Hi-Lux Leatherwood CMR 1-4x24mm Riflescope

The 1-4x variable magnification rifle optic had become very popular with the tactical shooters. The 1x magnification allows the shooter to use it like a reflex sight at the close range. While, the higher magnifications offer greater hit probability and target identification at the longer ranges. During last year’s Big 3 Event hosted by David Fortier and Dillard C.J. Johnson in Kansas, I was introduced to the Hi-Lux Leatherwood CMR 1-4x24mm scope in one of the presentations. Afterward, I had a chance to try it out on the range. Some aspects of the CMR that had caught my attention are its reticle design, the optic performance and its price at just $300.

The CMR 1-4x24mm in the Tactical Rifle Chimera titanium heavy-duty scope rings

CMR 1-4x24mm scope in the Burris AR-P.E.P.R mount

CMR mounted in the LaRue LT104 SPR mount.

The reticle on the Hi-Lux Leatherwood CMR 1-4x24mm is another area that makes it stands out from the rest of 1-4x scopes on the market. The CMR’s unique reticle is the work of Alex Sergeev, a brilliant Russian optical engineer working for Hi-Lux. His reticle design features dual stacking open-circles that assists targeting by centering the shooter’s eye onto the middle 1 MOA dot. At the closer ranges, the outer circle fits over a torso target area at 100 meters and the smaller inner circle will fit over a head size target at 75 meters. The bottom openings of both circles are a match for a shoulder width target at 300 meters. There are additional BDCs on the vertical stadia line and the hash marks on the horizontal stadia lines are in Mil for use with more precise range finding. The center 1 MOA dot and the inner reticle circle can be illuminated in either green or red for lowlight condition. Noted that two colors are not found in the same scope. There two separate CMR models for each of those color illumination.

There are few shortcomings in the Hi-Lux Leatherwood CMR. The main one is its relatively small exit pupil of 11.1mm at the 1x magnification. Which requires the shooter to have a consistent cheek weld when using it for the CQB type drill. Next, the adjustment turret is not lockable. While the CMR’s turrets do have a neat zero-locking patented feature but that’s only useful for return it to the user’s preset zero. The turrets really need to have either a locking mechanism or be capped. Also, the CMR’s 1x zoom setting doesn’t represent a true 1x unmagnified view. There’s slight magnification to it that makes more of a 1.1x or so. To be fair, the majority of the 1-4x scope under $700 does not have true 1x either. Like what John Wu has explained to me, optical design is the attempt to have the best compromise on a set manufacturing cost.

CMR at 1x magnification

CMR at 4x magnification

CMR at 1x magnification

CMR at 4x magnification

As for the mount option for the Hi-Lux Leatherwood CMR 1-4x24mm scope, I’m recommending use a one-piece SPR style 30mm scope mount with moderate front offset for the AR15 flat-top. The best QD type mounts are the LaRue LT104, American Defense Mfg. AD-Recon or AD-Scout and Bobro’s Precision Optic Mount. If you are on a budget and can do without the QD function, check out the Burris AR-P.E.P.R. and the Weaver Tactical’s US-made SPR 30mm Optic mount. Both of those are under $80. For those that needs low-profile mount for a piggyback rail system like the Vltor or to use on a non-AR type rifle, Tactical Rifles’ Chimera titanium alloy rings offer the high-strength of the steel rings with the lightweight of the aluminum rings. The more affordable Weaver Tactical 6-Hole Picatinny aluminum rings come in at under $40 a set.

Specifications: Model: Hi-Lux Leatherwood CMR 1-4x24mm
Magnification: 1x to 4x variable
Objective Lens Size: 24mm
Ocular Lens Size: 33mm
Lens Coating: Diamond Tuff14 multi-coat
Field of View at 100 yards: 1x: 94.8 ft. and 4x: 26.2 ft.
Eye Relief: constant 3 inches
Exit Pupil size: 11.1mm at 1x and 6mm at 4x
Tube Size: 30mm
Adjustment: 0.5 MOA per click
Length: 10.2 inches
Weight: 16.5 ounces
Reticle: Double open-circles with 1 MOA center dot, stadia lines with BDC.
Reticle Illumination: Green or Red color, 11 levels with Night Vision setting.
Power Source: 3-volt Lithium CR2032
Warranty: Limited Lifetime

CMR mounted in the Weaver Tactical SPR 30mm Optic mount

Hi-Lux’s Alex Sergeev is testing the CMR by mounting it on a full automatic Kerbs RPK-74 during the Big 3 Event.