Vortex Crossfire Review

Hey Shooters! welcome to my Vortex Crossfire Review in 2024.

After putting it through its paces extensively, I’m here to spill the beans and hopefully guide you to make a more informed decision.

With hands-on experience with the Vortex Crossfire, I’ve got the lowdown on everything from its performance to its durability.

Vortex Crossfire: Core Specifications

Magnification	1x
Coatings	Fully Multi-Coated (FMC)
Eye Relief	Unlimited
Reticle	2 MOA dot
Adjustments	1 MOA
Battery Life	50,000 hours
Dimensions	2.5” L/5.2 oz
Mount	Multi-height

Unboxing and First Impression

Inside the box, the sight was nestled securely along with a clear lens cover, a low rail mount for shotguns or rifles, a high mount for AR platforms, a T-10 Torx wrench, and a comprehensive user manual.

The first thing I noticed was the sight’s compact design and lightweight construction. Weighing just under 5.2 ounces with the mount, it was sturdy without feeling too heavy.

 The finish was a smooth, matte black that seemed quite durable and would likely resist scratches and other wear.

Top 5 Features of Vortex Crossfire

1. Reticle & Glass

The moment I peered through the Vortex Crossfire for the first time, I was instantly impressed by the clarity of the glass and the crispness of the reticle. The glass seemed not only robust but also very clear – a perfect stage for the red dot to perform its magic.

The red dot itself was sharp, easy to see, and didn’t blur or bleed at the edges – a testament to Vortex’s reputation for quality optics. The lens surfaces are shielded with full multi-coatings, reducing glare and enhancing the visibility of the red dot.

The 2 MOA red dot sight is perfectly sized, striking a balance between precision and speed of target acquisition. Day or night, the red dot was always clearly visible, allowing me to take accurate shots irrespective of lighting conditions.

A feature that really sets the Vortex Crossfire apart is its O-ring seal, ensuring the sight is both waterproof and fog-proof. Come rain or high humidity, this sight stands strong and keeps your reticle crystal clear.

What’s more, the Vortex Crossfire offers user-friendly and clearly marked brightness adjustments. With a simple turn of a knob, you can choose from 11 different brightness settings, with the first two being night-vision compatible. 

This adaptability ensures your sight is always dialed in, no matter the lighting situation. So, whether you’re shooting under the blazing sun or under the moon, the Vortex Crossfire has got you covered.

Testing

I decided to set up a few different shooting scenarios at my local range, simulating various distances, lighting conditions, and target types to really push the sight to its limits.

My first test was at close range. The 2 MOA red dot was spot on, allowing me to rapidly acquire targets and transition between them with ease. The red dot was clear and bright and didn’t obscure the targets, which made shooting at this distance a breeze.

Next, I pushed back the target to the 100-yard mark to test the sight’s performance at its maximum intended range. The reticle held its own here as well, providing a clear, precise point of aim without covering up too much of the target. The targets were easily identifiable, and the sight allowed for accurate shot placement.

2. Window Size

The crossfire sight window is not the largest on the market but proved to be more than sufficient for fast target acquisition and tracking. It offered a generous field of view, allowing me to quickly acquire and engage targets without feeling constrained or limited by the size of the window.

Testing

To put the window size to the test, I set up a dynamic shooting scenario involving multiple moving targets. I wanted to gauge how effectively I could track and engage these targets using the Vortex Crossfire.

The sight window truly shined during this test. It provided me with a clear and unobstructed view of the targets as they moved across my field of vision. The window’s size and design allowed me to easily track the targets without any hindrance or loss of sight picture.

3. Durability 

I can confidently vouch for its ability to withstand demanding shooting conditions. Despite its small size and lightweight design, this red dot sight is built to last.

Testing

During my testing, I put the Crossfire through its paces in various challenging environments. I intentionally exposed it to rain, dropped it in the dirt, and even took it along on hunting trips. 

Through all these rigorous activities, Crossfire stood strong, maintaining its performance and functionality without any problem.

