10 Best 1-4X Scopes of 2021
The 1-4x is one of the most basic rifle scopes currently available in the market. With its low magnification range, it is often preferred for short and medium distances that max out at around 500 yards.
Given their magnification range, these scopes are often best suited for hunting rifles that are used in thick wood and brushes. But, like with any other scope type, you need to get the best 1-4x scope from the many models available.
In this piece, we make it easier to get a good 1-4x scope by reviewing 10 top rated 1-4x scopes and also explain a few important things to consider when shopping for one.
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10 Best 1-4X Scopes – Review
- 1. Vortex Optics CF2-31037 – Best Overall
- 2. Trijicon TR24G – High-End Scope with Battery-Free Illumination
- 3. Monstrum G2 1-4x24 – Best 1-4x Tactical Scope
- 4. Steiner 5201 P3TR – Compact and Versatile
- 5. Trijicon RS24 – Reliable Scopes that Works for Various Rifles
- 6. Primary Arms PA14X – Best Budget 1-4x Scope
- 7. Burris 200437 MTAC – A Phenomenal 1-4x Scope for Under $400
- 8. Barska AC11872 – Dependable Short to Mid-Range Scope
- 9. Vortex Optics PST-14ST-A – Excellent Optical Clarity Guaranteed
- 10. TacFire TF-SCT1424M – Solid and Efficient All-Round Scope
- How to Buy the Best 1-4x Scopes
- Conclusion
10 Best 1-4X Scopes – Review
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1. Vortex Optics CF2-31037 (Best Overall) |
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2. Trijicon TR24G (High-End with Battery-Free Illumination) |
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3. Monstrum G2 1-4x24 (Best Tactical Scope) |
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4. Steiner 5201 P3TR (Compact & Versatile) |
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5. Trijicon RS24 (Reliable Scopes that Works for Various Rifles) |
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6. Primary Arms PA14X (Best Budget) |
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7. Burris 200437 MTAC (Under $400) |
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8. Barska AC11872 (Dependable Short to Mid-Range Scope) |
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9. Vortex Optics PST-14ST-A (Excellent Optical Clarity Guaranteed) |
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10. TacFire TF-SCT1424M (Solid & Efficient All-Round Scope) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Vortex Optics CF2-31037 (Best Overall) |
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2. Trijicon TR24G (High-End with Battery-Free Illumination) |
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3. Monstrum G2 1-4x24 (Best Tactical Scope) |
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4. Steiner 5201 P3TR (Compact & Versatile) |
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5. Trijicon RS24 (Reliable Scopes that Works for Various Rifles) |
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6. Primary Arms PA14X (Best Budget) |
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7. Burris 200437 MTAC (Under $400) |
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8. Barska AC11872 (Dependable Short to Mid-Range Scope) |
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9. Vortex Optics PST-14ST-A (Excellent Optical Clarity Guaranteed) |
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10. TacFire TF-SCT1424M (Solid & Efficient All-Round Scope) |
1. Vortex Optics CF2-31037 – Best Overall
Photo: Vortex
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Field of View: 96.1 to 24.1 feet at 100 yards
- Length: 9.8 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
While there are many things that make the Crossfire II from Vortex one of the best 1-4x scopes out there and out best overall model, its V-Brite reticle is what many target shooters and hunters will love most as it will make the scope perfect for use in low light conditions.
This top-notch quality rifle scope also uses some anti-reflective and fully multicoated lenses to deliver a crisp and bright enough sight picture. And with its long eye relief, more forgiving eyebox and fast focus eyepiece, acquiring your target should be a breeze.
For the construction, Vortex uses a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum alloy for increased strength and durability. With the O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging, this scope also offers complete fog and waterproof integrity.
Field adjustments are also made much easy by the capped reset turrets that are finger adjustable and with audible clicks and they can be reset to zero after sighting in.
Using this scope in broad daylight can be a little hectic because the reticle illumination is not bright enough, but for low light conditions at dawn and dusk, few other scopes can match its performance.
