CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Scope

A cheap, and compact scope that surprisingly doesn't suck

Benjamin David | August 1, 2021

The protective lens treatment on the CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Scope.

Is the CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope any good, or just a waste of money? We’ve all looked at budget optics at one time or another, and wondered the same thing. In our pursuit of a budget compact optic for a Crosman 1322 air pistol, we decided to give the CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope a try.

We considered the 3-9x40 compact scope, but thought that it would over scope the Crosman air pistol, and be a waste of a few more dollars should the CVLIFE scope not pass muster. We also considered the UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster scope, because it gets a lot of positive reviews. But again, we didn’t want to over scope the air gun, and passed on the BugBuster. The BugBuster is actually also more than twice as expensive as the CVLIFE scope.

CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Scope – Initial Thoughts

The CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope came packaged in a printed cardboard box, branded with the CVLIFE logo and their odd tagline “convenience your life”. For the price point it wouldn’t have been surprising if the scope came packaged in a blister pack, or just a generic brown box, but it was nice to see some branding pride and care associated with the packaging.

Right out of the box, there was nothing overly impressive, nor were there any real obvious concerns. There were no included manuals, stickers, disclaimers, or warranties, which is unusual for an optic, but not surprising for the price point. Aesthetically, the compact scope was actually pretty nice. The finish quality of the aluminum construction was on par with many optics, and the anodizing was even, solid, and smooth. The lenses looked clean, and scratch free.

CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Scope – Field Tests

We mounted the CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope to a Crosman air gun with Redfield see-thru dovetail scope rings intended for .22 rimfire rifles. The glass is surprisingly bright and clear, and the reticle sharp, although maybe a bit thicker and heavier than reticles on a higher end optic. The lens coating is sufficient for letting light into the objective lens while doing a decent job managing glare.

The CVLIFE 4×32 compact scope mounted to its permanent home, a Crosman 1322.

We took a first shot at 10 yards and started to adjust zero. We did not expect much from the elevation and windage turrets. At the price point, the turrets could be understandably mushy or have more than desirable play. However, the turrets were crisp enough, and made both physical and audible clicks for every 1/4 MOA adjustment. The adjustments were also accurate, and the reticle moved the posted 1/4 MOA increments. We gradually sighted the air gun to 25 yards.

To our surprise we suffered no parallax issues, didn’t observe any edge distortion, and the eye relief was sufficient at just over 3 inches.

CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Scope – Critical Observations

It is difficult to be critical of the CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope, because we approached the scope with very reasonable expectations. The glass is not, and never will be, the glass from a $500 dollar optic. However, the glass, construction quality, and turrets don’t feel like you would expect them too on such an inexpensive scope.

CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Scope – Conclusion

The CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope is more than adequate on our air pistol, where the maximum effective range is about 50 yards. While we did set our expectations quite low, we were all pleasantly surprised that a scope, for less than $30, could offer the level of quality and performance that it does. We are also not alone in this opinion.

After more than 2400 reviews on Amazon, the CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope has 4.3 out of 5 stars. Some reviewers use it on firearms subject to much more recoil and abuse than our air gun, like semi-automatic rifles. Others are using it for airsoft. Even with the mixed use case, the CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope maintains very positive reviews.

The CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope, when properly matched with a rimfire or air gun, is a winner at the price point. The other unspoken winner in our review, is actually the Redfield see-thru dovetail scope rings used to mount the scope to the dovetail on the air gun breech. They are light, well made, mounted securely, and have a solid finish.

If you are looking for a scope at the sub thirty dollar mark and your expectations are reasonable, the CVLIFE 4x32 compact scope is an option we have verified gets the job done.

Tags: Compact Scopes, CVLIFE | Comments

Written By Benjamin David

Benjamin is an avid outdoorsman with a wide range of experience hunting, fishing, climbing, and backacking. He brings his knowledge and experience, to Sportsman's Magazine, and is a major content contributor. Leave Ben a comment or question.