Best 1-4 Rifle Scopes: Upgrade Your Shooting Gear!

If hunting is something you enjoy much, you don’t want to shoot “blind”, right? You want to have an accurate and precise rifle and be able to shoot the target far beyond the most shooters can do? We completely understand you.

That is where 1-4 scopes come in place. They make sure you make long range shots accurately and safely. Even if you’re shooting from a close distance, shooting without a scope will make you waste your time and ammo, and this is something you don’t want for sure. You’ll get the most out of your box of bullets and firearm’s range also.

However, there is no perfect 1-4 scope. Each has weaknesses and strengths so not every type of 1-4 scope will help you in every situation. But to piece your mind, there are several best 1-4 scopes available on the market and it is totally up to you to choose the best one in order to accomplish what you need.

This is where we step in as we came up with a list of the features you have to consider before buying one and review of some of the best 1-4 scopes on the market. You’ll be able to compare each product and choose the one that suits you most accordingly.

Our Top Picks

Features To Consider Before Buying 

Before purchasing a 1-4 scope, there are several main features you need to have in mind. As we mentioned above, not every scope is the same and not every brand is the same. They all have its strengths and weaknesses and you should buy a scope based on what you will use it for and they type of your rifle.

Reliability And Adjustment Accuracy

When we talk about the 1-4 rifle scope, this tool is an extremely precision tool. The adjustment of the regulation is in order of fractions of thousands of radiant (mrad or mil) and fractions of angle minutes (MOA). In order to meet the degree of accuracy, the scope’s internal mechanism has to be really accurate.

Every now and then, we see that the value in both high and mid priced scopes are not as expected. An adjustment advertised is not totally agreed upon the value that is declared. If you shoot at short ranges you might not notice this difference, but when shooting from a larger distance you’ll notice that the adjustment accuracy is not what you thought it would be causing misses you don’t want to happen.

It happens that, at some point, the internal mechanism loses some “clicks” which means that you won’t get the correction you set on your turret.

In order to check if a particular scope loses “clicks” you can rotate the elevation turret (when a scope is perfectly zeroed) all the way up and all the way down several times. After that, you should set the elevation turret back to zero and shoot the target again.

If the shot doesn’t go to the point you aimed, the scope loses some “clicks” during the process of dialing. If this is something that happens to the scope you paid at a higher price, you should have it changed because this happening with a high priced scope is not acceptable.

Ability To Maintain Zero

Even after transportation and long storage period, every 1-4 scope needs to keep the adjustment you set from one shooting to another. If you lose the zero during transportation you lose the ability to set the adjustment correctly.

It’s especially important to keep that in mind if you’re into military style matches or long range hunting.  High priced scopes are all capable of maintaining zero, at least we hope they are, but there are always some mechanical defects that can cause losing zero.

At low priced and even mid priced scopes it is always uncertain that the zero will be maintained. Likewise, it’s not always easy to establish if some scope is able to hold the zero or not as it can be mounted poorly, have some imperfections in the stock/rifle assembly or have an improper installation.

Glass

When it comes to scope glass, you basically get what you paid for, so don’t expect some amazing features from scopes made from inexpensive materials. It is preferred that you choose a premium quality material such as low dispersion glass as it will minimize color fringing (chromatic aberration), they’ll sharpen the image and provide color fidelity and contrast that is needed.

In addition to this, you should keep in mind that you choose lenses that are completely multicoated so you get the maximum light transmission and brightness, not to mention that the coating should be hydraphich to speed up the moisture removal from the outside surfaces of the lens.

Compatibility

1-4 scopes should be compatible with the rifle and able of mounting on modern rifles such as AR 15 which is most popular among hunters. It’s fundamental to check if the scope you’re planning on buying is compatible with your rifle so read the specification before, so you know that the scope you’re buying is fit for the rifle you already have.

Most sellers will tell you which rifles they fit, but we advise you to double check the specification anyway.

