Vortex Crossfire II riflescopes | Optics Trade Debates

By Maruša Justinek Jul 23, 2020

Hello and welcome to another episode of Optics Trade Debates and in this segment, we will be discussing the Vortex entry-level line Crossfire II riflescopes.

What is the story behind this large series? At the beginning, there was Crossfire I, but the series was much narrower; it included only a couple of models. In 2015, Vortex came out with the Crossfire II series and flooded the market with different models. You are able to purchase some of them with or without illumination, and some in different versions like the Rimfire, Scout, etc. From the sales point of view, this is Vortex’s most significant series, as well as the cheapest. With the scopes, you get everything you expect from Vortex in regards to the warranty, price to value ratio, and others.

The series begins with the 1×24, the Muzzleloader scope; those are mainly popular in the US. Next, there is the 1-4×24 model with a V-Brite illuminated reticle. It is a general wide-angle scope, used by hunters and lately, IPSC shooters (an entry-level affordable scope with a day-time bright illumination). Then, there is the 2-7×32 model, which is lightweight and compact – a sweet stop in this range, as there are not many small and light scopes on the market anymore. This scope is available in three different configurations: the Rimfire (the parallax setting is set at a closer range), the basic version (the parallax setting is set at 91 m), and there is also the Scout version, which has an extended eye relief, so you can mount it at the front of the Scout rifle.

Next, there is the 3-9×40 model, which is probably the most sold; you are able to get it either with or without an illuminated reticle. Then, there is the 4-12×44, and 3-9×50, which again, you can get with or without an illuminated reticle. The 4-12×40 comes with an adjustable objective (an AO scope). The 6-18×44 also comes with an adjustable objective, and you are able to purchase it either with or without an illuminated reticle. Next, there are the 4-12×50 (AO), 4-16×50 (AO), 6-24×50 (AO) – it has the highest magnification. The 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter is a hunting scope, even though it has an adjustable objective, which is, for a hunting scope, unusual.

The above-mentioned scopes, excluding the Hog Hunter, are more suitable for sport shooting, but you can also use them for hunting. However, they are still at entry-level, so they are not suitable for competitions. The tube is either 30 mm or 1 inch – it varies from model to model. The 1 inch models are: 1×24, 2-7, 3-9×40 and x50, 4-12×44, 4-12×40, 6-18×44, and 4-12×50. And the 30 mm models are: 1-4×24, 4-16×50, 6-24×50, and 3-12×56.

There are some characteristics that unify the whole Crossfire series. What unifies them are the hunting turrets (low profile capped turrets), and a fast-focus eyepiece for the diopter settings, so you can quickly set the diopter. What is the same is also the design of the magnification ring – made out of metal. They are all capable of handling quite a lot of recoil, especially if you look at the price point (150 €-350 €).

But be cautious with entry-level affordable scopes when you are mounting them on really powerful calibers. The best option would be .30-06, 8×57 (which is more popular in Europe), .308, 7×64 (also popular in Europe). Some people even mount them on .300 Win. Mag. – if you have this kind of a rifle, you have to invest more in optics.

These are one of the few scopes on the market that can handle such a strong recoil in this price class. Because if you are buying a scope for 200 €-250 €, they will most likely not hold .300 Winchester Magnum; but the Crossfire II will. They are selling fast because they have an excellent warranty (the Vortex VIP warranty), and they function without problems.

Which models can be purchased with illumination? 1-4×24 (only illuminated), 3-9×40, 3-9×50, 6-18×44, 4-16×50, 6-24×50, and 3-12×56 (only illuminated).

With most of these scopes, you can get at least two reticles: the BDC Reticle, or the V Plex Reticle. On the illuminated scopes, you are able to get the additional V Brite Reticle (a V Plex with a dot in the center). The price range varies from 150 €- 400 €. Vortex produces these products in the Philippines, China, USA, and Japan – these are made in China.

The parallax is adjustable on some of the models: 4-12×40, 6-18×44, 4-12×50, 4-16×50, 6-24×50, and 3-12×56. They come with the Vortex VIP warranty, and they are all second focal plane. The illumination, at least for hunting purposes, is quite good.

There is always room for improvement. When talking about scopes priced bellow 300 €, it is logical not to expect the same quality and features as on 2000 €, 3000 € scopes. However, the next generation could improve regarding the field of view, as well as the tunnel effect. The scopes are also quite big, which could be improved.

If you found this video useful, check out some of our others, and we will see you in our next debate. Bye.