Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II Red Dot Sights

This is my second optic from Vortex. My other is a 4-12x40 Crossfire ll AO BDC and put it on an 18" 5.56 and was extremely impressed with it after my very first shot. The Sparc 2 I mounted on a 10.5" 300 Blackout build (see pictures). I am equally impressed with this optic and Vortex has found a new lifelong customer.Pros:1. I like the design of this optic. I was a little concerned about the battery compartment on the right side and the on/off switch compartment on the left interfering with the sight picture but to my surprise they weren't a factor at all.2. Very well built, like all Vortexes. The lens caps flip up and then snap back on solidly. They DO NOT move side to side like some have said. The battery and elevation/windage caps fit securely on and are easy to take on/off. The tether straps are independent of the caps' turning and DO NOT bind as others have stated.3. The red dot is very easy to see and the various levels of brightness will fit any lighting situation you encounter.4. Very easy to mount. Most people, like me, will be using the high mount. Gave me absolute co-witness with my Magpul back-up sights.5. The glass is crystal clear and won't fog. The quality of this optic far exceeds it's modest price tag.6. It's lightweight and compact. Even on my 10.5" blackout there is still plenty of room for my MBUS.7. The best thing about this optic and all Vortex is the crazy, ridiculous VIP Warranty. Now you may say there are others out there with similar warranties, and you are probably right. But are you getting the same quality? How much are you paying for that optic? For the quality and price, you can't beat Vortex.Cons:1. I wasn't initially happy with the dot emitter being visible in my sight picture. Once you get to the range and get to shooting, this negative quickly disappears.2. I do agree with other reviewers that it would be better if it came with a QD mount.Overall, I really like this optic. Quality, price, and warranty are 3 excellent reasons I buy Vortex and you won't be sorry if you do too.

Excellent quality. Was so impressed I purchased a second one for another rifle. easy to install and I had it zeroed with just four shots. Simple scope adjustments and I like the high and low scope mounts included in the packaging of the product. Best scope for the money. I have fired thousands of rounds without having to readjust the original zero.

The closest you can get to an Aimpoint Micro without dropping at least $600+. So first and foremost, this is not an Aimpoint and that's okay, it will still get you 95% of the way there for literally 1/3rd the cost. In my opinion this optic would be great for 99% of the applications you'd see a red dot used for. Home defense, patrol rifle, SHTF rifle, training, plinking, hunting, etc. I would not want to be jumping out of helicopters or airplanes with this thing but then again...that's not my job or application. So if you're not a commando, save your money for ammo and training and buy this instead of the Aimpoint...unless of course you can buy all three in which case, lucky you.Pros:1.) It's small, light, and uses little upper real estate. You can have flip up irons up at the same time no problem.2.) The base that comes with it is actually very nice considering it was free. I expected to have to upgrade, but no concerns now, the optic is held securely in place. Additionally you have the option of full cowitness or lower 1/3rd, I chose full and it works flawlessly.3.) It's fast and allows two eyes open without any problem. I was concerned that the controls being located on the left side of the optic would partially obstruct my left eye but it is not noticeable.4.) The LED is plenty bright, I have no trouble seeing it in sunlight whatsoever.5.) The glass is as clear as an Aimpoint. This means that the optic has a very slight blue hue just like the Aimpoint, but is not excessively dark. This is part of the red light filtration coatings they put on the glass.6.) The warranty is stupid good and the customer service is the best I've ever seen. Yes, I have used their warranty once already when I noticed an optic I had was not as clear as another. I called it in, they went to the warehouse and pulled 9 different ones and sent me the clearest one they had (and a free T-shirt for my trouble). They even paid shipping both ways. If the warranty is not important to you, you could try Primary Arms. They are not quite the quality of Vortex but cost almost half as much and are also an excellent value. In my opinion, it's Primary Arms for around $100, Vortex for the $200 range, and jump right to Aimpoint for $400+. To me the warranty is critical. Occasionally my rifle will sit in a car in 100+ degree Texas heat. This can cause a lithium battery to explode and ruin the optic. I've never had it happen to me but I have seen it happen before. Vortex would not hesitate to replace the optic should this occur. Primary Arms? Not so much. Just something to consider.7.) The optic is pretty tough, it's taken some banging around and works just fine. That said I have not run this optic through a rough carbine course yet, but that day approaches and I'll report back with a follow up. The fit and finish are very good and the optic feels solid (unlike several other brands I could mention...including some similarly priced big named ones).8.) The on/off switch is very usable and unlike the SPARC 1st generation, it is very unlikely you accidentally turn this thing off. The auto shutoff is 6 hours. To this point I have not had it on long enough for that to matter, even if it should, a mere press of the button brings it right back up.9.) The optic comes with everything you need EXCEPT a kill flash. Caps? Check. Base? Check. Batery? Yep, check again. It even comes with a nice little lens cleaning cloth.10.) The quality of the optic exceeds the price tag in my opinion. It is not a $400 Aimpoint, but it's better than pretty much everything else comparably priced.Cons:1.) I can see the LED emitter in the tube on the bottom of the sight. It's not a big deal, but you wouldn't see it in an Aimpoint.2.) The battery life is not that of an Aimpoint but still very good. Just be aware that you will not leave this thing on for 3 years and it still be good to go. Have a spare battery.3.) You won't impress any "operators," gun snobs, or keyboard commandos if that's important to you.

I served in the US Army from 1992-2012 and spent most of my time in Airborne and Special Operations units (I served as an intel analyst and later a logistics guy, not an operator) so I have 20 years of military marksmanship training and multiple tours in combat zones. I say that so you understand my experience and point of view.This red dot sight is a great value for the money you pay! It's no Aimpoint, but it's less than half the price too. The controls are easy, the dot is bright (or dim) enough and adjustments are simple. It comes with two batteries and a high mount and low mount. Fits great on my boomstick and transfers easy to others. If you don't have several hundred dollars to spend on high-end equipment, this gear will get the job done. It IS made in China and I don't like that, but no issues with quality or durability so far (about 4000 round fires out from under it inside and outside in cold, snowy weather).