Price

The best scope should be dependable and tough, but not too expensive. Although you’ll see scopes that are a bit expensive 1-4 rifle scopes that are over $200, there are also those cheaper versions for little less than $100.

Top Products Reviews

Now it’s time to have a look at some of the best ones. The list you’ll about to see contains eight best 1-4 scopes with researched and analyzed features, their pros and cost. The idea behind these reviews is that you have the idea, detailed comparison and decide on the correct scope for you and your rifle.

Monstrum Tactical Rifle Scope

Price: Approx. $70

Weight: 11 ounces

Materials: 6061 aircraft grade aluminum

Objective lens diameter: 24mm

Tube diameter: 30 mm

Specific features: Glass rangefinder reticle, crystal clear optics, made from aircraft grade aluminum, nitrogen charged tube for resistance to fog and water

Best use: Shooting, hunting

The Monstrum Tactical Rifle Scope comes with Rangefinder reticle which can be viewed in green or red illumination, not to mention multiple brightness intensities which are perfect for sight image no matter what in what kind of environment or lightening is used.

If you’re looking for a high performance tactical scope, then this one’s perfect for you as it provides crystal clear optics that has one to four times magnification for a mid and close shooting range. Made from aircraft grade aluminum, this Monster tactical rifle scope is both lightweight and sturdy. It also has nitrogen charged tube (1 inch sealed) which makes it resistant to fog and water.

A set of offset rings is included in the package and its extension is over 1.5 inches. It has a high profile when it comes to height and measures only 0.8 in from the bottom of the rings to the base of the mount.

Related: Most buyers also opted for this Golden Finger Tactical Scope Ring also made from aluminum. This is a really good quick release scope mount for your AR platform.

Check the price on Amazon

Primary Arms Illuminated Rifle Scope

Price: Approx. $120

Weight: 17 ounces

Material: Aluminium

Objective lens diameter: 24 mm

Tube diameter: 30 mm

Specific features: Second focal plane, flip up lens caps included, illuminated duplex dot reticle, illuminated center dot, waterproof, fog resistant

Best use: Shooting, hunting

This Primary Arms Illuminated Rifle Scope is one of the better scopes in this category, and comes at a very reasonable price. It is made from a one piece 30 mm aluminum tube, is fog resistant and waterproof and comes with a 1 year warranty. It features a duplex center dot reticle and is coated in matte black. Its price and quality put it into a good mid range category.

On the left side of the tube, there is a brightness know that illuminates the center dot and has twelve different brightness settings. Ocular is adjustable with will make the reticle sharper for your eyes’ adjustment. Turret caps cover is also adjustable with ½ MOA per click windage and elevation knobs.

It is basically the best glass that you’ll get in this price range as it’s very good. It’s very long and possibly the longest 1-4 scope on the market. It’s also a bit heavier, but if you’re willing to give up a few ounces this is the best bargain you’ll get.

Related: If you’re looking for an inexpensive, no frills mount, then we suggest this CCOP MNT-1516 Rifle Scope Mount. It is a very solid mount and holds zero really well for a very low price.

Check the price on Amazon

Barska IR Hunting Rifle Scope

Price: Approx. $125

Weight: 16 ounces

Material: Aluminium

Objective lens diameter: 24 mm

Tube diameter: 30 mm

Specific features: Easy grip target style elevation and windage, lifetime warranty, adjustment knob, adjustable rheostat, waterproof, fog proof, shockproof, low profile, compact size

Best use: Hunting

The Barska IR Hunting Rifle Scope is a compact size, low profile scope that many professional hunters and shooters rated as an excellent scope. With 1x magnification, you’ll be able to use this scope with all iron sights. In case you need some long ranging sights you can crank up the scope’s magnification to 4x in order to see all things up close.

It has lockable elevation and windage turrets, its fog proof, waterproof and shockproof. Has green or red illuminated Mil Dot reticle and fully multicoated optics. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty which is great considering that is less than $200. It comes with a battery, flip up scope cover and 1 inch dual cantilever ring mount.

