Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Viper 6.5-20x50 review

[Randfal]

Has anyone actually looked through or compared or better yet, shot a rifle with a Vortex Crossfire 8-32x50 scope (the $219 one)?? I looked through one in a store last year and it looked good, but you can never really tell at the counter. I have a 12-42 Nightforce and 6.5-20x Zeiss, had Leupolds etc, but I'm not trying to compare one to them. Just wondering if what some of you might think about one for a cheap varmint scope on a secondary rifle that may get beat around a bit. Also, how about a 8-32 bushnell Elite 4200? How thick are their cross hairs?
Thanks for any input.
I added a reveiw of my 6.5-20x50 Viper on 4-10-11.

 

[kentuckytroutbum]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

I would take a look at the Vortex Diamondback or Viper line of scopes. For a few dollars more you will get better optics, side focus (Viper), 1 inch or 30mm tubes, and a greater choice in magnification. You didn't say what caliber, or range that you expected to be shooting at. I understand you don't want to spend a lot of dollars on a high end scope that gets bounced around in a truck, but its what you get for what you pay for. On all of my rifles, I paid more for the scope than I did for the rfile, and i'm talking about a Leupold on a Rem 700 30/06.

Bill

 

[JeffG]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

I have a 6-24x crossfire and it's a little cloudy at 24x on a .204, OK at 12x, the elevation adjustments seem to be tight and consistent. I would imagine the 32x crossfire risks that poor resolution too. Used steel Tascos (Japan) in high-x fixed powers are pretty darn good glass for $100. The BSA 24x and 36x are also a little cloudy but they can be had for $60-$70, and track elevation change OK, if you're really strapped for cash.

I'd choose the elite 4200 over any crossfire, especially if buying used. Vortex life-time warranty is hard to ignore, if buying new.

 

[K0na_stinky]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

I have a crossfire 6-24x50. I have no complaints. It kept its zero on my 7 pound 270win for about 300 shots. Now its on my girlfriends 17HMR. From what I can tell it tracks well to.

Its not the most clear scope in the world but its nice for what you are paying. I also have a Viper 3-9x40 and a Viper 6.5-20x50. They are both great scopes and they track awesome. I would save up just abit more and buy a Viper.

If your still thinking about the Crossfire and are worried about the 32 power just get a 6-24. You will be happy with it.

 

[Randfal]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

I would consider a Viper or Diamond Back IF they made a 8-32power. But then that bumps you up into the next price bracket and that would put you into Burris and Sightron etc ranges. If I was willing to spend that much money, I wouldn't be asking about a $219 scope. This gun is not going to have that invested into it. If it's not more that 24 power, it's of no intrest to me right now. Have plenty of nice scopes in that range already and for head shots on prairie dogs at 200yds(when that's all they give you), there is no substitution for magnification. I've gone that route, "spend the money of the better glass, It'll make up for the lower magnification." It doesn't always work out that way. If you can't see it, you can't hit it. I've had some really good scopes for little money and know it's a crap shoot if you'll get a good one. This'll be for hitting paper and pdogs out to 600yds. It'll need to see bullet holes out to 200-300yds. That's something even my old 6.5-20x Simmons 44 mag scope does. I'm to the point now that if you gave me a Leupold scope, I'd sell it and buy two Milletts that were just as good. And before you knock that idea, compare a 4-16 Millett TRS with a 6.5-20 Leupold VIII and give me an Honest answer as to which one has the better picture at the same power ranges. I've had to pick my Millett over my Leupold and that hurts. Sad true.

 

[Randfal]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

I've gotta stress, I need the responses from people who have Actually Looked Through a 8-32 Crossfire. Not the responses from people who have looked at the price and say they can't be any good. I don't know, maybe they are junk. But only someone who owns one and has shot one really has the right to make that judgment. Thanks for your reponse K0na and Jeff.

 

[K0na_stinky]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

I've gotta stress, I need the responses from people who have Actually Looked Through a 8-32 Crossfire. Not the responses from people who have looked at the price and say they can't be any good. I don't know, maybe they are junk. But only someone who owns one and has shot one really has the right to make that judgment. Thanks for your reponse K0na and Jeff.

No problem. I'm always willing to help out.

If you do end up getting the Crossfire 8-32 made sure you let me know how it turns out.

Thanks.

 

[snoog37]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

I use a couple of the 8-32 crossfires for a couple of purposes. One that gets put on hunting guns after I build them for doing load development at 100yds. Moves from rifle to rifle. The other is on the kids (mine too) 17hmr. They are great for the money, really. More than you should expect for the coin.

Is it in the same league as my higher end scopes--march, swaro, zeiss, kahles--nope, not close. Would never expect it to be.

Is it in the same league as the "mids"--sightron, conquests--not really. It is pretty noticeable when they are side/side. Mostly in clarity & color rendition. The xfire has a "haze" to it, making the view dull, a bit "darker", and well...hazey.

It really isn't as bad as that reads, but I'm trying to be descriptive. Probably would not notice it if full days in a dogtown (remember, vs the money) or if you didn't have other scopes to compare it against side/side.

 

[Randfal]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

Thanks. So as long as I use it by itself, I'll think it's great. Just don't take it out on the same day as my Nightforce and I'll be ok. ;D

 

[Randfal]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

Went ahead and bought one. I'll let you know about it.

 

[K0na_stinky]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

Went ahead and bought one. I'll let you know about it.

Awesome!

Looking forword to hear about it.

