Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 scope

I am totally convinced by Vortex Optics and have been using them with no complaints. They offer three bands of product: the no compromise Razor, in the middle the more cost-effective Viper PST and the entry level Crossfire. Yes there is a difference in price and performance, but on the latter front not as much as you might think. If I had the money then the 1 - 6x24 Razor would be my choice for my AR15 and similar. But a grand is a lot of money and you can nearly get it all in the much cheaper Viper PST, which is what I use on my 223 and 22 ARs.

The Crossfire II series offers a sweet little 1 - 4x24 with V-Brite Reticule (MOA) that’s made in China. I would happily use it for driven boar/deer shooting as well as practical-type disciplines. The build shows a fast-focus eyepiece with the 11-positon, drum-type rheostat at 12 o’clock on the bell. Moving forward the magnification ring is large and heavily ribbed and clearly marked. The one-piece, 30mm body tube shows medium height hunter-type turrets under removable caps, again all very standard. Weighing 14.8oz and 9.8-inches long, the Crossfire II is a handy package. Unusual is the 4-inch eye relief – okay, hardly that long, but offering the AR user the ability to ramp it forward if required. Also, with the right mounts, it could well suit the forward mounting position on a scout rifle.

Click values are in 1⁄2 MOA with 30 MOA per rotation, the drum is divided into 1⁄2 and 1 MOA sub divisions with even numbers marked. Elevation goes from 0-30, with windage being split in the middle at 15-0-15 making it a bit easier to wind in the direction. Vortex quotes both planes giving five full turns of movement, in use elevation only had 41⁄2 where as windage had the full 5.

Caps Off

Turrets were pleasingly firm and you could, if you wanted, leave the caps off as it seems unlikely given the shape of the drums and their low height they would ever get knocked off zero. That is how I would use them for range work, but not for hunting. The reticule is set in the 2nd focal plane (SFP) and what Vortex calls a V-Brite, which is very much a medium Dual-X with a free-floating central dot, which is the only thing that illuminates. Alternatively you could opt for the V-Plex, which is identical apart from the cross in the middle and no dot; I prefer the former!

Given the sub-£200 price tag optical quality and performance is excellent. The view is clear right up to the periphery and the image sharp and bright. There are no frills on this model with just basic slip-on lens cups. I would happily fit this scope on my M03 for boar-busting as it appears to do the job just as well as the more expensive glass I normally favour. Add in Vortex’s forever warranty which states: ‘Lifetime. Unlimited. Unconditional. Vortex will repair or replace the product in the event it becomes damaged or defective. Absolutely free – no matter the cause!’ Not too shabby eh?

PRICE: £183.52
CONTACT: Riflecraft Ltd 01379 853745 www.riflecraft.co.uk www.vortexoptics.com