Over the past five months, I’ve put the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 through extensive testing, using it for both deer hunting in hardwood forests and regular range sessions. As an entry-level scope in Vortex’s lineup, I wanted to see if it could deliver reliable performance for typical hunting and recreational shooting needs.
For those considering this budget-friendly optic, my field experience reveals both its capabilities and limitations.
Why Should You Trust Me?
As a longtime contributor tо hunting forums and owner and editor of Bang-Inc, I’ve spent the last decade testing and reviewing hunting gear in real-world conditions. My experience comes from regular hunting trips across the Midwest and countless hours at the range working with various optics and firearms.
I believe in thorough, long-term testing under actual field conditions. Each piece of equipment I review sees at least three months of active use before I form any conclusions. This approach helps separate marketing claims from real performance.
How I Tested the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32
My evaluation started at the range, mounting the Crossfire II on my Remington 700 .308 using Vortex Pro rings. For consistency in testing, I used Federal Power-Shok 150gr ammunition as my standard load.
Range testing included five-shot groups at 100 yards to establish baseline accuracy, followed by basic tracking tests using a 6-MOA box pattern. I paid particular attention to zero retention and adjustment consistency.
Field testing spanned twelve hunting days across whitetail season, including several rainy mornings and cold afternoons. This provided excellent opportunities to assess weather resistance and low-light performance in actual hunting conditions. I documented target identification capabilities from first light until legal shooting hours ended.
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Review
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Product Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Field of View | 42-12.6 ft @ 100 yards |
| Tube Size | 1 inch |
| Click Value | 1/4 MOA |
| Length | 11.5 inches |
| Weight | 14.3 ounces |
My Test Results
| Field Test | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group Size (100yd) | 1.8 MOA | Average of 8 groups |
| Low Light Score | 6/10 | Usable until end of legal light |
| Zero Retention | Good | Minor adjustment after 150 rounds |
| Weather Test | Pass | No internal fogging in rain |
| Box Test Error | 0.8 MOA | At 6 MOA distance |
Testing conducted using Remington 700 .308 Winchester with Federal Power-Shok 150gr ammunition.
Optical Performance & Reticle
The optical quality is serviceable for a budget scope. Center clarity proved adequate for hunting purposes, though I noticed some distortion around the edges. The V-Plex reticle is basic but effective, providing an uncluttered sight picture that works well in low light.
During dawn and dusk hunting sessions, I could reliably identify deer-sized targets at 150 yards until the legal shooting light ended. The modest 32mm objective lens performs as expected for its size class.
Turret System & Tracking
The turrets provide standard quarter-MOA adjustments with acceptable tactile feedback. While not as crisp as premium scopes, they track consistently enough for hunting purposes. The caps seal effectively against moisture and haven’t shown any signs of leakage.
Zero retention has been acceptable, though I did notice some minor shift after about 150 rounds that required adjustment. The resettable zero feature works as intended, helping maintain reference after making field adjustments.
Magnification Range & Parallax
The 2-7x magnification range suits most hunting situations well. At 2x, the scope works effectively in dense cover, while 7x provides enough power for typical hunting distances. The power ring adjustment is slightly stiff but maintains its setting reliably.
The fixed parallax (set at 100 yards) functions adequately within common hunting ranges. I observed minimal parallax error between 75-200 yards, though it becomes more noticeable at close ranges under 50 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The 3.9-inch eye relief works but requires careful mounting. I found the eye box somewhat restrictive, particularly at higher magnification. Proper cheek weld becomes critical for maintaining a full sight picture.
Target acquisition takes more time compared to premium optics, especially in unconventional shooting positions. With practice, however, the scope becomes manageable for most hunting scenarios.
Build Quality
Over five months of testing, the scope has handled typical field use without major issues. It’s survived several days of steady rain and temperatures ranging from 20°F to 75°F. The nitrogen purging has prevented internal fogging, though external lens condensation can be an issue in humid conditions.
The finish shows normal wear from field use but nothing excessive. Mechanically, all adjustments continue to function as they should, though the power ring has become slightly stiffer in cold weather.
Performance Scores
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Quality | 20/30 | Adequate center clarity, visible edge distortion |
| Durability | 18/25 | Good weather resistance, acceptable tracking |
| Usability | 14/20 | Tight eye box, workable eye relief |
| Value | 13/15 | Strong performance for price point |
| Features | 7/10 | Basic but functional feature set |
| Total Score | 72/100 | Solid Budget Option |
See how I test and rate scopes. Learn more
Advantages:
- Competitive price point
- Reliable waterproofing
- Clear center image
- Strong warranty support
Drawbacks:
- Restrictive eye box
- Edge distortion
- Basic turret design
- Limited low-light capability
How It Compares Against Similar Optics
| Model Comparison | Optical Quality | Build Quality | Eye Relief | Value | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Fair | Good | Fair | Very Good | 72/100 |
| Bushnell Banner 2-7×32 | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | 65/100 |
| Hawke Sport HD 2-7×32 | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | 66/100 |
| Simmons 8-Point 2-7×32 | Poor | Fair | Fair | Good | 60/100 |
The Bushnell Banner costs less but shows it in build quality. While it offers similar optical performance, I’ve found its turret adjustments less precise and weather sealing less reliable. The eye relief is slightly more forgiving, but that’s offset by softer image quality.
Hawke’s Sport HD provides comparable image quality at a higher price point. During testing, I noticed better edge clarity but less consistent tracking than the Crossfire II. The eye box is similarly restrictive, making it difficult to justify the additional cost.
The Simmons 8-Point represents the budget choice but demonstrates clear compromises. Optical clarity is noticeably inferior, and adjustment precision is inconsistent. While functional in good conditions, it lacks the reliability needed for serious hunting use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scope worth the money?
For budget-conscious hunters who need a reliable scope, yes. It delivers acceptable performance for most hunting situations while maintaining good build quality.
How far can you effectively shoot with this scope?
For hunting purposes, I found it effective out to 200 yards. Beyond that, limitations in optical clarity become apparent.
Does the warranty really matter?
Yes. Vortex’s VIP warranty provides excellent coverage and they’re known for hassle-free service.
Can it handle rough weather?
The scope performed reliably in rain and cold conditions, though lens condensation can be an issue in high humidity.
Final Words
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 represents solid value in the budget scope market. While it won’t match premium optics in performance, it delivers reliable function for most hunting situations. Its limitations are reasonable given the price point, and the strong warranty coverage provides peace of mind.
After extensive field use, I can recommend this scope to hunters who need a dependable optic without breaking the bank. While it requires some compromises in optical quality and features, it handles the fundamentals well enough for most practical hunting scenarios.
Hi, I am Jerry Miculek and I am experienced firearms and optics expert. Guns are not just a hobby for me, they are my passion and life. You can learn more about me on my About page.