A lightweight, battle-ready 4× fixed magnification prism optic that punches well above its price class.
When it comes to compact, tactical prism optics in the U.S. market, names like Trijicon, Primary Arms, Vortex, Holosun, and EOTech typically dominate the conversation. But the Paragon 4×24 CPS made by Vortex and offered by SFT2 Tactical deserves serious attention, especially for shooters who prioritize value, durability, and versatility in a compact footprint. If you’ve been searching for a mini-ACOG alternative or a reliable prism scope for home defense, the Paragon 4×24 prism scope deserves a place at the top of your shortlist. This optic brings combat-ready performance to everyday rifle builds at a price point that just makes sense. Click here for more information about the product.
Key Features at a Glance
The Paragon 4×24 CPS delivers a 4× fixed magnification paired with a 24mm objective lens, offering fully multi-coated glass in an ultra-compact 3.3-inch body weighing only 8.8 ounces. It’s waterproof to IPX7 standards, fog-proof, shockproof, and features a 10-level red illuminated and etched BDC reticle with night vision compatibility. A standout feature is its RMS or RMSc footprint top mount, allowing the addition of a micro red dot sight directly onto the optic — a rare inclusion at its price point. The Paragon boasts a generous 2.65in of eye relief, wide 89ft field of view at 100 yards, and comes with a lifetime warranty, making it a balanced, well-rounded optic for defensive carbines, patrol rifles, and hunting rigs alike. The Paragon 4x24 CPS will cost you $269.99 at sft2tactical.com.
What about the Competition?
In comparison, Primary Arms’ SLx 3× and 4× prism scopes offer similarly solid glass clarity with their popular ACSS reticle systems and integrated illumination. However, these typically weigh 18–19 ounces and lack the Paragon’s compact dimensions and top-mounted optic footprint. While they bring excellent holdover reticles and dependable build quality, they trade portability for bulk and slightly higher pricing in the $289–$330 range. Primary Arms prisms are solid but can’t match the Paragon’s balance of form factor and feature set.
Vortex’s Spitfire HD Gen II 5× prism offers crisp AR-BDC4 reticles and a bright, modern illumination system with an integrated top rail for red dot mounting. At roughly 10 ounces, it’s still heavier than the Paragon, and priced notably higher at around $350. Its larger 5× magnification can be advantageous for precision at mid-range distances but comes at the cost of field of view and speed at close quarters — making the Paragon a smarter all-around choice for AR-15 builds where weight and speed matter.
At the top end of the spectrum, the Trijicon ACOG TA31F 4×32 remains the benchmark for durability and optical performance for etched BDC reticle prism optics. Its fiber optic and tritium-based illumination system requires no batteries, and the optic is combat-proven. That said, it weighs 15.1 ounces and commands a premium price over $1,200. While it excels in military applications, its high cost places it out of reach for most civilian, home defense, or duty rifle builds on a budget.
EOTech’s holographic sights paired with magnifiers offer excellent speed and versatility in a modular setup. However, they require multiple components, increasing weight (often over 20 ounces) and cost (typically $800–$1,200). While superb for dynamic CQB scenarios, this arrangement lacks the simplicity and single-unit efficiency of a prism optic like the Paragon.
Holosun’s micro red dot and magnifier combinations provide cost-effective versatility with features like shake-awake, multi-reticle systems, and strong battery life. Still, these setups can weigh over 12 ounces combined and require alignment adjustments between the optic and magnifier. They’re excellent for shooters wanting rapid transitions between 1× and 3× or 4× magnification but involve more components than a compact fixed-magnification prism scope.
Real-World Performance
The Paragon 4×24 CPS isn’t just a spec sheet champion - it delivers when it counts.
On a home defense carbine, its lightweight design and generous 2.65” eye relief allow for fast target acquisition in confined or awkward shooting positions. The illuminated BDC reticle provides confident holdovers from point-blank distances out to 200 yards.
For AR-15 patrol rifles, its shockproof, waterproof IP7 durability, and integrated RMS/RMSc footprint red dot mount allow users to transition seamlessly between close-quarters and mid-range engagements without the extra weight or complexity of magnifiers.
Hunters benefit from its fully multi-coated glass clarity in low-light dawn and dusk hours as well as night vision compatibility — with better optical sharpness and contrast than most prism scopes under $300.
It’s the Smart Money Move
Mid-tier prism optics typically run $350–$450, while combat-proven setups like ACOGs command over $1,200. The Paragon 4×24 prism scope breaks that mold, offering a rare combination of etched BDC reticle clarity, compact durability, top-mounted red dot capability for under $300 - complete with a lifetime warranty.
There’s simply nothing else in its class that delivers this level of performance, flexibility, and long-term value in such a compact and affordable package. Whether you’re building a lightweight AR-15 prism optic setup, a prism scope for home defense, or looking for a mini-ACOG alternative without the sticker shock, the Paragon 4×24 CPS delivers.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the Paragon 4×24 CPS distinguishes itself as a highly practical, all-in-one solution. It offers many of the benefits found in higher-tier optics - reliable illumination, etched reticle, compact size, top-dot mounting capability, and a robust warranty - while remaining far more affordable. It bridges the gap between budget prisms and high-end combat optics without sacrificing essential features. For those seeking a lightweight, durable, versatile optic for defensive, patrol, or hunting applications at a sub-$300 price point, the Paragon stands out as one of the smartest buys on today’s market.
Why Buy from SFT2 Tactical?
While you may find the Paragon 4×24 prism scope at other retailers, ordering direct from the official SFT2 Tactical website unlocks exclusive advantages you won’t get anywhere else.
✔️ Rewards Program: Every purchase at SFT2 Tactical earns you cash back, points, and special incentives you can use toward future gear. Whether it’s ammo, accessories, or optics, you’re rewarded every time you gear up.
✔️ Exclusive Combo Deals: SFT2 Tactical customers can bundle a micro red dot with their Paragon at a discounted, all-in-one price. Equip your optic with a high-quality dot sight mounted on the integrated MAG footprint and be ready for CQB and mid-range precision right out of the box — all while saving big.
✔️ Priority Access and Direct Support: As an official SFT2 Tactical customer, you get fast order processing, early access to product drops, deals, holiday sales, and responsive U.S.-based support.
More value, better deals, and the enjoyment of your 2A rights – That’s the SFT2 Tactical mission.