Vincent and I have been using the Spitfire Prism scope with great success lately, it’s a quick-handling red dot scope, that doesn’t give a lot of people starburst effects like some red dots do. It has a glass-etched DRT (Dual Ring Tactical) reticle that can be used with or without the red/green illumination like a traditional riflescope and it makes target and reticle acquisition in close quarters a snap. We’ve tested and used it from 20 yards, to 300 yards and have found it to be everything Vortex says it is.
Here’s what we liked about it:
Optical Quality
The Vortex Spitfire AR Prism Scope is a beast when it comes to optical clarity. Its single prism design and fully multi-coated lenses deliver sharp, clear views with zero hazing or smearing. The etched Dual Ring Tactical (DRT) reticle guarantees a consistent aiming point, even when you’re running without illumination. No frills, just pure performance.
Durability
Built like a tank, the Spitfire AR is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it both strong and lightweight. The hard anodized coating adds another layer of durability. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, with nitrogen purging and O-ring sealing to keep the elements at bay. This scope is ready to handle anything you throw at it.
Battery Life and Illumination
This optic runs on a CR 2032 battery, offering a whopping 250 hours on the highest brightness setting and up to 3,000 hours on the lowest. It has 12 brightness settings, including two that are night vision compatible. Plus, it features a 14-hour auto-shutdown to save battery life when you forget to turn it off after an intense session.
Ease of Use
With an adjustable diopter eyepiece for precise reticle focus, the Spitfire AR is all about ease of use. The turrets provide 0.5 MOA adjustments with crisp, audible clicks. It comes with sturdy Picatinny rail mounts and flip cap covers to protect the lenses.
Eye Relief
The scope offers about 3.8 inches of eye relief, which is perfect for maintaining a consistent cheek weld. It’s designed to give you a comfortable and clear view, ensuring you stay on target.
Reticle
The Dual Ring Tactical (DRT) reticle features a 3 MOA center dot for rapid target acquisition. It comes in black (non-illuminated), red, or green (illuminated) options, giving you flexibility depending on your shooting environment.
Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) Dial
The Spitfire AR includes a dedicated BDC dial for 5.56mm ammo at 62gr. Swap out the standard MOA dial for the BDC dial by removing a Torx screw, set the “1” at your 100-yard zero, and you’re good to go. This dial allows for accurate adjustments over various distances, making it easy to hit targets up to 300 yards. It’s a practical feature for shooters who need consistent performance with the same ammo.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
Field of View: 79 feet @ 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
Adjustment Graduation: 0.5 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: 120 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment: 120 MOA
Length: 4.3 inches
Weight: 11.2 ounces
Battery Type: AAA
Battery Life: 250-3000 hours depending on brightness setting
Reticle: Dual Ring Tactical (DRT) with a 3 MOA center dot
Illumination Settings: 12 (including night vision compatible settings)
Warranty: Lifetime warranty by Vortex
Final Thoughts
The Vortex Spitfire AR Prism Scope is a robust and versatile optic designed to deliver reliable performance across various shooting scenarios. I found it very quick on target when working on shooting drills at 20 / 30 and 40 yards and still as easy to use at 300 yards. Its durability, clear optics, and user-friendly features, including the practical BDC dial, make it an excellent choice for any shooter looking for a high-quality, dependable scope and it’s a steal at $350.
