Owning the best 1-4x Scope for the Money can bring you a wide range of shooting applications. It does not matter whether you are a novice, an experienced hunter or a tactical rifle user. The tool will aid your guns well and help to aim better.
That is a very brief about benefits. But, do you know exactly what the 1-4x Scope is? If you have not yet, let’s me give a quick explanation.
Numbers like 4x are the way manufacturers define the magnification of their scopes. They mean how you can enlarge the view to an object. For example, through a 2x scope, an object seems to be twice closer to you than its present position.
With a 1-4x scope, magnifying power levels as 1x, 1.5x, 2x, 2.3x and up to 4x are all available. It is why variable ranges like 1-4x are the best choice for taking different-distance-and-size shots.
In this article, I plan to recommend you top 5 of 1-4x scopes. Then we will discuss more their features and usage.
Table of Contents
Best 1-4x Scope for the Money reviews
Let’s start the discussion with a list of top 5 best 1-4x scopes for the money. All of them are much common on the market these days.
| Product Name | EDITOR'S CHOICE | Product Detail |
|---|---|---|
Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x/24mm FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Riflescope  Highlights • Impressive foldable metal handle • Bold reticle | ||
Primary Arms 1-4x24 SFP Rifle Scope  Highlights • Duplex reticle • Maximum 4.9 inches for eye relief • 1 MOA for each movement | ||
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes  Highlights • Numerous options for size, power and reticle • Easy controls | ||
Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x/24mm, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope Highlights • Strong accuracy • High-quality materials • Versatility | ||
Xgazer Optics Certvision 1-4×24mm First Focal Plane (FFP)  Highlights • Extra-clear lenses • 11-setting illumination |
1. Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm PCL
Optics, at first sight, is the PCL. It stands for the Power Control Lever. The foldable metal handle enables you not to waste lots of time controlling between 1x and 4x. Most shooters will take this part as an on/off switch through the lowest to the highest magnification.
Without illumination, the boldness of the reticle allows me to get targets confidentially in many daytime conditions. But, the 1x is unavailable at night. At that time, the illuminated reticle will work well its roles.
Turrets of this scope are finger adjustable. The Bushnell does not add locking features or any zero stop. So, it will never go off-zero inadvertently. Then, there is no need to switch back so far.
After using for months, I found two main shortcomings. One is that too many lashes are in every single click. And the other lies on the 1x magnification at the nighttime.
Pros
- Waterproof & fogproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Too many lashes
- Inefficient 1x magnification
Among choices for 1-4x Scope, the Bushnell one is fantastic enough to consider, especially for a truck gun. Things will be useful if you protect its turrets properly.
2.Primary Arms 1-4 x 24mm SFP Rifle Scope
Compared with scopes by the Primary Arms, this 1-4x24mm SFP one seems to be the best product. And one of the outstanding elements attracting much attention from users is its generous eye relief. A length of 4.9 inches is the maximum level which such eye relief can reach. Not many scopes nowadays own this feature.
Both duplex center dot reticle and optics get the multiple coating. They are all available to optimize light transmission. When taking a look at a target, you will be admittedly impressed with the light gathering the scope can hold.
As turning to the adjustment options, the Primary Arms scope deserves to be an easy-to-use device. There is no difficulty in moving turrets. And their mode is 1 MOA for each movement. This mechanism works for not only the windage but also the elevation.
Belonging to the best list does not mean that the Primary Arms scope has no defective points yet. There is no doubt that its illuminated dot is an easy-to-broken thing.
Pros
- Waterproof & fogproof
- Multi-brightness settings
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Easy usage
Cons
- Easy-broken illuminated dot
I do know why this product is always out of stock. It is likely to be the choice of many shooters out there. If you plan to get one, do not forget to check it dot carefully.
3.Vortex Optics Crossfire II
Offering a wide range of applications, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II is suitable for inexperienced and intermediate shooters or hunters with 100-yard targets.
The tool gets perfect protection for sure. The waterproof aluminum and frog proof construction protects the scope from environmental elements. The O-ring does not let the dirt and moisture come.
At the low light condition, challenges of performance will not happen. It is because that the V-Brite in the version of the V-Plex lights up thanks to the battery power.
One thing that I disappointed about the product is the turret. The battery cover is unlikely to secure on such part. And the reticle, sometimes, does not work well even when I exchange new batteries.
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Great construction
- Waterproof & Frog proof
- Easy controls
- Numerous options for size, power, and reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Unstable reticle
If you appreciate the durability and the high-quality material at most, let’s take a look at this recommendation. From compact construction, rigid structure to clear optics, all of them will never let your mood down.
4. Bushnell AR Optics, Drop Zone
Where can you buy mid-range scopes combining almost necessary features but still at a fair price like this Bushnell?
The AR Optics Drop Zone is excellent for hunters. It has a BDC reticle that the brand calibrates with the 55-62 grain. Its multi-coated optic is one of the brightest things on the market of scopes today. This element contributes to the high durability and long-lasting of the product.