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2. Trijicon TR24G – High-End Scope with Battery-Free Illumination
Photo: Trijicon
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Field of View: 97.5 to 24.2 feet at 100 yards
- Length: 10.3 inches
- Weight: 14.4 ounces
Trijicon's TR24G is a top-rated 1-4x scope that is designed to offer unmatched high-end performance and will also come in a solid and sturdy design to ensure many years of service.
This amazing rifle scope uses a battery-free reticle illumination that will not only ensure you never have to buy batteries but is also designed to provide top notch low light performance.
Also, the scope has some superior quality lenses that are multicoated for excellent light gathering capabilities and to ensure you always get clear enough images.
The aircraft-grade aluminum housing is designed to be rugged enough to offer an all-weather performance as it will protect the scope’s internal components from the elements.
And because the scope uses a second focal plane reticle, you will always get more exact aiming points even at the higher magnification settings.
The dot can be a little to see when shooting in bright lift but most shooters will find that it only takes getting used to as the dot becomes more visible in any light condition as you use the scope more and more.
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3 . Monstrum G2 1-4x24 – Best 1-4x Tactical Scope
Photo: Monstrum
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Length: 9.6 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
With this high precision 1-4x tactical scope mounted on your rifle, you can be confident of improving your shooting accuracy and aiming greatly.
The scope offers an eye relief of up to 4.5 inches which is one of the highest on our list, and it also has a dual red/green illumination with multiple brightness levels.
With its first focal plane, the ranging information will always remain constant regardless of the magnification setting, and this ensures easy holdover correction and range estimation
Also, the scope will feature a solid 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum main tube that is nitrogen charged to keep water out and prevent fogging. Given its many impressive features, overall build quality and relatively more affordable price tag, this is one of our best 1-4x scopes for the money .
Although the quality of the provided mounts is a little wanting, given the smaller price of the scope, they are still decent quality and should work well enough. And the tight zoom ring should loosen as you use it more.
More Detailed : Monstrum Tactical G2 Review
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4. Steiner 5201 P3TR – Compact and Versatile
Photo: Steiner
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Field of View: 110 to 27.5 feet at 100 yards
- Length: 10.3 inches
- Weight: 17.3 ounces
Everything about this Steiner scope is made for tactical applications, but it will still be great for the regular hunters and shooters for both daytime and night use. And at 10.3 inches long, it is quite a compact scope that will not add unnecessary mass to your rifle.
This compact 1-4x scope uses an illuminated P3TR reticle which is responsible for its versatility as it provides 5 day and 4 night brightness levels to make this scope ideal for use any time of day.
Also, it has some high contrast optics that will deliver an outstanding sight picture in any light conditions. Many shooters will also love the fact that its lowest magnification setting is a true 1x.
With this amazing 1-4x scope, you will also get some low profile turrets and illumination controls that are not only easier to use but will also not snag or hang up when moving.
Being one of the priciest scopes on our list, some gun enthusiasts will find it a bit on the pricier side but for such a top quality illuminated scope, it is worth every cent. Also, mounts are cheap and easy to get and hence still not a deal breaker.
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5. Trijicon RS24 – Reliable Scopes that Works for Various Rifles
Photo: Trijicon
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Field of View: 97.5 to 24.2 feet at 100 yards
- Length: 10.2 inches
- Weight: 16.2 ounces
Trijicon's RS24 is an absolutely versatile rifle scope that comes in a small package as it is only 10.2 inches long and weighs just 16.2 inches.
Its versatility means that it will work for you whether you are shopping for the best 1-4x scope for AR 15 rifle or even for mounting on your AK 47 .
With its superior quality multicoated optics, this scope will provide superior light gathering capability to ensure you always get bright and clear images.
The battery-powered illuminated reticle with adjustable brightness levels is another reason why this is such a versatile scope that will be ideal for a variety of scenarios.
And durability is also guaranteed as the scope will feature single piece aircraft-grade aluminum housing designed for all weather use.
There is almost no downside to this scope besides the fact that it is one of our priciest models but given its quality and performance, it is worth what you pay for it.
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6. Primary Arms PA14X – Best Budget 1-4x Scope
Photo: Primary Arms
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Field of View: 90 to 23 feet at 100 yards
- Length: 11.75 inches
- Weight: 16.7 ounces
Anyone looking for a more affordable but high-performing 1-4x scope, this one by Primary Arms is a perfect choice as it is the most affordable option among our review.
