Best 1-4x Scopes – Top 10 1-4X Scope in 2023 Reviews

Riflescopes with 1-4x magnification are some of the most popular amongst shooters for a number of reasons. And it is perfect for short to medium range hunting and tactical shooting. It’s also a good scope for when a hunter needs to get a quick shot off while in rugged conditions or where there are obstacles like trees.

These scopes are more responsive than most others in terms of rapid deployment, whether while hunting, in a shooting competition, or even during self-defense.

Being so popular, there is a multitude of choices currently available on the market. To assist you in making the right choice, we’ve compiled a list of some of the very Best 1-4x Scope options you can buy.

So, let’s go through them and find the perfect 1-4x scope for you…

Top 10 Best 1-4x Scopes On The Market 2023 Reviews

1 Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable, SFP, Shockproof Riflescope – Best Rapid Focus 1-4x Scope

The Vortex Crossfire ll is a versatile Second Focal Plane (SFP) rifle scope that is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. It features the SFP constant size reticle, a single-piece anodized tube, and beautifully clear multi-coated lenses.

While there are variations of this model, this one is probably going to give you the best results and ensure that you go out into the field with total confidence.

Rapid focus eyepiece, and multi-coating…

In keeping with its suitability for hunting, the best feature of this model Vortex is its lens. The rapid focus eyepiece and well-designed eye box allow your eye to focus on your target quickly. The multi-coating of the lens does a beautiful job of counteracting glare and provides great clarity in low light.

Eye relief is generous at four inches, and the simple 4-plex reticle is easy to use with its perfectly round red dot in the middle. And adjustments are easy to make with one hand while keeping the target in sight.

An all-around great deal…

This is a great package from a company that gives good after-sales service. And Vortex has built up a very good reputation with their “Unlimited Lifetime Warranty.”

The Crossfire ll delivers on all counts as one of the best 1-4x24mm Rifle Scopes on the market.

Specifications

• Model No: CF2-31037
• Magnification: 1-4×24
• Tube: 30mm
• Material: One-piece anodized aluminum
• Water, shock, and fog proof
• Weight: 16 oz
• Length: 9.8″
• Lens: Multi-coated glass
• Eye Relief: 4″
• FOV: 24.1 – 96.1ft @ 100 yards
• Parallax: 100 yards
• SFP Reticle: Illuminated V-Brite
• Mounting: Ring
• Resistance: Sealed nitrogen filled, rain, and shockproof.

In the package

• Scope
• Removable lens covers
• Lens cloth
• CR2032 battery. Duration 150 hours.

2 Primary Arms 1-4x24mm Illuminated Riflescope – Best Budget 1-4x Scope

Primary Arms is a well-known and well-respected manufacturer that sells the 1-4x24mm Illuminated Riflescope at a great price level. Regardless of the price, they still manage to combine quality tube materials with excellent optics.

The price is reasonable enough to attract buyers confident of the quality associated with Primary Arms products. This is one of the main reasons for it appearing in our best Best 1-4x Scope list.

Visuals…

The fully multi-coated lenses provide great clarity, especially in low light. From the fast focus eyepiece and the 12 easily adjustable brightness settings, this is a good entry-level hunting scope. And being a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the red dot reticle will stay the same size while adjusting the power.

The purged-anodized 30mm aluminum tube is O-ring sealed. This provides rugged dependability in a wide variety of conditions. It is also fog and waterproof.

Ease of adjustment…

The low profile and capped turrets are finger adjustable through increments of 0.5 MOA. This provides for quick and easy to make changes in the field.

To summarize, this scope is a great buy for shooters looking for quality at a bargain price.

Specifications

• Magnification: 1-4×24 (Variable)
• Tube: 30mm
• Material: One-piece anodized aluminum
• Proofing: Water, shock, and fog
• Weight: 17 oz.
• Length: 11.75″
• Lens: SFP multi-coated glass
• Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.5”
• FOV: 23 – 90ft. @ 100 yards
• SFP Reticle: Red illuminated LED
• Battery: CR2032 x 1
• Resistance: Sealed, nitrogen filled, rain, and shockproof.

In the package

• Primary Arms 1-4x24mm Illuminated Riflescope, 30mm, 29R-RS-PA14X

3 Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4×24 TR24G Riflescope – Best Weatherproof 1-4x Scope

We move up in the price range to the Trijicon’s TR24G and get one of their best-rated scopes. A combination of excellent craftsmanship, solid manufacturing, and quality materials gives shooters all the confidence they need for accuracy and dependability.

Looking at the details…

Years of service and high performance in all conditions are on offer from this finely machined top-end second focal plane scope.

The Trijicon has excellent weatherproofing coming in a 30mm MIL – A 0 8265 aluminum tube with matte non-reflective skin. But it’s what’s inside this unit that hunters and marksmen will appreciate most.

A Trijicon reticle…

‘Accuracy’ being the name of the game, Trijicon uses its small green Tritium triangle reticle. This one is much finer than a lot of red dots that can obscure a target. The green pinpoint is quite an advantage when shooting from a greater distance, but is also useful at closer distances. A bit of practice with this reticle will create a big improvement in your accuracy.

No battery needed?

This reticle has another distinct advantage. It is powered by sunlight transmitted with fiber optics, so it won’t run out of battery power at that inopportune time. This is a great addition to our best 1-4×24 scopes lineup, and not needing a battery adds to its appeal.

Specifications

• Magnification: 1-4×24 (Variable)
• Tube: 30mm
• Material: 6061 – T6 anodized aluminum
• Weatherproof, Fog, and shockproof
• Water Proofing: Up to 10 ft. deep
• Weight: 14.4 oz
• Adjustment Range: 90 MOA
• Height: 1.2 “ Lens: SFP multi-coated glass
• Eye Relief: 3.2 ”
• Reticle: Illuminated Fiber Optics Tritium

In the package

• Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4x24mm riflescope
• Logo sticker (PR15)
• Obe LENSPEN
• Set of lens caps
• AccuPoint manual
• Warranty card

4 Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Tactical Illuminated Riflescope – Best Hunting 1-4x Scope

The next scope in our reviews of the best 1-4x24mm scopes on the market is designed and manufactured in the U.S. and was awarded the Optic of the Year in 2018 by Shooting Illustrated. It also received the NRA’s Golden Bullseye Award.

Designed with tactical and military uses in mind, this makes a very suitable hunting scope. Exceptionally robust, dependable, and weatherproof, the Steiner scope comes equipped with flexible and highly accurate optics.

How it helps the hunter…

The illuminated reticle gives us 11 brightness settings for daylight use and low light, as well as night vision. You can sight this scope with both eyes open, and even at the lowest magnification, it remains perfectly true.

The rotating eyepiece enables quick and simple adjustments while zooming up and down the magnification range. This gets you on your target rapidly and provides an “off” stop between each setting. The low profile, easy to use turrets lower the tendency to snag on nearby objects.

A very useful addition…

Expanding this scope’s already comprehensive flexibility is an inexpensive specially designed add-on called the TRYBE Optics Enhancer 2x Magnification Doubler. With built-in windage and elevation, it easily attaches to your device, turning your 1-4x unit into a 2-8x instantly.

This is a beautifully designed scope. And for the quality, at a remarkably low price.

Specifications

• Objective lens: 24mm
• Magnification: 1-4×24 (Variable)
• Tube: 30mm
• Material: One-piece grade aluminum
• Lens: Second Focal Plane
• Reticle: Red LED P3TR
• Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4”
• FOV @ 110 yds: 110 – 27.5 feet
• Resistance: Water, fog, and shockproof
• Weight: 17.3 oz
• Length: 10.3 oz
• Adjustments: .5 MOA
• Adjustment Range: 100 MOA
• Attachment: Ring

In the package

• Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Tactical Waterproof Scope
• Battery CR2023.

5 Athlon Optics Talos BTR 1-4×24 Variable Riflescope – Most Affordable 1-4x Scope

The Athlon Optics BTR 1-4×24 comes on the most affordable end of the best 1-4×24 scopes market. It’s excellent specifications, and quality build makes it a highly desirable scope for tight budgets.

The Athlon’s specifications are similar to the majority of modern scopes, with the most important being the lens quality. The Wide Band has a fully multi-coated lens, excellent clarity, and functions very well in low light. Sealed in a nitrogen-purged tube, you will have no problems with accidental immersion in water or foggy and wet conditions.

What else is on offer?

The reticle is glass-etched, and it has been designed to withstand jolts and heavy recoil. The only doubts we have about this is that it is not being MOA adjusted. Some hunters accustomed to MOA may find this inconvenient.

However, you will not miss the MOA if this is your first scope, and it’s well worth getting used to. The 1-mil cross and hash marks are very clear. Coupled with highly audible clicks from the exposed turrets, you will find it worth the transition.

Accuracy and flexibility…

Once you have sighted in and get going, accuracy is yours. This will give you more to spend on ammunition and any extras you may need.

You can turn this 1-4x into a 2-8x instantly with the TRYBE Optics Enhancer 2x Magnification Doubler for yet more flexibility. And the lifetime guarantee offered with a scope this inexpensive is great insurance.

Specifications

• Magnification: Variable 1-4×24
• Tube: 30mm
• Objective Lens: 24mm
• Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
• Lens: Wide Band Fully Multi-coated SFP
• Reticle: AHSR 14 SFP IR MIL
• Eye Relief: 6.26 – 3.5 ”
• FOV @ 110 yds: 110 – 26 feet
• Turrets: Exposed
• Resistance: Nitrogen purged. Water, fog, and shockproof
• Weight: 18 oz
• Length: 9.2 “
• Parallax: Fixed 100 yds Attachment: Ring.

Package additions

• Downloadable User Instruction and Reticle Manuals.
• Battery Instruction Manual.
• Lens cloth and Allen wrenches

6 Barska 1-4×28 IR Hunting Scope – Most Durable 1-4x Scope

The Barska 1-4×28 is yet another quality scope at the lower end of the market. So, if you want to save valuable dollars scoping your AR or hunting rifle, this one could fit the bill. All the necessities of hunting or competition are built in, and for the price, the Barska ranks well as one of the best 1-4×28 scopes around.

Some of the details…

The combination of being able to adjust the reticle for brightness as well as between red and green is a winner. When lighting conditions change, changing the color and brightness will improve visibility.

Taking a little time to sight the scope in and getting used to the reticle will produce excellent accuracy. On full magnification, however, your eyes need to be aligned dead center with the scope.

Lockable turrets?

The windage and elevation knobs are lockable externally, preventing unexpected knocks and recoil, causing unwanted changes. When doing this, there is no need to remove the turret caps, which allows for quick zeroing.

Extras include the handy sunshade with flip-up caps, which are great to keep the glare down. Plus, once the cantilever scope mount is fitted, it will sit securely on your rifle and stay true to your zero.

This is a ruggedly built, high-quality scope that works well in any weather conditions.

Specifications

• Model: AC11872
• Objective lens: 24mm
• Magnification: 1-4×24 (Variable)
• Tube: 30mm
• Material: aircraft-grade aluminum
• Lens: Hi-Lume multi-coated SFP
• Reticle: Illuminated Red MOA
• Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4″
• FOV: 90ft/[email protected], 22.5ft/[email protected]
• Resistance: Nitrogen purged. Water, fog, and shockproof
• Weight: 14.5 oz
• Length: 11.3 “
• Parallax: Fixed 100 yds Attachment: Ring.

In the package

• Dual cantilever ring mount
• Lithium 3V CR2032 battery
• Flip-up scope caps
• Lifetime warranty.

7 Burris MTAC Ballistic CQ Riflescope – 1-4x24mm 200437 – Best Tactical 1-4x Scope

Adding to our choices is another great scope manufacturer, Burris, with its MTAC 1-4x. This is positioned right in the middle of our best 1-4x24mm scopes in terms of price, giving dependable performance.

The MTAC 1-4x was designed for close-quarters tactical shooting and security but also makes for a really good hunting scope. Its quick focusing is well suited to the rigors and needs of hunting, including shock resistance.

Let’s look at some details…

Incredibly clean optics are first and foremost and are this scope’s greatest appeal. The Ballistic QC reticle is not liked by some shooters, but it performs excellently and is easy to adjust. This is one of those things you have to try to see if it suits you.

Bullet drop compensation reaches out to 500 yards, and shooters report accuracy even further than that. And access to adjustments is through the well-designed, low profile, and finger adjustable knobs with MOA markings.

Yes, there’s more…

While maintaining a sleek look, the Burris is built like a tank and works well with either 55-grain or 62-grain cartridges. The eyepiece is designed to use flip-up lens covers. And keeping your scope’s zero against bumps and recoil comes through a double internal spring-tension system.

One of the clinchers…

This scope is backed by Burris’ Forever Warranty™, covering all defective performance issues and with no repair or replacement charge.

Specifications

• Model: 200437
• Objective lens: 24mm
• Magnification: 1-4×24 (Variable)
• Tube: 30mm
• Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
• Lens: Wide Band Fully Multi-coated SFP
• Reticle: Ballistic CQ™ Illuminated Red Mil-Dot
• Adjustment: 130 MOA max
• Brightness: 10 settings
• Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4 “
• FOV (ft. @ 100 yds: 100 low – 32 high (ft. @ 100 yds.)
• Resistance: Nitrogen purged. Water, fog, and shockproof
• Weight: 16 oz
• Length: 11.3 “
• Parallax: Not adjustable
• Battery: CR2032.

