Got my CMR 1-4x scope today

[vash_241987@yahoo.com]

Pics first initial thoughts at the end.

The box
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/vash_241987/CMR004.jpg

Stuff found in the box
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/vash_241987/CMR006.jpg

Mag. at 1x
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/vash_241987/CMR008.jpg

Mag. at 4x
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/vash_241987/CMR016.jpg

Mag. at 1x with illuminated reticle brightness at 11 (max)
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/vash_241987/CMR018.jpg

With camoed hi-rise mount
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/vash_241987/CMR021.jpg


Pics can't do the clarity of glass and illumination justice. I'm no expert, but looking through the glass its very clear. Illumination does not show when in daylight, but it will act as any other regular non-illuminated scope. It comes (as shown) with a green reticle, it also comes with red (you might have to ask about it, I didn't) and works just like a red dot in low light. No mount or ammo yet :(

[XxMerlinxX]

Just from what you've posted, it seems to me that maybe there is a bit of blur in the upper half and outer portion of the glass? I've edited your 1x picture to try and show what I'm talking about. Is there any chance you could take another picture with the scope aimed at something a bit farther away, zoomed out and then in as well? I've heard that some scopes have "sweet spots", but it seems strange that the blur doesn't go completely around the glass. I'd also like to see the reticle aimed at something bright to see how well it stands out, if you don't mind. :) I'm pretty tempted to purchase one of these myself, even if the glass is a bit flawed.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/XxMerlinxX/CMR008Edit.jpg

[nickdrak]

Oh God. Please edit out the toes man!!!

[thmpr]

Wonder how this compares to the Millett scopes?

[LettersFromEarth]

The reticle seems good. However, "Made in the PRC" is a huge turd in a shallow pool as far as I'm concerned.

[vash_241987@yahoo.com]

Just from what you've posted, it seems to me that maybe there is a bit of blur in the upper half and outer portion of the glass? I've edited your 1x picture to try and show what I'm talking about. Is there any chance you could take another picture with the scope aimed at something a bit farther away, zoomed out and then in as well? I've heard that some scopes have "sweet spots", but it seems strange that the blur doesn't go completely around the glass. I'd also like to see the reticle aimed at something bright to see how well it stands out, if you don't mind. :) I'm pretty tempted to purchase one of these myself, even if the glass is a bit flawed.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/XxMerlinxX/CMR008Edit.jpg

Hmmm this is the best I could do, 1x still has a outer blur, its def. clear its just my photography sucks lol
1x
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/vash_241987/CMR005.jpg
4x

bright background
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/vash_241987/CMR012.jpg

On another note RRA has gotten back to me about their his-rise cantilever mount which were made available this week so no wonder its been slow. I should get it with in a week or so...I hope.

[XxMerlinxX]

The reticle seems good. However, "Made in the PRC" is a huge turd in a shallow pool as far as I'm concerned.

That bothers me a little also. I emailed Hi-Lux yesterday and they got back to me today, saying that the entire scope was made in China. I was at least hoping that the glass came from somewhere else. Then again, my next choice, the Vortex Viper PST 1-4x is made in the Philippines, which I guess isn't really any better. The only thing with that scope is that the glass comes from Japan though.

[vash_241987@yahoo.com]

That bothers me a little also. I emailed Hi-Lux yesterday and they got back to me today, saying that the entire scope was made in China. I was at least hoping that the glass came from somewhere else. Then again, my next choice, the Vortex Viper PST 1-4x is made in the Philippines, which I guess isn't really any better. The only thing with that scope is that the glass comes from Japan though.

Millet DMS and the Vortex PST were two other choices before I got my CMR. Interesting that the PST (minus galss) is made in the philippines, lol it could have changed my choice (I'm filipino) just cause I don't mind having something made from the home land. The CMR was just a good compromise between the two IMO, had the same turret, illumination dial, length, and added Mil marks (not the same but they are there as oppose to the DMS) as the PST but with the price of the DMS. Did I mention price? The CMR goes for $350 on SWFA and optics planet, but I got mine for $250 w/ S&H at $15 for me at natchez, but if you live out of Tx. SWFA does offer their 110% lower price, they quoted me at $252 with shipping in that price, but since I live in Tx they would charge me $22 in sales tax. If I really wanted to spend a little more on an inexpensive scope I would have gone with the PST, but I'm happy with my purchase. Time will tell how it will hold up.

[LettersFromEarth]

The Vortex being made in the PI is a whole lot better, to me at least, than having it sourced from China. It's just one of those "things" with me.

Please keep us updated on your new optic.

[XxMerlinxX]

Another guy just reviewed this scope over on AR15.com also, and said that the sight picture could become distorted if you weren't centered on the scope well enough, which would account for the distortion that I noticed. Not sure whether or not it's a deal breaker for me, as that's rather important when you're using it as a CQB optic.

[vash_241987@yahoo.com]

Thanks for the headsup, I'll check it out on my scope once it mount arrives. I agree that it is for someone like me, I don't do alot of running and gunning so it suits my needs.

[gcp]

The CMR arrived! Most excellent service by the SWFA personnel as I ordered on Thursday evening and the scope is in my hands today (Alabama).

First the bad news, I thought I had 30mm see through scope mounts but I don't. Hope to land a set by Friday (I did the very next day).

The rest is all good news. The scope is surprisingly heavy duty so it feels rock solid (reminds me of the SWFA SS in a way), the glass is very clear in daylight (will try dusk capability in an hour or so), the green dot/horseshoe is strong and the crosshairs and other displayed info is clearly visible even to my tired eyes, the controls are user friendly, and last but not least the packaging the scope arrived in was A+, a small detail of professionalism that cannot, should not go unnoticed. Of course the proof's in the shooting so I will reserve judgment until the weekend but to those of us that claim that the made in China logo is a definite node of disapproval, I would say it appears that the Chinese are going by way of Japan, and I do remember the days when the Japanese products were considered much inferior to the made in the USA products only to eventually surpass us in practically every category.

