Vortex Spitfire 1x Review

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Vortex Spitfire

Overall Score 7.3

Tested With Scoring System 2.0

7
Optical Quality
8
Durability and Build Quality
6
Weight and Size
8
Battery Life
6
Reticle
8
Ease of Use
8
Price

Learn How I Test & Score Here

⭐️ Verdict: Prism Scope (7.3)

After spending some quality time with the Vortex Spitfire 1x Prism Scope, I’ve got to say, it packs quite a punch for its size. Designed primarily for rifles, this optic shines in close to medium-range shooting. Its dual-ring tactical reticle, etched directly on the prism, ensures a consistent point of aim, with the option to switch between red and green illumination. The clarity and brightness, thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses, are top-notch.

During my tests, I really put the Spitfire through its paces. Its shockproof design held up impressively against various impacts, and the nitrogen purging and o-ring seals proved it’s more than just fogproof and waterproof. 

Pros

Crisp and clear optics

Shockproof

Fogproof

Waterproof

User-friendly

Astigmatism-friendly etched reticle

Cons

Mounting system may lack flexibility for some users

The reticle can be overly complex for rapid target acquisition

Some shooters find the 1 MOA center dot too small for quick aiming

Heavier than a standard red dot due to its glass construction

Price Comparison

Available at 2 shops 
Optics Planet
Amazon

Hey Shooters, Welcome to my Vortex Spitfire 1x review

If you haven’t seen the world via a prismatic optical sight, you are clearly missing out on their amazingly clear clarity and wide field of vision.

Today I’ll be reviewing one of my favorite prismatic optics: Spitfire.

This in-depth review will give you an extensive understanding of all this optic has to offer, from specifications and features to advantages and disadvantages. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it!

Specifications

Housing MaterialAluminum
Item Dimension‎6.75 x 2.5 x 4 inches
Weight11.2oz
Magnification1x
Parallax FreeYes
Unlimited Eye ReliefYes
Reticle ColorRed
Reticle OptionsDRT reticle
Battery TypeCR 2032
Battery Life3000
Night VisionYes
Power SourceBattery
WaterproofYes

What’s in the box?

Below is a list of items that are included in the box of Spitfire 1x:

  • The optic itself (Spitfire Red dot sight)
  • Cantilever mount for attachment
  • User manual
  • A lens cleaning cloth
  • CR2032 Battery
  • Lens cap
  • Extra BDC dial turret

Design and Features of Spitfire

Narrowing your options to Vortex is already a smart place to start if you’re looking for a new sight. They are one of the top optic makers in the world, and I truly agree with that statement. The reputation of Vortex as a manufacturer of affordable, high-quality rifle sights is well-deserved.  The best part is that you can get their VIP warranty without having to pay extra, and you won’t have to worry about finding the best deal.

Because of their durability, dependability, and accuracy, vortex optics continue to keep their value. You can be assured that you’re receiving the greatest possible sight for your money when you get one from Vortex.

And that applies to the optic that we’re discussing today too: Spitfire 1x. This optic boasts all the characteristics that a shooter needs, including accurate target acquisition and long battery life. Let’s explore its features in further detail.

1. Reticle

The Vortex Spitfire 1x Prism sight features a very bright and clean sight picture since it is comprised of a single prism rather than a number of different lenses.

The prism is fully multi-coated which is why I experienced very sharp views via this sight. No hazing, fuzzing, or smearing occurred. Compared to 1x sights with regular magnification, this clarity made it simpler to locate and capture my target.

Even though it is illuminated, the reticle is also incised into the prism. Over a reflexive red dot sight, this offers a number of enormous advantages. Since it’s carved into the glass, the optic won’t become inoperable like a red dot even if your AAA battery expires.

For those with astigmatism or other eye disorders, the etched reticle does not appear smeared. You can focus the reticle to be exceptionally precise to suit your visual needs owing to the fast focus eyepiece.

2. Construction and Durability

Vortex optics are renowned for being strong and durable. This is also true with regard to the Spitfire Prism. It’s hard to scratch and scuff the strong anodized coating. The sight is waterproof as well as fogproof.

I’ve practiced close-range shooting sessions with this optic and it has taken quite a lot of beatings too (not exaggerating at all!). I’ve dragged it through mud and slammed it against the floor. It’s been thrown in the back of my car and tossed around. BRUTAL, right? It still continues to function perfectly despite all the abuse.

Also, I believe that the best guarantee in the industry is offered by Vortex because even if I were to manage to destroy my sight, they stand behind all of their optics. They’ll fix it or get a new one for me, so I’m at ease.

3. Battery

With an extended battery life, the Vortex Spitfire 1x delivers top performance even when used often. On a continuous basis, you can expect about 250 hours of operation at the highest brightness setting. As a result, you won’t need to worry about changing the batteries frequently while using the Spitfire to accompany you on extended hunts, tactical missions, or any other outdoor activity.

The lowest brightness level offers an astounding battery life of up to 3,000 hours for circumstances that call for more frugal battery use. This increased lifespan guarantees that your Spitfire will continue to operate for a considerable amount of time, making it a trustworthy companion even during lengthy outdoor trips or survival situations.

The Spitfire also comes with a handy 14-hour auto-shutdown feature. When the optic is not in use, the battery is conserved due to this clever mechanism. The Spitfire will automatically shut down after 14 hours of inactivity, conserving crucial battery life for later use. This function is pretty useful, especially when you might forget to manually turn off the optic or when unplanned interruptions occur while you’re working.

4. Sight Picture

This optic’s field of view is 79 feet at 100 yards, and adjustments can be made in half MOA intervals. Spitfire has maximum adjustments for windage of up to 120 MOA. The sight is 4.3 inches long and 11.2 ounces in weight.

I personally really liked the sight picture of this optic. My reticle stays in focus regardless of how I move my head behind the sight.

5. Eye relief

The eye relief of the Vortex Spitfire is around 3.8 inches, as opposed to the unlimited eye relief on a reflexive red dot.

I initially felt as though I was staring through the wrong end of a pair of binoculars when I mounted mine to my AR15. The image appeared to be smaller than 1x. After some tweaking, I realized that the issue was that I was too far away from the optic.

The sight image was the right size and I had no problems as I moved the sight closer to me. In order to keep your cheek weld inside the eye relief, the Vortex Spitfire must be placed back far enough.

6. Brightness settings

Spitfire 1x gives you the option to adjust the brightness in accordance with your tastes and the level of ambient light. It has a total of 12 illumination settings.

You can easily switch from dimly lit areas to brightly lit ones because of the wide range of these 12 illumination choices. Two of the lowest brightness settings on the Spitfire 1x are compatible with night vision.

The Spitfire’s changeable brightness settings offer the best visibility and target acquisition whether you’re in brightly lit surroundings during the day or in low-light situations at sunset or dawn.

Know The Differences Between Vortex Strikefire and Spitfire.

Drawbacks of Vortex Spitfire 1x

Pros are almost always accompanied by drawbacks. In terms of drawbacks, Spitfire 1x is not an exception. You are free to disagree, but these are just what I see as possible drawbacks of this optic.

Firstly, a robust, dependable cheek weld is first and foremost necessary for a prism optic. It can be difficult to acquire a clean cheek weld and exact alignment with the optic while shooting three guns from various angles, such as from underneath cars or at odd angles.

Second, for a setup on a lightweight combat rifle, the Spitfire is a bit of a hefty sight and thick. Just something to be aware of if you think that the size of the sights you purchase is important.

Third, because of how it initially looks, people frequently mount the sight backward, which results in a lot of problems. So, keep that in mind as well.

My Experience with Spitfire 1x

I’ve had a rather good experience with this optic. In my opinion, the Vortex Spitfire 1x Prism sight is absolutely worth the price. Without it, your AR15 isn’t complete.

The reliable reticle enables lightning-quick target acquisition and engagement with pinpoint accuracy. This is the ideal middle ground if you aren’t completely sold on a red dot but don’t want to clog up your weapon system with a full-blown sight.

It includes a strong and resistant construction, a good sight picture, a reliable reticle even without illumination, and a double circle reticle type to help the user focus on the target.

You simply can’t go wrong with this optic. It’s without a doubt the best prism sight I’ve ever used.

Conclusion

To say I’m impressed by this sight would be an understatement. Anyone searching for a solid, dependable optic for their firearm should absolutely consider this optic. Throughout the period I’ve owned this optic, it has never failed me down once. Not to mention that the pricing is quite reasonable too. I think this is a good deal that won’t break the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Vortex Spitfire 1x suitable for hunting?

Yes, you may go hunting with the Vortex Spitfire 1x. Hunters frequently choose it because of its small size, light weight, and adaptable reticle. When targeting swiftly moving animals or scanning a big area, the 1x magnification facilitates target acquisition quickly and ensures a wide field of vision.

Does Vortex Spitfire 1x come with mounting options?

Yes, mounting choices are provided for the Vortex Spitfire 1x. It is made to work with a variety of weapons and provides a variety of mounting options to satisfy different setup preferences.

Is the Spitfire 1x compatible with night vision devices?

Yes, two of the lowest brightness settings on the Spitfire 1x are made especially for night vision applications. This characteristic makes it adaptable for both daytime and evening applications by enabling improved visibility and compatibility with night vision equipment.

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