Vortex recently updated their Spitfire compact prism scopes and made some pretty drastic changes. I’ve already reviewed the Spitfire AR 1X prism, but this time I’m looking at the 3X models. This article will have section 1 on the Gen 1, section 2 on Gen 2, and section 3 on comparing the two.
Vortex Spitfire 3X Gen 1
Generation 1 of Vortex’s 3X Spitfire looks fairly similar to some of the other prism scopes, namely the Burris 3x.
The Vortex Spitfire 3X Gen 1 offers some angled pic rail for a 45 degree offset red dot that I don’t personally think you’d ever need because3x is not so much that you can’t shoot with both eyes open and quickly acquire your target in the scope.
It’s got an illuminated reticle using a turn knob on the top. Unfortunately, it’s just a simple turn knob and does not have any auto-shutoff circuitry inside so you’ll kill batteries everytime you forget it on.
Adjustment turrets are covered by caps that are safety wired on so you can’t lose them, and adjustments are 1/2 MOA per click.
The reticle itself is very fine and because it’s only 3X magnification, the BDC hold over marks are pretty close to the center and you’ll need to look closely to see which one you need to use. Great for precision shooting but a bit slower than a plain 1x red dot or holographic sight.
Still, the 3X Spitfire is MUCH more compact than a traditional 3-9 variable scope or a variable 1-4 scope.
Vortex Spitfire 3X Gen 2
You like compact? How about MUCH more compact? The Gen 2 Spitfire 3X prism scope is smaller than the Gen 1 and it has some features I really like.
The illuminated reticle is now controlled digitally, so it includes a much appreciated auto-off. It also has more settings (12 illumination settings) and will return to the last setting you left it on when you turn it on.
Elevation and windage adjustments are no longer capped and they’re 1 MOA per click now. Without the caps, the optic is sleeker than the Gen 1 and will snag on less.
Since the optic is lighter and smaller, they can get away with a smaller mount and riser.
It doesn’t have pic rail for a red dot mount, but who cares because you didn’t need that anyways. The 5X version still has an option for a red dot mount on top.
One thing I’m not a super big fan of on the Gen 2 is the scope caps: they’re now the floppy rubber style that kinda snap together.
Vortex Spitfire 3X Gen 1 vs Gen 2
The Gen 2 is far more compact, lighter, sleeker, and won’t kill your batteries if you’re forgetful. There are fewer knobs to snag on, it’s 263 grams instead of 420, it’s just better.
The biggest advantage that the Gen 1 has is that they’re going for around $300 on the used market vs $500-600 for the Gen 2 on the used market. And if you want a tiny bit more precision, the Spitfire Gen 1 clicks at 1/2 MOA instead of the 1 MOA clicks on the Gen 2.