 

[Randfal]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

Well I received my Crossfire 8-32 and took it out to run it through it's paces. It is a nice looking scope and I consider it decent for the money. I had a problem with the adjustable objective though. I had to turn it all the way up to infinity to get it to barely focus at 100yds. Nothing I did could make it better. I was able to test some ammo and check the tracking a bit. I didn't box test it but I did vary the vertical several times from 10" high back to zero. It always came back to zero. Field of view seemed very good with minimal "tunnal effect". The crosshairs would have been fine enough for target work had the paralex been more adjustable. I contacted Vortex's customer service and what a pleasure that was. No really, it was great. I got to talk to real people the actually wanted to help me and were sorry I was having trouble. I can't remember when I had service like that. They sent a replacement scope out that day with a prepaid shipping box to send the faulty one back! The new one arrived and it functioned like it should. It would focus at 100yds and it indicated 100yds on the objective. It was a really good picture up to around 24 xand after that it lost a little contrast but was still decent. Overall it's a good scope for the money. And their customer service was first rate. After this experiance, I would buy from them again.

 

[calib]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

randfal,
what caliber are you shooting with it? i am looking to get one to put on my 243 ai to shoot distance and targets you think it will serve the purpose? and distance i meen to a 1000

 

[Randfal]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

Calib,
I had it on a 6.5 x 55 600yd Bench rest gun, Broughton barrel, Savage 12 single shot that I just put together. I think it would be a little better suited for a prairie dog or other varmint gun than long range target shooting. 200 and under I think it would be pretty good for the money. After that, I just don't know. I didn't get to look at holes in paper past that so take my experiance with a grain of salt. I ran out of testing time before my first match and pulled it off in favor of an older 6-24 redfield scope that has some wonderful glass in it. I know I can see what I need to see at 600yds with that scope. So bottom line; I chickened out. Think it would be fine for a 223 varmint gun or the like. I would like to hear from someone who has looked at paper at 1000yds with it. I have a 12-42 Nightforce on my good benchgun and I am worried it has ruined me as far a cheaper scopes go. Kinda like the the old saying, "You are better off just not knowing." I was content until my first Nightforce.

 

[ourway77]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

Thanks for the heads up about the vortex scopes I was about to ask the very same question when I happened across your post. Very informative. I was saving for a nightforce scope when a VG deal came up FS for the sightron so I bought it. I am satisfied glad I never looked through a nightforce and won't after reading your post about the nightforce. being on a fixed income SS and PD pension I have to watch my pennies. I put the sightron on a single shot Savage 6BR 1-12 twist and am not sorry a bit. Lou

 

[queen_stick]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

... I was content until my first Nightforce....

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), that happened to me too. The only reason I have a NF scope right now, is because it came on my 1000yd bench gun. Now that I own one, I know what all the hype is about, and it is legit! I just can't convince myself to drop $1500 on a NF scope...

I think A lot of us are in the same position... we want something that tracks perfectly, and has decent enough glass that you can resolve 224 or 6mm holes at 300+ yards (maybe even 600). I just picked up my 2nd 6BR, and plan to use it for long range ground hog hunting. I've been staring at the computer screen for hours over the last week (not at one time ), reading reviews on mid-level scopes, and can't make a decision. I really don't have a place to go to compare all of these scopes with my own eyes, which really sucks. After reading about the customer service at Vortex, I think I'll look a little closer at their Viper line. (I have to have a side focus... now that I've used SF, I don't really like the front focus any more Although, the rear focus on my 16x Super Sniper scope is very nice too!

 

[K0na_stinky]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

I can just see my 20cal holes at 300 yards with my viper 6.5-20x50. They have to be some where in the white tho. If its around black there isnt a chance.

 

[Randfal]

Re: Vortex Crossfire 8-32X50...Any good for cheap scope? Or 8-32 Bushnell Elite

After all things were settled, I ended up trading up and bought a Viper series 6-5-20x50. What a nice scope. I've had a few guys look through it now the first comments were "That's bright.". I think the and finish is excellent. All the knobs, caps, side focus etc. fit and turn like well machined parts should. They power adjustment was had firm tension with no slop. The side focus had a decent amount of adjustment and was easy to focus. The turrets had a "lift and rotate to zero" feature was also nice. I sited in with it Friday and it repeat tracked correctly verticaly. I did not box test it. I went with the dot rectical because I always liked dot scopes. When I moved over from the 100 yd to the 600yd benches (Pierre SD) I was able to clearly see the clay pigeon sighters on the berm @ 600yd. I could even make out where some had the centers shot out. The dot fits nicely inside the blue of a IBS 600yd target making easy to hold on the target. After shooting at the sighters I put five on the target for a measured 5" group(I'm very happy with that consdering the rifle I had it on at the time shotting off a bipod). Mixed in the 10-8 rings at 3 o'clock. I could not see the holes in the white. I could easily see the hits on the white gongs at the same range. Also when shooting the sigters, I could easily see the hits in the dirt and the pocks left in the ground next to the sighters. On a side note, I had another bastardized Savage with that had my old Simmons 44 mag 6.5-20 mounted. After shooting with the Viper, I said "yuck" when I looked through the Simmons. I've used that old Simmons for years as a spare scope that floats rifle to rifle and I always thought it was ok out shooting Pdogs, but it sure looked bad that day. I think they have discountinued the dot rectical but I'm not sure. Hope this helps somebody, I packed up smiling about the Viper scope at the end of the day.