If you are looking for the best 1-4 scopes to enhance your shooting experience, then you are in the right place. Read on, this comprehensive buying guide is for you.
Whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or engaging in tactical scenarios, a high-quality 1-4x scope ensures fast sighting, consistent tracking, and reliable performance under varying conditions. These versatile optics offer a perfect balance between close-range quick target acquisition and moderate-range precision, making them an indispensable tool for both beginners and experienced shooters.
What to Look for in the Best 1-4 Scope
When selecting a 1-4x scope, factors like optical clarity, reticle design, durability, and adjustment accuracy play a crucial role in performance. Ensure that the model you choose offers the following features:
- Optical Clarity. High-quality, fully multi-coated lenses for bright, sharp images
- Reticle Type. Illuminated, etched, or duplex reticles depending on shooting style
- Robust Durability. Furthermore, the best 1-4 scopes should feature a rugged construction that is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof.
- Comfortable Eye Relief. Adequate distance of at least 3.5 inches for comfort and safety.
- Adjustment Precision. Accurate windage and elevation turrets for consistent zero.
- Portable Weight and Size. Lastly, the scope should be compact and lightweight for easy handling and maneuverability.
Best 1-4 Scopes
1. Vortex Crossfire HD 1-4x24mm LPVO
The Vortex Crossfire HD 1-4x24mm LPVO is the best 1-4 scope. It is a versatile rifle scope designed for both close-quarters and mid-range engagements, offering a blend of clarity, durability, and intuitive handling.
Its 1-4x magnification range provides quick target acquisition at low power and precise shots at higher magnification, making it ideal for tactical, hunting, and dynamic shooting scenarios.
Furthermore, the HD optics deliver crisp, high-contrast images across the field of view, while the XR anti-reflective coatings ensure minimal glare even in bright conditions.
Construction-wise, the 30mm tube allows for generous internal adjustments, and the exposed turrets are easy to manipulate, giving shooters precise control over windage and elevation. Furthermore, the scope features a rugged, single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is also fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
Above all, the low-profile magnification ring is smooth and intuitive, while the fast-focus eyepiece ensures sharp reticle clarity.
Pros
- Crisp, high-contrast HD optics with XR coatings
- Versatile 1-4x magnification for CQB and mid-range
- Rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Easy-to-use exposed turrets and fast-focus eyepiece
- Affordable
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some entry-level LPVOs
2. Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Carrying the renowned Vortex name, the Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope with a 30mm tube in the second focal plane is a high-performance optic designed for both tactical and hunting applications.
Its 1-4x magnification range makes it incredibly versatile, allowing for quick target acquisition at close range while providing enough reach for precision shots at medium distances.
Furthermore, the glass quality is exceptional, delivering crisp, bright images with excellent color fidelity, even in low-light conditions. The scope also features a tactical-style reticle that remains consistent across all magnifications due to its second focal plane design, making it easy to hold over or range without recalculating adjustments.
Solid construction is another feature that makes it a great purchase. The 30mm tube enhances light transmission and durability, and the turrets provide precise, repeatable adjustments with tactile feedback, allowing for quick zeroing and accurate follow-up shots.
To top it all off, this LPVO is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring reliability in any environment.
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity and brightness
- Versatile 1-4x magnification range
- Precise, repeatable turret adjustments
- Durable 30mm tube construction
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
Cons
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The second focal plane reticle limits range-based calculations at higher magnifications
3. Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-4x24mm LPVO Rifle Scope
As one of the best 1-4 scopes, the Swampfox Tomahawk II brings to the table unparalleled optical performance for the money.
The glass is surprisingly sharp and clear at 1×. It provides a very forgiving eye‑box and field of view that make it nearly as fast on target as a red‑dot, while still offering magnification when you dial up.
Furthermore, the 30mm tube provides solid mounting options and the fully multi‑coated lenses deliver bright, clean imagery with minimal distortion or edge softness. The scope also features a fiber‑optic/BFO (Bright Fiber Optic) dot that is vivid enough for daylight use and the multiple color options give some customization for your eye‑preference or shooting conditions.
