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If you are looking for an affordable and basic yet reliable and effective optic, the 1-4x is almost everything you want.
Given their magnification range, with true or near-real 1x magnification, these scopes will serve as a very decent replacement for the classic red dot.
When using these wide-angle optics set on their highest magnification (4x), you will get the ability to engage mid-range targets with great precision.
Furthermore, the 1-4x scopes can be dialed down to 1x for an extremely broad FOV offering the rapid target acquisition and aiming with both eyes open during CQB.
Although the 1-4×24 optics are also known as “3-gun scopes,” you can use them in tactical, hunting, home defense, and casual shooting applications.
While the low-powered variable optics (LPVO) like 1-4x scopes are the perfect match for AR style rifles, these versatile glasses are also great for shotguns or “combination guns.”
What We Will Cover
- Best 1-4x Scope Reviews
- 1 Bushnell AR Optics – Best 1-4x Scope
- 2 Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint 1-4×24 Dual-Illuminated
- 3 Burris MTAC 1-4x Scope – Best For AR 15
- 4 Vortex Optics Crossfire II
- 5 Monstrum G2 1-4×24 – FFP Rifle Scope
- 6 Athlon Talos BTR 1-4×24 Rifle scope
- 7 Trijicon Ascent 1-4×24 Riflescope
- 8 Sig Sauer Tango4 Rifle scope
- 9 Barska IR 1-4×28 Scope – Best for Hunting
- 10 Monstrum 1-4×20 with Rangefinder Reticle
- 11 Sniper NT1-4×28 Scope with Red/Green Illumination
- 12 Vortex Viper PST
Best 1-4x Scope Reviews
1 Bushnell AR Optics – Best 1-4x Scope
The M16/AR-15 rifle is almost an ideal platform for LPVO optics like Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x scope. THE Bushnell AR Optics series is purpose built for AR-style rifles. It comes in many configurations, but a 1-4x24mm scope combined with a reticle specifically made for .223/5.56 caliber rounds is a perfect match for these guns.
When sighted in at 100 yards, the Drop Zone-223 reticle will allow you to place rounds on targets out to 500 yards accurately.
This Bushnell duplex crosshair is set in the second focal plane (SFP) and comes with ballistic compensation dots.
Though in a lower price range, the AR Optics 1-4×24 offers high-contrast images due to the fully-multi coated glass elements and exterior lenses protected with protective coatings to shed rain and snow away from the glass.
Complementing the optical performance are exposed windage and elevation turrets and a built-in folding zoom lever that makes magnification changes almost instant.
The optics are based on a 30mm tube made of high-durability aluminum alloy, nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed for water and fog-proof performance.
This compact scope is 9.5 inches long and weighs in at 16.9 ounces, making it an excellent match for AR-platform rifles and carbines.
2 Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint 1-4×24 Dual-Illuminated
Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint is another 1-4×24 scope, but it comes from the much higher-class range designed for professional shooters, military and law enforcement personnel.
Like all Trijicon battle-proven aiming systems, the AccuPoint riflescope series is illuminated by fiber optics and tritium.
The combination of fiber-optic and a tritium lamp provides you a vivid aiming point in all light conditions without the need for failure-prone batteries.
The Trijicon TR24 is available with two reticle designs, a classic German No 4 reticle with an illuminated dot and an advanced one featuring a central post with an illuminated aiming triangle at its tip. Both reticle types are offered with either an amber or green dot or tip.
The Trijicon Accupoint 1-4×24 rifle scope features advanced fully multicoated lenses that offer an excellent light transmission, true detail, and color with zero distortion.
Along with a ruggedized design, this 30 mm tube scope combines a robust housing made of 6061-T6 aluminum that’s nitrogen-filled to prevent corrosion and eliminate fogging.
This Trijicon dual-illuminated rifle scope weighs 14.4 oz and is 10.3 inches long, making it ideal for 3 gun shooting and other practical disciplines.
3 Burris MTAC 1-4x Scope – Best For AR 15
One of the newer Burris LPVO iterations is the MTAC 1-4x24mm scope designed for the tactical shooters and 3-gun competitors.
This new MTAC line offers upgraded features compared to the previous TAC30 series, such as high-quality lenses with Hilume multi-coatings and very wide 130 MOA windage and elevation ranges.
The MTAC comes with low-profile finely knurled windage and elevation MRAD-based adjusters that require no tools.
This multipurpose scope is available with the 2nd focal plane Burris’ Ballistic CQ reticle, a similar one to the highly popular EOTech HWS circle/dot.
Also known as a “tactical donut” or the “donut of death,” the Burris MTAC illuminated reticle is larger than the standard crosshair. It provides holdover points out to 400 yards when shooting a 5.56/.223 55 grain ammunition.
Another critical feature is newly developed Burris index-matched fully multicoated elements that provide superior light gathering ability.
The resilient MTAC 1-4x24mm rifle scope is built around a 30mm tube made of aircraft-grade 6061T6 aluminum. The main tube is purged with nitrogen to eliminate internal moisture and sealed for waterproofness.
4 Vortex Optics Crossfire II
Vortex Optics has one of the most extensive lists of scopes suitable for 3-gunning with prices ranging from $120 to $2,000.
Vortex’s budget-priced Crossfire II lineup had earned a solid reputation, especially when they released the versatile 1-4×24 model. Designed for weekend warriors and 3-Gun enthusiasts, the Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x comes with a 24mm objective, common among “AR scopes,” and ideal for a 1-4x magnification.
Surprisingly for its price class, this low-magnification variable rifle scope boasts fully multicoated optics and an illuminated reticle placed on the Second Focal Plane (SFP).
You can choose V-Plex, a popular all-purpose hunting reticle or V-Brite reticle, a V-plex version with an illuminated center dot.
As a great option for your AR, the Vortex Crossfire II features 1-4 power that goes up by .5x until 3-4 power.
The capped windage and elevation turrets allow re-indexing of the knob to zero after sighting in the rifle scope. As standard for 1-4x scopes, each click translates to a 1/2″ MOA adjustment with windage and elevation adjustment ranges of 100 MOA.
This Crossfire II is designed as a 30mm main-tube machined from aircraft-grade aluminum. A single piece tube is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be water and fog-proof.
5 Monstrum G2 1-4×24 – FFP Rifle Scope
A new G2 line from Monstrum Tactical is one of the most praised economic 1-4x scopes in last year. You might not expect a First Focal Plane reticle in this price range that sports precision holdovers suitable for shooting from close quarters to mid-range shooting 300+ yards.
Along with the range finder reticle, which is purpose-built for faster range estimation and holdover correction, the G2 BDC reticle boasts dial-controlled reticle illumination in red and green.
With a full multi-layer lens coating, the glass quality is acceptable for the price, providing you with a crisp image in most light conditions.
Monstrum G2 1-4×24 offers very generous eye relief of up to 4.5 inches and an adjustable objective (AO) lens.
The scope has a 24mm objective bell and features a solid 30mm main tube constructed of aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum.
The G2-FFPS1424-R housing is sealed and nitrogen-charged for resistance to water and fog.
As a bonus, this 16oz LPVO scope is shipped with heavy-duty medium profile Picatinny scope rings, a set of spring-loaded flip-up lens covers, and a honeycomb filter sunshade.
6 Athlon Talos BTR 1-4×24 Rifle scope
Compared to the other CQB, wide-angle scopes of similar quality, the Athlon Talos BTR 1-4×24 scope is priced considerably lower.
Athlon Talos BTR 1-4×24 is also a step-up in terms of glass quality compared to its main counterparts.
Talos BTR 1-4×24 is equipped with fully multicoated optics for clarity and brightness in low light.
Though basic and affordable, this Talos BTR 1-4×24 Model employs an advanced and very effective AHSR14 reticle. You can use the illuminated reticle set at the second focal plane, even at low light conditions.
This 18oz aircraft-grade aluminum rifle scope features a heat-treated one-piece tube construction which is better at keeping moisture out over multi-piece tubes.
7 Trijicon Ascent 1-4×24 Riflescope
The Trijicon Ascent is a more affordable option than the AccuPoint model, especially if you are shopping for a hunting scope.
It has an extra-wide field of view which is ideal for those times you are scanning the woods waiting for a deer to come into view. The quality and design of the glass also make this scope one of the best 1-4x scopes.
The glass is fully multi-coated with anti-reflection that makes it crystal clear and resistant to scratches. The glass doesn’t cause you to lose any clarity from its protective coating, and it also maintains a true color with zero distortion when looking through the 20mm objective lens.
The reticle has vertical and horizontal hash marks that make it easy to zero in your shot. You can turn the turrets on the top or the side of the scope to adjust for windage or elevation. Each click is ¼ MOA.
