Finding the perfect 1-4x scope represents a sweet spot for many shooters. This versatile magnification range offers lightning-fast target acquisition at 1x, functioning like a red dot, while the 4x top end provides enough precision for ethical shots at medium distances. Whether you’re running a tactical carbine, a hunting rifle for driven game, or a general-purpose utility firearm, a 1-4x LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) is an incredibly practical choice that balances speed and precision.
The market is flooded with options, making it challenging to identify which scope delivers the best performance for your investment. A great value scope isn’t just about a low price tag; it’s about robust construction, clear glass, reliable illumination, and features that enhance your shooting experience without breaking the bank. This roundup cuts through the noise to present ten standout scopes that offer versatile performance and excellent value, helping you make an informed decision for your next optics upgrade.
Top 10 Versatile 1-4x Scopes for the Money
- Hi‑Lux CMR 1‑8×24 Rifle Scope
- Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope
- Bushnell Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
- Burris MTAC 1-4 x 24 Illuminated Scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24
- BURRIS FullField II 4.5-14×42 Scope
- Athlon Optics Talos BTR 1-4X24 Gen2
- Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Riflescope
- UTG 4-16X44 30mm Compact Scope
- Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Hi‑Lux CMR 1‑8×24 Rifle Scope
The Hi‑Lux CMR scope offers an impressive 1–8X magnification range, providing exceptional versatility. This allows you to handle rapid, close-range engagements at the 1x setting and then dial up to 8x for more precise shots at extended distances, all within a single optic. Built with an aircraft-grade aluminum 30mm main tube, it delivers the enhanced strength and rigidity required for tactical performance in demanding environments.
A key benefit is its daylight-bright red illumination. The fiber-optic illuminated reticle remains clearly visible even in direct sunlight, while the red dot bright illumination enhances rapid target acquisition. This feature ensures smooth transitions between targets in any lighting condition, making it a reliable choice for dynamic shooting scenarios.
Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope
Trijicon is renowned for its rugged and reliable optics, and the AccuPoint 1-4x24mm is a prime example. It features superior quality, multi-coated lenses that provide exceptional clarity and light-gathering capabilities with zero distortion. This results in a bright, sharp sight picture that is critical for identifying targets in low-light conditions.
This scope stands out with its battery-free illumination system. Using a combination of fiber optic technology and a tritium phosphor lamp, it automatically adjusts the reticle’s brightness to ambient light and provides illumination in total darkness. Housed in rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum, this all-weather scope is built to protect against the toughest elements, ensuring long-term durability.
Bushnell Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
The Bushnell Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope is designed with the practical shooter in mind. It features a 30mm tube diameter, which allows for a greater range of windage and elevation adjustment compared to standard 1-inch tubes. The included Drop Zone reticle provides useful holdover points for engaging targets at varying distances without dialing adjustments.
Fully multi-coated optics ensure maximum light transmission, providing a bright and clear view from dawn until dusk. With a field of view ranging from 90 feet at 1x to 23 feet at 4x, this scope offers a generous sight picture for fast shooting up close and a more focused view for precision at higher magnification.
Burris MTAC 1-4 x 24 Illuminated Scope
The Burris MTAC scope is built with a reputation for quality and reliability. It is constructed using high-quality materials and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it performs when it matters most. This dedication to craftsmanship gives users confidence in the field or on the range.
Adding to its appeal, this illuminated 1-4x scope is backed by Burris’s legendary Forever Warranty. This lifetime warranty demonstrates the company’s commitment to standing behind its products, making the MTAC a low-risk investment for any shooter looking for a dependable illuminated optic.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24
The Vortex Crossfire II is a popular choice for its user-friendly design and reliable performance. It features a V-Brite reticle that uses a simple V-Plex format with an illuminated center dot, perfect for fast shooting. With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, acquiring a sight picture and getting on target is quick and intuitive.
Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views, while the fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle focusing. The capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks and can be easily reset to zero after sighting in, making the scope simple to use and maintain.
BURRIS FullField II 4.5-14×42 Scope
For shooters needing more magnification for longer-range work, the Burris FullField II offers a 4.5-14x range. It features the Ballistic Plex reticle, a simple yet effective trajectory-compensating design that is easy to understand and use in the field. This scope brings long-range accuracy in a straightforward package.
A key feature for improved accuracy at extended distances is the parallax adjustment. This allows you to eliminate parallax error, ensuring the reticle stays on target regardless of your eye position. This makes the FullField II a solid choice for hunters and precision shooters who regularly engage targets beyond typical 1-4x ranges.
Athlon Optics Talos BTR 1-4X24 Gen2
The Athlon Talos BTR Gen2 is built with performance-oriented features. Its advanced fully multi-coated glass ensures better light transmission for optimum brightness and true color representation. The reticle is etched directly onto the glass, which provides excellent support for complex designs and offers superior durability and higher shock resistance to recoil.
This scope is built to handle harsh conditions. It is completely sealed and gas-purged, making it waterproof and fog-proof. Whether you’re caught in a heavy downpour or accidentally drop the optic, you can trust it to remain clear and functional.
Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Riflescope
Designed specifically for modern sporting rifles, this Bushnell AR Optics scope is feature-packed. It is available with a second focal plane Drop Zone-223 reticle with holds out to 600 yards. Exposed turrets allow for quick and accurate windage and elevation adjustments, while the Throw Down PCL lever makes magnification changes almost instantaneous.
With an IPX7 waterproof rating and fully multi-coated optics, this scope represents an outstanding value. Its compact size also makes it perfect for use on an AR platform, especially when paired with offset iron sights or a red dot sight for a versatile backup system.
