Nikon Black Force 1000 1-4X IL Rifle Scope Review

Nikon's Black Force 1000 1-4X IL scope allows shooters to engage targets at close range then quickly transition to other targets. The Black Force 1000 1-4X IL also provides reasonable capability of making more precise shots out to mid-ranges without over-magnifying your target. There are few things worse than shouldering your carbine and then having to search downrange for the right target when a scope is dialed up too high. Retailing for less than $400, here are seven reasons why Nikon's new Black Force1000 1-4X is an affordable solution for both tactical shooters and hunters.

The Black Force 1000 1-4X IL is a flexible scope with practical power. When the power ring is set on 1X, we benefit by having complete awareness of the entire field of view and speed between target transitions. With both eyes open behind this 1X scope, we have maximum situational awareness.

However, dialing up gives us the ability to be more precise and discerning. Having 4X capability helped us distinguish between threat targets holding a cell phone versus those holding a gun. If a potential threat is camouflaged by shadows or broken shade, making that positive ID without 4X capability can be dangerous guesswork.

On the competitive range, you'll lose precious seconds with a scope that creates tunnel vision or limited eye relief. This Nikon scope helps to settle our eyes naturally in the proper line of sight.

When looking through it, we benefit from Nikon's glass-etched Speedforce reticle. It could be described as a double horseshoe given three horizontal dots in the middle and MOA-subtended stadia for windage and elevation holds. Combined with the flexibility in its power range, these marks give the scope a distinct advantage when you need to engage targets at distance or in windy conditions.

Adjustable Illumination

The BlackForce 1000 also offers an illumination feature. The side-mounted illumination adjustment offers 10 intensity settings for different lighting conditions or improving the reticle's contrast against a target. It's powered by common CR2032 batteries, the kind any of us can find at local stores. The adjustment knob features alternating on and off stops with tactile clicks you can feel with your fingers. When turned on, only the double-horseshoe and three dots of the reticle are illuminated red. The stadia remain black. If you have a favorite intensity setting, there's no need to dial the knob all the way back to zero. The alternating on-off stops means that we only need to turn it one stop either way.

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Easy to Adjust

Due to the reticle and magnification range, this isn't a scope intended to be dialed between targets at different ranges. The reticle makes it easy and the elevation and windage turrets are given caps to protect our zero. Adjustments can be easily made when needed with half-MOA adjustments. The marks on each turret are laser engraved, which make them easy to reference when zeroing in less-than-ideal light.

The turrets are spring-loaded for instant-zero reset. To tweak a zero for load or environmental changes, all we have to do is lift up, rotate to align the zero with a witness mark on the scope and let go. Anytime we establish a new zero, just repeat the process.

Quality Lenses

It's a second focal plane scope, which means that the reticle stays the same size no matter what power it's set on. And no can be great without great lenses. Of course, the Nikon name is synonymous with optical quality. That reputation continues here as this scope's glass has been given many layers of anti-reflective coating that doesn't interfere with light transmission, brightness or contrast.

Generous Eye Relief

While shooting, generous and consistent eye relief allows fast sighting with a sight picture that fills the lens edge-to-edge. The field of view with the BlackForce 1000 is measures 110 feet wide at 100 yards when the scope is set on 1 power. It's 27 feet when turned up to 4 power. You'll never feel like you're looking at the target through a straw.

O-ring Sealed

Like all Nikon riflescopes, the Black Force 1000 is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for water and fog-resistance. The Black Force 1000 is built with an aircraft grade aluminum body and finished with a black, Type-III hardcoat anodizing that'll resist wear.

No-Fault Warranty

If something does happen to it, Nikon wants you to know that it'll be covered by their no-fault repair or replacement policy. If your BlackForce 1000 requires service, just send it to Nikon and they'll repair or replace it.

There's no reason to continue chasing that practical, affordable, do-it-all optic for your carbine. This is it.