The S2 Delta company recently released their 1-4×24 Carbine Scope. S2 Delta was already in the business of making rifle slings, but this was their first venture into rifle optics.  As the 1-4x implies, the S2 Delta scope is a low power variable optic (LPVO) that lets the user engage targets from several yards out to several hundred yards.  The optic’s reticle has a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) with quick reference points for windage.  The reticle is in the second focal plane to keep the reticle the same size no matter what power setting the scope is set to.  The 1-4×24 optic has a 30mm diameter tube that I paired with an Aero Precision Ultralight Scope Mount, courtesy of S2 Delta for the review. Let’s dig in.

TFB REVIEW: S2 DELTA 1-4X24 CARBINE SCOPE

My initial observations of the scope brought some respect for S2 Delta.  I’d held other optics in the same price range in the past and they didn’t feel as solid as this 1-4x.  The glass is very clear and bright, and the reticle is crisp and defined.  One downside I noticed was that the yardage numbers in the reticle were very small.  However, it’s easy enough to start at the center dot and count down for verification.  The magnification adjustment ring was a bit stiff, but I have yet to find one that isn’t.  The included throw lever made it easy to change magnifications quickly.

S2 Delta’s 1-4×24 optic specifications are listed below:

• 30mm main tube, machined from aircraft grade aluminum
• Illuminated reticle, featuring BDC calibrated to 5.56mm NATO 62 gr
• Capped ½ MOA windage and elevation turrets
• Designed to hold zero over repeated mechanical shock
• Virtually true 1x magnification

When it comes to 5.56 ammunition, I typically try to stick with M193 loads due to its lower cost.  However, since the S2 Delta optic is calibrated for 62 grain NATO ammo, I bought some Federal American Eagle M855, 62-grain ammo to stay in line with the math of the BDC.  I still planned to shoot 55-grain ammo as well, since the instructional information said that the reticle would still approximate other loadings.  The reticle is quite simple to use.  The center dot and the whole BDC illuminates if desired.  Even when illuminated, the BDC is still crisp without any shadow or misalignment.  There are also thin, non-illuminated crosshairs that lead to the center dot, which help draw the eye to the center for quick reference.  There are also four ranging brackets on the left side of the reticle that coincide with the yardage markers on BDC.

The 1x setting isn’t a true 1:1 ratio, but it’s close.  The difference made it just difficult enough to do it justice with photos, but I don’t like not supplying them in a review, so I tried my darnedest to provide the clearest through-optic photo I could below.

 

RANGE TIME: CQB AND BEYOND

I’ve found that LVPO’s like the S2 Delta and others help get the most versatility out of a general purpose rifle.  While 1-4 power is on the lower end of the magnification range, I was able to incapacitate targets of paper and plastic from 5-300 yards.  On the pistol range, I kept a plastic jug dancing with ease. It was a bright, sunny day, so I kept the illumination dial on setting 11, which helped as a quick reference point against the contrasted weeded hill with bright leaves and dark shadows.  However, a little more brightness could’ve made it even quicker still.  All of the illumination settings worked great in all other lighting conditions.

I also tried a “run and gun” from 100 yards and closed the gap, taking shots from standing positions along the way. I took shots while walking when I got within 15 yards.  I didn’t have a set course of fire, but I just wanted to add a bit of urgency, while remaining accurate on half of a cereal box.  I was happy with the results.  S2 Delta’s reticle was easy to find each time I shouldered my rifle.  The Fast Adjustment Sling from S2 Delta that I reviewed earlier also helped stabilize the rifle from the further firing positions.

When it comes to longer distance shooting, I’d like to point out that I’ve got to improve my end of the accuracy department.  The S2 Delta held up its end of the bargain and got me where I needed to be.  I just need to work on tightening my groups.  One thing to note when using military loads such as M855 or M193 loads is that they typically hold an average of 2-3 Minute-of-Angle (MOA).  I had to place my target sideways on the berm at 300 yards to be able to see it above the thick weeds.  The picture below shows my results for a ten shot string.  I highlighted my hits in yellow, with the red circle showing my point of aim. Even though I was shooting 4.5 MOA, it was no fault of the optic.  The optic’s 300-yard mark worked as advertised and brought the center of my group to my point of aim.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I had a pleasant time with S2 Delta’s 1-4×24 rifle scope.  It’s solidly built and easy to use.  The 62 grain NATO ammo I used with it lined up with the BDC using my 16 inch barreled rifle.  The price point is very attractive for the quality, with an MSRP at $259.99.  Although, you can check S2 Delta’s website HERE, or their Amazon page HERE for current pricing.  The various magnifications also worked well within the distances I used it with.  You can follow S2 Delta on Facebook HERE.

CONS:

• Locks you into 62gr ammo if shooting at longer distances.
• Illumination setting 11 could be slightly brighter for intensely sunny days.

PROS:

• Very affordable.
• Glass is very clear.
• Reticle is very crisp.
• BDC is accurate as far as I tested it.

What do you think about S2 Delta’s 1-4×24 rifle optic? If you’ve had the chance to try one, what was your experience?

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