UTG 4-16X44 30mm Compact Scope
The UTG 4-16X44 scope offers a higher magnification range for those who need it, all within a compact package. It features a 30mm tube and what UTG calls “best in class” multi-emerald coated lenses to achieve maximum light transmission for superior clarity. The illuminated mil-dot reticle includes a convenient 1-Click memory feature that recalls your last used color and brightness setting.
Built on a true strength platform, this scope is completely sealed and nitrogen filled. This construction makes it shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions and environments.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Primary Arms has earned a strong following for delivering high-value optics with innovative reticles. The SLx 1-6x24mm model continues this tradition, offering a versatile 1-6x magnification range that expands your effective distance. Many of their scopes feature the acclaimed ACSS reticle, which integrates ranging, holds, and moving target leads into a single, easy-to-use system.
Known for their durability and clear glass, Primary Arms SLx optics are built to withstand the recoil of modern rifles. They provide a reliable and feature-rich option for shooters who want a practical, no-nonsense scope that performs well in a variety of scenarios, from competition to hunting.
What to Look For in the Best 10-4x Scope for the Money
When I’m looking for a new riflescope, especially one that promises versatile performance without breaking the bank, I focus on a few key areas. A 10-4x scope, meaning it has a 4x magnification on the low end and a 10x on the high, is a fantastic middle-ground option. It gives you enough power for precise shots at a few hundred yards while still being low enough for quick target acquisition at closer ranges. To get the best 10-4x scope for the money, you need to know where the corners are cut and where the quality truly matters.
First, let’s talk about the glass. This is the heart of the scope. You want fully multi-coated lenses. This isn’t a place to compromise. Multi-coating reduces glare and increases light transmission, which is absolutely critical during those low-light moments at dawn or dusk when game is most active. A scope with poor glass will look dark and hazy, making it tough to see your target clearly. I always check reviews to see what people say about the image clarity and brightness, because a spec sheet can’t tell you how it actually looks to your eye.
Next up is the turret system. For a versatile scope, I prefer exposed tactical-style turrets. They allow for quick and easy adjustments for windage and elevation without fumbling with caps. More importantly, they need to be repeatable. If you dial 10 clicks up, then 10 clicks back down, the reticle should land exactly where it started. If it doesn’t, the scope is useless for any kind of precision shooting. A solid, tactile “click” with each adjustment is a good sign of quality. Also, look for a zero-stop or similar feature. This lets you quickly return to your zero setting after making long-range holds, which is a huge time-saver.
The reticle is your interface with the target. For a do-it-all 10-4x scope, I lean towards a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle. In an FFP scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with the magnification. This means the holdover marks (like mil-dots or hash marks) are accurate at any magnification level. This is a massive advantage for shooting at unknown distances or making rapid adjustments. While FFP scopes are often more expensive, they are becoming more common in budget-friendly models and offer much greater versatility than Second Focal Plane options.
Finally, don’t ignore the build quality. The scope body should be made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum for durability. It needs to be nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to be both fog-proof and waterproof. You’re going to be carrying this rifle through rough conditions, and the scope has to keep up. A warranty is also a big indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. A company that offers a lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty stands behind their gear, and that gives me a lot of peace of mind with my purchase.
FAQ
Is a 4-10x scope good for hunting?
Absolutely. A 4-10x scope is an excellent and highly versatile choice for hunting. The 4x setting on the low end is perfect for hunting in wooded areas or for taking closer-range shots on moving game, as it provides a wide field of view. You can then zoom all the way up to 10x for making more precise, ethical shots at longer distances in open country. It’s a fantastic “one scope” solution for hunters who encounter varied terrain and game.
What is the difference between First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane?
This is a crucial distinction. In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle changes size as you change magnification. The big benefit is that the subtensions (the hash marks for holdover and windage) remain accurate at every magnification level. In a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle stays the same size, so the subtensions are only accurate at one specific magnification, usually the highest. For a scope focused on versatile performance, FFP is generally the more flexible and modern choice.
How much should I expect to spend for a good quality 4-10x scope?
For a reliable 4-10x scope that delivers solid performance without fancy extras, you’re looking in the $300 to $600 range. In this price bracket, you can find models with good glass, reliable turrets, and durable construction. While you can certainly spend more, this mid-range price point is where you’ll find some of the best value, offering features that were once only available on much more expensive optics.
What does “fully multi-coated” mean and why is it important?
“Fully multi-coated” means that every air-to-glass surface inside the scope has multiple layers of anti-reflective coating. This is important because it drastically reduces internal glare and maximizes light transmission. The result is a brighter, clearer, and sharper image, especially in challenging light conditions. For any serious shooting, especially at dawn or dusk, this is a non-negotiable feature and a key part of getting the best 10-4x scope for the money.
Can I use a 4-10x scope for long-range target shooting?
You can, within its effective range. A 4-10x scope is perfectly capable for target shooting out to 500 or 600 yards, especially if it has a First Focal Plane reticle and reliable, repeatable turrets. However, for dedicated long-range shooting beyond that, you might eventually want a scope with higher maximum magnification (like 15x or 25x) to better see your bullet holes and mirage. For a versatile optic that doubles for hunting and medium-range target work, a 4-10x is a great pick.
What type of reticle is best for a general-purpose rifle?
For a general-purpose rifle, I recommend a simple, uncluttered mil-dot or MOA hash mark reticle. These reticles provide clear aiming points without blocking your view of the target. Illumination can be a helpful feature for low-light conditions, but it’s not strictly necessary. The most important thing is that the reticle is easy for you to read and use quickly under pressure, whether you’re hunting or plinking at the range.