It is one of the most popular and top rifle scopes from this brand and this scope delivers only top quality and high end optics while it remains a strong value. Whether you’ll use it for hunting or shooting, we strongly advise this scope as it will deliver great results during the day and night.

Related: If you’re looking for a great attachment for your rifle to keep it steady we advise you look at this CVLIFE Tactical Bipod. It comes with Picatinny Mount Adapter, is made from aircraft aluminum alloy, is strong, lightweight and easy to fold.

Check the price on Amazon

BSA Optics Tactical Rifle Scope

Price: Approx. $70

Weight: 14.1 ounces

Material: Aluminium

Objective lens diameter: 24 mm

Tube diameter: 30 mm

Special Features: Two sets of interchangeable turret caps, haze filters, limited lifetime warranty, resistant to fog, water and shock, mil dot reticle, composed of two piece body (aluminum), fully multicoated optics

Best use: Shooting long range

BSA Optics Tactical Rifle Scope is a rifles cope that has a great zoom, which means you can get up close and take great shots. It’s another product by BSA Optics that won’t let you down. Its fully multi coated optics are fog proof, waterproof and shockproof, which makes this scope last long. It’s another scope that comes with a lifetime warranty so we give the advantage to this one also.

Tactical apps are a bit different from the optics you use for hunting, so it’s best used when you need to shoot at long range and is kind of perfect for snipers. For the common battle rifle like the TW 223 and AR 15 this scope is perfect.

It’s a scope that works well for the price and the only thing could be added is a cap so that it could be put over the windage turret once you have it zeroed.

Check the price on Amazon

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Rifle Scope

Price: Approx. $250

Weight: 16 ounces

Material: Aircraft grade aluminum

Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm

Tube diameter: 30 mm

Specific features: Fast focus eyepiece, hard anodized finish, fog proof, waterproof, shockproof, aircraft grade aluminum, fully multicoated, illuminated center dot

Best use: Shooting long range

Although a bit pricey, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Rifle Scope comes with a fast focus eyepiece, long eye relief and lenses that are fully multicoated. There’s no compromise on the Crossfire II with MOA turrets. It’s bright, tough and clear. Crossfire II is a brand that offers value priced scopes with top notch pieces to make their scopes last longer.

It comes with a lifetime warranty which sets a piece of mind with buyers who are not sure whether to pay around $250 for a scope. The tube that is made from aircraft grade aluminum and is hard anodized is nitrogen purged and has O-ring sealing which makes the scope fog proof and waterproof.

It is fully multi coated which increases light transmission on all glass surfaces, has a second focal plane reticle and provides a precise aiming and shooting under dark light conditions with an illuminated center dot. The tube is made from a single piece aircraft aluminum, which adds rigidity, accuracy, esthetics and strength to this scope.

Check the price on Amazon

Firefield Close Combat Rifle Scope

Price: Approx. $100

Weight: 14.2 ounces

Material: Aluminum

Objective lens diameter: 24 mm

Tube diameter: 30 mm

Specific features: Fast focus eyepiece, hard anodized finish, fog proof, waterproof, shockproof, aluminum material, fully multicoated lenses, red/green mil dot reticle, lightweight and compact, exposed turret

Best use: Wide range shooting, hunting

A bit cheaper version of the previous scope, Firefield Close Combat Rifle Scope is manufactured for big game hunts in wide range shooting conditions. Its power provides both 4x optical system and eyes open viewing. It is waterproof, fog proof, shockproof, and the frame makes sure that the scope stays portable and durable for a lifetime.

As for the optics, it is fully multi coated with ¼ inch click adjustment (MOA) and green or red illuminated Mil Dot reticle which makes this scope perfect for range finding and tactical shooting. Shooters and hunters can use the reticle for windage correction or hold over the bullet drop compensation.

Elevation turrets, open windage and easy grip that can be found on the side of the scope and on the top allows all shooters to fine tune the reticle really quickly which provides better accuracy. It is well constructed, very solid and easy to use so it’s a scope that we definitely recommend.