In the package

• Just the scope, but kits are available for more options

8 Hi-Lux 1-4x24mm CMR-AK762 Illuminated Tactical Rifle Scope for AK-47 – Best Specialist 1-4x Scope

The Hi-Lux 1-4x24mm CMR-AK762 is a specialist scope for the serious enthusiast; however, it’s not expensive. In this case, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get great results. It easily takes its place in the best 1-4x24mm scope class.

This is an almost identical copy of a previous model, the CMR14x24. However, the reticle has been designed for 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, but it is also versatile enough for use with other grades.

Let’s take a closer look…

The illuminated center circle and dot, along with the ranging brackets, help with rapid target acquisition. You get bullet drop hold-over lines out to 900 meters.

The same settings can be used for .300BLK or .300Whisper or with switching to 5.56 Nato. The illuminated outer ring is a great size when rapid firing and for getting your target in-sight quickly. When switching platforms, there is no need to reprogram the reticle. And you can estimate the range out to 1,000 yards at 4x, and this scope is perfectly true at that power.

The CMR-AK762 will also hold zero in temperatures from sub-zero to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

How about the build quality?

This scope’s build specifications give us great durability and easy to use controls. And it offers all the weather protection we need. It’s a great scope that will take the knockabout in hunting.

Specifications

• Model: CMR-AK762
• Objective lens: 24mm
• Magnification: 1-4×24 (Variable) Tube: 30mm
• Material: Aluminum
• Lens: Fully Multi-Coated, Diamond Tuff14
• Reticle: Illuminated 122 Grain 7.62X39R BDC
• Adjustment: MOA range of 180
• Brightness: 11 settings
• Eye Relief: 3 “
• FOV (ft. @ 100 yds: 26.2 – 94.8 ft
• Weight: 16.5 oz Length: 10.2 “ Parallax: 100 yards
• Proofing: Fog and shock Water Resistance: IP65
• Battery: CR2032 (300 hours)

In the package

• The scope and flip-up lens covers.

9 Centerpoint Optics 1-4×20 MSR Rifle Scope – Best Entry Level 1-4x Scope

The Centerpoint Optics 1-4×20 MSR is an entry-level scope from Centerpoint, who are a division of the Crosman brand that produces excellent budget-friendly shooting products.

This is one of those value for the money buys that simply can’t be ignored. But how did a scope this inexpensive get into our top 1-4x scopes list?

The good bundle…

Light in weight but not light in features, this nitrogen purged scope offers excellent opticals. And a rugged build encases an etched glass second focal plane reticle with a quick-aim 3 MOA center dot.

The turrets are capped and finger adjustable. You have access to a 5-step variable illumination view through a fully multi-coated lens. The included Picatinny style rail mounts offer a very generous eye relief and are easy to fit and hold zero perfectly.

Not just a lightweight scope…

Although designed for light ammunition, shooters have found this scope to be perfectly resistant to the recoil from .308 grade ammo. If this is seen as entry-level, it must be fun being a beginner in this day and age. Remember, this scope costs less than $100. Therefore, the lighter build may need to be treated with a little more care than its bigger, stronger brothers.

Using both eyes open can be an advantage with this unit, using the large style eyepiece.

Specifications

• Model: 72002
• Objective lens: 20mm
• Magnification: 1-4×24 (Variable)
• Tube: 25.4mm Material: Composite
• Lens: Multi-Coated glass
• Reticle: Illuminated Red/Green (SFP)
• Eye Relief: 4.5 – 5“
• FOV (ft. @ 100 yds: 77.1 ft
• Weight: 15.3 oz
• Length: 9.7 “ Parallax: 100 yards
• Proofing: Nitrogen purged, and water, fog, and shock-resistant
• Battery: CR2032.

In the package

• The scope
• Picatinny-style rail mounting rings
• Lens covers
• Limited lifetime warranty.

10 Black Spider Optics 1-4×24 – Best Short Range 1-4x Scope

The entrance of a relative newcomer in scope manufacturing is interesting. The Black Spider BSO1-4×24 is very competitively priced as it should be to get market recognition. So, let’s find out why it’s on our best 1-4x scope list.