On the build and features side, the Tomahawk II doesn’t hold back for its price class. The turrets are well‑built, with the elevation dial offering a pull‑up/lock function so it won’t roll under recoil or knock off zero. On top of that, the windage is capped to prevent accidental bumping.
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity and crisp image quality
- Large field of view and forgiving eye box at 1×,
- Illuminated dot
- Solid build quality with 30mm tube and rugged construction
- Locking elevation turret and capped windage help maintain zero
- Good premium features for the price
Cons
-
Slightly heavier so it adds noticeable weight to a rifle
4. Trijicon AccuPoint TR-24 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
The Trijicon AccuPoint TR-24 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is a versatile optic designed for both close-quarters and medium-range shooting.
Its 1-4x magnification range makes target acquisition quick and intuitive, while the 24mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, this scope features a second focal plane reticle that is fiber-optics illuminated to provide consistent brightness without relying on batteries.
Construction-wise, the 30mm tube diameter provides ample adjustment range and durability, giving the scope a robust and sturdy feel suitable for tactical or hunting applications.
Other handy features it is couple with include turrets that offer precise, repeatable adjustments, a generous eye relief is generous, and a low-profile design that does not interfere with rifle handling.
Pros
- Quick and easy target acquisition with 1-4x magnification
- Bright, clear optics with excellent low-light performance
- Illuminated reticle powered by fiber optics and tritium
- Robust 30mm tube construction for durability and ample adjustment
- Precise and repeatable turret adjustments
- Generous eye relief and low-profile design for comfortable use
Cons
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Higher price point compared to entry-level scopes
5. PARD Optics SA62 Thermal Imaging 1-4x25mm Rifle Scope
Next, we have the PARD SA62 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope. This is a versatile optic designed for hunters and tactical shooters who demand high performance in low-light and challenging conditions.
Its 1-4x magnification range makes it suitable for both close-quarters and medium-range engagements, providing a flexible shooting experience. The also scope features a 25mm objective lens paired with a high-resolution thermal sensor, allowing clear target detection even in total darkness, fog, or dense foliage.
Furthermore, the digital display is intuitive, offering multiple reticle options and color palettes to adapt to various environments and target contrasts. Its lightweight and compact design ensures minimal added weight to your rifle while maintaining durability under rough handling.
Performance-wise, the SA62 impresses with rapid target acquisition and smooth zoom functionality. The built-in thermal imaging technology provides excellent detection and identification capabilities at reasonable distances. Over and above that, the scope also offers reliable battery life, with energy-efficient components that support extended field use.
Pros
- High-resolution thermal imaging for day and night use
- Multiple reticle options and color palettes
- Lightweight and compact design
- Durable, weather-resistant construction
- Smooth zoom and rapid target acquisition
- Reliable battery life
Cons
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Requires a short learning curve for menu and reticle settings
6. Sig Sauer 1-4x TANGO SPR Rifle Scope
The Sig Sauer 1-4x TANGO SPR Rifle Scope, featuring a 30mm tube and a second focal plane (SFP) design, is a high-performance optic tailored for both tactical and hunting applications.
Its 1-4x magnification range provides a seamless transition from close-quarters engagements to medium-range precision shots. Furthermore, the scope boasts crisp and bright optics with multi-coated lenses that ensure excellent light transmission and clarity, even in low-light conditions.
The reticle is strategically placed in the second focal plane, allowing shooters to maintain a consistent reticle size at all magnifications.
Moreover, the rugged construction is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, making it a dependable choice for demanding field conditions.
Adjustment and usability are other standout features of the TANGO SPR. The capped turrets allow precise and repeatable windage and elevation adjustments, while the fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick and sharp sighting.
In addition to everything else, the scope’s 30mm tube diameter provides ample adjustment range for long-distance shooting without compromising durability.
Pros
- Crisp, bright optics with excellent light transmission
- Durable, weather-resistant construction
- Versatile 1-4x magnification for close to medium range
- Second focal plane reticle for consistent aiming
- Precise, repeatable turret adjustments
Cons
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The SFP reticle limits range estimation at higher magnifications
7. Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope with a 30mm tube and Second Focal Plane is our last recommendation for the best 1-4 scopes. Its design makes it a versatile and practical option for both hunters and tactical shooters.
