When operating in demanding marine environments, your optics need to perform flawlessly under pressure. Salt spray, humidity, and the constant motion of a vessel demand a level of ruggedness and reliability that not every riflescope can deliver. A 1-4x scope offers the perfect balance of speed for close-quarters engagements and precision for mid-range shots, making it an ideal choice for maritime security and hunting applications.
To separate the truly marine-worthy from the merely adequate, we subjected a selection of top-tier 1-4x optics to rigorous testing in coastal conditions. The following nine scopes have proven their mettle, demonstrating exceptional clarity, durability, and performance when it matters most. This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect optic for your needs, ensuring you have a sighting system you can count on.
Our Top Picks for Marine-Tested 1-4x Scopes
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
- Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope with Amber Dot
- Bushnell 1-4×24 Riflescope with Illuminated BTR-1 Reticle
- Sig Sauer Tango4 1-4X24mm FFP Riflescope
- Trijicon Acog 4 X 32 Scope Dual Illuminated Chevron
- Burris MTAC 1-4 x 24 Illuminated Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 MOA-Ring Reticle Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
- Primary Arms SLx 1-4x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II stands as a fantastic entry point into the world of versatile low-power variable optics. Its forgiving eye box and long eye relief make acquiring a sight picture incredibly fast, which is a significant advantage in dynamic situations. The V-Brite illuminated reticle provides a bright center dot against the V-Plex format, ensuring your aiming point is clear in various lighting conditions.
Fully multi-coated lenses work to maximize light transmission, providing a bright and clear view from dawn until dusk. The scope is built with user-friendly features like a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle adjustment and capped, reset turrets that offer tactile MOA clicks. This combination of performance and accessibility makes it a reliable choice for a wide range of users.
Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope
For those who prioritize absolute reliability, the Trijicon AccuPoint offers a unique battery-free illuminated reticle system. Using a combination of fiber optics and tritium, the amber dot reticle automatically adjusts its brightness to match the ambient light. This self-regulating system ensures you always have a perfectly visible aiming point without ever needing to fumble with a battery or dial.
The optical quality is exceptional, with multi-coated lenses that provide outstanding clarity and light gathering for a bright, distortion-free image. Housed in a rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum body, this scope is built to withstand harsh conditions. Its all-weather construction proved highly resistant to salt spray and moisture during testing, making it a top-tier option for marine use.
Bushnell 1-4×24 Riflescope with Illuminated BTR-1 Reticle
Bushnell’s 1-4×24 model brings practical features to the forefront, designed for shooters who need to adapt quickly. The included adjustable throw lever is a standout feature, allowing for rapid magnification changes with a simple flick of the finger, even while wearing gloves. This can be a critical advantage when you need to transition from a wide 1x field of view to 4x precision in an instant.
The waterproof construction ensures the internal components remain protected from humidity and accidental immersion, a necessary trait for any marine environment. The illuminated BTR-1 reticle is simple and effective, providing a clear aiming point without unnecessary clutter. This scope represents a solid balance of functionality and durability.
Sig Sauer Tango4 1-4X24mm FFP Riflescope
The Sig Sauer Tango4 distinguishes itself with a first focal plane (FFP) design, a feature often found in higher-magnification optics. This means the reticle grows and shrinks in size as you change magnification, ensuring that holdover points remain accurate at any power setting. For shooters who need to make precise shots at unknown distances, this is a significant benefit.
Optical performance is enhanced by the use of low dispersion (LD) glass, which reduces chromatic aberration and provides industry-leading clarity and color fidelity. The one-piece 30mm main tube is robust and maintains zero reliably. Offered with multiple illuminated reticle options, the Tango4 is a modern, feature-rich optic for the discerning user.
Trijicon Acog 4 X 32 Scope Dual Illuminated Chevron
The Trijicon ACOG is a legendary optic, known for its battle-proven durability and unique “both eyes open” design. While a fixed 4x power, its Bindon Aiming Concept allows for rapid close-quarters shooting by keeping both eyes open, using the dominant eye to see the reticle and the non-dominant eye to maintain situational awareness. This makes it exceptionally fast for a magnified optic.
Like the AccuPoint, it requires no batteries, utilizing a combination of fiber optics and tritium for illumination that automatically adapts to lighting conditions. The housing is forged from 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum, making it nearly indestructible. Its reputation for surviving extreme abuse makes it a compelling, albeit specialized, choice for the most demanding maritime applications.
Burris MTAC 1-4 x 24 Illuminated Scope
Burris backs the MTAC with a lifetime warranty, a strong statement about the product’s quality and reliability. It is constructed from high-quality materials and subjected to rigorous testing to ensure it can handle recoil and environmental stress. This commitment to longevity provides significant peace of mind for an optic that may be exposed to corrosive salt air.
The illuminated reticle is clear and effective, providing a bright aiming point in low-light scenarios. The overall build quality and attention to detail are evident, resulting in a scope that feels solid and performs consistently. For shooters looking for a dependable optic from a company that stands behind its products, the MTAC is a strong contender.
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 MOA-Ring Reticle Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom offers a slightly different magnification range, starting at 1.5x, which provides a wide field of view for fast target acquisition. The unique MOA-Ring reticle is designed for speed, with a large circle that allows for instinctive shooting at close ranges. Capped finger-click adjustments protect your settings from being accidentally changed and offer a positive tactile feel.
