Good, but not great. 3.5 stars - Crimson Trace 2 Series 1-4x24mm Tactical Rifle Scope

I purchased two of these from a site that had a BOGO sale. Both arrived factory sealed/new. They both came with a battery, allen wrench, flip-up caps(already installed), cloth and CT sticker. Here's my thoughts:

-Fit/Finish: One scope seemed to have a more 'fresh/sleeker' finish/look to it over the other and the magnification ring was not as stiff on it as the other. Looking through the objective end of the scope I noticed the scope that didn't have as fresh of finish to it had some anodizing starting peel on the inside of the scope, so I plan to send that one back to CT(will update my experience with that if it goes bad).

-Glass: Both scopes are VERY clear on the glass. The scopes are made in Japan, so it's no surprise there. I have multiple scopes from other brands that are made by LOW in Japan, but these don't seem quite that nice. I know there is another facility in Japan, but I cannot remember the name. These CT's are my only LPVO's under 1-6, so I don't know if that's it or not either.

-Reticle: It's pretty basic, and it should work with a variety of applications. It has some pretty plane jane hold over marks, so it'll be up to you to figure those out for YOUR application. They did make a hole in the center dot for more precise shots, but keep in mind this a 1-4 and not a long range precision geared optic. I really wanted a Steiner 1-4 for the reticle, but I'm hooked on front focal plane which pulled me to this scope.

Turrets: Turrets on both scopes are the same. They are very audible and positive clicks. They are capped, but with a BDC type reticle, I don't know why anyone would need exposed, especially a 1-4x.

Magnification: Adjustment on both is pretty smooth. As mentioned before, one is stiffer than the other, but I plan on buying throw levers anyway. For me, it is not a true 1x. To my eye, the 1x is at about the 1.25 mark on both scopes(the markings are 1, 1.5, 2, 3 and 4).

Illumination: The dial goes from 1-11 With NO off in between. This for some reason seems to be the gold standard on LPVO's, This scope and many others do not need that many levels of brightness and they could get away with an OFF in between very easily. The dial a little stiff on both scopes, which I like as it makes it harder accidentally bump.

-Overall design of the scope: There are a few things that struck me as odd about the design of this model. The Objective end of the tube has a lip that goes outward, so forget about changing out the flip-up cap on the front. You might be able to cut it off with something, but replacing it would be challenging. The Ocular end of the scope has a couple of oddities as well. There is a red anodized ring just on the inside of the diopter(between the glass and the very back of the scope). I'm not sure if it has a function or if it's just aesthetics, but it's there. I had watched a Youtube review prior to purchase and they had made mention of it. It annoyed the reviewer, but it doesn't me, so personal choice I guess. The other this about the ocular end is that it's beveled to the inside. This affects your eye looking through it as it creates a dark circle limiting your view a little around the outer lens. NONE of my other scopes have that design, so it makes me wonder why they thought it was good idea.

In conclusion, I think it's good for the price, as long as you pay less than the MSRP. A little more than a Strike Eagle that has a busier reticle and inferior glass in comparison(albeit the CT has lower magnification range). I can't attest to the warranty of the CT vs Vortex yet, but with a better built scope(Japan vs China) one shouldn't need to rely on the warranty as much. Like I said, I intend to send one of them back to address the internal flaking issue. If I do not post a follow up, I am either dead, or everything went smooth with CT).