Our Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 review aims to not only cover the details and specs of the scope but to actually dive into the details that matter. We look to answer the questions real hunters and rifle owners have and need to know before forking out any money.
Things to Consider Before Buying
The Vortex Crossfire II is a second generation scope of the introductory line from Vortex. These rifle scopes come in different models that provide variety in magnification that ranges from 1-4x24mm to 6-24x50mm for more long range scopes. This particular model is the 1″ inch tube which offers an x3 magnification range.
Even though this is an entry level line from Vortex it hasn’t changed the level of quality put into these rifle scopes. This is an ideal scope for someone that might want to see what the Vortex brand can offer while remaining at an affordable price point. We’ve written about a long range scope on a budget before if you want to see a complete budget-friendly list.
Just because this is an entry level rifle scope hasn’t stopped it from being extremely effective in most hunting situations. This scope should have you covered for your daily hunt without the need of using another optic.
Before you buy just to make sure you have the equipment to use the scope. You’re going to need a scope mount and if you’re going to pick one up you may be interested in our review of some quick release scope mounts. Also, there are 2 different reticle types for this exact scope.
The model we have featured uses the Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) reticle (right side on image) which is a very popular choice. However, if you’re interested in the V-Plex (MOA) (left side on image) there’s a link for it. We’ve also provided the image below for a reference between the two reticle types.
Difference In V-Brite & V-Plex
Your V-Plex reticle is your standard all-purpose duplex reticle. It’ll be what you’re most familiar with but the V-Brite isn’t much different. It uses the same reticle and the only difference is the center dot is illuminated. This can help if you’re hunting in low light conditions or just need to better pinpoint your shots.
Adjustment Measurements for Crossfire II
The maximum windage and elevation adjustments are 50 MOA (Minutes of Angle). Each turret click on this rifle scope accounts for 1/4″ MOA. If you’re not familiar with the math behind MOA I would recommend taking a little time to sit down and understand it. It won’t take you long to grasp it and it’ll make a big difference in your long-range shooting and confidence behind your shots.
Crossfire II Rifle Scope Parallax
This particular model (4-12×44) doesn’t have parallax correction. However, some of the models in our alternative scope options do correct for parallax. You’ll find our alternative recommendations near the bottom of the article.
Vortex Scopes & Long Range Shooting
There are a lot of variables involved with long-range shooting. Things like the shooter’s ability, weather conditions, ammo, and rifle all play a role in determining how far you’re going to be able to shoot. However, in the right conditions, you can get out to 1,000 yards with this rifle scope.
Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 Review
- The 4-12x44 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good...
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target....
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.
- A single piece tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and...
- Backed by our unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty. A fully transferable promise to repair or replace your item...
The Vortex Crossfire II 4x12x44 is a standard 1″ tube crafted from aircraft grade aluminum in a single piece. The scope being crafted in one single piece helps improve accuracy, visual performance, durability, and keeps it waterproof.
The reticle on this Crossfire II is a Dead-Hold BDC with customized marks that assist with corrections. The fast focus eyepiece focuses the reticle quick and easily.
The scope is complete with O-ring seals to prevent moisture, dust, or debris from interfering with your scope. This also helps with waterproof performance. Inside of the scope is filled with nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging.
This Vortex Crossfire II compared to other Vortex scopes is extremely affordable. Some of there other rifle scopes can be double or triple this price. Going this with version gives you everything you need and a lot of the customers who own this item are extremely impressed with its performance over other scope brands within the same price range.
In order to outperform this scope with some other brands, you would need to spend a lot more money. That’s really saying something for the Vortex brand and this scope.
The one thing you could consider a negative however is the 1″ tube version is x3 magnification while the 30mm tube has an x4 magnification. Though this may not be a factor you’re worried about depending on your needs.
Magnification – This scope is a 4-12x magnification with a x3 range (2-7, 3-9, 4-12, 6-18).
Objective Lens Diameter – 44mm
Eye Relief – 3.9″ inches.
Field of View – 24.7-8.4 feet / 100 yards.
Tube Size – 1″ inch.
Turret Style – Capped.
Questions and Features
Now it’s time to break down some of the questions other buyers have had about this scope and hopefully, it’ll answer some questions of your own. We’re also going to break down more of the features of this scope in greater detail.
Will the scope hold true to larger recoils? – From what we’ve gathered from actual customers and users of the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 they’ve stated the scope has been able to hold up through everything they’ve shot with. Some examples of the calibers being tested were a .300 win mag, Ruger Precision Rifle 308 .04 MOA at 200yrds, and 7mm mag Remington model 700.
You should have the same experience and the scope should hold steady.
Does this scope include scope rings? – Unfortunately, this scope doesn’t come with any scope rings. You’ll need to acquire some rings or scope mount to go along with your new scope. We recommend picking up a good detachable scope mount from Burris.
Is it threaded for a sunshade? – Yes, the scope has threads to attach a sun shade.
Is this a good scope for an AR15? – Customers have used this scope with a mini 14 (.223) and a Colt CSR1516 and in their experience, it’s extremely accurate and fun to use. We believe the scope would perform great mounted on an AR-15.
How good is this scope under low light or dusk conditions? – This scope performs great under those conditions. One customer stated most of their hunting starts just before sunrise and when checking their surroundings with the scope they’re able to see clearly. It’s the same for dusk. Lastly, they state they’ve never had any issues with this particular scope.
