For AR enthusiasts, the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism offers a ton of value for its price. It's ideal for engaging targets up close but also provides accuracy at up to 500 yards. It is a three-power magnified optic with an illuminated reticle that is adjustable for various light conditions.
However, before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a look at some specs.
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Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope
Pros
Cons
Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism Specs
Weight: 15.4 oz.
Eye Relief: 2.80 in.
Adjustment Options
Elevation: 120 MOA
Windage: 120 MOA
Parallax: 100 yards
Type of Reticle: Vortex EBR-556B MOA, illuminated
Image of Reticle:
Magnification: 3x fixed
Focal Plane: prism scope
Objective Lens: 39 mm.
Field of View: 31.50 ft.
Click value: ยฝ MOA
Pros
The Spitfire offers several irresistible features. We've taken note of a few of our favorites. Check out the categories below to catch a glimpse of the awe that is the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism.
Quality Construction
The Vortex Spitfire 3X is built to last. It's a compact optical system that maintains quality and reliability, its stock is made of aluminum alloy. It's constructed to withstand recoil and take impact even in the harshest of conditions. It also has o-ring seals purged with nitrogen making its optics waterproof and fog proof. Plus, its exterior is coated with an anodized matte finish that is not only durable but also anti-reflective to reduce your signature when camouflage is essential.
Versatile in Different Shooting Conditions
The Vortex Spitfire is versatile enough to handle almost any shooting situation. It offers natural accuracy for close encounters, while its reticle display provides several options for shooting at extended ranges. In other words, you can expect precision accuracy at up to 200 yards, perhaps further. Its adjustable sight has ยฝ MOA increments that enable excellent zeroing even at extended ranges.
Adjustable Illuminated Reticle
The reticle of the Vortex Spitfire offers three different options. For starters, it has an illuminated red dot for tactical situations and accuracy. However, red is not always best in every lighting situation, in which case you can switch to an illuminated green dot. Lastly, for bright conditions, the standard reticle is, of course, a valid option. The illuminated feature is powered by a CR 2032 battery top-loaded and has a continuous life cycle of 250 hours on its highest setting and 3000 on its lowest.
Several Mounting Options
For mounting the Vortex Spitfire, you have several options. It comes with a mount and 2x base hex nuts, enabling the Vortex Spitfire to be mounted at two different heights. Standard mounting is 40.4 mm from the center base of the optic with a lower โ co-witness height. However, if you prefer, you can remove the mount riser for a lower 30 mm mount. When mounting, it's important to keep in mind the scope has a fixed Field of View (FOV) at 100 yards. It also has 2 Picatinny rails at 45-degree angles at the top of the scope, which can be used to mount reflex sights or additional red dot sights for close-quarters situations.
Cons
Now that we've seen the good news, let's dive into the bad news. This scope has several outstanding features, but here are a couple of things we think could be improved.
Somewhat Limited Setup
The Vortex Spitfire is designed for a 5.56 platform. For this reason, in some hunting situations, you'll have to adjust for sight picture with the reticle. While not necessarily a big deal, it's good to be aware of this fact. Also, with its somewhat limited eye relief, you'll have to be sure you achieve the right setup. Overall, the Vortex Spitfire is a one-size-fits-all kind of scope, so it's versatile in what it can do but does not excel at any one particular thing.
Doesn't Work for Co-Witnessing
If you like co-witnessing, you may want to pass on this one. Since co-witnessing with irons is not possible, the Vortex Spitfire is somewhat limited in this capacity. That said, with a lot of red dot sights, co-witnessing isn't possible, but also isn't necessary. While it's nice to have your red dot sight aligned with your iron sight, the red dot (or green one) provided by the Vortex Spitfire gives you all the accuracy you need.
Best Uses for the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism
Overall, the Vortex Spitfire is designed to be a general tactical scope. Given its quality optics and rugged construction, it's a solid choice for almost any environmental conditions, although it's not the best at close ranges.
Magnification
As for magnification, the Vortex Spitfire has a fixed setting at 3X. Because of this, it's best used at tactical ranges between 200 and 300 yards. At those ranges, you'll have the greatest accuracy. The advantage of a fixed magnification is that you don't have to worry about being in the wrong zoom factor for your current situation. However, it's not designed to hit targets out of its intended range.
