CVLIFE EagleFeather 1-8x24 LPVO Rifle Scope

The CVLIFE EagleFeather 1-8x24 LPVO Rifle Scope is a budget-friendly option that has an impressive feature set. Despite its low price, it manages to offer quality and functionality typically found in more expensive scopes.

First Impressions

The EagleFeather came in a plain black cardboard box, with much of the printing worn off. The foam inside had rubbed against the scope, and there were also packages containing batteries, tools, and other miscellaneous items. Nothing initially stood out, but curiosity led me to pull the rifle scope from the box and hold it up to my eye. To my surprise, I was quite impressed with the quality.

Typically, budget optics like this suffer from significant quality issues. My previous cheap Amazon scopes had numerous lens problems, so my expectations were low. A few weeks later, I finally had the opportunity to test the scope by mounting it on my new Palmetto State Armory upper, which I had acquired from a blemish build kit featured on Dustin Ellermann's YouTube channel. Despite the supposed blemishes, the upper performed exceptionally well. Mounting the scope was a breeze, much easier than I anticipated.

Installation and Setup

Setting up the EagleFeather was surprisingly easy. I was impressed by the Picatinny rail mount included in the package. It was robust and well-constructed, fitting perfectly atop my upper receiver. Secured by four bolts with four locking lugs, it felt like overkill, but the attention to detail in the scope mount was commendable.

The CVLIFE scope came pre-installed on the mount, though it was slightly crooked when co-witnessed with my A2 front sight. I loosened the mount, straightened the scope, and then tightened the screws. After adjusting it for eye relief, the scope was ready for the range.

Before heading out, I removed the turret covers to check what type of wrench would be needed for adjustments. To my surprise, the EagleFeather featured zero-stop turrets. According to the included documentation, these turrets can be reset to zero after dialing in, enabling precise windage and elevation adjustments.

Despite not being oversized, the turrets are easily adjustable with a finger. The large knurled sides provide a good grip, and the indicators are conveniently located on top. Each click corresponds to an ½ inch adjustment at 100 yards, making fine-tuning straightforward and precise.

Field Test Results

The field test results were nothing short of astonishing. Before heading to the range, I installed the Pandora PB-3 alongside the EagleFeather, aiming to zero them both and complete the lower receiver assembly. To mount the Pandora PB-3 on the side, I had to remove the throw lever for the magnification power ring.

I quickly aligned a laser down the barrel to get it close to the center and moved on with my day. At the range, my initial shots were fairly close to the target. It took some effort to get them on paper, but once I did, I dialed in the scope within five shots. The turrets are user-friendly, crisp, accurate, and consistent, far surpassing my expectations.

Once zeroed, I began hitting the 100-yard gong. The accuracy and ease of use of the reticle were impressive. The BDC-illuminated reticle excelled in centering the gong, with the illumination helping to pinpoint the crosshairs. Although the drop compensator was consistent, it felt a bit thick for my taste. The 1-8x magnification worked well from 10 yards to 100 yards, allowing me to consistently hit my target with groups of just over 1 MOA.

I won't delve into the specific accuracy of the scope since the barrel and platform were new and not yet broken in. However, the scope's consistency was clear. Within minutes, I could place my shots precisely, consistently hitting the gong within the first 20 rounds.

The quality of the glass was exceptional. Many cheap optics suffer from issues like inconsistency, lack of cleanliness, or clarity. The EagleFeather, however, has extremely clean and consistent glass. There is slight edge distortion in magnified settings, but it becomes unnoticeable with even slight magnification as your eyes focus downrange.

Initially, I was skeptical that the 24mm lens would let in enough light, especially on a dark and rainy day. However, this concern was unfounded. The lens allowed ample light, providing clear and easy target visibility. The illumination also facilitated quick follow-up shots and fast target acquisition. Overall, the scope's performance far exceeded my expectations

Pros

• Robust Picatinny rail mount included.
• Flip-up scope covers.
• Throw-lever on the magnification ring.
• Illuminated reticles with zero-reset turrets.
• Includes two batteries.
• Clear and consistent glass quality, comparable to higher-priced scopes.

Cons

• The cantilever mount had some scratches and scuffs out of the box.
• The illuminated reticle lacks an off position between brightness levels, cycling from zero to five and resetting.

Final Thoughts

A few months ago, I watched a YouTube video comparing a cheap scope to a more expensive Vortex counterpart. The reviewer questioned whether the Vortex was ten times the quality given its tenfold price. This is the wrong question. The real question is whether you would trust your life to an optic that costs less than $100. Depending on your profession, some may say yes and some may say no.

While I wouldn’t want to be in a life-or-death situation with a budget scope, the CVLIFE EagleFeather 1-8x24 LPVO Rifle Scope has proven to be a reliable and high-quality option for its price range. It’s suitable for varmint hunting and potentially small to medium game hunting. I’m eager to test it further and expect it to continue performing consistently well.

In conclusion, the CVLIFE EagleFeather 1-8x24 LPVO Rifle Scope offers surprising quality and functionality for a budget-friendly price. Despite minor flaws, it stands out as a commendable option for those seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank.