If you are looking for an all-purpose optic that delivers quick target acquisition up close and reliable performance at moderate distances, a quality 1-4× scope is an excellent option. The best 1-4x scopes shine where versatility and speed truly matter, and in this buying guide, we will help you find the ideal model for your needs.
Designed for shooters who want a lightweight, no-fuss optic, these LPVOs provide a true 1× for close-quarters responsiveness and a clear, usable 4× for stretching shots a bit farther. This magnification range hits a sweet spot for practical shooting, blending the rapid handling of a red dot with the precision of a simple magnified optic.
What Makes a Great 1-4x Scopes?
Whether you’re gearing up for tactical use, training days, or everyday range work, the best 1-4x scopes offer dependable performance without overcomplicating your setup. It is essential to choose a model that offers:
- True 1x Performance. This ensures fast, both-eyes-open shooting with minimal distortion for close-range work.
- Clear, Bright Glass. Furthermore, the scope should delivers sharp images and good light transmission, especially in mixed lighting.
- Simple, Effective Reticle. The best 1-4x scopes should have a reticle that’s easy to use at low power and supports quick aiming at 4×.
- Generous Eye Relief. This provides a comfortable, forgiving eye box for rapid target transitions.
- Durable Construction. Moreover, the scope should be built to handle recoil, weather, and real-world abuse without losing zero.
- Smooth Magnification Dial. It is also essential for the scope to have a smooth magnification dial that allows quick, precise adjustments between 1× and 4×.
- Reliable Turrets. Last but not least, the scope should tracks consistently with tactile clicks or capped turrets for set-and-forget zeroing.
Best 1-4x Scopes
1. Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper PST 1–4×24mm is one of the best 1-4x scope in the market. It is built for shooters who want a dependable low-power optic with tactical features without jumping into premium-tier pricing.
The most notable feature of this rifle scope is its glass clarity. It offers sharp edge-to-edge visibility and excellent contrast in both bright daylight and dim conditions.
Furthermore, the second focal plane reticle remains consistent in size across the zoom range, giving you an easy, uncluttered sight picture at all magnifications. The reticle is illuminated for use even in brighter settings, helping with fast target acquisition.
Combined with a wide field of view and a true 1x feel, the scope performs exceptionally well for close-quarters or fast transitional shooting. Moreover, the build quality is sturdy and confidence-inspiring thanks to its rugged 30mm tube, reliable turrets, and Vortex’s reputation for durability.
Above all, the tactile and audible turret clicks make dialing adjustments intuitive, and the zero-reset feature is convenient for shooters who frequently switch ranges.
Pros
- Clear, high-quality glass with good low-light performance
- True 1x feel for fast close-range shooting
- Crisp illuminated SFP reticle that’s easy to use
- Durable 30mm tube with rugged construction
- Positive, tactile turret adjustments with zero-reset
- Excellent overall value for its performance
Cons
- The illumination is slightly weak in very bright sunlight
2. Vortex Crossfire HD 1-4x24mm LPVO
Whether threading shots through dense timber or dialing in at extended range, the Crossfire HD delivers sharper detail and improved light transmission, giving you the confidence to own any hunt.
Its HD optical system provides a noticeably crisp sight picture with good edge-to-edge sharpness, and the 1x setting offers a close-to-true eyes-open feel ideal for quick target acquisition.
Furthermore, the reticle is clean and easy to pick up, making it well-suited for fast shooting at close to mid-range distances.
Regarding construction, the 30 mm tube, anodized finish, and fully waterproof, shockproof construction ensure it handles tough field conditions without losing zero. Furthermore, the capped turrets track reliably and offer tactile clicks, while the eye relief is forgiving to ensure comfortable handling speed on lightweight carbines.
