1-4x Scope?

S

samefly

New member
I'll be getting a .223 rifle soon (still debating which) but I'm hoping to put something around a 1-4x scope on it. Any recommendations for a quality/well built 1-4x that's lightweight, has good low light visibility, and under $300? So far here's what I've come across:

Leupold VX-I or II 1-4x (other than price what's the difference ?)
Nikon Monarch African 1-4x20mm
Nikon 1.65-5x36 BTR
Weaver Grandslam 1.5-5x32

Are there any quality illuminated reticles for under $300?
 
Nikon 1.65-5 BTR gets my vote, awsome little scopes for a fairly good price. I really like them. Another is the Monarch African with the 1.1-4 with the illuminated retical. Something different that I for 1 really like on those type of guns. Remember though they are 30mm tubes on those when you get rings
 
Have you considered a reflex sight? they are great for nighttime/lowlight and there is no parallax to worry about. Plus you can get some that can use add ons for magnification. Not the best for precision work, but for a tactical scope, you cant beat em.
 
Cabela's currently has Leupold VX-II 2 x 7 and 3 x 9 scopes on sale for less than $300; either would be a more useful scope for .223 than a 1 x 4 unless all of your shooting will be no more than about 100 - 150 yards. I have Leupold scopes on 4 rifles and a shotgun; they are a good value.
 
I plan on equipping a 2-7x or 3-9x on a hunting rifle (.308/.30-06/.380) I'm planning to get so I think the 1-4x would be best for my .223. The .223 is more for plinking, backpacking, and around the house defense.
 
I use scopes in the 1-3 to 1.5-5 power range on 16" carbines except the ones I use for coyote hunting(might go higher on those depending on how good individual rifles shoot). 20" rifles usually get 3-9 and I just mounted a 4-12 on a high grade 20".
 
I have a Weaver Classic V series 1-3x20 power scope on my AR and it just doesn't really cut it for 100 yard targets with my tired eyes. Would probably be fine for man sized targets. I just ordered a Nikon ProStaff 2-7x32 to replace it with.
 
I started with iron, then red dot, then scope on my AR. I have a 1-4x20 Nikon African. Clear picture and very forgiving on eye alignment. I mostly shoot at 50 and 100 yards.
My 2nd AR has a 1-4 Millet but when I can afford it, I will get a 2-7 for it.
 
doesn't have to illuminated but would be great if I could find one for around that price (and one that doesn't weigh a lot)
 
You might consider the Eotech red-dots. These have a real 1MOA dot, work surprisingly well at 200 yds (with a rest) and also work OK for quick offhand shots at closer range.
 
I have Leupold NWTF 1-4x20's (complete with the 'turkey plex' reticle) on two of my AR's. They work well with both eyes open at room distances or at longer ranges. If I remember correctly ran me about $250 each including Burris PEPR mounts. I highly recommend that set-up for a good balance of quality and value.
 
This one is a bit more than I want to pay but is anyone familiar with the Leatherwood/Hi-Lux CMR 1-4x24mm Illuminated Reticle?

As far as red dots/reflex optics go there definitely nice but I think the variable scopes cover a wider variety of situations and needs.
 
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I've used 20 and 32mm scopes for years, and recently picked up a 2.5X25mm.

For daylight use I like the Leupold 1-4X20 shotgun scope.
For low light conditions, I've decided I want at least 32mm, and fully multicoated lenses. Of the scopes you listed, the Weaver qualifies. The discontinued Nitrex TR1 is the same scope as the Grand Slam. You might want to check the price on them at NatchezSS.
The Leupold VX-II is fully multicoated. The VX-I is multicoated.

Burris makes a 1-4X24 with illumination for $300 IIRC. And I think Hawke makes something like that.
 
Last Dec after Christmas I swear I remember Trijicon AccuPoints 1-4 for $400 something. Des anyone knowmif that is reasonae to ezpct again ? I was gonna grt one , it was float to $500 ? But the the Aimpoint r-1 sale for $299 happened and I got two.

But this uear I want and Need me AccuPoints. A 1-4 ESP and hopefully w 2.5-10x56!! Gimmeh gimmeh gimmeh teh goods!!! Do it do it
 
I've used the Leupold VX-II 1-4 variable fitted to a .375 H&H Magnum. The scope was clear, held zero & tracked reliably between 250 grain & 300 grain bullets.
Being used to 3-9 variables, I sometimes found myself wanting a higher magnification on 150 yard plus shots.
Leupold VX-I has friction adjustment, the VX-II has 1/4" click adjustment. I have a VX-I Leupold variable 2-7x on my .22 rimfire & its proved to be a great scope but prefer to use VX-II on my centerfires.
I would get more use out of a 2-7x variable on a .223, than a 1-4x.
 
samefly, here's the content I deleted


you can get a Leupold Mark AR 1.5-4x20 with a Burris PEPR mount for $320 no tax and free shipping from sportoptics...the PEPR mount alone is normally $70+. It's a duplex reticle and not illuminated

the Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40 mil dot reticle with PEPR is being delivered to me today
 
As far as red dots/reflex optics go there definitely nice but I think the variable scopes cover a wider variety of situations and needs.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I use a Burris XTR 1x4 in a LaRue SPR-E mount, it's great but it is heavy.

Burris now offers another 1x4 that looks pretty good.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/99...x-24mm-illuminated-ballistic-cq-reticle-matte

One note, if you plan on shooting a scope using a both eyes open technique, then a true 1X optic will make your life a whole lot easier.

If it's a true 1X then the scope can be used just like a red dot optic.

If it's even just a little off of 1X such as a 1.1X, then it becomes a lot more difficult and really at that point your just using a uselessly low power scope.

In my circles of tactical two and three gun shooting, there's been a large movement away from red dot optics to variable scopes. A true 1X is just as fast and gives you a great advantage at reduced targets beyond a hundred yards.

Read user reviews to get a feel for how close the scope is to a true 1X, the manufacturers can, and do, fudge the 1X claim.
 
I mostly agree with what Mr. HJ857 said about keeping both eyes open. Where I'd differ is that I find that having a crisp and flat low power image is better than a true 1x image. For example - I used to have a Leupold C/QT scope, which is a true 1x scope, but has some "fishbowl" effect going on at low power. I find it much easier to have both eyes open with my Leuopld VariX-III 1.5-5 power (on 1.5x) as the 1.5x image is flatter.

It does not surprise me that the "stock" optics for the AUG, FS2000 and P90 incorporate magnification between 1x and 2x.
 
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