Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 Review: Budget Long-Range Optic

I picked up the Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 about six months ago when I needed a scope for longer-range shooting that wouldn’t empty my wallet. After spending some quality time behind this glass in all sorts of conditions, from soggy spring matches to scorching summer days, I’ve got a pretty good handle on what it can and can’t do.

Let me break down what I’ve learned about this scope after putting it through its paces.

Why You Should Trust Me?

I’ve been shooting competitively for over 10 years now, starting with local matches and working my way up to PRS competitions. These days, I help run our club’s precision rifle program and spend most weekends either behind a rifle or helping others with theirs. I’ve used everything from budget scopes to high-end glass, and I’ve learned that what matters most is how optics perform in real-world conditions, not just on paper.

What I care about is how gear performs when you’re actually using it – whether that’s in a competition or just a day at the range. Nothing beats hands-on experience to tell you what really works.

How I Tested the Vortex Crossfire II

This scope found its home on my Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. I used my go-to handloads with 140gr Hornady ELD-M bullets, which typically shoot around 0.5 MOA in this rifle. Over the past six months, I’ve put about 400 rounds downrange with this setup, including several matches and quite a few practice sessions.

I did proper accuracy testing out to 800 yards, but I was really interested in how it would hold up during long days of competition where you’re constantly dialing for different distances and dealing with whatever weather comes your way.

Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 Review

Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 Specs

Specification	Value
Magnification	6-24x
Objective Lens	50mm
Eye Relief	4 inches
Field of View	17.3-4.4 ft @ 100 yards
Tube Size	30mm
Click Value	1/4 MOA
Parallax	10 yards to infinity
Length	14.5 inches
Weight	23 ounces

My Test Results

Field Test	Measurement	Notes
100yd Group Size	0.5 MOA	Average of 5 five-shot groups
400yd Group Size	0.8 MOA	Average of 3 five-shot groups
800yd Group Size	1.2 MOA	Average of 2 five-shot groups
Tracking Error	0.8 MOA	Over 40 MOA elevation
Low Light Score	6/10	Usable 20 min past sunset
Zero Retention	Very Good	No adjustment needed after 400 rounds
Weather Test	Good	Performed well in rain and heat
Impact Test	Pass	Survived multiple matches and field use

Testing conducted using Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor with handloaded 140gr Hornady ELD-M ammunition.

Optical Performance & Reticle

Let’s talk glass quality – it’s surprisingly good for what you’re paying, though don’t expect it to compete with scopes twice its price. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is clean and functional, though I wish it had a few more wind holds. The glass is plenty clear for precision work out to 800 yards, and I’ve had no trouble spotting my hits on steel at that distance in good light. If you’re considering other Vortex optics with excellent glass quality, check out my detailed review of the Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40, which excels in clarity and reliability for mid-range shooting.

During morning matches, I could make out 6-inch plates at 600 yards without any problems. The scope gives you about 20 minutes of usable light after sunset – not amazing, but workable for most situations. There’s some color fringing when you’re looking at targets against bright backgrounds, but it never got in the way of making accurate shots.

Turret System & Tracking

The turrets are exposed tactical-style, which makes sense for a scope aimed at longer-range shooting. The clicks are tactile enough – not as crisp as some higher-end scopes I’ve used, but you can definitely feel and count them without looking. Each click is 1/4 MOA, and I’ve found the tracking to be pretty reliable. Running a box test showed about 0.8 MOA of deviation over 40 MOA of travel, which is decent for this price point.

The zero reset is simple enough to use, though I did notice the turrets get a bit sticky in cold weather. Zero retention has been solid – I haven’t had to make any adjustments even after 400 rounds, including some pretty heavy recoiling loads. For a step up in turret precision and advanced features, you might find the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 an interesting alternative, especially if you’re focused on tactical applications.

Magnification Range & Parallax

The 6-24x range is actually pretty practical for precision rifle work. At 6x, you’ve got enough field of view to spot trace in the wind, and at 24x, I can easily read mirage and spot hits on steel at 800 yards. The image does get noticeably softer at max magnification, but it’s still usable.

The side parallax adjustment is smooth and marked with yardage indicators that are reasonably accurate. I’ve found the sweet spot for most of my shooting is around the 300-yard mark, though you’ll want to fine-tune it based on your target distance, especially past 500 yards.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The 4-inch eye relief is generous and consistent through the magnification range. The eye box is pretty forgiving at lower powers, which helps when you’re shooting from awkward positions in competition. At 24x it does get a bit tighter, but that’s expected with any scope at high magnification.

I’ve found the scope works well with both a regular cheek weld and when shooting from improvised positions. Even during rapid target transitions in matches, I haven’t had any issues finding and maintaining a clear sight picture.