Pros
- Clear HD optical system with good edge-to-edge sharpness
- Near-true 1x performance for fast close-range target acquisition
- Durable construction that is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof
- Clean, easy-to-use reticle ideal for general-purpose shooting
- Forgiving eye relief and user-friendly handling
- Excellent value for budget-conscious shooters
Cons
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The low-light performance is adequate but not exceptional
3. Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-4x24mm LPVO Rifle Scope
The Swampfox Tomahawk II 1–4x24mm LPVO delivers a strong balance of optical clarity, rugged construction, and shooter-friendly ergonomics for anyone wanting a fast, reliable close-to-mid-range optic.
At 1x, the glass provides a clean, true-to-life sight picture that supports rapid target acquisition, while the 4x setting offers enough reach for practical shooting distances without sacrificing field of view.
Reticle-wise, the reticle remains crisp and intuitive thanks to its second focal plane design, retaining a consistent appearance across all magnifications. Furthermore, the turrets track positively with tactile clicks, and the illumination is bright enough to remain visible in broad daylight, further boosting usability in dynamic environments.
Durability is another area where this scope stands out. The 30mm tube is built from robust materials that handle recoil from common tactical and hunting calibers without issues. Moreover, the waterproof, shock-resistant housing ensures reliability in tough outdoor conditions.
Eye relief is generous and forgiving, contributing to comfortable shooting positions whether standing, kneeling, or shooting offhand. The scope also comes with a throw lever that provides quick magnification changes for users who move between CQB-speed engagement and moderate-distance precision.
Pros
- Clear, bright glass with a true 1x for fast close-range shooting
- Crisp SFP reticle that stays consistent across all magnifications
- Smooth magnification ring with an included throw lever for quick adjustments
- Daylight-visible illumination for better target contrast
- Durable 30mm tube with reliable recoil, shock, and weather resistance
- Positive turret clicks with dependable tracking
- Excellent overall value for its performance level
Cons
- The max 4x magnification limits longer-range versatility
- Illumination battery life is decent but not class-leading
4. Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 1-4x20mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best 1-4x scopes, the Hawke Vantage 1-4x20mm delivers dependable performance for shooters looking for a simple, well-built LPVO without the high price.
Its 1–4x magnification range is ideal for fast target acquisition at close to moderate distances, and the glass quality is surprisingly crisp for its price point. The multi-coated lenses offer solid brightness and contrast, making the reticle easy to see in various lighting conditions.
More importantly, the illuminated reticle options add flexibility, especially for dawn and dusk shooting. The scope also feels balanced and responsive, with tactile turret adjustments that make zeroing straightforward.
Durability is another strong area for the Hawke Vantage. The 1-inch aluminum tube is lightweight yet sturdy, and the scope holds zero well even under consistent recoil. Over and above that, the eye relief is forgiving, the field of view is generous, and the compact 20mm objective keeps the profile low and maneuverable.
Pros
- Clear, bright glass
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact design
- Smooth magnification adjustments
- Reliable zero retention
Cons
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Limited to shorter engagement distances
5. Trijicon AccuPoint TR-24 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Trijicon optics are known for their rugged construction and the AccuPoint TR-24 1-4x24mm is no different.
Its fiber-optic and tritium-powered illuminated reticle is the highlight. It offers automatic brightness adjustment without relying on batteries, making it exceptionally reliable for both tactical use and hunting.
Moreover, the glass clarity is excellent, providing a crisp sight picture even in low-light environments, while the generous eye relief and wide field of view make it easy to track moving targets or switch between close- and mid-range engagements.
Construction-wise, the 30mm tube gives you robust adjustment range, and as expected from Trijicon, the entire build feels battle-ready with superb resistance to recoil, weather, and rough handling.
In addition to everything else, the illumination system remains visible even under bright sunlight, giving it an advantage over battery-powered competitors that struggle in harsh light.
