Are you searching for a 3x prism scope? Is the Vortex Spitfire AR worthy? Let us answer these questions and many more with facts, features, specifications, and reviews that will make purchasing the Vortex Spitfire 3x an easy choice.
In this review we will take a look at the Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope with the Enhanced Battle Reticle (EBR) 556B reticle optimized specifically for a .55 grain 5.56x45mm cartridge and all the features that make up this AR ready tactical optic.
I will provide you with the technical specifications and great features. Then we will see what other shooters and hunters have to say about this 3x prism scope from Vortex Optics.
Additionally, we will recommend the best place to purchase the Vortex Spitfire 3x.
Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope with the Enhanced Battle Reticle (EBR) 556B reticle
Already know that the Vortex Spitfire 3x is what you are looking for, then you can go straight to Amazon.com for a great deal with fast shipping. Click here to check out the Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope with EBR-556B reticle (SPR-1303) at Amazon.com
Bottom Line Up Front
The Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope is an AR optimized fixed three-power magnified optic for ranges from zero to 500 yards that has an illuminated reticle option.
The etched reticle can function with red dot reticle or greed dot reticle or without illumination, accounting for almost all light conditions.
Often referred to as the Vortex Spitfire AR prism scope this sight can service a number of shooting platforms in varying conditions.
The Spitfire 3x is one of our top picks for AR enthusiasts because it is a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) scope with a reticle specifically designed with the flat trajectory of the .55 grain 5.56x45mm cartridge in mind.
It is a rugged piece of glass with fine precise adjustments for accuracy out to 500yds with the benefit of an illuminated reticle for that red dot sight feel that enables rapid target acquisition.
All for a third of the price of most other prism scopes in its class.
Vortex Spitfire 3x mounted on AR style rifle
Spitfire 3x Review
The Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope with the Enhanced Battle Reticle (EBR) 556B reticle is optimized for the .55 grain 5.56x45mm cartridge and 16-inch barrel, making it a reliable go to for AR enthusiasts.
The Vortex Spitfire is equally effective with other cartridges and barrel length making it well suited for a variety of shooting or hunting scenarios.
RETICLE
Okay, first things first let’s get straight to the reticle. We know this is not a reddot sight in the truest sense, but the reticle in this prism scope can be illuminated either red or green with the simple turn of a dial.
There are five intensity settings for the reticle to include off which allows you to use the reticle without illumination.
The Enhanced Battle Reticle is etched directly on the prism with range markings from 0 to 500 yds. making this sight optimal for AR shooting platforms designed around the flat trajectory of the 5.56×45 cartridge (.223 Remington).
The etched reticle ensures a consistent point of aim at all times for close to medium range shooting applications where rapid target acquisition is vital. The etched reticle also helps alleviate drift commonly associated with the typical red dot sights.
The main crosshair intersection of the EBR-556B reticle is intended to be zeroed at 100 yards. When used in conjunction with a .223 Remington cartridge shooters can utilize the main crosshairs form 0-200yds effectively.
DESIGN
Because the Vortex Spitfire 3x is a prism scope you get great optical performance in a compact design.
The prism-based design delivers sharp optics within a short 5.5-inch long form factor.
The optics are housed in a single piece chassis milled from solid aluminum alloy stock making it a rugged and lightweight sight for its class.
Weighing only 15.4 oz. shooters will maintain maneuverability and balance for maximum control when mounted on their favorite long rifle.
The exterior of the scope is coated with a highly durable hard-coat anodization matte finish. While all of the air-to-glass lens surfaces have a multi-coating anti-reflective finish that increases light transmission.
These features combined can also reduce the shooter’s signature when camouflage is important.
The Spitfire Prism Scope has been nitrogen gas purged to prevent internal fogging, enabling operations from 22 degrees below zero up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
The scope utilizes O-ring seals to guard against moisture and dust. This coupled with the rugged shockproof construction that can withstand recoil and impact make the Vortex Spitfire suitable for almost any condition and environment you will encounter.
This optic also includes integrated flip up style lens covers and a ocular lens focus adjustment bezel to fine tune a out of focus reticle.
OPERATION
The Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope incorporates elevation and windage dials with audible clicks. Each click will move the point of impact 1/2 Minute of Angle (MOA) giving shooter and hunters the ability to make fine adjustments for increased precision and accuracy.
