Introduction
As an avid hunter and shooter, I’m always on the lookout for a great riflescope that won’t break the bank. That’s why I was excited to try out the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope. This line of riflescopes offers a variety of configurations to suit different needs, but I went with the 2-7×32 model with the Dead-Hold BDC reticle.
Overview of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Crossfire II line is known for its affordability and solid performance, and my experience with it has been no different. The 2-7×32 model I tried out features a second focal plane reticle, meaning that the size of the reticle stays constant throughout the magnification range. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly useful for hunting or shooting at varying ranges where holdover estimation is needed.
Product Description and Key Features
Aside from the reticle, the Crossfire II has plenty of other features that make it a great value for the price. The lenses are anti-reflective and fully multi-coated, providing clear and bright views even in low-light conditions. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, while the capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in. The tube itself is made from aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and shockproof performance, and it’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fogproof performance.
Reviews
Overall, I’m impressed with the performance and value of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope. Other reviewers have also praised the brand for its affordability and lifetime warranty. One reviewer noted that they had mounted the scope on a side mount on a Win 30-30 ’94 and found it to work great, while another noted that they were able to hit targets out to 200 yards consistently after sighting it in on their Ruger 10/22. The only limitation they noted was with the elevation adjustment for the center cross at distances of 300 yards or more.
Customer Reviews
When it comes to buying a new riflescope, customer reviews can be a helpful source of information. Here are a few reviews from happy customers of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope:
Review 1: Great Value and Lifetime Warranty
According to one reviewer, this riflescope is “great value for the money.” They were particularly impressed by the lifetime warranty that comes with Vortex optics. This customer owns 8 Vortex optics and has found them all to be top quality. They suggest installing the scope with a quality mount to ensure carefree optics for a lifetime.
Review 2: Crossfire II on Ruger 10/22
Another customer used this riflescope on a Ruger 10/22 and found it to be a great fit. They appreciated the clear optics and good price, and mounted the scope with a side mount. This customer did not encounter any issues with zeroing in the scope.
Review 3: Love the Scope for Deer/Hog Hunting
Yet another satisfied customer praised the Crossfire II scope for its effectiveness in deer and hog hunting. They found the Dead-Hold BDC reticle to be particularly helpful when estimating holdover at varying ranges. The fast focus eyepiece and ultra-forgiving eye box helped with quick target acquisition, and the anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provided bright and clear views.
Common themes and feedback from customer reviews include the great value for the price, the lifetime warranty, and the clarity of the optics. Customers also appreciated the ease of use, particularly the quick and easy reticle focusing and finger adjustable turrets. With so many satisfied customers, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope can be a solid choice for both beginner and experienced hunters and shooters alike.
Design and Ergonomics
Construction, Material and Build Quality
As an avid hunter and shooter, I am always looking for a riflescope that is well-built, durable and can withstand the rugged outdoors. The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope is one of the most solidly constructed scopes I have come across. It is a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum that ensures its strength and shockproof performance. The tube is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, thus delivering waterproof and fogproof performance.
Design and Ergonomics for Easy Handling and Use
The Crossfire II boasts a beautiful design that is both user-friendly and practical. The scope’s fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, while the capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for shooting and hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern. The long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box provide a quick and easy sight picture, enabling me to quickly acquire my target.
Clear View and Eye Relief
One of the standout features of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope is its fully multi-coated lenses, which provide bright and clear views for the user. Many riflescope users, including myself, have difficulty with short scopes and short eye relief. However, the Crossfire II has excellent eye relief, with clear optics, and well-marked turrets. It boasts a maximum elevation adjustment of 60 MOA, making it easy to breathe a sigh of relief knowing the riflescope will not let me down, especially when it matters most in the field.
Overall, I feel that Vortex Optics has done an excellent job designing this scope, making it not only comfortable to use but practical and reliable in a wide range of shooting scenarios. This is definitely a budget riflescope that delivers excellent value for money.
Performance and Accuracy
Once I received my Vortex Optics Crossfire II, I was excited to get to the range and put it to the test. After mounting it to my Remington 243 rifle using a set of 1-inch high rise Weaver brand solid steel scope rings, I bore sighted the gun at 25 yards and began shooting. I found that the 1/4-inch clicks were smooth and adjustments held up/down/left/right as I dialed in at 25 yards. Once dialed in, I set up at a 100-yard target and within three shots and a few more adjustments, I had the gun hitting bullseye.
Shooting Capability and Range
Three different shooters using the rifle put three bullets within a 3-inch diamond pattern shooting from sandbags using Remington 110-grain V-max ammo. Next, I set up a deer target to practice vital shots from a sitting position using a tripod shooting stick for the gun rest. The scope held firm and the lenses were very clear.
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
As for the windage and elevation adjustment, one reviewer mentioned they spent 2 hours at the range trying to zero it in, but realized that the U/D and R/L labels were mislabeled. However, once they figured it out, it was fairly easy to zero in and the scope worked fine.
Dead-Hold BDC Reticle for Various Ranges
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is a great feature for hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern. The reticle was easy to see and adjusting from 4x zoom to 12x zoom was a breeze. Looking through the 12x zoom at 100 yards, I could easily see the bullet holes in the target paper.
Overall, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope is a great investment for its price. The clear lenses, fast focus eyepiece, and easily adjustable clicks all make for a great shooting experience. The only downside is the thin black coating on the outside of the scope, which scratches easily. However, as long as the scope holds true, it’s a minor issue.
Durability and Warranty
When it comes to investing in a riflescope, durability is an essential factor that every buyer should consider. The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane riflescope offers an impressive level of durability that can withstand harsh conditions with ease.
Durability and Resistance against Water, Fog, and Shock
This riflescope is constructed from a single piece tube that is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which gives it superior strength and shockproof performance. Furthermore, the riflescope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, which delivers waterproof and fog proof performance, especially in challenging or varying weather conditions.
Capped Reset Turrets that are Finger Adjustable and MOA Clicks
The capped reset turrets on this riflescope are finger adjustable with MOA clicks. In addition, they can be reset to zero after sighting in, which is an essential feature for hunters and shooters who need quick and easy adjustment capabilities.
Lifetime Warranty
One of the most significant advantages of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane riflescope is its lifetime warranty. The no-questions-asked warranty policy is evidence of the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of this riflescope.
In conclusion, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane riflescope is a versatile and reliable piece of equipment that offers impressive features and an exceptional level of durability. If you are looking for a quality riflescope that can withstand harsh conditions while being backed by a lifetime warranty, this product is the right choice for you.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope
As an owner of eight Vortex optics, I can attest to the top-quality of their products. The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope is no exception. The price point is also affordable for such a high-quality scope, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for hunters or shooters who need to estimate holdover at varying ranges. Additionally, the long eye relief and forgiving eye box allow for quick target acquisition. The fast focus eyepiece is simple to use, which is especially useful when you need to make quick adjustments while hunting or shooting. The fully multi-coated lenses provide clear and bright views, while the waterproof and fogproof design ensure that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Disadvantages of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope
One reviewer noted that they had difficulty zeroing in the scope due to the labeling of the Up/Down and Left/Right notches. However, once they figured it out, the scope wasn’t a problem. Other than that, there are few drawbacks to this scope.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope is an excellent scope with a lot of value for the money. The high-quality construction and design allow for consistent and reliable performance in a variety of shooting situations. While there may be a few minor drawbacks, they are easily overcome and are heavily outweighed by the many benefits of this scope. If you are in the market for a high-quality, reasonably priced riflescope, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope is an excellent option to consider.
