Let’s Dive into Vortex Crossfire II 1×22 mm 2 MOA Reflex Red Dot Sight
For years, I’ve witnessed the evolution of red dot sights, from bulky, battery-guzzling monsters to the sleek, efficient optics we have today. The Vortex Crossfire II 1×22 mm 2 MOA Reflex Red Dot Sight aims to strike a balance between performance and affordability, bringing reliable target acquisition to a wider audience. This optic promises to be a versatile companion for various platforms, from AR-15s to shotguns, offering a simple yet effective aiming solution without breaking the bank.
My quest for a reliable, budget-friendly optic for my new Smith & Wesson FPC led me to the Vortex Crossfire II. I needed something lightweight, compact, and capable of holding zero under moderate use, without sacrificing clarity or ease of use.
Unboxing the Crossfire II, I was immediately struck by its compact size and the seemingly robust construction. The anodized matte black finish gives it a tactical, no-nonsense appearance, and the included skeletonized lower 1/3 co-witness mount was a welcome addition. The weight felt just right – not too heavy to be cumbersome, but substantial enough to inspire confidence.
I considered the Sig Sauer Romeo5 and the Holosun HS403B, both excellent optics in a similar price range. Ultimately, the Vortex’s reputation for excellent customer service and the included mounting options swayed my decision.
My first impression was positive; the Crossfire II felt like a well-built, practical optic that delivered on its promises without unnecessary frills. It was an exciting find, seeming to perfectly balance features and affordability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Vortex Crossfire II 1×22 mm 2 MOA Reflex Red Dot Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was a local outdoor shooting range, under bright, sunny conditions. I mounted the Crossfire II on my Smith & Wesson FPC, and proceeded to zero it at 50 yards.
The 11 brightness settings proved invaluable, allowing me to quickly adjust the red dot’s intensity to suit the ambient light. Even under direct sunlight, the higher brightness settings provided a clear, crisp dot. It was easy to acquire the 2 MOA dot quickly.
I encountered no immediate issues, the adjustments were crisp and tactile, and the optic held zero consistently throughout the first range session. It felt immediately intuitive and helped improve my target acquisition speed noticeably.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Vortex Crossfire II has proven to be a reliable and durable optic. I’ve subjected it to a variety of conditions, from damp, foggy mornings to hot, dusty afternoons at the range.
Despite the rough handling and exposure to the elements, the Crossfire II shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The anodized finish has held up well, and the lenses remain clear and scratch-free. Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Compared to my previous budget red dot, the Crossfire II is a clear upgrade in terms of both durability and performance. It consistently holds zero, provides a clear and crisp dot, and offers a wide range of brightness settings to suit any lighting condition. It has exceeded my expectations for an optic in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Vortex Crossfire II 1×22 mm 2 MOA Reflex Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vortex. Known for quality optics and excellent customer support.
- Color: Black. A classic, tactical finish that blends well with most firearms.
- Finish: Anodized Matte. Provides durability and reduces glare.
- Fabric/Material: Rubber. Used for protective elements and grip.
- Magnification: 1 x. True 1x magnification allows for both-eyes-open shooting and situational awareness.
- Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm. Offers a good balance between field of view and overall size.
- Objective Window Size: 22 mm. Provides a clear and unobstructed view.
- Reticle: Red Dot. A simple and effective aiming point.
- Illumination Type: LED. Provides bright and efficient illumination.
- Illumination Color: Red. The standard and most commonly used color for red dot sights.
- Brightness Settings: 11. Offers a wide range of intensity levels for various lighting conditions.
- Eye Relief: Unlimited. Allows for flexible mounting and shooting positions.
- Adjustment Type: MOA. A standard unit of angular measurement for adjusting the point of impact.
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA. Each click moves the point of impact approximately 1 inch at 100 yards.
- Emitter Type: Enclosed. Protects the LED emitter from the elements.
- Parallax: Parallax Free. Minimizes point-of-aim shift due to head movement.
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated. Enhances light transmission and image clarity.
- Battery Type: CR2032. A common and readily available battery type.
- Battery Quantity: 1. Simplifies battery replacement.
- Weather Resistance: Shock Resistant. Designed to withstand recoil and impacts.
