turret adjustments are crisp, offering reliable windage and elevation control.
Another stand-out feature of the scope is its illuminated reticle. It can be adjusted to different brightness levels, making it ideal for a variety of lighting conditions. The illumination is powered by a long-lasting battery, ensuring reliability throughout your outing.
Pros
- Affordable yet quality
- Good eye relief
- Illuminated reticle
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- Lacks high-end features found in high-end rifle scopes
Get it on Optics Planet
Next Read: 7 Best 1-8 LPVO
Criteria for Choosing the Best 1-4 Scopes
The following are the key features to consider when buying a 1-4x scope.
Intended Use
Firstly, consider the activity you intend to use the scope for. Is it for hunting, tactical, or competition shooting? When you are activity-specific, you will have an easy time finding the right scope.
Reticle Type
The reticle in the best 1-4 scopes varies from one model to the other. The common reticles are simple crosshair, BDC, and Mil-dot. Determine your shooting needs and opt for a reticle that blends best with those needs.
Optical Quality
Look for scopes with multi-coated lenses to ensure good light transmission, reducing glare and improving clarity, especially in low-light conditions. The clarity and sharpness of the image at both ends of the magnification range should be excellent for accurate target identification and acquisition.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is crucial for comfort and safety, especially at higher magnifications or when using heavy recoil firearms. For a 1-4x scope, look for at least 3.5-4 inches of eye relief, especially for recoil-heavy rifles.
Build Quality and Durability
The next thing to consider is durability which is dependent on build quality. The best 1-4 scopes should be shockproof and well-made with rugged materials to withstand the test of time. Additionally, the scope should be waterproof, dustproof, and fog-resistant to withstand recoil and ensure reliability in various weather conditions.
Adjustment Range
Broad windage and elevation adjustment are crucial for precise aiming. Consider how much adjustment is available for compensation with more adjustment being more useful for varying shooting conditions and distances.
Weight and Size
Materials used to make a scope determine its weight. Lighter scopes are better for rapid shooting and tactical use but can compromise on features like lens quality or durability. The scope you get should also have a compact design to not get in your way of shooting.
Final Words
Hopefully, this post has been insightful and of great help. 1-4x scopes combine the benefits of a red dot sight and a traditional magnified optic, making them suitable for both close-quarters and mid-range shooting.
All the scopes we have mentioned above bring to the table all the basic features you need to hone your skills and make every shooting expedition a success. Look at the features that each model boasts and choose one that blends best with your needs.