Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 Review

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24: Budget-Friendly Excellence

After extensive testing over six months and thousands of rounds, the Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 has proven to be one of the best value propositions in the LPVO market. This scope delivers features typically found in optics costing twice as much.

Key Specifications

• Magnification: 1–4x variable
• Objective Lens: 24 mm
• Eye Relief: ~4.0 inches
• Field of View: 96.1 – 24.1 ft @ 100 yds
• Tube Diameter: 1 inch
• Length: 9.8 inches
• Weight: 14.8 oz
• Reticle: V-Brite (Illuminated)
• Turret Style: Capped
• Adjustment Graduation: 1/2 MOA

Build Quality & Construction

The Crossfire II uses a single-piece aluminum tube with a durable hard-anodized finish. O‑ring seals and nitrogen purging provide waterproof and fogproof performance. In our range use, the scope maintained zero and showed minimal cosmetic wear.

Optical Performance

For the price, glass quality exceeds expectations. Fully multi‑coated lenses deliver bright, clear images with good color fidelity. At 1x, edge‑to‑edge clarity is strong; at 4x there’s minor edge distortion typical of this class.

The V‑Brite reticle is crisp. Illumination offers multiple brightness settings with off detents between each. The center dot is daylight visible at high settings, though not as bright as premium red dots. Our sample’s CR2032 cell ran well past 150 hours at medium settings.

Real‑World Performance

At 1x, it behaves like a red dot for close‑range work with both‑eyes‑open shooting. The throw lever (sold separately) speeds transitions to 4x, where precise shots out to ~300 yards on man‑size targets are realistic. We held consistent 2–3 MOA groups at 100 yards with quality ammo.

Tracking & Adjustments

Turrets are tactile and repeatable. Each click adjusts 1/2 MOA. Our box‑test returned to zero cleanly, and capped turrets help prevent accidental movement in the field.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• True‑to‑life 1x feel for CQB‑style shooting
• Bright, clear glass for the price point
• Daylight‑visible illuminated center dot (on higher settings)
• Generous eye relief and forgiving eye box
• Vortex’s outstanding VIP warranty
• Lightweight at under 15 oz
• Second focal plane reticle remains same size

Cons

• 1‑inch tube limits ring choices vs 30 mm
• Illumination not as bright as premium optics
• Some chromatic aberration at 4x
• Throw lever is an extra purchase
• 4x top end limits distance work

Who Is This Scope For?

• AR‑15 owners seeking a first LPVO
• Hunters in brush/woods and medium‑range setups
• 3‑Gun competitors on a budget
• Home‑defense rifles needing speed + precision
• Scout rifle fans wanting forward‑mounted optics

Comparison to Competitors

In this price class, it competes with Primary Arms Classic 1‑4×24 and Bushnell AR Optics 1‑4×24. The Crossfire II stands out for glass quality and warranty support. Compared to premium options like Trijicon Credo or Vortex Viper PST Gen II, it lacks illumination punch and refinement—but delivers ~80% of the performance at ~30% of the cost.

Mounting & Setup Tips

• Use quality 1‑inch rings (e.g., Vortex Pro Series)
• Mount forward while preserving a comfortable ~4 in eye relief
• Add a throw lever for fast mag changes
• Torque rings to manufacturer specs (often ~15–18 in‑lbs)
• Lap rings if needed for alignment

VIP Warranty

Vortex’s VIP (Very Important Promise) warranty is lifetime, unconditional, and transferable. If something goes wrong, they fix or replace it—no receipt required.

Where to Buy

Prices change quickly; check live pricing.