The Spitfire 3x has maximum windage and elevation adjustment of 120 MOA. With reticle adjustments made in increments 1/2 MOA using the top mounted elevation turret and the side mounted windage turret
You will also appreciate the wired tethered turret caps instead of the rubber ones we often encounter ensuring that you will never lose them.
The reticle brightness is adjusted with via a top mounted rotary dial.
Vortex Optics has included both an illuminated red dot or green dot reticle option in the Spitfire 3x prism scope.
The reticles are powered by a top-loaded single CR 2032 battery.
You can expect a battery life of up to 250 hours of continuous use when on its highest setting and 3,000 hours of continuous use when on its lowest setting.
With both the red dot or the green dot option included, you can rest knowing that you are ready for just about any lighting situation you might encounter.
MOUNTING
Mounting the Vortex Spitfire is achieved by utilizing the included mount and 2x base clamp hex nuts.
The scope can be mounted at two heights with the included mount.
Use the factory mounted height of 40.4 mm from the optic center to base surface for a lower 1/3 co-witness height.
You can also remove the mount riser to achieve a lower 30 mm mounted height. When mounting you should allow for a 2.8-inch eye relief. The scope has a fixed Field of View (FOV) at 100 yds.
One bonus feature that you will absolutely find useful is the 2 Picatinny rails set atop of the scope at 45-degree angles. These are perfect for mounting reflex sights or red dot sights for short range engagements.
DETAILS
Here is what is included:
Specifications for the Spitfire 3X
Battery Type: | CR2032 3V Lithium Coin |
Brand: | Vortex Optics |
Click Value: | 1/2 MOA |
Eye Relief: | 2.80 in |
Field View 100: | 31.50 ft |
Focal Plan: | Prism Scope |
Illuminated: | Red/Green LED |
Maximum Magnification: | 3X |
Minimum Magnification: | 3X |
Night Vision Compatible: | Non-Compatible |
Objective Diameter: | 39mm |
Reticle: | Vortex EBR-556B MOA |
Total Elevation Adjustment: | 120 MOA |
Total Windage Adjustment: | 120 MOA |
Turret Features: | Capped Turrets, Tool Adjustable |
Type: | Fixed Magnification |
Weight: | 15.4 Oz |
Spitfire 3x Pros vs Cons
The Pros of this AR prism scope
Quality construction for a rugged high-quality optic optimized for an AR-style firearm chambered in 5.56×45. able to withstand even the toughest shooting environment.
The Vortex Spitfire 3x gives you three reticle display options under a 3x magnification that will cover almost every shooting situation out to 200yds.
The Spitfire sight allows for ½ MOA incremental adjustments for precision zeroing for increased accuracy at extended ranges.
Two mounting height available right out of the box so you don’t have to spend another $150 dollars for an additional mount.
As with all Vortex Optics products you get the VIP warranty where they will repair or replace your Spitfire 3x if it becomes damaged or defective at no cost to you.
The Cons
Since this prism scope was designed with the 5.56 platform in mind, you will have to adjust for sight picture with the reticle on some shooting or hunting platforms.
Where you should buy the Vortex Spitfire 3x
Our recommendation is that you purchase the Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope with EBR-556B reticle (SPR-1303) from Amazon.com to get more product information, answers to frequently asked questions, fast delivery, and the best price.
Customer Feedback for this AR Prism Scope
The Vortex Spitfire has a 4.7/5 stars with over 600 hundred reviews with over 80% five stars ratings.
The things shooters and hunters loved about this prism sight include:
Quality: Excellent optics with crisp viewing at a 3x magnification.
Optics: All the benefits of a red dot sight coupled with the benefits of a small fixed power scope makes for a sight useful in any situation.
Warranty: Break it and get it fixed or get a new one with no cost to you it’s that simple.
Price: Performed like prism scopes three times the price.
Variations:
If you would rather have an AR prism scope with less magnification and a dual ring tactical reticle the check out the Spitfire 1X Prism Scope (SPR-1301) at Amazon.com
Recommended alternatives:
Our favorite alternative to the spitfire is the Aimpoint Pro combined with a 3x magnifier. Check out the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) Red Dot Reflex Sight at Amazon.com for features and reviews.
