The Vortex Crossfire II is a popular line of riflescopes that offers excellent performance at an affordable price point. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner looking for a reliable riflescope, the Crossfire II is worth considering. Lets start by taking a look at the great features that make this riflescope unique.
Vortex Crossfire II Review
Here are some factors you need to check when shopping for Vortex Optics Crossfire II.
Design and Build Quality
The Crossfire II series have a sleek and modern design, with a black matte finish that looks great on any rifle. The scope is built with aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it durable and resistant to recoil. It is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed. The nitrogen-purging makes it fog proof, and the O-ring seals waterproof. These features ensure that you can use the scope in any weather conditions and still get a clear image without any internal fogging.
Optical Performance
One of the key selling points of the Crossfire II scope is its optical performance. The scope features fully multi-coated lenses that provide a bright and clear image. The lenses also have an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and enhances image quality. The Crossfire II models have a fast focus eyepiece that allows shooters to quickly and easily adjust the focus.
Magnification and Field of View
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II models are available in a variety of magnifications, from 2-7x, 3-9x to 4-12x, depending on what the shooter wants to use the scope for. It has a generous field of view, which is especially helpful when shooting at moving targets. The higher magnification options are great for long-range shooting, while the lower magnification options are better for close-range hunting.
Reticle Types
This Vortex scope is a second focal plane reticle scope available with several different reticle options, including the Dead-Hold BDC, V-Plex, and V-Brite reticles.
- Dead Hold BDC Reticle
The Dead Hold BDC reticle (Bullet Drop Compensation) is a popular option among hunters and long-range shooters. The reticle features hash marks that allow you to adjust for bullet drop at various distances, ensuring greater accuracy when shooting at targets at varying ranges. The BDC reticle is available in both MOA and MRAD versions and is ideal for use with flat-shooting rifles and cartridges.
- V-Plex Reticle
The V-Plex reticle is a simple and versatile option that is ideal for general-purpose hunting and shooting. The reticle features a duplex crosshair design with thick outer lines that taper to thin lines at the center. This design allows for quick target acquisition and precise aiming points. The V-Plex reticle is available in MOA versions and is an excellent choice for a wide range of shooting applications.
- V-Brite Reticle
The V-Brite reticle is a unique option that features an illuminated dot in the center of the crosshairs. The illuminated dot makes it easier to shoot in low light conditions, and the crosshairs offer precise aiming points for increased accuracy. The V-Brite reticle is available in MOA versions and is an excellent choice for hunting and shooting in low light conditions.
You can use any of these second focal plane reticle for your shooting apllication.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is an important consideration in a rifle scope, and this Vortex optic comes with a long eye relief that is designed to accommodate a wide range of shooting positions and rifles. The eye relief of this Vortex Crossfire II series varies slightly depending on the specific model of the scope. The 4-12x44mm model, for example, offers an eye relief of 3.9 inches, while the 3-9x40mm model offers an eye relief of 3.8 inches.
A long eye relief is essential for several reasons. First, it allows for more comfortable and natural shooting positions, which can improve accuracy and reduce fatigue. Second, a generous eye relief can provide an extra margin of safety by ensuring that the shooter’s eye is not too close to the scope in case of recoil.
The Vortex scope also features a fast focus eyepiece that allows for quick and easy reticle focusing. This feature makes it easier for shooters to quickly adjust the reticle to their eyesight and ensures that the target is in sharp focus at varying ranges or distance.
Elevation and Windage Knob
The elevation knob is located on the top of the scope and allows for adjustments to the vertical aim point of the reticle. The windage knob is located on the right side of the scope and allows for adjustments to the horizontal aim point of the reticle. Like the elevation knob, the windage knob typically offers a max turret adjustment of 60 MOA.
Both the elevation and windage knobs on the Vortex scope are designed to be easily finger adjustable with a 0.25 MOA positive click per turn that allows for tactile feedback when making adjustments. This makes it easy for shooters to make quick and precise adjustments to their aim point, even in the field.
Scope Rings and Ring height
The size of scope rings required for the Vortex Crossfire II scope series depends on the diameter of the scope’s main tube, which varies depending on the specific model of the scope. It’s important to choose the correct size of scope rings to ensure a secure and stable mount for the scope on the rifle.
The most common tube diameter sizes for the Vortex Crossfire II scope is 1 inch, although some models may feature other tube diameters. When choosing scope rings, it’s important to ensure that the diameter of the rings matches the diameter of the scope’s main tube.
In addition to the diameter of the scope rings, it’s also important to consider the height of the rings. The height of the rings will depend on the size and shape of the rifle and the shooter’s personal preference. The goal is to choose rings that provide enough clearance between the scope and the rifle to allow for proper alignment and positioning of the shooter’s eye behind the scope.
When selecting scope rings for the scope, it’s important to choose high-quality rings from a reputable manufacturer that are designed for the specific model of the scope and the type of rifle being used. This will help ensure a secure and stable mount that can withstand the recoil forces generated by the rifle.
What Do You Get From This Scope?
Ease of Use
The Crossfire II is easy to use and adjust. The turrets are finger-adjustable and have audible clicks that let you know when you’ve made a change. The scope also has a fast-focus eyepiece that allows you to quickly adjust the focus for your eyesight. The scope is easy to mount on rifles.
