Vortex Spitfire Prism Scopes?

[mastiffhound]

Sorry, I posted this in the wrong forum, here is round 2.

I found these by dumb luck. They look to be strictly for AR's or rifles like the FN SCAR. I have a problem with regular red dots and looked a couple of threads over on Leupold's prismatic but gave up on it because of very poor reviews. Anyways, here is the link:http://www.vortexoptics.com/category...e_prism_scopes. It's cheaper than the Leupold by $200 or so for the non magnified and also has a 3x offering for $350 from SWFA (pre-order right now, here:http://swfa.com/Vortex-Spitfire-Prism-Scopes-C9695.aspx). I remember a few guys saying they would be interested in a etched reticle dot type sight and thought this might be worth a look. It does come with the Vortex lifetime warranty, I wouldn't say it would be a patrol or life on the line option but for plinking, shooting hogs, or maybe 3 gun it might be alright.

From what I gather Vortex gets mixed feelings here. I'll say the only scope I ever bought (a Vortex Diamondback 4-12, before I got my Leupolds) from them is still alive and well after going from a very light Savage .30-06, a heavy Savage .308, my Mini-14, and even a short while on my 10/22. I never tried it on my PSA or my BCM, it was just too big for them. I've never bought another Vortex, I just like Redfield's and Leupold's scopes because they usually weigh less and I like their reticles a little more. I'll be looking these over for my .22lr AR upper so if I end up getting one I'll try to do a review.

[Mark-VA]

Your link is broken. Try this: http://www.vortexoptics.com/category...e_prism_scopes

[mastiffhound]

Thanks, I fixed it. Upon further review the Vortex Prism scopes not only look like Primary Arms version but the 3X looks to be using the old PA reticle? Kind of a downer really.

[mike240]

As much as I like my Aimpoint micros, I am about at the point to either change to 1-4 scopes or a Prismatic. The Aimpoint is now a blob and though it can be made clear by prescription, then I can't see my irons on my pistol. I can correct the dominate eye for pistol irons but need an optic that can be focused on the rifle.

A focus ring on the Aimpoint would be awesome but unlikely to happen. A Prismatic is probably coming to my sbr.

[mastiffhound]

Just a update, Vortex no longer lists the Spitfires as "coming soon" and has a "where to buy" link instead. I also came across the Sightmark Wolfhound (seriously?) Prism 3x. Probably junk but I'll never know as sightmark has never been synonymous with quality, at least from what I've heard and read. I'm just looking for an optic for a .22lr AR, but man things are getting a little ridiculous.

The Sightmark's 3x msrp is $419.96 and the Vortex Spitfire 3x has an msrp of $449, what the hell? The concern I have is these companies are getting too damn close or even over to charging what a lower priced Leupold ($400 or more) costs. If I'm paying that much I can get a lovingly American made optic instead of something made in china. Seems like these companies are starting to think way to highly of something made in china.

Do they realize that I can get a Leupold 1.5-4x20 Mark AR MOD 1 with the illuminated firedot reticle for $449 from swfa.com and probably cheaper elsewhere? That is a rugged ass scope for the money and Leupold may have the best warranty and customer service in the business. I haven't been disappointed with anything I've got from Leupold. I'm still waiting to see what Primary Arms 4x Prism will be as they are much more realistic with their prices it seems. Hell, I can get a Bushnell 1-4x24 AR Optics 30mm Rifle Scope with a FFP for $227 if I want something made in china. They've had some good reviews and many seem to like them.

I guess if that's the way it's going to be then I'll have to just get a Leupold or Bushnell. I'll wait for Primary Arms 4x to come out first, a 4x would do nicely on my .22lr. Does anyone else feel like these prices are out of whack or has "made in china" come to mean as good as made in the USA?

[Obscenejesster]

American made doesn't equate to quality. I have a SWFA SS 1x6 that was made in Japan and I can assure you that you will not find better glass under $1000 made in America.

[micky_blue]

While I have never seen, let alone used the Spitfire, Vortex optifs are pretty tough imho. I put one of their small red dots on my 54 cal muzzleloader. It's not the strikefire, maybe the Razr but I dont recall. Anyway I shoot a 400gr cast hollowpoint behind 105gr of blackhorn 209. The rifle has a 20" barrel and is light. I am on my third season with this combo. Besides a new battery last year it has been flawless. If you are concerned, the rifle is one of the knight limited editions called the brush rifle or 54-120.

Micky

[SOW_0331]

American made doesn't equate to quality. I have a SWFA SS 1x6 that was made in Japan and I can assure you that you will not find better glass under $1000 made in America.

I agree. The way SWFA went about ensuring that their lower price optics were high quality was pretty great. Unfortunately, they are now a company I'll never do business with again. Not that they or I are going to hurt from that decision, though I did spend good money through them. The optics however are a quality I'll be happy to use, and next one I purchase will just be one of the gently used variety.

