Low-power variable optics (LPVOs) have become extremely popular for modern sporting rifles because they combine the speed of a red-dot sight with the versatility of magnification. One of the more affordable entries in this category is the CMR 1-8×24mm from Hi-Lux Optics.
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Low-power variable optics (LPVOs) have become extremely popular for modern sporting rifles because they combine the speed of a red-dot sight with the versatility of magnification. One of the more affordable entries in this category is the CMR 1-8×24mm from Hi-Lux Optics.
In a review by firearms writer David M. Fortier, the optic stands out primarily for its price. With a retail price of about $399, it aims to deliver many of the features found in higher-priced LPVOs while remaining accessible to shooters on a budget.
Hi-Lux has earned a reputation among enthusiasts for producing optics that balance performance and cost. The company’s Vintage line of historically accurate scopes and its XTC 1-4×34 Service Rifle scope have been used successfully in vintage sniper competitions and service rifle matches across the United States.
The CMR 1-8×24mm scope is built on a 30mm main tube and includes several features typically found on more expensive optics. The design incorporates capped windage and elevation turrets, which help prevent accidental adjustments during use.
The turrets provide 0.5-MOA click adjustments with both tactile and audible feedback. Each turret offers 50 MOA of adjustment per revolution, and shooters can reset the turrets to zero after sighting in the rifle.
A fast-focus diopter allows users to quickly sharpen the reticle image for their eyesight, while a “cattail” lever on the magnification ring makes it easier to switch quickly between magnification levels.
Illumination is powered by a CR2032 battery and controlled by a rheostat dial. The dial includes two OFF positionsbetween brightness levels, allowing shooters to quickly turn illumination on or off without rotating through the entire brightness range.
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One of the scope’s standout features is its b-Dot fiber-optic illumination system, which produces a 0.5-MOA illuminated center aiming dot designed to remain visible in bright daylight.
The reticle itself is located in the second focal plane (SFP). This means the reticle size stays constant as magnification changes, which many shooters prefer for fast shooting at lower magnifications.
The reticle also includes bullet drop compensation (BDC) markings for common rifle distances. With a 200-yard zero, the holdover marks correspond roughly to:
According to Hi-Lux Optics, the reticle is calibrated for common rifle cartridges such as .223 Remington and .308 Winchester.
The design also allows shooters to estimate range for 18-inch wide silhouette targets, providing basic ranging capability without a dedicated rangefinder.
One of the biggest challenges with budget LPVOs is performance at true 1× magnification. Many inexpensive optics struggle here, producing distortion or a fish-eye effect that slows target acquisition.
During testing, however, the CMR performed surprisingly well. It provided a usable 1× image with good eye relief, allowing the shooter to fire comfortably with both eyes open, similar to using a red-dot sight.
The bright illuminated center dot helps draw the eye quickly during rapid engagements, while the rest of the reticle remains unlit to reduce visual clutter.
At higher magnifications, performance remained solid, though the reviewer noted that image resolution becomes slightly soft at the full 8× setting. This is a common limitation among budget optics and is somewhat offset by the bright center dot and practical reticle design.
Low-light performance is good up to around 4× magnification, though it gradually declines at higher power due to the relatively small 24mm objective lens.
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The scope’s capped turrets make it well suited for a “set and forget” zeroing approach. Once zeroed, shooters can rely on the reticle’s holdover marks instead of dialing elevation adjustments.
However, the turrets remain functional for those who prefer dialing. Since each revolution provides 50 MOA of adjustment, most corrections can be made without needing to rotate the turret through multiple turns.
The illumination dial’s dual OFF positions also allow shooters to leave the brightness set at a preferred level such as 5 or 6 and quickly turn the reticle on or off with a single click.
The Hi-Lux CMR 1-8x24mm LPVO demonstrates that affordable optics can still deliver solid real-world performance. While it does not match the optical clarity of premium LPVOs costing several times more, it provides many of the features shooters want:
For shooters looking for an economical LPVO under $400, the CMR 1-8×24mm stands out as a strong contender that balances affordability with practical performance.
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