Unlike the AccuPoint model, there is no vision option or red dot illumination. The Ascent works best in the daytime, making it a great short-to-medium range scope for hunting or recreational shooting.
8 Sig Sauer Tango4 Rifle scope
Sig Sauer family of Tango4 rifle scopes features 4x times optical zoom, illumination with multiple brightness intensities, and all that packed in a 30mm one-piece aluminum tube.
Like other LPVO, the Sig Sauer 1-4×24 is best for AR and MSR (Modular Sniper Rifle) platforms.
The Sig Sauer 1-4×24 TANGO4 sports the low dispersion (LD) glass that combines the SpectraCoat lens coatings and Sig proprietary lens protective coatings to deliver excellent optical clarity for all environments.
As an ideal scope for close to medium-range applications, the Tango4 1-4×24 mm rifle scope boasts a reticle located in the first focal plane (FFP) featuring horseshoe-shaped aiming points and a precision turret system, which provide 1/2 MOA per click impact point correction.
9 Barska IR 1-4×28 Scope – Best for Hunting
The Barska 1-4×28 IR hunting rifle scope belongs to the budget priced optics. Still, considering its optic and build features, it is ultimately a decent entry glass for beginners or LPVO first time buyers.
The 1-4×28 IR 1-4×28 Hunting rifle scope by Barska offers a larger 28mm objective and an illuminated Mil-Dot reticle with 3 colors (red, green, black). If you mount it on a modern sporting rifle chambered in 223 Remington/ 5.56 NATO, you can use this bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticle to estimate range and elevation adjustments quickly.
Fully multicoated lenses are maybe not of the highest quality, but adequate for a quick view short-range scope.
The Barska 1-4×28 IR rifle scope is based on today’s standard 30mm main tube machined of aircraft-grade aluminum.
10 Monstrum 1-4×20 with Rangefinder Reticle
This is another great scope by Monstrum. For less than $100, it’s perfect for short-to-medium range shooting. It has a 20mm objective lens with eye relief up to 3.8 inches.
The reticle is designed with a range-estimator to give you an accurate idea of how much you need to adjust for elevation when shooting up to 500 yards away.
Each hash mark indicates 100 yards when looking through the lens, making it easy to adjust for elevation when zeroing in your shot. To adjust for elevation and windage, turn the elevation or windage turret with one click. One-click will adjust ½ MOA.
The etched black reticle is illuminated, and you can choose between red or green illumination with various levels of brightness. The lens is made of multiple layers to protect it from scratches, and the tube is made of nitrogen-charged aluminum to prevent it from fogging.
It comes with a set of 1” medium profile rings for you to attach to your Picatinny mount.
11 Sniper NT1-4×28 Scope with Red/Green Illumination
Sniper makes a great 1-4x scope to fit all of your needs.
First, it has a longer eye relief than much of the competition, measuring at a maximum of 5 inches. This feature is great to have if you wear glasses while shooting. It also has a large objective lens measured at 28mm, giving you a wide field of view when looking through the scope.
The lens is multi-coated to protect it from scratches. Within the lens is an illuminated reticle that you can choose to shine red or green. When you need to make adjustments for windage or elevation, you can turn the turrets on the scope with one click. One-click will adjust ½ MOA.
As far as quality goes, you don’t have to worry about this scope lacking in that department. It is 100% shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof.
While it does come with a scope mount, this is the least desirable feature of the scope, simply because it’s not as effective as other quality mounting systems that you would buy separately.
Additionally, it can be difficult to mount this scope to your firearm with the mounting system included, ultimately affecting how well the scope performs. For that reason, we recommend using a Picatinny rail system separately from the mount included with this scope.
12 Vortex Viper PST
Another Vortex in our 1-4x scope guide comes from the famous Viper PST (Precision Shooting Tactical) line. This wide-angle scope is not only suitable for tactical missions, but it is also an excellent choice for close range and fast, competitive shooting.
Unlike many tactical scopes, the Vortex Viper PST 1-4x has real 1x magnification and the capability to use with both eyes open.
This top-notch 1-4x scope has SFP reticles available with MOA or MRAD versions. The illuminated reticles feature ten levels of brightness and deliver rapid target acquisition and long-range capability.
All lenses are fully multicoated for optimum light transmission, while the external lens surfaces are protected with an ultra-hard scratch-resistant coating.
The one-piece 30mm tube is machined from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, O-ring sealed and filled with argon to prevent internal fogging.
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