Value for Money
It is a great scope for its price point. It offers excellent optical performance, durable construction, and ease of use. The scope is backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty, which includes unlimited lifetime warranty and repair services, making it a long-term investment for any hunter or shooter.
Flexibility
Additionally, the scope offers a great deal of flexibility when it comes to mounting options. It is compatible with most popular rifle scope mounts and can be mounted quickly and easily. This allows hunters and shooters to choose the scope mount option that works best for their particular setup.
How to sight in Vortex Crossfire II
Sighting in your scope is a crucial step to ensure accuracy when shooting. Here are the steps to follow to sight in your scope:
Mount the Scope: The first step is to properly mount your scope on your rifle. Ensure that the scope is securely attached to your rifle using the appropriate mounting hardware. It’s important to ensure the scope is level, and the reticle is centered before proceeding to the next step.
Boresight: Boresighting is the process of aligning the scope with the rifle’s bore to get you close to where you want to hit. For a Vortex optic, the easiest way to boresight is to use a bore sighting tool that is compatible with your caliber. Insert the tool into the chamber, and adjust your scope to align with the laser point.
Set up the Target: Once you’ve boresighted, set up a target at your desired distance. Ensure that you have a safe backstop and a clear view of the target.
Shoot a Group: Take three to five shots at the target, using the center of the group as your point of reference.
Adjust the Windage and Elevation: Using the turret knobs on your scope, make adjustments to the windage and elevation to move the point of impact to the center of the target. It’s essential to understand the direction in which you need to turn the knobs to move the bullet’s point of impact. The Crossfire scope has finger-adjustable turrets with audible clicks that ensure precise adjustments.
Shoot Another Group: Once you’ve made adjustments, shoot another group to confirm your point of impact. If needed, make further adjustments and continue shooting until you are satisfied with the results.
Finalize Zero: Once you have confirmed the point of impact, it’s time to finalize zero. Record the adjustments you made, and set the dials back to zero. This will allow you to easily return to zero if you need to make further adjustments in the future.
FAQ
Since the Crossfire II is a very popular scope, there are hundreds of questions that people have about the scope. Here are some frequently asked questions:
What is the warranty on the Vortex Crossfire II scope?
The scope comes with a Unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty. This means that Vortex will repair or replace the scope if it becomes damaged or defective, without any questions or hassle.
What is the magnification range of the Crossfire scope?
The Crossfire II has different magnification ranges, depending on the model. The magnification ranges from 2-7x, 3-9x to 4-12x.
What is the objective lens size?
The objective lens size varies depending on the model. The size ranges from 32mm to 50mm.
What kind of rifles is the Vortex Crossfire II compatible with?
The Vortex Crossfire scope is compatible with most rifles, including bolt-action, semi-automatic, and muzzleloader rifles. It is also compatible with a variety of mounting options, making it easy to install on your preferred rifle.
Can the Crossfire II be used for long-range shooting?
Yes, the Vortex crossfire scope can be used for long-range shooting. There are higher magnification models that allow shooters to see targets at greater distances.
Is the scope suitable for hunting?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for hunting. It offers a wide range of magnification options, reticle choices, and features such as waterproofing and shockproofing, making it a durable and reliable option for hunting in various environments.
Can Crossfire II be used in low-light conditions?
Yes, the Crossfire II is suitable for use in low-light conditions. The scope is designed with a multi-coated lens system that allows for maximum light transmission, making it ideal for use during dawn, dusk, or overcast days.
How does the Vortex Crossfire II compare to the Vortex Viper?
The Vortex Crossfire II and Vortex Viper are both excellent rifle scopes from Vortex, but the Vortex Viper is typically considered a higher-end model. The Vortex Viper features a higher-quality lens system, better coating, and higher-end features such as an illuminated reticle. However, it is still an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers exceptional performance and durability.
What is the parallax on the Vortex Crossfire II?
The scope features a parallax fixed at 100 yards.
How does the Vortex Crossfire II compare to vortex diamondback?
Both the Vortex Crossfire II and Vortex Diamondback are popular rifle scopes from Vortex Optics, and while they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two. One of the main differences between the two scopes is their price point. The Vortex Crossfire II is generally considered a more affordable option, while the Vortex Diamondback is priced slightly higher and is often seen as a mid-range option.
Mike Hardesty is a published freelance gun writer. He also possesses specialized expertise in rifle scopes With dozens of articles and reviews published in Pew Pew Tactical, Snipercountry.com, and TTAG (The Truth About Guns), Mike is considered a firearms expert. His special area of expertise is handguns.
Mike is a long-time shooter. He has been punching paper targets, taking deer and other game and shooting at competitions since about 1975. Other related pursuits include reloading and bullet casting. He currently reloads for over 10 calibers, both handgun and rifle. His reloads, particularly for 9mm, were in great demand during the height of the ammo shortage among family and friends. He donated hundreds of rounds to informal shooting sessions. He was quoted as saying “I do not sell my reloads but I sure will help my guys shoot ’em for free!”. He has a few cherished firearms that he has inherited or otherwise procured — those are his favorites.
He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from Indiana State University in 1974-1975.
He’s a firearm experts and is the founder of mhardesty.com.