Looking for the best 1-4x scope for AR-15. You came to the right place. We have made this post to help you find the right scope for your AR-15 and attached a buyer’s guide with all the insight you require to choose correctly.
The AR-15 rifle is undisputed when it comes to multi-functionality. It has a lightweight design that makes it easy to customize and shoot with. Besides, it is a perfect choice for plinking, recreational target shooting, hunting, and home defense applications.
The outstanding flexibility, accuracy, and ease of use make the AR-15 ideal for shooting across vast ranges. If you use your AR-15 for close and medium-range shooting, adding a low-powered scope is important to making your shooting expedition more fun and rewarding.
What Makes a Great 1-4x Scope for AR-15
These are the very important features for a 1-4x scope for an AR-15 optimal performance in different shooting scenarios. First, the scope should have high quality and fully multicoated optics for reduced glare and bright clear imaging, Strong and durable build is another critical feature for durability and the ability to handle shocks and recoil.
A wide field of view is also very important for quick target acquisition especially at close to mid-range where the 1-4x magnification thrives, an adjustable objective and turret are also very important for easy and quick adjustments during sighting in or zeroing in. The reticle design should have an easy-to-see for quick target acquisition such as a duplex reticle.
Also, make sure to get a quality scope mount for stability and security on the rifle, it should also be easy to adjust and built to handle an AR15 recoil. Also, get scope thank won’t make you break the bank, AR 15 scopes are available at different prices while still maintaining the quality.
What is a 1-4x Scope Good for?
With a 1-4x magnification, you can be as versatile as possible. A 1-4x scope is good for close-range and medium-range engagements since at its lowest 1x magnification this scope functions like a red dot sight thanks to its wide field of view. Other uses are hunting, competitive shooting, tactical operations, and home defense.
It’s important to note that 1-4x scopes are not suitable for long-range engagements.
A 1-4x scope will not only increase your precision but also help you scout different terrains and find your subjects with ease. If you are having a difficult time finding the right 1-4x scope for your needs, here are the top-performing models to pick from. Let’s take a look.
Best 1-4x Scope for AR-15-Our Top Picks
1) Atibal Striiker 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
The Atibal Striiker 1-4x24mm is the best 1-4x Scope for AR-15 for hunting and competition. The scope allows speed and versatility while packing a ton of features such as 11 brightness Settings, waterproof and fog proof performance, and a BDC calibrated for .308 or 5.56 reticle among others.
Featuring a 30mm body that is made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum, the scope provides a durable platform that weathers rough use and protects the glass from damage. Besides, the body is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof for full reliability in diverse weather conditions.
The scope boasts 11 brightness settings for the reticle to match different target backgrounds. It uses premium glass which guarantees stunning resolution and has its lenses fully multi-coated to increase light transmission.
This ensures that the sight pictures generated are of great optical clarity, even in critically low light settings.
Specifications
- Length: 10.25 in
- Weight: 19.2 oz
- Reticle: TCR BDC
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 22 – 83 ft at 100 yds
- Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- 30mm strong and durable main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum housing
- Laser etched reticle
- Tactical target turrets for windage and elevation adjustment
- Long eye relief
- Reticle illumination with 11 brightness settings
- Good price
- Rugged and reliable construction
Cons
- Water-resistant to only 10 m
2) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Variable 4x zoom and high-quality optics make the Crossfire II 1-4x24mm 30mm Rifle Scope the perfect choice for an endless list of rifle-topping tasks. It is simple to use and built like a tank to stand up to rough handling.
The scope has fully multi-coated lenses that guarantee stunning picture quality and brightness, even in low-light settings.
The long 4-inch eye relief makes glassing comfortable for all users, and with the illuminated reticle, you are assured of a crisp aiming point in all lighting conditions.
With a weight of 16oz, the scope is ultra-light and easy to maneuver in the field. It is also waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof to ensure unimpeded field use under any weather condition.
Specifications
- Length: 9.8 in
- Weight: 16 oz
- Reticle: V-Brite
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 24.1 – 96.1 ft at 100 yds
- Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Pros
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction for strength and reliability
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Second focal plane reticle
- One piece 30mm main tube that is easy to add accessories
- Long eye relief
- 11 brightness settings
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Solid construction
- Reticle illumination
- Recoil resistant
Cons
- Does not come with the rings
3) Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
For competition shooting and all-around hunting, you can hardly go wrong with the Viper PST 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope the best 1-4x scope for AR-15 for 3 Gun Competition Shooting. It is built with a ton of user-friendly and reliable optics to make you a better hunter/shooter.
Firstly, the scope features XD lens elements that enhance resolution, color, and contrast. The optics are coated with anti-reflection coatings to ensure that the images generated are of great brightness and clarity. Besides, the reticle has electronic illumination that aids in low-light visibility.
Vortex built this low-power scope to last. It is made from a solid block of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and finished with a Type-3 hard-coat anodized finish. The scope also boasts shockproof lenses for added durability and weatherproofed housing for all-weather use.
Specifications
- Length: 9.7 in
- Weight: 16 oz
- Reticle: TMCQ MOA
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 27.5 – 98 ft at 100 yds
- Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Pros
- Fast focus eyepiece
- SFP-illuminated glass-etched reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Type-3 hard-coat anodized finish
- Armortek lens coating
- 30-inch main tube
- Lightweight and durable
- Long eye relief
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Does not come with flip-up caps
4) Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
The best 1-4x scope for AR-15 for budget buyers is the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm. It is available at a reasonably cheap price, but it doesn’t cut any corners on either quality or durability.
The scope employs a Drop Zone 223 reticle that is put on the rear focal plane. It doesn’t change with a change in magnification. This helps you quickly adjust to the changing environments. Besides, the scope features a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and effortless focusing of the reticle.
When it comes to construction, the scope has a solid construction that is shockproof to handle any punishment you throw at it. It also boasts an IPX-7 water-resistant and fog-proof construction for use in any environment.
The scope also brings to the table exposed finger adjustable turrets and fully multi-coated optics that yield brilliant and crisp clear-sight pictures.
Specifications
- Length: 9.4 in
- Weight: 18 oz
- Reticle: Drop Zone-223
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Parallax: fixed
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 5.2 – 13.1 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 112 – 27 ft at 100 yds
- Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Pros
- Fog-proof and IPX-7 water resistant
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm body tube
- Exposed finger adjustable turrets
- Clear and bright optics
- Comfortable eye relief
- Durability
- Lightweight
Cons
- Non-illuminated
- No zero stop
5) Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
The Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope harbors a ton of functions in a small package that is not just lightweight but also fits great. It has a true 1x setting on the low-end power to let you aim with both eyes open. This makes target finding a walk in the pack and retains your situation awareness.
Another facet that makes the scope stand out is its accuracy. You can quickly ramp up the magnification for accuracy out to 400 yards. Besides, it has great glass that provides clear-sight pictures and 11 brightness settings to keep the reticle optimally visible.
Above all, the scope has shockproof aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is also waterproof and fog proof for use in rain, mist, and humid environments.
Specifications
- Length: 10.3 /17.3 in
- Weight: 17.3 oz
- Reticle: P3TR / G1
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Eye Relief: 3.5-4 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6-12 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 30 – 121 ft at 100 yds
- Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Pros
- A Second focal plane illuminated Reticle with 5 day/4 low Light/2 NV levels
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- 1-piece 30mm main tube
- Low profile turrets
- 4x zoom with true 1x setting
- Consistent eye relief
- Night vision compatible
- Great field of view
- Excellent glass quality
Cons
- No lens caps
6) Burris Fullfield TAC30 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Burris prides itself in making top-tier yet cost-effective optics and the Fullfield TAC30 1-4×24 30mm Rifle Scope is not any different.
It boasts a lightweight design to ensure that it doesn’t add any extra weight to your rifle and sacrifice an ounce of your precision when hunting or shooting.
The selling point of this rifle scope is durable housing. It is tough enough to handle anything you subject it to and take you through many years of shooting and hunting.
The weatherproof construction makes it ready for use even in extreme weather conditions. It is also built with a double internal spring-tension system that maintains zero through any vibrations, shock, and recoil.
Another outstanding feature of this rifle scope is its stunning low-light performance. It employs index-matched, Hi-Lume multi-coating that increases light transmission in low-light settings. The reticle is also illuminated to give you a clear point of aim when you are shooting in low-light settings.
Specifications
- Length: 11.3 in
- Weight: 17 oz
- Reticle: Ballistic CQ
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Eye Relief: 3.5-4 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 24 – 6 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 32 – 100 ft at 100 yds
- Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Pros
- Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Ballistic CQ reticle
- 10 brightness settings
- 1-4x variable magnification power
- A solid strong and durable 1-piece outer tube
- Double internal spring-tension system
- Long eye relief
- Illuminated reticle
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a mount
7) Mueller Optics Speed Shot 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Next on our list of the best 1-4x scope for AR-15 is the Mueller Optics Speed Shot 1-424mm Rifle Scope. It boasts a bevy of advanced features and professional-grade construction to ensure that you have the fasted target acquisition speed in any environment.
The scope features an incredibly bright reticle that provides a precise point of aim no matter the light settings. The fast-focus eyepiece makes focusing the reticle an easy task, and with the wide field of view, you will be able to find and acquire your subjects effortlessly.
This low-power scope has housed all these handy features in a sturdy 30mm tube that is operable in any weather condition. It is also equipped with target-style windage and elevation turrets that are capped to prevent accidental adjustments in the field.
Specifications
- Length: 10.25 in
- Weight: 17.6 oz
- Reticle: Dot
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 25 – 100 ft at 100 yds
- Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Pros
- 30mm tube diameter
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- All-weather construction
- 1/2 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Illuminated reticle
- Wide field of view
- Easy to use
Cons
- No night vision
8) BSA Optics Tactical Weapon 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Last but not least, we have the BSA Optics Tactical Weapon 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope. It is engineered specifically for use with tactical-style firearms where it offers stunning performance in any situation.
The scope has a Mil-Dot reticle put on the second focal plane. The reticle is not just easy to use, but highly accurate in close and medium ranges. Apart from that, the scope has fully-coated optics to enhance low-light resolution and ensure that you receive brilliant and clear-sight pictures.
Regarding construction, this sighting tool features robust aluminum housing that guarantees durability and longevity. It is also fully waterproof and fog proof to provide you with a lifetime of all-weather reliability.
Specifications
- Length: 9.5 in
- Weight: 22.2 oz
- Reticle: Mil-Dot
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6 – 24 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 97.5 – 23.6 yds at 100 yds
- Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Pros
- Fully coated optics
- 30mm body tube
- Water, fog, and shockproof
- Sturdy aluminum housing
- One-piece weaver cantilever mount
- True 1x setting
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
1-4x Scope Effective Range
The effective range of a 1-4x scope is generally mid-range up to 400 or 500 yards but this depends on quite a number of factors such as the rifle caliber, riflescope quality, skills and experience, the weather, and more.
At the lowest magnification setting of 1x, the scope is perfect for close-range engagements,(up to 100 yards) . As the magnification increases the range increases (200 yards at 2x magnification), (300 yards at 3x), and 400 to 500 yards at 4x.
Related
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best 1-4x Scope for AR-15
Application
The AR-15 is a highly versatile rifle. When you plan to get a scope for it, take into account the kind of activity you will be using it for. Being activity specific will guide you in making a scope that works best for your needs. The AR 15 is perfect for hunting, competition, and tactical applications, and with a 1-4x scope, you will be able to shoot close to midrange.
Optical Clarity
Good quality class is a must-have in an AR-15 scope. A scope with good glass and proper lens coatings will let you see the sight picture clearly, even when you are shooting in low light settings. Even better, it will help you see the world around you more vividly. Always choose a scope with fully multicoated optics for image clarity and resolution.
Durability
Irrespective of the activity you plan to use the scope for, go for a product that is well-built and durable. With solid build quality comes many years of use and reliable performance. Also ensure that you get an optic that is not just durable and shockproof, but also waterproof and fog proof.
Weight
Look for a scope that is light enough to not affect the precision of your rifle. A light scope that weighs not more than 2 pounds will be easy to maneuver from point A to point B. Another benefit of having a light scope on your AR-15 is that it will disperse the recoil more effectively.
Eye Relief
It is important to get a scope that has long eye relief. It will let you use your eye glasses comfortably in any shooting position. Besides, a scope with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief will alleviate eye strain when you are hunting or shooting for many hours.
Conclusion
Finding the right 1-4x scope for your AR-15 will be the start of you having more successful hunting trips and more competitive shooting applications. Apart from the magnification power, look for the individual features that make each scope the right purchase and choose the model that will help you excel in your shooting/hunting activities.