Decent value - Hi-Lux Optics CMR4 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope w/ Illuminated CMR4 Ranging Reticle

I returned this scope because I realized I need to spend more money for the features I want. Since I never mounted the scope I will just talk about the basics. Also, the only scope I own is a Leupold 4-12 so I don't have much experience with a variety of optics. Starting with the finish on this scope, it's rather poor, when it arrived it looked worn as if the coating wasn't going to last very long. It seems like the finish was compromised so you could get great optics at a decent price. The glass is pretty decent compared to my +$1000 Leupold but there are still some significant flaws. I don't know if the scope is truly 1x or if the fish eye type distortion makes it seem less like 1x but I couldn't really get the scope to function as a true red dot (both eyes open operation). I have an eotech and at 1x this did not operate like an eotech, although to be fair, even $1000 1-4x scopes have trouble operating like a red dot (or so I've read). The clarity of the image was good and the reticle is clean and crisp both illuminated and non-illuminated. The 3" eye relief and small exit pupil were the last straw for me. There is a lot of blinking if you are not lined up perfectly which is fine if you're shooting from a bench. Ultimately I was looking for a 1-4x that I could use as a red dot in mobile shooting scenarios so I had to return this product. I don't have many rifles so when I buy a scope I need it too accomplish a lot. As I said before I didn't mount or use this scope so I never got to do a box test or test the durability of the scope but other reviews seem to rate this scope highly.