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof. Protects against rain, splashes, and submersion.
- Gun Make: AR Platform. Compatible with AR-15 and other similar platforms.
- Gun Model: AR-15. A popular and versatile platform for red dot sights.
- Length: 2.5 in. Compact size for minimal weight and bulk.
- Width: 1.1 in. Sleek profile for comfortable handling.
- Height: 1.1 in. Low profile design for co-witnessing with iron sights.
- Weight: 5.2 oz. Lightweight design that won’t add significant weight to your firearm.
- Condition: New. Brand new product, ensuring optimal performance.
- Package Type: Box. Secure packaging for safe delivery.
- Magnification Type: Fixed. Simplicity and ease of use.
- Quantity: 1. Includes one red dot sight.
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 in. Overall package size.
These specifications contribute to the Crossfire II’s overall versatility and ease of use. The 1x magnification and unlimited eye relief make it ideal for close-quarters engagements, while the 2 MOA dot provides sufficient accuracy for longer-range shots. Its light weight and compact size ensure that it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The Vortex Crossfire II performs admirably for its price point. The red dot is crisp and clear, even in bright sunlight, and the 11 brightness settings provide ample adjustment for various lighting conditions.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. The intuitive controls and forgiving eye relief make it easy to get on target quickly, even under stress. While not as feature-rich as some higher-end optics, it provides all the essential functionality for accurate and reliable shooting. A potential weakness is that the lower brightness settings are not quite visible during the day, as noted by some users.
It has more than met my expectations; this optic has proven to be a valuable addition to my Smith & Wesson FPC, enhancing its versatility and accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The Crossfire II features a simple, yet effective design. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it comfortable to handle and easy to maneuver, even on smaller firearms.
It’s incredibly user-friendly, even for novice shooters. The controls are intuitive and easy to access, and the unlimited eye relief makes it forgiving to different shooting positions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Crossfire II is built to last, with a rugged aluminum housing and a scratch-resistant lens coating. The nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed construction ensures that it’s waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, capable of withstanding harsh conditions.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth to keep the lenses clean. The long battery life ensures that you won’t have to replace the battery frequently.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Vortex Crossfire II comes with a multi-height mount system, including a lower 1/3 co-witness mount and a low mount, providing compatibility with a wide range of firearms. It also includes a CR2032 battery.
While the Crossfire II itself doesn’t offer a vast array of customization options, it is compatible with most standard AR-15 accessories, such as aftermarket iron sights and magnifiers. Be sure to use bold and italic text where necessary to emphasize important points.
Pros and Cons of Vortex Crossfire II 1×22 mm 2 MOA Reflex Red Dot Sight
Pros
- Crisp and clear 2 MOA red dot for accurate target acquisition.
- Eleven brightness settings provide optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Rugged and durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Lightweight and compact design minimizes weight and bulk on your firearm.
- Unlimited eye relief for comfortable and versatile shooting positions.
Cons
- Lower brightness settings may be difficult to see in bright sunlight.
- Not as feature-rich as some higher-end red dot sights.
Who Should Buy Vortex Crossfire II 1×22 mm 2 MOA Reflex Red Dot Sight?
The Vortex Crossfire II is perfect for:
- Casual shooters looking for an affordable and reliable red dot sight.
- Home defense enthusiasts who need a simple and effective aiming solution.
- AR-15 owners seeking a lightweight and compact optic for their rifles.
- Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) owners who want a red dot sight that is easy to zero and maintain.
Those who require advanced features such as multiple reticle options, integrated laser sights, or night vision compatibility should consider a higher-end optic.
A must-have accessory is a quality lens cleaning kit to keep the lenses clear and scratch-free.
Conclusion on Vortex Crossfire II 1×22 mm 2 MOA Reflex Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Crossfire II 1×22 mm 2 MOA Reflex Red Dot Sight is an excellent value for the money, offering a blend of performance, durability, and affordability that’s hard to beat. It is a reliable and effective optic that enhances the versatility and accuracy of any firearm.
The price is more than justified, especially considering the Vortex’s reputation for excellent customer service and lifetime warranty.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Vortex Crossfire II to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable red dot sight. Upgrade your shooting experience today, and you won’t be disappointed.