The second point I want to share is the accuracy thanks to the enhanced optics and turret targeting system. The fast eyepiece focus is such an attractive benefit. Regardless of 100 or 500 yards, the accuracy will always stay the same.
Despite working well for the midrange accuracy, the scope does not match the demands of the long-range shooting. If it is your issue, spend more time reconsidering.
For some users, the Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone is heavy a little bit. Sometimes, the weight can affect accuracy negatively. Moreover, it also has no side focus and battery powered illuminated reticle.
Pros
- Accuracy for mid ranges
- Easy-to-adjust elevation
- Versatility
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- High-quality materials
- Waterproof, frog proof & shockproof
Cons
- Limited magnifying power
5. Xgazer Optics Certvision 1-4 × 24mm FFP
In term of popularity, the Xgazer scope is less common than the rest of the list. But it does not mean we should not add this product as the best 1-4x scope for the money. It offers impressive features for the tactical shooting at the middle range of price.
My first impression is the way the scope does the right transmission as well as the color fidelity. The lenses come with ultra-clear glass which can resist scratch and reduce glare.
In the low light condition, the Zgazer improves their scope’s performance with the 11-setting illumination. You will no longer have to worry about the contrast no matter what the light is.
A product not from a big brand like the Xgazer Optics Certvision 1-4×24mm FFP is honestly not my problem. The only one drawback I do not satisfy is the heavyweight. The 16 ounce is somehow out of the standard level. It can have ugly effects on the accuracy of the shooting.
Pros
- Waterproof, frog proof, shockproof
- 11-setting illumination
- Extra-clear lenses
- Fully-coated optics
Cons
- Heavy weight
What is the best 1-4x Scope?
Depending on shooting styles and specific demands, each user has different perspectives of the best 1-4x Scope.
I will put the brand reliability on the top whenever doing the consideration. The product must match my demand for usage and basic requirements for a scope. For instance, the construction must be strong against environmental effects. The lenses need to give shooters clear images and so many others.
Things to consider when choosing 1-4x Scope
In this next section of the article, we will learn more about considering elements to get the best 1-4x Scope.
They include:
- Construction
- Lenses
- Reticle
- Magnification
- Eye relief & box
Construction
This first point plays a vital role as you plan to choose a perfect scope. You, sometimes, cannot protect your scope from the rough use, the constant barrage as well as the run recoil.
The scopes wearing and collapsing quickly under shocks should not be in your list. Besides, you ought to check features of water and frog resistance. They are all very handful in a wide range of conditions.
Whatever you pick, please make sure that the product has the multi-coating and scratching guard feature. You will see that they are useful when in the rough using.
Lens
You may be keen on tactical or hunting applications. Regardless of which one you choose; the quality glass must always be the top priority for lenses.
Effective water shedding, glare reducing and light transmission increasing are three key elements to choose the right lenses. To match these requirements, I highly recommend the fine grain glass.
Your shooting is not always in a favorable environment. It could be a cloudy, rainy or even sunny day or night. Images, at that time, are unclear.
Plus, scopes which you put into you wish-list must features lenses catering your particular shooting needs and rifle. Due to a lot of lenses out there to opt for, you should know exactly what your usage is. Then, you narrow down your searching journey.
Reticle
I see that most of the shooters pay less attention to the reticle. But it does as much importance as outside elements as lenses or magnification. The reticle will affect the precision of the shooting.
To choose the best reticle, it requires you to determine your shooting style first. In any conditions, my top option is always the illuminated reticle. The choice helps me to get on target much more quickly than others can.
With the 1-4x scope, people tend to choose the duplex reticle which has tapered lines. Such a part is not only simple to use but also makes you not to feel cluttered.
Magnifying power
You exactly cannot ignore to consider the transitioning level of your scope. If you use a tactical firearm, you will never hope to stand down and adjust the focus again and again. So, how well the scope can transition from this magnification to another is pretty vital.
Eye relief & box
As for the eye relief, it is essential for both tactical and hunting applications. Shooters often love a few-inch-view through the scope. This case is more exact with those who prefer rifles with the high caliber and power.
The eye box is more essential for the tactical shooting. It is because you must pull off the shots in a very short time without lining up every single one. In hunting, for example, there is no problem with a tighter eye box regardless of what your shooting situation is. But I still suggest you get a larger one.
FAQs
1, What will happen if the battery of the scope dies?
The reticle will turn black without illumination.
2, Is the Bushnell AR optic suitable for AK74?
No, it is.
3, Vortex scope does not come with a mount, what should I do?
Prepare a couple of 30-mm-scope rings.
4, I can adjust Bushnell AR Drop Zone brightness with how many levels?
Unluckily, it has no brightness adjustment.
5, How long is the Primary Arms scope in warranty?
Around 1 year.
Conclusion
I have had chances of using all products of the best 1-4x scope for the money list mentioned above. And the Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone is the star of my shooting all the time. Its high quality boosts my appreciation into a new level. And the limitation of the magnification does not trouble me much. So, I often bring it along with me on the shooting journeys.
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