The anodized finish of the Crossfire not only adds to its sleek appearance but also provides a protective layer against wear and tear. 

It has proven itself to be highly resistant to scratches and impacts, ensuring the sight remains in top shape even after extensive use.

4. Battery Life

One aspect that truly impressed me is the battery life of the Crossfire. The sight is powered by a common CR2032 battery, which can last up to a staggering 50,000 hours. 

This exceptional battery life eliminates the need for frequent battery changes, giving shooters peace of mind during extended shooting sessions or outings.

Testing

Based on my extensive testing, The Vortex Crossfire has showcased remarkable durability and longevity. It has proven itself to be a reliable companion, capable of enduring harsh conditions and delivering consistent performance.

However, it’s worth noting that if you prefer to eliminate the reliance on batteries altogether, you might consider exploring an ACOG sight, which operates without batteries. 

But for those who don’t mind using batteries, the Vortex Crossfire’s extended battery life makes it a fantastic choice for shooters looking for a dependable and long-lasting red dot sight.

5. Mounting

When unboxing the Crossfire, you’ll find it pre-installed with the skeletonized high riser mount. Additionally, a low-profile mount is included in the package, along with extra screws for secure attachment.

Testing

I had the opportunity to try out both mounting options. The high-rise mount provided a lower 1/3 co-witness with my backup iron sights (BUIS), and I confirmed this by aligning the front MBUS sight with the red dot. 

The inclusion of the high-rise mount allows for a comfortable and effective co-witness setup when using iron sights alongside the Crossfire.

On the other hand, the low-profile mount is an excellent choice for AK platforms or for those who prefer a lighter and more discreet mounting solution. It positions the sight lower to the bore axis, enhancing the overall shooting experience and maintaining a compact profile.

I must say that I didn’t encounter any issues with either of the included mounts during my rigorous testing. They securely held the Crossfire in place without any shifting or movement, ensuring consistent accuracy and reliability.

Drawbacks of Vortex Crossfire

While the Vortex Crossfire offers numerous impressive features and performance, it’s important to highlight some drawbacks that I discovered during my testing, including the following:

1. Illumination Knob Placement 

The oversized illumination knob on the Crossfire provides easy control over the brightness settings. However, its placement near the windage turret poses a challenge. 

The proximity of the two components restricts the ease of engaging the knob, making it difficult to rotate naturally. Approximately 25% of the knob’s rotating movement is hindered, creating an inconvenience, especially when the knob is already stiff, to begin with.

2. Limited Illumination Knob Rotation

The illumination knob on the Crossfire has a limitation when it comes to rotation. It does not rotate both ways past 0, requiring you to dial all the way up to reach the maximum brightness level and then dial all the way back down to deactivate the illumination. 

This restricted rotation can be a bit cumbersome and time-consuming when you need to quickly adjust the illumination settings.

It’s important to note that while these drawbacks might pose some inconvenience, they are relatively minor in the overall functionality of the Vortex Crossfire. 

Who Should Get the Vortex Crossfire?

The Vortex Crossfire is an entry-level sight from a well-respected manufacturer, designed to be a straightforward, no-fuss option for rapid target acquisition within 100 yards. 

Considering its price point, clarity of optics, and overall performance, it’s a solid choice for beginners or those who enjoy recreational shooting.

If you’re an enthusiastic hobbyist, a beginner looking for a reliable sight, or a recreational shooter who enjoys plinking cans or hunting varmints, the Vortex Crossfire offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s an uncomplicated, reliable, and cost-effective sight that delivers where it counts.

FAQs

Are Vortex Red Dots any good?

Yes, Vortex red dots are highly regarded for their quality, reliability, and affordability.

Is Vortex Crossfire red dot waterproof?

Yes, the Vortex Crossfire red dot is waterproof, ensuring its functionality even in wet conditions.

What’s the difference between Vortex Crossfire & Vortex Sparc AR?

The Vortex Crossfire has a slight edge over the SPARC AR with its longer battery life. Coupled with its often slightly more affordable price tag.