The low magnification range of 1-4x makes it ideal for close- to mid-range engagements, allowing for quick target acquisition and smooth tracking of moving targets. On top of that, the scope features precision-adjustable turrets for windage and elevation, enabling accurate shot placement with repeatable results.
Optically, this LPVO is equipped with a fully coated optics system that reduces glare and enhances contrast. This makes it easier to identify game or targets in varied lighting environments.
Durability and user convenience are also strong points of the Hawke Vantage. Constructed from high-quality aluminum, the scope is both shockproof and waterproof for use even in harsh conditions in the field. Eye relief is also generous and forgiving, which is especially beneficial for high-recoil calibers.
Pros:
- Excellent clarity and contrast for the price
- Versatile 1‑4× magnification lets you engage close and moderate range targets
- 30 mm tube provides good adjustment range and robust feel
- Straightforward to mount and use, with intuitive turrets
Cons
-
While the build quality is good for value, it may not match premium scopes in glass and refinement
Criteria for Choosing the Best 1-4 Scopes
Optical Clarity and Lens Quality
The most important factor in any scope is optical clarity. A 1-4x scope with high-quality lenses provides a bright, sharp image, even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses, as these reduce glare, enhance light transmission, and improve overall contrast. Superior lens coatings also make it easier to spot details on distant targets, giving you a significant edge in hunting or tactical situations.
Reticle Design
Next, consider the reticle design. In rifle scopes, the reticle determines how quickly and accurately you can acquire a target. The best 1-4x scopes come with various reticle options, including illuminated, etched, or simple duplex designs.
An illuminated reticle is especially useful in low-light environments, while etched reticles maintain zero even if the battery dies. Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style, whether it’s for close-range rapid shots or moderate-distance precision.
Durability and Build Quality
A durable 1-4x scope withstands harsh conditions, recoil, and rough handling. Look for scopes built from aircraft-grade aluminum or similar robust materials. Furthermore, the best 1-4 scopes should have waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant designs to ensure reliability in extreme weather or challenging outdoor environments.
Eye Relief and Comfort
If you are purchasing a scope for the first time, eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece while maintaining a full field of view. Adequate eye relief, typically around 3-4 inches, prevents eye strain and protects your face from recoil, especially on high-caliber rifles. On top of that, a comfortable eye box ensures quick target acquisition without needing perfect alignment, which is critical in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
Adjustment Precision and Turret Quality
Furthermore, accurate windage and elevation adjustments are vital for maintaining point-of-impact consistency. Look for scopes with precise, repeatable turrets that allow for fine-tuning without losing zero. Some scopes also feature locking or capped turrets to prevent accidental changes during use.
Value and Additional Features
While price is important, the best 1-4 scopes balance cost with performance and features. Some models include illuminated reticles, lens covers, or sunshades, adding convenience and functionality. Consider what features matter most for your needs and ensure the scope provides reliable performance without unnecessary compromises.
FAQs
- Are 1-4x scopes good for hunting?
Yes. 1-4x scopes are an excellent choice for hunting, especially in dense woods or brush where quick target acquisition is crucial. The low magnification allows for fast aiming at moving game.
- Can I use a 1-4x scope for tactical shooting?
Absolutely. The 1x setting allows for both-eyes-open shooting in close engagements, while 4x provides moderate-range precision, making it suitable for tactical scenarios.
- What rifles are best suited for 1-4x scopes?
1-4x scopes are commonly used on AR-15s, hunting rifles, and carbines. They are ideal for rifles where flexibility between close and moderate ranges is needed.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, high-quality 1-4x scope offers unmatched versatility for hunters, sport shooters, and tactical enthusiasts. By focusing on optical clarity, reticle design, durability, and adjustment precision, you will find a scope that performs reliably across a wide range of scenarios. Hopefully, this buying guide has helped you find a dependable model that ensures years of consistent performance in any environment.