I am trying to decide what scope to put on a Ruger No 1 in 450/400 NE 3”. I have always been a fixed power scope guy but finding a 2.5x or 3x (loved the Leupold 3x) scope is getting more difficult so I am also looking at 1-4X and 1.5-5x scopes. I know that some people don’t care what the gun looks like with a scope on it but I do, as long as it performs well. I like the looks of the Ruger with a straight tube objective, it just looks right. I would prefer a 1” over a 30mm tube and if it had a #4 reticle it would be a huge plus. Any real world enlightenment on a big boomer with a low power scope?

Leupold still offers their 2.5x compac

This new 4HD from Leupold

https://www.leupold.com/shop/riflescopes/series/mark-4hd-rifle-scopes

I've been running the Leupold FX-II 2.5x20mm on a 9.3x62mm. I'd consider putting another on my .450/400 in low rings.

The Leupold Freedom 1.5-4x seems to be a nice scope. I just picked one up - has good eye relief and a bit more x than the 2.5. Leave it turned up and it’s a straight objective 4x. Otherwise the 2.5 FX-II compact is really hard to beat on a no. 1. It has enough eye relief for these rifles and plenty of clearance for loading. I just put one on my 375 no. 1 after trying a bunch of others and remembered why those little scopes are my favorite.

If you can find one, an older Nikon Monarch African 1-4x is exactly what you are looking for....even has the German #4 reticle.

I ran 3 or 4 of those on levers and a 375 H&H. I ultimately moved to 1.5-5's due to more FOV. I haven't had any trouble with 1.5-5's holding zero, and I run several on heavy kickers.

It's been over 10 years, so things might've changed, but the glass in the 1.5-5's was better than the 2.5x back when I had both models to do a SXS.

Trijicon accupoint.

I use that exact scope on all my Ruger No. 1's (have a handfull of them). The longer tube length, combined with an offset rear ring, makes for a good fit. 375 H&H: