Vortex Viper vs Crossfire ii – Which Riflescope Is Better for First-Timers?

The excitement that comes with hunting season is hard to play down if you have an interest in game hunting. Finding the right equipment is not always easy if you are new to the game. So, between Vortex Viper and Crossfire ii, which is ideal for first-timers?

I remember with fondness planning and preparing for my first hunting experience. My college roommate, Josh, introduced me to the sport and his uncle had a really big ranch up in Wyoming.

Being my first try-out, I didn’t have to buy any gear or equipment because Josh had assured me that his uncle had a collection of guns and equipment always on the ready. I didn’t get to hit any of my targets on that first try but it was exhilarating being out in the ranges.

Now, ten years later, I am a pro at long-range deer hunting and I like to make reviews to help other newbies who want in on the action.

What are the differences between Vortex Viper vs Crossfire ii?

Vortex Viper vs Crossfire ii – How do they compare?

Reticle 

Vortex Viper has a VMR-1 reticle that gives shooters a very accurate aim in long-range hunting. It is designed with multiple configurations to be a tactical hunting and shooting unit. The reticle is in the Second Focal Plane and is empowered by the fast focus eyepiece that helps the shooter align eyesight with the reticle.

Vortex Crossfire ii hasa Dead-Hold Bullet Compensation Reticle featuring crosshairs and tick marks onall sides, top, and bottom with the bottom extending further down. The scope haslong eye relief and an accommodative eye box which enables you to get yourtarget within reticle focuses more quickly.

Vortex Crossfire ii has a better reticle type compared to Viper because more than offering the bullet compensation effect, it is specially designed to maximize your shooting and ranging abilities in a long-range.

Optics

Vortex Viper is fitted with extra-low dispersion glass which is super in producing clear imagery with color fidelity. The lenses are fully-coated XR which increases light transmission and is protected from scratches and dirt by an Armotek coating. 

The Crossfire ii objective lens,mirrors and eyepiece have all been treated and fully-coated withanti-reflective elements that provide crystal clear and bright images that addto the quality hunting experience that shooters will get out of it.

Vortex Viper hassuperior clarity in image production compared to Crossfire ii because of the 4xzoom and side parallax adjustment it comes with which eliminates parallax whichin turn, creates sharper images. 

Field of View

There is a parallax adjustment knob on the Vortex Viper and illumination control system on the same turret. With a zoom range of 6-24x and a zoom factor of 4x, this scope is targeted for the serious hunters who appreciate the effectiveness of a tactical tool.

The Viper has a field of view measuring 4.2 feet at 100 yards in high magnification and 17.8 at 100 yards in low magnification with 4.0-inch eye relief.

Crossfire has a more forgiving eye box and at the highest magnification, the eye view is 4.4 feet at 100 yards while at the lowest magnification the field of view is 17.3 feet at 100 yards. This scope has an eye relief of 4.0-inches just like the Viper.

Though very slightly, the Vortex Viper beats the Crossfire ii in field of view and weighs a fraction less which any shooter concerned with weight will appreciate.

Turrets 

Vortex Viper has turrets specially designed for precision and repetition using finger-adjustable clicks in an exposed target style. Coupled with the CRS Zero Stop mechanism, this scope easily returns to zero even after dialing several different elevations.

For Crossfire ii, the turrets are capped and resettable by hand and they have MOA clicks that are easily reset to zero even after several sightings.

These two scope models have finger adjustable turrets that easily hold and reset to zero making them quite efficient even for first-timers. The only difference is that the Crossfire ii turret is capped while the Viper turrets are in the open. 

Vortex Viper vs Crossfire ii – A Comparison Overview 

Vortex Viper Review

Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 4-16X44 VMR-1 MOA

• The Viper HS-T 4-16x44 is one of multiple configurations in the Viper HS-T (Hunting & Shooting Tactical)...
• Incorporating our premium, fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses brings excellent resolution...
• The exposed target-style turrets are constructed for precise and repeatable finger-adjustable clicks. A...
• A 4x zoom provides magnification versatility while the side focus parallax adjustment provides optimal...

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This is a 30mm tube that is anodized with 6-24 power with a 50mm objective lens. It offers 4-inches of eye relief which is handy when shooting high-caliber rounds because it keeps it away from your eye.

On the side, a parallax adjustment knobs are going from 50 to infinity manipulated by semi-tactical turrets that are long and feature good grip gnarling. Their height allows you to watch the hash marks. It has a fiber optic to enable you to easily return to zero.

The reticle is the second focal plane which maintains its size as you progress through the magnification range. The turrets are capless and very flat top which makes it easy to level out the scope.

Pros

• Finger-adjustable turrets
• CRS zero stop
• VMR reticle
• Quality resolution and color

Cons

• No mount

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Vortex Crossfire ii Review 

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-16x50 AO, 30mm, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)

• The 4-16x50 Adjustable Objective Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire...
• The adjustable objective provides image focus and parallax removal to the shooter while anti-reflective,...
• With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and...
• Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.

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It’s a second focal plane riflescope popular with many sportsmen. Glass is clear but has a dark hue which makes it less than perfect. It is accurate and parallax free which means that it is set for one distance (100M) only which is limiting to target shooters who need a range in MOA groupings.

The turrets are spongy, responsive and resettable maintain the point of contact even with a change in magnification. Offers 3.5” to 4” eye relief which is quite fair. The reticle is a midrange Dead-Hold BDC with clear crosshairs that are not too thick or thin.

Pros

• Red central dot
• Works great in all light levels
• Nitrogen purged
• Fog & water-resistant

Cons

• Ring adjustments not so positive

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Conclusion 

Vortex Viper is packed with features and benefits that any new or experienced hunter would appreciate having on their scope. The VMR reticle and CRS Zero Stop functions make it easier to use than most scopes in this range.

Crossfire ii also has notable benefits to it especially the long eye relief and the red-dot function that makes focusing in low light quite easy to do. It is a somewhat simple yet effective scope that newbies can use to learn about rifle hunting.

Verdict: So, which is better? The Vortex Viper or Crossfire ii?

Vortex Viper riflescope is better than the Crossfire ii especially if you own a long-range rifle and you are wondering what scope suits it best. This is because Vortex specifically designed it as a tactical hunting and shooting scope.

FAQ

Will the Vortex Crossfire ii manage the pounding of my AK47 recoil?

Yes, with a very long lifespan. AK47’s 7.62x39mm cartridge recoil is not too much for this scope.

What type of scope rings should I buy for my Vortex Viper scope?

Vortex branded rings are the best choice for the Viper scope because you are guaranteeing a hassle-free connection. Select based on the type of rifle you are working with, the clearance between the bottom of the scope and upper rifle.