Preparedness – Page 15

If your focus is on speed and accuracy, a red dot sight could be what you’re looking for. If you’re in the market for one, check out this review of the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot. If you haven’t heard of the Vortex brand before, don’t feel discouraged. What I can tell you is that Vortex is known for making high-quality scopes and sights for those who love using their weapons, want quality for the money, and want their gear to be backed up by the manufacturer. Whether it’s a .22, AR-15, or .308, the Vortex brand does not disappoint and offers a lot of options depending on what you're looking for. In fact, they make scopes and sights that are perhaps the most durable on the market for the price. They also back them up with what may be considered one of the best warranties in the industry. Sure, durability is one thing. But you want to know more about accuracy and how this red dot functions. With that said, let’s dive into the review starting with the technical aspects. Specifications and Features Mount Type: Multi-Height Magnification: 1x Objective Lens: Diameter 22 mm Dot Color: Bright Red Dot Size: 2 MOA Eye Relief: Unlimited Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA Max Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA Max Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA Parallax Setting: Parallax Free Length: 2.5 inches Weight: 5.2 oz Product Manual (PDF): Download Parts Diagram (PDF): Download Retail Price: $219.99 at Vortex StreetPrice: $149.00 at OpticsPlanet $149.99 at Amazon Buy at OpticsPlanet Buy at Amazon About The Vortex Crossfire Red Dot To begin, the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot has unlimited eye relief. You are able to look through the sight and effectively use it without having to lean in and out to get things going. Eye relief is not a concern. And believe us, scope eye due to recoil isn’t that fun to have. The objective is measured at 22mm, so you do have a decent field of view. But it’s not as wide compared to various optics you have probably used (i.e --30mm+ objectives). But, it does allow you to mount this thing pretty low if that is what you are looking for. Not to mention, it helps save on weight. Again, this is a stripped-down red dot sight, so it won’t have some of the functions that you would otherwise see on some alternatives. The red dot size is 2 MOA, which will give you a good amount of accuracy. Keep in mind, this will cover 4" at 200 yards. It’s even more effective if you’re in close-quarters. But make no mistake, you should be able to make accurate shot placements even if you’re farther away. The battery life is approximately 50,000 hours. Not too shabby compared to other sights where changing the battery almost constantly is the norm. It’s not that unusual to see a red dot sight with a battery that is guaranteed to last you a long time. It can still work in various conditions including low-light conditions where you might not see a lot in front of you. Whether it’s dawn or dusk, you can still be able to get a good visual on your target. After all, it does have night-vision compatibility with the lowest settings. Both sides are 1.1 inches high and the length is approximately 2.5 inches. So it will fit on most rifles (whether it’s attached to something like a Picatinny or a Weaver rail). But there’s one thing where it stands out the most: the overall quality. As mentioned, Vortex places a lot of emphasis on high-quality products that they stand behind. The Crossfire Red Dot has a durable finish and can take on all kinds of abuse. Mine still looks new after numerous training sessions (I don't overly abuse things). Meanwhile, the sight itself has an o-ring seal that will prevent dust, debris, and moisture from getting inside. Last but not least, it has waterproof abilities. Whether it’s raining or snowing, nature will not affect this red dot sight negatively. This has windage and elevation adjustment knobs so you can be able to make certain adjustments if and when needed. Especially if you are sighting it in or testing it out. There are two ways to mount it: you can mount it low or attach a base to ensure a high mount, giving you a lower 1/3 co-witness. Why Should You Get This? Obviously, you want something that will make every shot as accurate as possible at close range. Whether you are about 50 to 100 yards out, this will deliver on the promise when it comes to accuracy. As long as you aim the dot exactly where you want to hit, you’re in good shape (and you don’t need to make too many adjustments). Another reason why you should get this is that it’s a red dot sight that you can get on a budget. Let’s face it, you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a red dot sight. Nor do you want to go for cheap while sacrificing quality in the process. However, the good news is that the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot is excellent in overall quality. It’s so durable, you swear that you should have paid more for this sight. But nevertheless, you’re getting a heck of a deal for the price it’s going for. Considering the fact that this has 11 different brightness settings, it proves itself quite useful in various conditions. Whether it’s clear, cloudy, rainy, or close to dark outside, you can still use this optic with ease. Perfect if you are outdoors and hunting for varmint or small game. Lastly, the overall quality. It’s probably best not to repeat what we’ve already said. But if you want a red dot sight that can handle what nature throws its way while absorbing shock from repeated use, you’d be insane to say no to this. Pros and Cons Yes, even the best red dot sights have their pros and cons. So what makes it good and where can it improve? Let’s have a look starting with the pros: Pros Affordable: On a budget? Want something with excellent quality? You got it. No need to spend extra cash on something that is actually durable and can perform consistently well. You’re getting a steal of a deal here. Works in low-light settings: With 11 brightness levels and a wide enough objective to gather a good amount of light in low-light conditions, you will still be able to see your target. It has the basics of what's need to allow you to get on target and take your shot whenever the opportunity presents itself. Excellent build quality: I've had zero issues with this optic losing zero. Vibrations and shock haven't thrown off my zero at all, even after some extended use. And with the O-Ring lock intact, you won’t have to worry about Mother Nature ruining this sight and rendering it useless. Accurate: This optic is fast and accurate for targets ranging from as low as 25 yards and farther than 100 yards. So, if you are looking for a great budget red dot sight that will give you close-quarters accuracy, you’d be hard-pressed to find something like this anywhere else...especially for the money. Cons Difficult to switch brightness levels: You may need to be switching between brightness levels until you find the right one. But some have noticed that making those adjustments isn’t easy. Some brightness levels may not work at all according to some users. I've found the adjustments to be average and nothing stands out either way. Final Verdict If you’re looking for a good red dot sight that is affordable, reliable, and can last a long time, the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot will do just that. You can easily slap this onto your favorite weapon, sight it in, and have it good to go in no time. Before you know it, you’ll be able to hit your targets with speed and accuracy at close distances and even work longer-range targets as well. And at the price that it’s going for, you’re going to be more than happy with it. Buy at OpticsPlanet Buy at Amazon