As for American made being better....eehhhh I'm not as inspired by that as I used to be. And I get it, buying American supports freedom and stuff. I'd be happy to pay somewhat higher prices for American made if they lived up to quality. Unfortunately, it seems that in some cases my money will support the opposite of the work ethic I believe to represent the country, which is "mediocre work will be rewarded with high pay". Leupold makes great optics that I've enjoyed in the past but I've seen too much mediocre quality in my experience to assume they'll always shit out golden eggs. The warranties and CS are good enough, but for me I'd rather not need it to begin with.

Its worth learning why some products are cheaper when made overseas. Often, it boils down to labor costs and the fees associated with manufacturing in the US (taxes). Many of the "American made" flag waving brands do nothing more than assemble Chinese parts on US soil. Oakley comes to mind. If the optic you want suits your needs and comes from a reputable manufacturer, I wouldn't hesitate.

[RUSKI]

I have used my Spitfire 3x for nearly 2 full months now. Forgive me but I am new to typing up reviews, so if I miss anything I apologize.

The scope was purchased the first week of June, mounted on my DDV2 and shot a couple of days after. I initially bought the Spitfire because I needed a temporary replacement for my TA31TRD (the ACOG is reserved for the ARX100). By temporary, I mean up to a year + because it is hard to convince my wife that I need/want $1000 + optics. To be honest the Spitfire was an impulse buy while I was shopping at Sportsmans warehouse. At the time it was still a fairly new optic from Vortex and had next to nothing on the web as far as reviews. The company cool aid doesn't count in my book as a worthy source of info. I did buy it because I have yet to have any issues with my Vortex Strikefire red/green dot and that thing has held up incredibly well, I have documented that in other posts. I figured with Vortex' warranty and my past experience the Spitfire it was worth my $350. I also wanted a magnified prism optic versus a 1x prism or red dot plus the idea of always having a reticle appeals to me. I do admit I had quit a bit of buyers remorse after the purchase. The idea of spending a hair more and getting an Aimpoint Pro or a Eotech did cross my mind, but the remorse has definitely passed.

I did my initial 50 & 100 yard zero using American Eagle 62 grain green tip. After that I plinked w/ Independence 55g, Wolf 55g, and PMC bronze. Almost all the shooting was done from a bench. I tested the green and red illumination on a vary sunny day. The green at max setting was barely distinguishable from the black, surprisingly the red on the top 2 out of 5 settings was just fine and bright enough. I shot mostly without the illumination because the etched reticle worked great for me and was vary crisp. I was unhappy initially with how small the reticle is, it tended to get lost at certain times while aiming at darker targets. The red illumination definitely helps. It seemed a bit bigger when I was buying it, but after mounting I it I was a bit shocked at how tiny it appears to me. I was not expecting something too large or a busy reticle like the Burris223 has. I guess for me it just seemed too small until I was used to shooting with it. The glass is clear with no wash out or blurry edges. I have to do a side by side once my ACOG is on another rifle, but for what I paid the glass was great. During my first range session I emptied 6 magazines, with one being a dump just to see if the POA POI would shift or if the sight base would come loose but neither happened. About 2 weeks later I took my DD & Spitfire camping and fishing for 3 days. The rifle was tossed around a ton during the boat rides, hikes, and at our camp site. On our last day we plinked some cans and water jugs. I do admit I was probably a lot harder on the Spitfire than I have ever been on my ACOG. After work the next Monday I was cleaning dirt and small brush out of both the rifle and the scope. I have had the scope out 2 more times since, once to let a buddy try out using a magnified optic and the second time was for some run and gun and off hand shooting practice. While being instructed on my technique the rifle and scope took another good beating, we practiced in a hilly sand pit, with the occasional bumps and drops.

I now have close to 600 rounds shot through this scope. No shift in the POA/POI and surprisingly the factory mount/base has held up great, not once have I had to re tighten the base screws. Besides being depressed about so much ammo being used I have been vary pleased with the Spitfire. I have treated my DD as a truck gun as long as I have had it. The Vortex has surpassed my expectations of a $350 prism scope. I would not mind trying out the PA 4x prism, but after the last couple of months with the Spitfire I will probably just skip it. I understand that a camping trip and 500 + rounds does not qualify as a whole hell of a lot of durability testing. I just figured folks would not mind having some real end user input about this optic. After these last 2 months I decided to replace my wife' PA red dot with a Spitfire and I will be ordering her one shortly. I hope this basic review is helpful to anyone on the fence about trying out one of these.

I am planning on eventually purchasing a TA11 for my DD. I am just not in as much of a rush now that I have used my current set up.

My pics aren't great but I wanted to attach a couple at least. I could barely get the pic with the reticle steadied so I didn't bother capturing both colors. I hope it illustrates how tiny the reticle really is. I am so used to the illuminated BDC reticle on my TA31 that making the change is difficult.

[HCrum87hc]

Thanks for the review Ruski. I've been contemplating picking up a 1x Spitfire, and you've pushed me a bit closer.