Vortex Crossfire II Review (2023): Worth the Money?

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Is the Vortex Crossfire II worth the money?

The short answer: Yes. For the price, durability, glass clarity, forgiving eye box, and smooth turret rotations, I highly recommend it for anyone on a budget.

In this Vortex Crossfire II review, I’ll explain why, which reticle you should get, and if this scope is for you.

Let’s get started!

Features

Vortex Crossfire II

Brand

Vortex Optics

Color

Matte Black

Magnification Range

4-12x

Reticle Type

Dead-Hold BDC, V-Plex, or V-Brite

Reticle Illumination

Only with the V-Brite

Weight

17.2 ounces

Length

13.1 inches

Objective Lens Diameter

44 mm

Here’s my Vortex Crossfire II Review

I’m going to be honest: I wasn’t expecting much with the Vortex Crossfire 2.

After all, it costs less than $200. But since buying it back in 2019, this optic has exceeded my expectations and more.

I’ve used it on a variety of rifles and calibers, like the AR-15 and 30-06, hunting trips, and plinking. It’s been through hell and it still operates as if I bought it yesterday.

Let me show you what I mean…

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The fast-focus eyepiece on my Vortex scope gives me a perfect sight picture, just like my Strike Eagle.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II CLARITY

I can see everything clearly no matter which magnification setting I use.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II CLARITY (2)

As for the reticle, you’ve got options with the Crossfire II.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II RETICLE

The most-common choice is the Dead-Hold BDC.

This one uses hash marks to give me easy control over my accuracy.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II RETICLE

I really love this one for long-range situations, because it cuts down on my calculation times.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II TARGET CLARITY

It also has a coating on the fast-focus eyepiece to improve low-light clarity.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II EYEPIECE

This is the same with the V-Plex reticle, if you choose that one.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II RETICLE

V-Plex is my least-favorite of the three options. While it has the lens coating, it lacks the hash marks. This opens up the picture a little more, but I like the quick adjustments with my BDC.

Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 Riflescope Deadhold BDC MOA , Black
6,876 Reviews
Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 Riflescope Deadhold BDC MOA , Black
  • The 4-12x44 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a...
  • With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
  • Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.

Of course, if you plan to shoot in low-light conditions, you should opt for the V-Brite reticle. One of the biggest criticisms of the Vortex Crossfire II is the lack of illumination.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II CLARITY IN DARKNESS

V-Brite illuminated reticles took care of that problem, with a nice red dot to increase precision. Which reticle you prefer is situational, but I love my BDC and V-Brite scopes.

One quick note is that Vortex made the Crossfire II with a second focal-plane reticle. It won’t change with magnification, which can take up a little room in the scope, but I’ve never had a problem with it.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The Vortex Crossfire II has an objective lens that’s 44mm.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II LENS (1)

With a lens that size, most people have about 3.9 inches of eye relief, which is an ultra-forgiving eye box.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II EYEPIECE

I can stay back from the scope and still see a perfect image on the other end.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II MAGNIFICATION

As for the field of view, I don’t have any issues making out the surroundings.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II TARGET CLARITY

Zeroing on a target at 100 yards, I can see almost 25 feet across at the lowest magnification.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II EYEPIECE

On the max setting, I can see a little over 8 feet across.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II RETICLE

Vortex Optics makes sure that you’ll have no trouble seeing your target clearly.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II MAGNIFICATION (1)

Durability

The Crossfire II has a number of features that make sure it’ll be with you for a long time.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II OVERVIEW (1)

Anti-reflective on the fully multi-coated lenses keep the scope safe.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II EYEPIECE

After all this time, I don’t have any scratches or issues with my lenses.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II OVERVIEW (2)

That’s thanks in part to the Crossfire’s tube being one piece of aircraft-grade aluminum.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II OVERVIEW (2)

Like my Vortex Viper, the Crossfire II is lightweight and effective.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II OVERVIEW

Being just over 17 ounces, I can take it on long trips and have no problem with the added weight on my rifle.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II MOUNTED (1)

It’s waterproof and the tube is sealed to be fogproof.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II OVERVIEW (3)

If you’re worried about a battery the only reticle that needs one is the V-Brite for illumination. Even then, the CR2032 battery works for around 150 hours of use before needing to be replaced.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II MOUNTED (2)

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The elevation and windage knobs on the Crossfire II are covered to keep them safe.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE TURRET (1)

Each one adjusts in ¼ MOA increments, so I have easy reticle focusing at range.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II TURRETS (1)

They both max out at 50 MOA, or minute of angle, adjustments.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II TURRETS

When combined with the hash marks on my BDC reticle, I can adjust and take a shot in no time.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II RETICLE (2)

One thing that I love about my Vortex products, like this and the Strike Eagle, is the zero-reset turrets. When all of these features are combined, I can adjust on the move with ease.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II MOUNTED

Parallax & Magnification

With a fixed parallax of 100 yards, I haven’t noticed any negative impact on my accuracy.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II RETICLE

Because the magnification range for the Crossfire II is 4x-12x, the parallax isn’t an issue.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II MAGNIFICATION (1)

The 4x magnification setting lets me sight on closer targets, which is perfect for anything inside of 25 yards. I’ve taken my Crossfire II to the range and hunting without a problem.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II TARGET CLARITY

The great thing about a variable scope, though, is the option of going farther. I can easily hit targets at 100 yards or beyond, which reminds me of my Vortex Diamondback.