Its low profile capped turrets are finger adjustable to make it easy to adjust the windage and elevation and to ensure they do not snag on something when carrying your gun.
But, the fast focus eyepiece that makes it easy to pick up the target and fully multicoated lenses that deliver bright and clear images are what many shooters will love most.
This scope is also 100% fog-resistant and waterproof and with a red dot illuminated reticle to ensure top-notch performance in various conditions including in low light.
The 11.75 inches length is relatively long and will take up more space on the rifle, but this should not be a big concern for most shooters as it will still work well enough.
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7. Burris 200437 MTAC – A Phenomenal 1-4x Scope for Under $400
Photo: Burris
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Field of View: 100 to 32 feet at 100 yards
- Length: 11.3 inches
- Weight: 17 ounces
For an under $400 scope, this Burris model is as good as they can get, and it even outperforms many others that will cost hundreds of dollars more.
It is an illuminated scope that will be ideal for use in various environments, condition, and scenarios. But, the best thing about it is that the etched reticle will still be useful when the battery runs out.
With its easily adjustable turrets that also have positive clicks, adjusting the windage and elevation is super easy. These turrets also have a low profile to ensure they do not snag or catch on something.
The scope has some top quality multicoated lenses that will deliver a bright and clear sight picture, and it is generally easy to and quick to sight in.
Like with many other scopes, the zoom ring feels quite stiff and is hence harder to turn. but this is only meant to ensure that the scope holds your preferred setting. And once you get used to it, adjustments will be more straightforward.
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8. Barska AC11872 – Dependable Short to Mid-Range Scope
Photo: Barska
- Objective Diameter: 28 millimeters
- Field of View: 90 to 22.5 feet 100 yards
- Length: 10 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
The versatile 1-4x zoom range that this Barska scope offers might be the same as what you get from all others on our 1-4x scope review, but the settings on this one seem to be even truer which makes it highly dependable for short to mid-range targeting.
It is also a dual red and green illuminated scope with multiple brightness levels for each illumination which makes it useful for almost any shooting condition.
The solid one-piece construction makes it rugged enough to handle any environment, and it has also been designed to offer complete water and fogging protection.
With this Barska scope, you will get uncompromised image clarity thanks to its fully multicoated lenses. The scope also has easily adjustable and lockable turrets, a glare-reducing sunshade and will come with both flip-open lens caps and a mounting ring.
Many shooters will probably hate that it seems to be way off when you get it from the box, but this is not a big deal as a few turns are all it takes to sight it in. Also, the location of the focus ring is still okay once you master it.
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9. Vortex Optics PST-14ST-A – Excellent Optical Clarity Guaranteed
Photo: Vortex
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Field of View: 98 to 27.5 feet at 100 yards
- Length: 9.7 inches
- Weight: 16.2 ounces
Vortex makes their Viper scope with optical clarity in mind, and it is designed to provide better clarity than many other scopes that cost several times its price tag.
This top-notch 1-4x scope uses optically indexed lenses that are also fully multicoated and with extra-low dispersion to deliver crisp, sharp and bright enough images even in low light.
Like with most other Vortex scopes, durability is also guaranteed as the Viper is made from a single piece aircraft grade aluminum alloy. And the main tube is also more spacious (30mm) to accommodate a wider adjustment latitude.
Also, this is an O-ring sealed scope that is argon filled to ensure 100% fog and waterproof integrity which makes it ideal for use in almost any environment. And with the turret tactile response, it will be an easier and more fun scope to use.
The magnification adjustment ring is quite stiff and will take a lot of effort to use but as you get used to the scope and as you use it more and more, the ring should become easier to adjust.
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10. TacFire TF-SCT1424M – Solid and Efficient All-Round Scope
Photo: TacFire
- Objective Diameter: 24 millimeters
- Field of View: 112 to 25.5 feet at 100 yards
- Length: 10.25 inches
- Weight: 21.9 ounces
There is more to this TacFire scope besides being among the cheapest model in our 1-4x scopes review as it also features solid aircraft-grade aluminum construction. And the body is weather-sealed and nitrogen-purged for complete water and fogging protection.
With its multicoated lenses that are also designed to be scratch-resistant, this scope will deliver high light transmission for greater image clarity and brightness.
This scope will also feature a tri-illuminated reticle that will come in handy for a variety of shooting and hunting conditions, and the 112 feet maximum field of view is the widest on our list.
Although this scope is heavier than all other models on our list, with a weight of just under 22 ounces, it is still lightweight enough for most rifles.
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How to Buy the Best 1-4x Scopes
To make sure that you choose a good 1-4x scope model, it is important to watch out for the following things when shopping.
1. Light Transmission
Light transmission determines the clarity and brightness of the sight picture and is hence one of the most import things to consider when choosing a 1-4x scope.
The two key things that will determine light transmission are the size of the objective lens and the coatings on the lenses.
When it comes to the objective lens, the large the diameter the better the light transmission as it means that it will let more light in. But note that a larger objective lens also translates to a bigger, heavier and more expensive scope.
Most 1-4x scopes will have a 24 mm objective diameter which is perfect for their typical uses.
For the lens coating, the fully multicoated or multicoated lenses are the best as they will ensure that you get at least 90% light transmission which is often good enough.
2. Field of View
Typically, the 1-4x scopes will have a wider field of view given their lower magnification power, but the size of the field of view is still different between different models.
The larger the field of view the scope can provide the better it will be as it will make it easier to keep track of the target and the environment around it when shooting.
But, also note that like with all other scopes , the larger the zoom setting the smaller the field of view which means that the view field is smaller in the 4x setting.
Some with 90 to 22.5 feet at 100 yards like Barska AC11872 should be good enough but a 110 to 27.5 feet at 100 yards scope like Steiner 5201 P3TR is even better.
3. Reticle
While the more outward characteristics of a scope like the magnification and lens quality seem to get more attention, the reticle is an equally important scope component that you should never overlook.
The reticle plays a crucial role when it comes to accurate targeting and shooting precision. And there are different styles of reticles available to pick from.
The ideal style for you will depend on what you will use your rifle for and where. But for most hunting applications, a simple duplex reticle is often good enough for a 1-4x scope. The BDC reticle, on the other hand, is more favorable for tactical applications.
There are still many other reticle options besides these two, but the right one for you is one that is crisp and clear and can draw your line of sight center quickly.
4. Length and Weight
A scope’s length and weight often go hand in hand because the longer the scope the heavier it will be or feel.
Generally, a lightweight and compact 1-4x scope model is the best as it will not add any unnecessary weight to your rifle. And when it comes to the weight it will come down to the materials used to make the scope and its internal components.
An aircraft-grade aluminum material will make a solid 1-4x scope while still ensuring that the weight stays down. And it is also rigid enough to ensure that the scope lasts long enough.
5. Price
Although the 1-4x scopes are some of the cheapest on the market, these scopes will still come in varying price ranges because they are made by different brands and with different features, materials, and capabilities.
You can get one of these scopes such as the Primary Arms PA14X for as little over $100, but the top end and feature-rich models will retail for upwards of $500.
Hence, when it comes to the price, it is all about choosing something with the basic and any other features you consider important and is within your preferred budget.
6. Additional Features
There are some features that might not be present in all 1-4x scopes but they are still great to have as they will make your scope much better in both performance and convenience of use.
These features will include things like nitrogen or argon purging and O-ring sealing which are meant to make the scope 100% shock, fog and waterproof.
Other additional features like low profile finger adjustable turrets, rubberized surface for easy grip, reticle illumination for increased versatility, flip-open lens covers, and mount rings will make any scope an even better buy.
Conclusion
From our 1-4x scopes review, it is evident that there are lots of great 1-4x scopes available out there, and so you only need to find one that works for your particular situation.
That said, the Primary Arms PA14X is perfect for the shooters shopping for quality on a tight budget as despite being affordable it still offers most of the features you get on the more expensive models.
But, the Vortex Optics CF2-31037 is our best overall product as it excels in all aspects from a superior quality V-Brite reticle to a longer eye relief and high-quality aluminum alloy main tube.