Could you use this scope on a pellet gun? – While you could equip this scope and use it with a pellet rifle it would be overkill. You would be better off with peep sights.
Is the scope covered with any warranty? – All Vortex riflescopes are backed by an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Features
During our Vortex Crossfire 2 review what stood out to us is how this scope is stripped down for high accuracy. With their loyal following, it has always piqued the interest of first-time users. This model is great for those who have never experience a Vortex scope and maybe want to see what the fuss is about.
The fully multi-coated lenses improve light transmissions for accurate shots during both dawn or dusk hunts. There’s nothing more annoying than not being able to see through your optics because of a particular time of day. If your luck is anything like mine then your game will appear right when it’s most difficult to shoot but you won’t have to worry about the amount of sunlight hindering your shot.
The 1″ inch tube fits most mounts, rings, and bases. So you shouldn’t run into any issue mounting the scope on most rifles.
The entire tube is crafted from a single piece and hard anodized. This improves lens alignment, accuracy, and power. It really increases the overall quality of your scope. There are plenty of examples of rifle scopes in this price range crafted from multiple pieces that struggle to provide the same performance.
The capped turrets are tough and less susceptible to impact damage and they can be easily reset to zero. If you’re experienced with other entry-level rifle scopes you’ll know the caps tend to have one issue or another. That isn’t the case with the caps on the Vortex Crossfire II.
The inside of the scope has O-ring seals for high-quality waterproofing. The inside is also filled with nitrogen to prevent fog gathering on the inside of the scope.
The lenses lock in place with machined locking rings for shock proofing. This can help with higher caliber rifles and just being carried back and forth in general.
The outside of the scope is hard coated with an anodized matte black finish. This prevents light from reflecting off your tube and revealing your position.
It also has a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing and target acquiring. This helps the picture become clear quickly and easily.
The last of the features include removable objective lens covers and a dust cloth to keep your scope lens clean. All Vortex riflescopes are also backed by the VIP Vortex lifetime warranty. It’s one of the best warranties among all rifle optics.
What People Like About This Scope
So, during our Vortex Crossfire II review we’ve looked at what a lot of customers have had to say about this scope. The biggest comment we continuously see is how the Vortex Crossfire 4-12×44 compares to other optics in a far higher price range.
It’s obvious to us that this scope outperforms peoples expectations for a scope at this affordable price point. We’re seeing dozens and dozens of comments along these lines. It’s clear that the overall performance of this scope blows peoples minds. It’ll likely make you wish you hadn’t spent so much money on some of your other rifle scopes.
If you own multiple rifles that require a good quality scope but can’t see yourself forking out $500 for optics for each one then you could save a ton of money by going this route. Equip each of your rifles with this Vortex Crossfire II.
We’ve looked deep to find common ground on something negative about these scopes. We weren’t able to come across any negative mentions that lead us to believe the scope may have at least one downside. Anything negative we did come across appeared to be a one-off situation.
Alternatives
The scope we’ve been talking about is one heck of a scope but if for some reason it doesn’t fit the specs you’re looking for we have 3 alternative options that might. All three of these alternatives are within the Crossfire II series from Vortex but have different specs and performances.
Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 – This alternative scope is much more expensive than the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 review but it’s equipped with different specs and more quality from the Vortex brand. This scope has a magnification of 6-24x on the second focal plane which is a big difference compared to our other scope and great for long range. This gives you much more room to play with while hunting.
The diameter is also much larger at 50mm. You’ll have a little more room when it comes to eye relief as well since these scopes come in at 4″ inches. This optic has a greater MOA for adjusting your sight for wind or other conditions.
Vortex Crossfire II 4-24 V-Brite Reticle – This alternative scope is also more expensive than our scope under review. It doesn’t have the same magnification as the main scope but it isn’t meant to be used under the same conditions. However, this scope may be more suitable for you.
Here are the specs. The magnification is 1-4x on the second focal plane with a 24mm diameter lens. The eye relief is a little higher at 4″ inch. You have a higher field of view at 96.1-24.1ft / 100 yards. The reticle uses battery-powered electronics to illuminate the center dot for better low light transmission.
If you’re hunting closer targets in low light conditions this may be a better option for you. This scope excels under extra-low light conditions and at long range. Plus the lit up centered dot is great for target practice. It’s like a red dot magnifier on steroids.
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 – This alternative scope is actually quite similar to our main review. It provides a lot of the same specs and features at a similar price point. However, there are some minor differences.
This scope is a 3-9x magnification with a 40mm diameter. The eye relief is slightly smaller at 3.8″ inches and the field of view is 34.1-12.6ft / 100yrds. The tube is still 1″ inch. This scope also offers either the V-Plex reticle or Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) reticle.
Choosing between this scope or the main one we’ve reviewed would just come down to personal preference of the magnification.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed our vortex crossfire II 4-12×44 review. It’s a scope that’s very affordable and offers you the quality you would expect from higher end scopes. I would consider this scope to be a standard. Basically a scope you know you can equip on nearly any rifle and get a wide range of use out of.
The main problem this scope solves is the price of scopes. Not everyone can afford to spend $500 for a scope. This provides you with similar quality at a more affordable price.
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