Good for an AR-15…

AR-15 shooters, take note, the BSO1-4×24 has been specially designed for your rifle. However, as you would expect, you can put this nicely designed scope on all sorts of guns.

Built for strength, this is quality manufacturing with all the expected modern specifications. This is a great hunting scope that will deal with the rigors of being out in the field.

Let’s look at the optics…

Once again, we are given a multi-coated lens coupled with a tube design that allows for a very wide field of view. This makes it ideal for rapid deployment, especially at 1x. The illuminated reticle has three night vision settings, and POI adjustments are as quick as you can get.

The illumination control is set conveniently on the left of the center top turret. The tactical and reclinable adjustment lever is fairly short, but all of this scope’s specifications are designed for speed. As with any new scope, some of the features will need getting used to.

This also applies to the mix between MOA turrets and MRAD reticles, which could affect aiming at longer distances.

Superb short range option…

All in all, this is an excellent hunting scope with great visuals for shorter range hunting.

Specifications

• Model: BSO1-4X24
• Objective lens: 24mm
• Magnification: 1-4×24 (Variable)
• Tube: 30mm material; aircraft-grade aluminum 6061-t6; Lens: fully multi-coated glass
• Reticle: Illuminated Inverted horseshoe red dot
• Eye Relief: 6“ @ 1x, 2” @ 4x
• Exit pupil: 6mm
• FOV: Full edge to edge
• Brightness Day: Eight brightness settings
• Brightness Night: Three Night vision settings
• Weight: 17.6 oz
• Length: 11.5”
• Resistance: Fog and shockproof
• Battery: CR2032.

In the package

• The Scope
• Flip cap lens covers
• Scope coat
• CR 2032 3V
• Limited lifetime warranty – (1 year on the electronics).

Best 1-4x Scope Buying Guide

We have chosen the scopes in our review to give you several choices in each price bracket. And there is not a scope here that will disappoint. But what are the crucial features of a 1-4x scope that you should be looking for?

Build Strength

We’ve chosen to start with this feature because it is the least critical of the choices. The reason for this is the excellent levels of manufacturing and materials used these days on scopes in every price bracket.

All of the scopes on our list are made from aluminum, but there is one composite. The aluminum should be standardized aircraft quality. But even the composite model is going to be tough enough to withstand a fair bit of abuse and knocks.

The Glass

This needs to be multi-coated and very clear. The tubes need to be at least nitrogen purged and sealed with O-rings for maximum weather resistance. Reticles will largely be glass etched and, consequently, resistant to shocks and recoil.

Most of the scopes feature the ability to reset easily and hold zero when detached and reattached. Some will be of the first focal plane, and others will be of the second focal plane. There is a model here that has both options available.

Quality and Design of the Reticle

This is one of the areas to focus on. Most scopes differ, and manufacturers have different reticle versions. This is where some time for research is needed to take note of reticle comparisons. You may be looking for something you are already familiar with or something new you’ve heard of and would like to try.

The quality of the reticles in a mid to low-range scope will be mostly good at low magnification. Most will provide good quality in low light. However, at full magnification, the lower-priced models do start to struggle. But, considering the most popular use of a 1-4x scope is short-range hunting, this shouldn’t be a big problem.

The Overall Package

What extras you get with a scope is also something that varies quite a lot. Some scopes come with mounts, lens caps, one-piece cantilever mounts, sunshades, and scope coats. All these things have their value, and you should factor them all in when making your decision.

Some come with a Full Unlimited Lifetime Guarantee, and others have guarantees that are not as comprehensive. However, scopes are so solid these days that it will depend on how you take care of your scope. Some of us are very rough on our equipment, and it needs a lot of strength, others less so.

Take Your Time

Give the decision process time and read about all the facts and specifications. Narrow the field down to the ones you like best, and then do a bit more research. The time will not be wasted.

So, which is the Best 1-4x Scope?

In our top-ten list, we have scopes ranging from everything from an NRA Award Winner to newer brands as well as entry-level scopes. Our winner comes from the upper part of the mid price range. It is the…

Burris Optics MTAC Ballistic CQ Riflescope

This scope comes from a company with a solid reputation for building very strong products. And this features their unique, double internal spring-tension system.

The MTAC 1-4x will allow you to exceed your normal focal range out over 500 yards and use more powerful ammunition. This makes it highly versatile. It comes with no extras, but you do get the solid Burris Forever Warranty.

Well, that’s it for our reviews of the best 1-4x scope. We hope it is informative and helpful. And may you have an enjoyable and accurate shooting experience.