The Vortex Crossfire Red Dot CF-RD2 is upgraded for 2020 bringing a significant increase in battery life while maintaining its well-earned reputation as an AR enthusiast favorite.
In this review of the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot Sight we dive into the features of this optic and lay out all of its specifications and details responsible for the loyal following this sight has established.
There is no doubt, that if you are in the market for a new red dot sight to mount on your favorite rifle or shotgun, weighing the Crossfire as an option is a wise move.
Bottom Line Up Front
Updated for 2020 the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot Generation 2 comes with a substantial increase in battery life. All while maintaining a reasonable price point for a quality red dot sight.
The sight maintains all of its previous features and what I would call one minor annoyance. Continued quality and excellent warranty make the Vortex Crossfire red dot sight an excellent optic in its class.
Vortex Crossfire Red Dot Review
In my opinion Vortex Optics continues to meet its customer’s expectations to deliver quality optics for shooters of all types. The Crossfire Red Dot Sight in its generation 2 update is a great example of Vortex’s commitment to its customers. The Crossfire Red Dot is suitable for beginning to expert shooters for all platforms.
Even though this red dot optic has been spotted on all manner of firearms, from pistols to shotguns, rifles, and even crossbows, it really has become an all-time favorite for AR-style platform connoisseurs.
Crossfire Gen 2 Top Features
Design
The sight is constructed out of aluminum for a tough and lightweight frame that has proven tough under various environmental conditions and shooting scenarios.
The overall length of the Crossfire is 2.5 inches with 1.1 inch diameter objective and ocular lens. The weight of the sight is 5.2 oz.
This optic has a durable anodized low glare matte finish and nitrogen purged o-ring sealed chassis that provides moisture, dust, and debris resistant operation.
Reticle
The Vortex Crossfire red dot sight comes in a single reticle option, sporting a 2 MOA LED illuminated red dot.
It has been my experience that the smaller the reticle size the better. It allows for more accurate placement of rounds as well as excellent target identification and acquisition, especially at increased distances.
There are 11 reticle brightness settings. Eight of the settings are for daylight conditions with the remaining lowest 2 settings reserved as night vision compatible options.
You will find the brightness setting range of the Crossfire sufficient for all light conditions and backgrounds encountered by most shooters.
Illumination brightness is controlled through a large dial on the right side of the sight. The dial provides just the right amount of tactile distinction between settings. The night vision settings are labeled N1 and N2 on the dial.
Operation
Vortex Optics designed the Crossfire RDS for simplistic straight forward operation. The sight features a single dial to turn the reticle on/off and set the brightness.
The one minor annoyance is the fact that the reticle brightness dial stops at its extreme settings requiring you to move it all the way in the opposite direction instead of continuing on in the same direction.
The sight has two point of impact adjustment knobs. The elevation adjustment knob is located on the top of the optic while the windage adjustment knob is located on the right side.
Adjusting the elevation or windage by one click will move the point of impact by 1 MOA or one inch at 100 yds. The adjustment knobs provide both a tactile and audible click and are protected by screw on turrets.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Gen 2 utilizes a CR 2032 3 volt lithium coin battery providing 50,000 hours of operation while on the level 6 reticle brightness setting.
The battery is side mounted within the reticle brightness dial making access and battery changes a snap.
Mounting
The Crossfire Red Dot Sight comes with two mounting height options right out of the box.
The sight includes a low height mount and a lower 1/3 co-witness mount both of which require your firearm to be equipped with a Picatinny or Weaver-style rail base.
Tightening of the base clamp bolts are achieved with the provided hex wrench.
Details
Included with your purchase:
- Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen2 (CF-RD2)
- Durable rubber cover
- T-10 Torx wrench
- CR 2032 battery
- Lower 1/3 co-witness mount
- Low height mount
- Set of mounting screws
- User manual
Vortex VIP Warranty
According to Vortex Optics, they will repair or replace your Vortex product in the event it becomes damaged or defective at no charge to you. And if they cannot repair the product they will replace it.
The VIP warranty is good for all red dot sights and carries an unlimited lifetime warranty that is fully transferable, no receipt needed.
Crossfire Gen 1 vs Gen 2
So what is the difference between these two optics? Vortex replaced the Light Emitting Diode (LED) in the Gen 2 model allowing for the extended battery life.
The original model has a battery life of 7,000 hours while the generation 2 model boasts a whopping increase to 50,000 operational hours.
Customer Feedback
The Vortex Crossfire Red Dot Gen 2 has strong reviews from shooters across all experience levels.
What shooters liked about this sight:
Battery Life: The massive jump to 50,000 hours of operation is a standout feature that gives shooters peace of mind.
Ease of Use: The single dial control makes operation intuitive, even for first-time red dot sight users.
Warranty: Vortex’s VIP warranty consistently receives praise from customers who have used it.
