I recently took the plunge and added a Vortex Crossfire red dot sight to my AR platform. As someone who primarily uses their rifle for target shooting and plinking, I was on the hunt for a budget-friendly option that wouldn’t sacrifice quality. After a bunch of research and reading online reviews, the Crossfire seemed to tick all the boxes. So, how did it fare on the range?
Specs and Features:
- Rugged 6060 aluminum body with a hard-anodized finish for durability
- 2 MOA red dot reticle – a good balance between precision and quick acquisition
- 11 brightness settings, including two night vision compatible modes
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for fog-proof and waterproof performance
- Powered by a single CR2032 battery with a whopping 50,000-hour battery life
- Lifetime warranty – a huge selling point for Vortex products
Best in Class:
For the price, the Crossfire is a steal. The build quality feels solid, and the red dot is crisp and clear. I was impressed by the 11 brightness settings, which allowed me to easily adjust for different lighting conditions. The night vision compatibility is a nice bonus, though I haven’t had a chance to test that out yet. Vortex’s lifetime warranty is another major selling point. It gives you peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
What Could Be Better:
While the Crossfire is a great value optic, it’s not without limitations. The red dot isn’t quite as sharp as some higher-end models, especially for those with astigmatism (like me). Also, the brightness controls are a bit on the stiff side. Finally, some folks might miss fancy features like auto-shutoff or a shake-awake function.
Field Tested:
Zeroing the Crossfire was a breeze, and it held zero perfectly throughout my range session. The red dot made target acquisition significantly faster, especially compared to iron sights. While the 2 MOA dot might not be ideal for super long-range shooting, it was perfect for plinking steel targets at 100 yards and dialing in my accuracy.
What Others Are Saying:
Customer reviews online largely echo my experience. Many praise the Crossfire’s durability, clarity, and the unbeatable Vortex warranty. Some users with astigmatism mention a slight blur to the dot, but most agree it’s a minor issue for recreational shooting. A few reviewers would have liked to see a wider range of adjustment options for the brightness controls.
The Verdict:
If you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly red dot sight that punches above its weight, the Vortex Crossfire is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for target shooting, plinking, and some types of hunting. While it might not be ideal for competition or duty use, it offers solid performance and Vortex’s legendary warranty for everyday shooters. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value on the market.