The longest shot I’ve taken with precision was closer to 1,000 yards, so you can count on the Vortex Crossfire II for all kinds of situations.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II MAGNIFICATION

Mounting & Rings

Speaking of versatility, the Crossfire II can mount on most firearms.

As long as you can use a single set of mounting rings, like the Vortex Cantilever mount, you can use it.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II LENS

It’s a sturdy scope, so it won’t shift around from the recoil on a .22 or a .50 caliber rifle.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II MOUNTED (1)

It’s great for rimfire rifles, but it’s also designed to work on centerfires.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II EYE RELIEF

I will say that I use the lowest setting on my mounting rings.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II MOUNT

It usually gives me the best sight picture, which is especially important for the longer shots.

Vortex Optics Sport Cantilever 1-Inch Mount - 2-Inch Offset
  • Use this cantilever mount for mounting 1-inch telescopic sights
  • The 2-inch offset of this cantilever mount positions the scope in a forward location, allowing the correct eye relief and head placement
  • The cantilever ring mount positions the center of the riflescope tube at a height of 1.59 inches (40.39 mm) from the base. Weighs 6.7 ounces

Price

With all of the features, aircraft-grade aluminum, and the performance of my Crossfire II, I’m still impressed with the price.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II PACKAGING

I got my BDC reticle for less than $200.

Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 Riflescope Deadhold BDC MOA , Black
6,876 Reviews
Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 Riflescope Deadhold BDC MOA , Black
  • The 4-12x44 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a...
  • With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
  • Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.

The V-Brite was a little more, at $250, but I expected to pay more for the illuminated reticle.

Sale
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
6,876 Reviews
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
  • The 2-7x32 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a...
  • With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing
  • Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user; Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA

Either way, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II is one of the best scopes you can get for less than $500. I’ve used much more expensive optics with less efficiency or comparable features. That price doesn’t even take into account the warranty that Vortex offers.

They’ve got one of the best lifetime warranties out there.

VORTEX CROSSFIRE II OVERVIEW

You don’t need a proof of purchase and the warranty is transferable to get a full refund or replacement.

VORTEX OPTICS CROSSFIRE II OVERVIEW (3)

Is the Vortex Crossfire II for you?

No matter what situation you’ll be shooting in, I’d recommend the Vortex Optics Crossfire II. With that list of impressive features, effective performance, and a reasonable price, what’s not to love?

Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 Riflescope Deadhold BDC MOA , Black
6,876 Reviews
Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 Riflescope Deadhold BDC MOA , Black
  • The 4-12x44 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a...
  • With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
  • Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.

If you prefer hash marks, I’d go with the Dead-Hold BDC reticle. If you plan to shoot at dusk or at night, I’d suggest choosing the V-Brite reticle.

Either way, you get a variable scope with a clear image on the second focal plane. Like I said before, I’ve had mine for a long time. If you want an alternative, you might also consider the Vortex Strike Eagle.

Now It’s Your Turn

I hope you enjoyed my Vortex Crossfire II review.

Now I want to turn it over to you:

What do you think about the Vortex Crossfire II? Or perhaps you already bought it and would like to share your thoughts.

Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.

FAQ:

What kind of reticle does the Crossfire II scope have?

The Crossfire II offers three choices of reticle, depending on your situation. The Dead-Hold BDC seems to be the standard, with hash marks for accuracy.

The V-Plex reticle has the same anti-reflective coating as the BDC, but removes the hash marks to open up the sight picture. The V-Brite illuminated reticle is perfect for low-light conditions.

What are the adjustment measurements for the Crossfire II?

Both the elevation and windage knob adjust at ¼ MOA with a maximum of 50 MOA.

Does the Vortex Crossfire II have parallax correction?

While some models of the Crossfire II don’t, the 4-12x corrects parallax at 100 yards.

What is the farthest range you can shoot with the Vortex Crossfire II scope?

The lower 4x magnification is ideal for 25 yards, but not much after. On the 12x setting, you could hit a target upwards of 1,000 yards, though it depends on how well you can shoot, the rifle and caliber you’re using, and weather conditions.

2 thoughts on “Vortex Crossfire II Review (2023): Worth the Money?”

  1. i bought a vortex crossfire ii at bass pro shops Dieppe NB and i am about to install it on a new Mossberg 6.5 CAL rifle. How hard is it to site The scope.

    Reply

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