Related: This CCOP MNT-1516 Rifle Scope Mount Rings is the ideal item to buy alongside the sight, especially for Picatinny Rail. It is well made and solid for its price. If you plan to use it occasionally it will perform and look great. For occasional use, it looks and performs great.

Check the price on Amazon

Mueller Speed Shot Rifle Scope

Price: Approx. $220

Weight: 17.6 ounces

Material: Aluminum

Objective lens diameter: 24 mm

Tube diameter: 30 mm

Specific features: Fully multicoated lenses, Fast focus eyeball, fog proof, waterproof, shockproof, 4 MOA illuminated dot reticle

Best use: Shooting long range

The Mueller Speed Shot Rifle Scope is one of the fastest target acquisition scopes from this brand. It has some new, amazing features, professional grade construction and proven hardware. It’s perfect for tactical uses, such as hog or bear hunting. It has an incredibly bright reticle and a variable zoom.

With its new, improved illumination system, you’ll be able to see everything during hot, sunny days, thanks to a bright center dot, not to mention that you’ll be able to line up your targets really quickly by as it comes with a fast-focus eyepiece, a wide angle view and 4 MOA dot reticle for better large area vision around the scope.

This brand also features 30 millimeter tube that is sturdy and big enough to fit almost all rifle rings with elevation turrets and windage that will provide perfect accuracy in any weather condition at any height. If you’re looking for a well illuminated, fast targeting and accurate scope then this one’s for you.

Related: People who bought this riflescope also bought this Butler Creek Flip-Open Scope Cover that is custom to fit all scopes and has a fast flip open design. It’s cheap and will work perfectly with Mueller’s rifle scopes.

Check the price on Amazon

TacFire Tactical Rifle Scope

Price: Approx. $90

Weight: 1.8 ounces

Material: T6 6061 aluminum

Objective lens diameter: 24 mm

Tube diameter: 30 mm

Specific features: Fogproof and waterproof with shock resistant housing, multicoated lenses, scratch resistant, nitrogen purged with O-ring sealed

Best use: Shooting long range

TacFire Tactical Rifle Scope comes with green, blue or red dot laser Mil Dot reticle (etched Glass) to provide the best top notch quality when it comes to light transfer and clarity. The scope which fits perfectly for Weaver Picatinny rails is made from one piece T6 6061 Aircraft grade aluminum that is solid and durable.

It is fog proof, waterproof and shockproof, not to mention that the lens is scratch resistant. The finish is anodized matte black making it aesthetically appealing. The scope comes with a mount that is easy to detach and has an adjustable tension.

It is nitrogen charged with seals that are weather resistant. Saddle height is one inch on the addition to short top rail, which makes it easy to attach additional tactical accessories. It is a great value for the price considering the fact that holds zero perfectly.

The package includes a battery, cloth for lens polishing and removable flip up covers for a lens.

Related: Most buyers who opted this riflescope also bought Pyramex I-Force Anti Fog Goggle. Although the rifle is fog proof, Pyramex Safety goggles are sporty and lightweight and provide additional protection.

Check the price on Amazon

Wrapping It Up

A 1-4 scope will become your best friend when it comes to shooting, either out in the wilderness or in the shooting ranges. It’ll help you see your target closely and quickly not to mention you’ll be able to take accurate shots, which is the most important thing, right?

Some of them might not be the best choice for long range shots, but there are also 1-4 rifle scopes on our list that are simply manufactured for long range shots.

Take a lot of time and patience as finding the right 1-4 scope takes time and think about for what and where you will be using it. Tailoring tools to your environment is a smart thing to do, so choosing the best 1-4 rifle scope is no exception.

Hopefully, our features and review helped you compare one 1-4 scope from another and how the reticle can make a huge difference when need to locate your target on time or being able to use it in different weather conditions. All features mentioned above should be carefully researched and analyzed before deciding and buying a scope.

Are you ready to buy one? What was the most important feature you looked before buying? We’d love to hear your questions, opinion and experience, so please write us in the comment section below the article. Happy hunting!