Pros
- Ultra-reliable battery-free fiber-optic/tritium illumination
- Excellent glass clarity and true daylight-bright reticle
- Very fast target acquisition at 1x with both-eyes-open shooting
- Durable, weatherproof, and recoil-resistant Trijicon build
- Smooth magnification ring and generous eye relief
- Wide field of view for rapid transitions
Cons
- Slightly heavier and pricier than some competitors
- Uncapped turrets
Pros
- Clear, bright glass for its price range
- Robust 30mm tube with dependable durability
- Illuminated reticle enhances low-light usability
- Smooth magnification ring and user-friendly controls
- Lightweight and well-balanced on most rifles
- Good value for budget-minded shooters
Cons
- Not as rugged or feature-rich as premium LPVOs
7. Winchester Supreme Optics 1-4x24mm IR Rifle Scope
Last but not least, we have the Winchester Supreme Optics 1-4x24mm 30mm Tube IR Rifle Scope. It delivers a well-rounded package for shooters who want dependable low-power performance without unnecessary bulk.
At 1×, it provides a wide, intuitive sight picture that makes target acquisition fast, especially in dynamic shooting environments or tight woodland hunting conditions. Moreover, the illuminated reticle adds meaningful versatility, giving you a clear point of aim even when lighting is inconsistent.
Its 30mm tube enhances light transmission and durability, providing a solid, confident feel on the rifle while still managing to stay relatively streamlined.
Furthermore, at 4×, the scope offers enough magnification for moderate-range shots while maintaining a crisp, uncluttered view. The optical clarity is impressive for its class, with edge-to-edge sharpness that supports accurate shot placement.
To top it all off, the controls are tactile and smooth, including clearly defined illumination settings that prevent accidental overbrightness in low light.
Pros
- Fast target acquisition at 1× with a wide field of view
- Illuminated reticle enhances low-light usability
- Durable 30mm tube provides solid construction and good light transmission
- Smooth, tactile adjustment controls
- Holds zero well even under repeated recoil
- Lightweight and balanced on a variety of rifle platforms
Cons
- Not as feature-rich as higher-end LPVOs
- The turret adjustments lack the crispness of premium optics
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best 1-4x Scopes
Whether you are purchasing a 1-4x scope for the first time or looking for a backup optic, here are the key factors to consider in your selection process:
Optical Clarity and Glass Quality
For starters, a good 1–4× scope should offer crisp, distortion-free views at both low and high magnification. High-quality glass with proper lens coatings improves brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, especially important in dense brush or low-light environments. Look for scopes that stay sharp edge-to-edge so your sight picture remains intuitive and reliable.
True 1× Performance
Reticle Style and Illumination
Pros and Cons of the Best 1-4x Scopes
Pros:
- Versatile for close to mid-range shooting
- Fast target acquisition at true 1× with both eyes open
- Offers more precision than a red dot thanks to 4× magnification
- Generally compact and lightweight for better rifle handling
- More cost-efficient than buying separate close- and mid-range optics
Cons:
- Limited long-range capability beyond moderate distances
- Some models struggle with true 1× clarity and edge distortion
FAQs
- What is a 1–4× scope best used for?
A 1–4× scope is ideal for close to moderate distances, offering fast target acquisition at 1× and improved precision at 4×. It works well for hunting, competition shooting, and general-purpose rifles.
- Is a 1–4× better than a red dot?
A red dot excels at rapid, close-range shooting, but a 1–4× scope provides more versatility with added magnification. If you want both speed and the ability to reach out farther, a 1–4× is the better choice.
- Can I shoot with both eyes open at 1×?
Yes, provided the scope offers a true 1× setting. True 1× optics give a reflex-like view that makes two-eyes-open shooting natural and fast.
Conclusion
A well-chosen 1–4× scope strikes a great balance between speed, simplicity, and versatility. It gives you the rapid responsiveness of a red dot while offering enough magnification for confident hits at moderate ranges. By focusing on clarity, durability, reticle design, and overall handling, you are well informed to pick an optic that enhances your rifle’s performance in nearly any practical shooting scenario.