How strange??
I have the Hawke Panorama 3-9x50 AO IR 1/2 mil dot and its a beautiful piece of kit, eye relief is about 3" and the optical quality is amazing.
I have not noticed any optical distortion like you mentioned turtle, even at 9x mag.
I have used it on 9x mag at night with a lamping kit and found it to be very easy to use.
The magnification ring is on straight, its a little stiff but is getting easier every time i use it.
Paralex adjustment works perfectly too.
Mine does not seem to have any build or QC or operational issues, i wonder if you got a lemon as i cant reccomend mine enough!
ATB
Al