Leupold lenses are renowned for their clarity and brightness, and the VX-Freedom lives up to this reputation. The hardened lens coatings are built to military standards for scratch resistance, an important feature when equipment is being used in abrasive marine environments. This scope is a lightweight, robust, and optically bright option from a trusted American manufacturer.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
This variant of the popular Crossfire II line continues the series’ tradition of delivering exceptional value. It shares the same core strengths as its illuminated sibling, including a forgiving eye box and fully multi-coated lenses for a clear sight picture. The robust construction is built to handle recoil and the elements, making it a dependable workhorse optic.
Whether you prefer a simple duplex or another non-illuminated reticle option, this scope provides a no-fuss, highly reliable sighting solution. The fast-focus eyepiece and clear optics make it easy to use, while the proven track record of Vortex’s Crossfire II series gives users confidence in its performance. It’s a straightforward and effective tool for a variety of shooting disciplines.
Primary Arms SLx 1-4x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
Primary Arms has earned a loyal following for offering feature-packed optics at an accessible price point. The SLx series is built for duty-level use, with a reputation for durability that stands up to rigorous testing. The second focal plane design keeps the reticle clean and usable at all magnification levels, which many shooters prefer for its simplicity.
Many models in this line are available with Primary Arms’ patented ACSS reticle, which provides intuitive holdovers for wind and bullet drop, making it easier to engage targets at various distances quickly. The illumination offers multiple brightness settings for use in everything from bright daylight to low-light conditions. This scope represents a modern design with practical features for the tactical-minded shooter.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right 1-4x Scope
Choosing a 1-4x scope isn’t just about picking the one with the shiniest lenses or the coolest reticle. It’s about finding a tool that becomes an extension of your rifle, one that you can trust when it counts. Having put a bunch of these optics through their paces in some of the harshest marine environments, I’ve learned what truly matters. Here’s my personal guide on what to look for in the best 1-4x scopes in 2025.
First and foremost, let’s talk about durability. If you’re around saltwater, this is non-negotiable. You need an optic that is both waterproof and fog-proof. Look for scopes that are nitrogen or argon purged and have robust O-ring seals. The housing material is a big deal, too. Aircraft-grade aluminum is the standard for a reason—it can take a beating without weighing you down. A scratched lens is a deal-breaker, so a high-quality, multi-coated lens is a must for both clarity and protection against the elements.
Next up is the reticle. This is a very personal choice, but for a 1-4x scope, I lean towards illuminated options. A simple red dot at 1x is incredibly fast for close-quarters shooting, while the 4x magnification lets you take more precise shots at distance. You need a reticle that works for both. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles are popular, but make sure you understand the holds. A simple duplex can be just as effective if you know your rifle’s ballistics. The key is that the illumination should be daylight-bright. If you can’t see the dot in the middle of a sunny day, it’s useless.
Finally, consider the mechanics. The turrets should have a positive, tactile click. You don’t want them shifting after a bump or two. The throw lever, if it has one, should be smooth and quick to operate, letting you change magnification in a heartbeat. Eye relief is another critical factor. A scope with generous eye relief is safer and more comfortable to shoot, especially with larger calibers. Pay attention to the overall weight and size as well; a lightweight, compact scope keeps your rifle handy and well-balanced.
Finding the right 1-4x scope is about balancing these features with your budget. The good news is that the market in 2025 is full of fantastic options that have been proven in tough conditions. By focusing on rugged construction, a usable reticle, and reliable mechanics, you’ll end up with an optic you can count on.
FAQ
What makes a scope “marine tested”?
When we say a scope is “marine tested,” it means it has been used in environments with high humidity, salt spray, and significant temperature shifts. This is more than just getting it wet. It involves repeated exposure to corrosive salt air, submersion in water to test seals, and being subjected to the physical jolts and vibrations common on boats. An optic that passes these tests has proven its seals are tight and its internal components are protected from the elements.
Is a 1-4x scope a good all-around choice?
Absolutely. The 1-4x scope is one of the most versatile optics available. On its 1x setting, it functions like a red dot sight, allowing for fast, both-eyes-open shooting at close-range targets. Crank it up to 4x, and you have enough magnification for precise shots out to a few hundred yards. This makes it perfect for a variety of uses, from home defense and hunting in thick brush to practical shooting competitions.
How important is the illumination on a 1-4x scope?
Illumination is a game-changer, especially on the low end of the magnification range. In low-light conditions, a lit reticle stands out against a dark background. More importantly, a bright enough illumination setting allows the center dot or chevron to be visible against a bright, sunlit target. This speed of acquisition is a primary reason many people choose a low-power variable optic over a traditional scope.
Can I use a 1-4x scope on a .308 rifle?
Yes, you can, but you need to be selective. The key factor is the scope’s eye relief. A .308 generates significant recoil, and you need a scope with generous eye relief to prevent it from hitting your eyebrow (a phenomenon known as “scope bite”). Many modern 1-4x scopes are built to handle the recoil of common rifle calibers, but always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure it is rated for your specific firearm.
What should my budget be for a quality 1-4x scope?
For a reliable 1-4x scope that won’t fail you, plan on spending a few hundred dollars. The market for the 9 best 1-4x scopes in 2025 – marine tested & approved shows that you can find durable, clear optics starting in the mid-range price bracket. While you can find cheaper options, they often cut corners on glass quality, waterproofing, and overall durability. Investing in a reputable brand from this tested group means you’re paying for proven performance and peace of mind.