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1-4x24 vs 2-7x32 low light performance?

I’m trying to decide on which scope to put on my daughter’s first deer rifle. This will be on a 18” 6ARC and used in the woods or food plot where all shots will most likely be under 50 yards. I was looking at the Vortex Crossfire HD 1-4x24 or 2-7x32. I think the 1-4 would be easier for her but I’m worried it wouldn’t be good in low light conditions. I’ve never used a LPVO like the 1-4x24 before and have read that they are not good in low light. Which choice would be better for this situation? Would the 2-7x32 be better in low light hunting conditions?
 
Why not get her a really nice scope that she can later use on her next rifle? Or if saving money, I suggest that a Leupold Freedom 3x9x50 would be a reasonable contender for low light. Or the Leupold VXIII 2.5x10x50 can often be found used for $350 or so. I have found over the years that a scope with an illuminated center dot tied to some decent glass is the cat's meow for use in low light. If you can see the deer, but not the cross hairs you will be as lost as if you couldn't see the deer. I have also tried the VXIII 2.5x8x32 and works pretty good, but nothing like 50mm and up objectives.
 
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I'm not a low end vortex fan but use a lot of 1-4 to 2-12 scopes for hunting. If I can see the animal with my bare eyes I can kill it with a scope with a 1-4x20 scope. Having a bold reticle that you can see in low light is about the most important thing.

1-3x20mm Weaver Northern WI
B7iv33.jpg


Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4x24
6QIm9T.jpg


Leupold compact 2-7x32
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I could keep going but you get the gist of my like of low powered optics. Again bold reticles are the key, Heavy duplexs, German #1 & 4 work well. I tried illuminated dots, they work but some can be too bright even on their lowest settings and seem to obscure the image.

I hope you daughter has a good season.

I use a number of 1.5-6x40mm scopes and have them by Alpen, Burris, Konus, Sightron and Meopta. Sadly most are no longer made it was a great combination and still populate across the ocean but quite expensive.

Burris Four-X 1.5-6x40 German #4
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Konus 1.5-6x40 German #4 illuminated dot
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Meopta Artimes 1.5-6x40 German #1
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Why not get her a really nice scope that she can later use on her next rifle? Or if saving money, I suggest that a Leupold Freedom 3x9x50 would be a reasonable contender for low light. Or the Leupold VXIII 2.5x10x50 can often be found used for $350 or so. I have found over the years that a scope with an illuminated center dot tied to some decent glass is the cat's meow for use in low light. If you can see the deer, but not the cross hairs you will be as lost as if you couldn't see the deer. I have also tried the VXIII 2.5x8x32 and works pretty good, but nothing like 50mm and up objectives.
I was just trying to keep it on a low budget. I don’t think this will be a long term scope for her. I eventually plan on getting her a nice 3-9,3-12, or 3-18 after she gets comfortable and better with getting behind the scope with proper sight picture and sight alignment. I am looking at a low power scope now for the wide field of view so she doesn’t have issues finding the target when getting behind the scope. When she gets proficient with having the target in the middle of the sight picture as soon as she gets behind the scope then I plan on getting her a better long term optic. I’ve taken kids shooting many times and it always seems like they struggle with finding the target right away when looking through scopes. And it is worse when trying to find an animal in the heat of the moment at close range. She currently has been practicing with a red dot on her 22 rascal and she does good with that but it’s a lot more forgiving and bigger eye box than a magnified scope.
 
I use a Steiner 1-4x24, model 5201 if I’m remembering correctly. I’ve had if for many years, works very well, and has an illuminated spot/dot in the crosshair. That illuminated point is one of the reasons I like it.

I believe Eurooptic had either vortex or athlon 1-4 or 1-8 on sale recently for $199. Illuminated if I recall. It crossed my mind that I ought to buy one at that price.
 

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