Dusk visibility, even at dark 30, is very good, as good as my naked eye. Only imperfection I've noticed is from the 5-11 settings there appears to be the ever slightest green reflection at about 10 o'clock in the glass. Nothing that'll annoy me and I'm one perfectionist.
As far as I’m concerned it’s certainly thumbs up for this scope, and at this price it’s a no brainer.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0703/George/IMG_3767.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0703/George/IMG_3763.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0703/George/IMG_3765.jpg

[vash_241987@yahoo.com]

Did some zeroing in last week and made a video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08FUr_rP-cQ

[bp7178]

I really like the features of this scope. It has everthing I was looking for, with the exception of the China factor....but it is what it is.

The fact that the illumination washes out in the sun sucks, buy for 10% the price of a S&B there are tradeoffs.

Some of the best scopes/optics are produced in this country. However, before spending $1500-$2200 on one, I plan to buy one of these and see how the 1-4 thing fits me. I've been all over the place looking at optics. Aimpoints, EOtechs, magnifiers, ACOGs etc. I was thinking of getting a TA31F and a T-1 on a offset, but for the money I could buy one of these and actually buy some ammo and shoot the f'n thing.

Some of the new 1-6s coming out look cool, but I'd rather enter on a $250 dollar scope...

I was planning on getting a Larue mount to rest it in, if for nothing else the QD and proper eye relief/cheek weld.

[Sam]

gcp:
How do you activate your light? Thanks.

[gcp]

The fact that the illumination washes out in the sun sucks

I've not noticed that at all, if anything this scope has too much illumination, if you ask me. I've not shot it yet but I'll be putting it through its paces this weekend so I'll report back.

SAM, I have acces to the light's right side controls and laser with my right hand, no problem. This setup works well for me even though since the pic I moved the scope a bit more forward. Some say it's not forward enough but it works for me.

[Sam]

gcp:
Thank you sir. I'm assuming you shoot left handed?

[bp7178]

I've not noticed that at all, if anything this scope has too much illumination, if you ask me. I've not shot it yet but I'll be putting it through its paces this weekend so I'll report back.

That kind of goes against the other reviews I've read. About washing out in bright sunlight. Do you mean in low light it's too bright? Like the low settings aren't low enough?

Either way, I have a feeling this will be my next AR15 bit that I buy.

I don't think for pure close range work you can replace a red dot with a 1-4 scope. But everyone that has tries a 1-4 seems to love it.

[vash_241987@yahoo.com]

That kind of goes against the other reviews I've read. About washing out in bright sunlight. Do you mean in low light it's too bright? Like the low settings aren't low enough?


Either way, I have a feeling this will be my next AR15 bit that I buy.

I don't think for pure close range work you can replace a red dot with a 1-4 scope. But everyone that has tries a 1-4 seems to love it.

You def. can't see the illumination when aiming at a sunlight object. It can't replace the faster sight acquisition of a RD, but if you get a consistent cheek wield, it can function the same.

[Belmont31R]

I really like the features of this scope. It has everthing I was looking for, with the exception of the China factor....but it is what it is.

The fact that the illumination washes out in the sun sucks, buy for 10% the price of a S&B there are tradeoffs.

Some of the best scopes/optics are produced in this country. However, before spending $1500-$2200 on one, I plan to buy one of these and see how the 1-4 thing fits me. I've been all over the place looking at optics. Aimpoints, EOtechs, magnifiers, ACOGs etc. I was thinking of getting a TA31F and a T-1 on a offset, but for the money I could buy one of these and actually buy some ammo and shoot the f'n thing.

Some of the new 1-6s coming out look cool, but I'd rather enter on a $250 dollar scope...

I was planning on getting a Larue mount to rest it in, if for nothing else the QD and proper eye relief/cheek weld.




I don't think its very wise to see if a 1-4x scope like a Short-Dot would work for you based on your experiences with a cheap PRC made scope.


Even the $1200 NF NXS 1-4 is not comparable.


With the Short-Dot the dot is just as bright as an Aimpoint shooting directly under the sun. Shooting with a scope that does not do this is not an accurate representation.


I suggest you shoot someone elses Short-Dot, and even some side by side comparisons between several different 1-4X optics.

[bp7178]

It more of the physical functions of the system, changing the magnification, approximate eye relief etc, that I would be looking at. I wanted an ACOG and now finally have a rifle worthy of such a scope. My initial plan was a TA31F and a T-1 on a offset. But for the amount of $ this would take, I think its better to get my feet wet on a lower cost system and actually get trigger time at extended ranges.

This is mainly a 3-gun type setup. I have no dreams of communist revolts or zombie hords and work issues their own stuff.

I'm quite sure that the CMR is no where near a S&B.

[gcp]

Sam, I shoot right handed, and granted it's not the ultimate set up but it works for the time. BTW, I am looking into a forehand rail alternative from Magpul.

bp, at dask the 5 setting and beyond produces a bit of a reflection. The only thing I don't like about this scope is that at full setting, at daylight hours/full sun the greendot disappears so it's useless plus the green horseshoe/circle around the dot does not appear to be the same intensity all around because part of it overlaps the black line and that's a bit annoying. But these two facts not withstanding this scope is a great alternative to the high priced red dot scopes out there because it's heavy duty, the glass is clear, the controls are very functional and it looks good on an AR. I also don't know about its durability but I'll find out I guess.