Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs) have become the go-to for everything from 3-gun to brush hunting, but the market is flooded with either “cheap junk” or “overpriced overkill.” Enter Alex’s Home Brew. This 1-4x scope is a bit of a passion project from a Canadian enthusiast who decided to spec out a scope with the features shooters actually want without the massive corporate markup. Alex sent me this scope for review.
It is a straightforward, rugged little optic that focuses on two things: usability and a really smart illumination system.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-4x
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Price: $350 CAD
Usability
Out of the box, the first thing you notice is that it actually comes with a skeletonized, lightweight mount. Most “free” mounts are heavy and poorly machined, but this one feels solid with decent lugs for your Picatinny rail and clear alignment marks to help you get the scope leveled.
The magnification adjustment is unique. Instead of a small nub or a separate throw lever, the entire rear housing acts as the adjustment ring. It has a very short throw from 1x to 4x, making it incredibly fast to transition when a target pops out closer than expected.
The glass at 1x is impressively true. Many budget “1x” scopes feel more like 1.1x or 1.2x, which makes shooting with both eyes open a headache. This one allows for a natural, red-dot-style field of view.
The Standout Feature: Shake Awake Illumination This is where the scope punches above its weight. Most budget scopes use a simple LED that is either too dim for daylight or dies because you forgot to turn it off. Alex’s Home Brew uses a fiber-dot style illumination that is daylight bright. Most scope manufacturers only put this feature on their much more expensive scopes.
More importantly, it features:
- 5-Minute Auto Shut-off: To save your CR2032 battery.
- Shake Awake: The dot turns back on the second you move the rifle.
For a hunter or a casual target shooter, this is a game changer. You can leave the illumination set to your preferred brightness and forget about it.
Aftermarket and Potential Modifications
The scope comes with a Kill Flash included in the box. It’s a nice touch that cuts down on objective lens glint without requiring a separate purchase.
One thing to note: the magnification ring is the entire eye-piece. While this makes it easy to grab, it means standard “bolt-on” throw levers won’t fit. Fortunately, the texture is aggressive enough that you don’t really need one.
Competitors
- Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x: The “gold standard” for budget optics. The Vortex has a better warranty, but the Alex’s Home Brew has much better illumination and includes the mount and shake-awake technology.
- Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x: Often found at a similar price point, but the Bushnell is significantly heavier and the glass isn’t quite as crisp at the edges.
Conclusion
The Alex’s Home Brew 1-4x is a refreshing take on the entry-level LPVO. It doesn’t try to be a $2,000 Nightforce, but it solves the biggest headache of cheap optics: the “dead battery” syndrome. If you want a “set it and forget it” optic for a brush gun or a rimfire trainer, this is a very compelling package, especially considering the mount is included.