Build Quality

For a scope in this price range, the build quality is impressive. The 30mm tube feels solid, and the scope has handled drops onto packed dirt and bangs against barricades without losing zero. The anodized finish has held up well, though it’s picked up a few scratches from normal use.

Weather resistance has been good – I’ve used it in some pretty heavy rain, and it’s handled the humidity and heat of summer matches without internal fogging. The only issue I’ve noticed is that the turret markings can be a bit hard to read when they get wet.

Mounting & Accessories

Here’s what I ended up using with this scope:

• Vortex Pro 30mm rings (medium height)
• Wheeler scope level
• Vortex Defender flip caps
• Lens pen and cleaning kit

Performance Scores

Category	Score	Notes
Optical Quality	19/30	Decent clarity, some edge distortion
Durability	20/25	Solid construction, good weather resistance
Usability	16/20	Good ergonomics, reliable tracking
Value	13/15	Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Features	8/10	Good feature set for the price
Total Score	76/100	Solid performer in its price range

See how I test and rate scopes. Learn more

Advantages:

• Excellent value for precision shooting
• Reliable tracking for long-range work
• Durable construction
• Good eye relief and forgiving eye box

Drawbacks:

• Image quality drops at higher magnifications
• Turrets could be crisper
• Limited low-light performance
• Reticle could use more wind holds

How It Compares Against Similar Optics

Model Comparison	Magnification	Optical Quality	Build Quality	Tracking	Value	Overall Rating
Vortex Crossfire II	6-24×50	Good	Very Good	Good	Excellent	76/100
Athlon Argos BTR	6-24×50	Good	Good	Very Good	Very Good	74/100
Primary Arms GLx	4-16×50	Very Good	Good	Good	Good	77/100
SWFA SS	10×42	Very Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	79/100

The Athlon Argos BTR matches up almost spec-for-spec with the Crossfire II, and honestly, they’re pretty close in performance. The Athlon’s turrets might track a touch better, and its glass seems slightly clearer at max magnification. However, I prefer the more positive click feel of the Crossfire II’s turrets, and its eye box is notably more forgiving. The Athlon does offer an illuminated reticle, which some shooters might prefer for low-light situations.

The Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 costs a bit more but delivers noticeably better glass quality. It has a more sophisticated reticle system that some shooters swear by. That said, you’re giving up some magnification range, and I’m not convinced the extra cost is worth it for most shooters who are just getting into precision rifle work.

The SWFA SS 10×42 is a bit of an oddball in this comparison since it’s a fixed-power scope, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s built like a tank and has probably the best tracking in this price range. If you can live without variable magnification, it’s hard to beat for pure mechanical reliability. Still, the versatility of the Crossfire II’s variable power makes it a more practical choice for most shooters.

However, if you’re looking for a premium option with superior tracking and durability for serious competition use, consider reading my Vortex Viper PST Gen I 6-24×50 review, which offers exceptional performance for advanced shooters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How’s the scope for competition use?

It works well for local matches and club-level competition. The tracking is reliable enough for target transitions, and the turrets are positive enough to dial quickly between stages. That said, if you’re getting serious about PRS competitions, you might want to look at something with better glass and more precise turrets.

Will it handle magnum recoil?

I’ve seen these mounted on everything up to .300 Win Mag without issues. The scope holds zero well, though you’ll want to make sure your rings are properly torqued. The generous eye relief helps prevent scope bite with the heavier recoiling calibers.

How’s Vortex’s warranty?

Their VIP warranty is one of the best in the business – unconditional, lifetime, and transferable. If anything happens to the scope, they’ll repair or replace it no questions asked. I haven’t had to use it with this scope, but I’ve had great experiences with their customer service in the past.

Is the reticle good for long-range shooting?

The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is decent for long-range work, though not as sophisticated as some other options out there. The holdover points work well once you’ve got them figured out for your load, but I do wish it had more wind hold references.

Final Words

After six months of regular use, the Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 has proven itself to be a solid performer in the budget precision optic category. No, it’s not going to replace your high-end tactical scope, but that’s not what it’s trying to do. For someone getting into precision shooting or looking for a reliable scope that won’t break the bank, it hits a sweet spot.

The glass is clear enough for practical precision work, the tracking is reliable, and the build quality should stand up to years of regular use. Yes, there are compromises – the image could be clearer at max magnification, and the turrets aren’t as crisp as premium options. But when you consider the price point, it’s offering a lot of performance for the money.

If you’re looking to get into longer-range shooting without spending a fortune, the Crossfire II deserves a serious look. It’s got enough capability to help you grow as a shooter while being reliable enough to trust when it counts. Just be realistic about its limitations, and you won’t be disappointed.