Yardage
As we mentioned above, the Vortex Spitfire is best employed at long ranges up to 300 yards. While it's possible to use it for greater distances up to 500 yards, you'll find the greatest accuracy below 300. This fact makes it an excellent scope for medium-range rifle shooting, but you'll need additional help for up close and personal engagement ranges of 100 yards and below.
Durability
Vortex products are known for their durability, and the Spitfire is no exception. Its aircraft-grade aluminum constructions make it shock resistant and able to withstand some heavy use. Additionally, its optics are o-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to make them waterproof and fog proof. In other words, don't be afraid to take the Vortex Spitfire into inclement weather and harsh environments.
Is the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism Hard to Use?
In short, the answer is no. With the right setup, the Vortex Spitfire does everything you'd expect it to and is ideal for range shooting or when combined with a reflex sight for close ranges.
Is the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism Compatible With Any Rifle?
The Vortex Spitfire is designed with the AR line of rifles in mind. That said, it is compatible with most rifles, although you'll still want to check with your local dealer or manufacturer if you're unsure. For AR enthusiasts, the Spitfire is a safe bet.
For something like a Beretta CX4, the Vortex Spitfire should work fine. However, for a Strikeforce 2, it's not ideal, or for any weapon designed for short ranges. The Vortex Spitfire is designed for any firearm with an effective range of between 100 and 300 yards.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism?
The Vortex Spitfire can be mounted at a 30mm or 40mm height. Its mounting system is built into the base of the chassis and has dual Picatinny rails. Overall, it's easy to add these optics to an existing build using the included hex nuts.
Whether you choose to mount it at 30mm or 40mm will depend on your rifle and personal preference. It's also easy to pair with an existing red dot sight or auxiliary reflex sight for additional tactical flexibility.
What Makes the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism Stand Out From the Competition?
For its price, the Vortex Spitfire is a fantastic piece of equipment. It's hard to beat with an ability to shoot between 1 and 500 yards and Vortex's lifetime warranty. It performs almost every function you'd want from an AR-style carbine optic.
Perhaps its biggest standout is the variable reticle. With the option to illuminate your targeting dot in either red or green, this makes it perfect for all types of lighting situations and shooters. Plus, the fact that you can still see the etched reticle without the illumination is outstanding.
Comparison Overview
Vortex Spitfire 3x vs Burris 332
These two scopes are very similar, yet the Spitfire is longer and heavier, with superior reticle quality. The Burris 332 offers the same level of precision but does not have an illuminated reticle, although it does have markings 100 yards of additional range compared to the Spitfire.
Vortex Spitfire 1x vs 3x
While the 3x is a little heavier than the 1x, it provides three times the magnification obviously. The 1x does offer an eye relief of 3.7" versus the 2.8" of the 3x. Otherwise they are very similar.
Vortex Spitfire 3x vs Primary Arms 3x
Both of these scopes have similar glass and construction. However, the Spitfire has improved reticle patterns but is a higher price than the Primary Arms 3x.
Vortex Spitfire 3x vs Aimpoint Pro
The Aimpoint Pro has been a solid scope for many years, but the Vortex Spitfire has a slightly sharper reticle, as well as having it etched in the lens itself.
Conclusion
The Vortex Spitfire is an impressive piece of equipment and will perform well in any short to the mid-range shooting situation. Its real standout feature is the etched reticle and its adjustable illumination settings. Overall, it is highly recommended.
People Also Ask
If you're still on the fence about the Vortex Spitfire, you likely have some questions. With that in mind, we hope the following will help you to make the best decision possible.
What Kind of Warranty Does the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism Come With?
One of the best things about Vortex is how they back up their products. They offer what they call a VIP Warranty, a guarantee to fix or replace a product at no charge. This warranty applies to all of its products, including the Spitfire 3x.
How Much Does the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism Weigh?
The Spitfire 3x Prism weighs 15.4 ounces.
Can You Use Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism in Low Light?
The Vortex Spitfire is designed for low light environments. It has an illuminated reticle that can be set to red or green depending on the situation. It also has five brightness settings so that you can adjust to your particular environment.
How Long Does the Battery Last on the Vortex Spitfire 3X Prism?
Battery life is 250 hours on its highest setting and 3000 hours on its lowest setting.
