testimonial request; Vortex Spitfire AR-1x Prism Dot Sight

[mountainrider]

MODS,

I clicked "reply" to the other red dot thread and an auto suggestion was made to start a new thread. Here it is. If you think it belongs in the big thread, please forgive me. I do too and wont mind if you move it.

Im about to gift myself either this spitfire or the 3x version.

I've read a few negative reviews about the electronics failing when mounted on a scorpion. I've also read a review of the prism shifting from recoil. I believe that was on either a Scorpion or mpx.

There are several older posts here that praise the Vortex prisms. People (we) tend to be in love with their new purchases...then the new wears off. Has this happened to any of you guys with  lots of trigger time? Still in love?

FYI, I'm using a UTG Reticle Intensified CQB 3.9" Red/Green dot, I robbed off my KSG to move to my M&P 15-22 and now its on the Scorpion. It's okay. It's strong enough to have survived a few thousand rounds of 12 gauge.

I'm having a little trouble zeroing it on the Scorpion. I'm much more accurate with the stock sites.

I have astigmatism and bifocal glasses. I'm not seeing fuzz on the UTG reticle.

I'm aware of the lifetime warranty and excellent customer service. That really matters but, I intend to put this CZ on the HD front line. I dont ever want to furlough it. Duty bound. 24/7/365! Id like a red dot that dependable.

[Arachnid]

I've been running a 1x, original version for 18 months on my scorpion. ~ 3000 rnds. No problems and very satisfied. Only issue was I left it on and ran out the battery. Happily though, the etched reticle was still there, just not illuminated. User error for sure.

I too have astigmatism. Plan to get another of these for my MPX off eBay as the newer version sits too high for me.

(Modified to add: One big win for me is that this sight works for me, with or without my corrective lenses on - which is important to me for HD.)

(Modified Again: To apologize for all the " me's " !)

[mountainrider]

That's a real bonus I was unaware of; the reticle's focusability sans glasses. I was pretty well sold on the etched thing anyway but that is huge.

The UTG is mounted to the Scorpions rail without a riser and I'm struggling with achieving a co-witness. Too high too.

Thanks for the heads up on the focus thing.

[jmstallard]

I've only shot ~200 rounds since I got mine, but I'm loving it so far.

[jameslovesjammie]

Keep in mind that the Spitfire 1X and Spitfire AR 1x are two different scopes.

The 1X has the ability to have part of the base section removed, allowing the scope to mount lower, which is what you want if you are running the factory stock.  The AR 1x does not have this ability.  It is permanently mounted in a higher position.

[mountainrider]

Keep in mind that the Spitfire 1X and Spitfire AR 1x are two different scopes.

The 1X has the ability to have part of the base section removed, allowing the scope to mount lower, which is what you want if you are running the factory stock.  The AR 1x does not have this ability.  It is permanently mounted in a higher position.

Glad I asked before pulling the trigger and thanks for taking the time to inform me. That is valuable information that I missed. You likely saved me from an e-tail error.

My UTG is 3.9"s front to back and its pretty tight on clearance (without a riser) when racking up that first round. The spitfire looks to be even tighter at 4.3".  Anyone wishing they could use a riser to save dragging their knuckles? 

[jameslovesjammie]

Looks like plenty of room.  DOCTACDAD ran it both with and without the 10mm riser.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaF99yqq_RQ&t=408s

[mountainrider]

Saw that video but missed the riser difference in a non-AR and an AR spitfire. I did not realize the bi-level was an option. Falls under the "good to know" header, for sure!

[bravo5two]

I have been using the Vortex Spitfire 1x and with the exception of the multi height mount came loose (should have loc tite the 4 screws), it has been solid. I don't use illumination so can't say anything about battery life but with an etched reticle, you don't need the illumination.  Same for BUIS, I didn't even bother with it.

For mounting on Scorpion EVO, you need the lowest possible mount.

[longgonedaddy]

I've had the 3x on my Scorp for 2 years and have been completely satisfied with it.  I wear glasses and the adjustable eye piece helps me out quite a lot. 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[mountainrider]

I've had the 3x on my Scorp for 2 years and have been completely satisfied with it.  I wear glasses and the adjustable eye piece helps me out quite a lot. 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

How is the 3x in closer work; say 25'ish yds?

I assume it shows its advantage over the 1x at 100+ yds?

[longgonedaddy]

I have it sighted in @ 50 yds.  The 3x at 25 yds doesn't cause me any issues with target acquisition.  What helps is the reticle.  Placing the circle over the target pretty much ensures a target hit.  It works equally well with fast shooting multiple steel targets or slow aimed bullseye shooting.  Yes, at 100 yds it does help as you would expect.

I also think the factory steel sights are some of the best I've ever used.  The 3x does get removed from time to time just so I can use the steel ones.

[milq]

A timely thread, my astigmatism makes red dots a poor choice. although I can use one in a pinch, my hits will not be as accurate as they could...that ?dot? looks like a comma to me at best.
I?ve noticed that while the strike fire red dot is on sale constantly, there are never any Spitfire units on sale nor can I seem to find one on the shelf anywhere to actually check it out. Thanks for the feedback folks.

[DanT]

A timely thread, my astigmatism makes red dots a poor choice. although I can use one in a pinch, my hits will not be as accurate as they could...that ?dot? looks like a comma to me at best.
I?ve noticed that while the strike fire red dot is on sale constantly, there are never any Spitfire units on sale nor can I seem to find one on the shelf anywhere to actually check it out. Thanks for the feedback folks.

I find the Spitfire 1x units almost always on "sale" on eBay.  Typical price is $200 to $210 for the best offer with free shipping.

I messed up and got the "AR" version for Christmas (i.e., wrong guidance to the wife),  but the little bit extra height does make it easier to use than the iron sites.  I was previously considering a reflex sight (Vortex Venom) before, but I found that using my glasses, the dot becomes a "star cluster".  Not so good for accuracy.  Without my glasses, the dot is fine, but I didn't want to take off my glasses (used mostly for reading - old eyes) when I go shooting.

- DanT Phoenix, AZ

[mountainrider]

$269 delivered is the best deal I've found on the 3x. It will be here on or before the 8th.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112645240159

I'm placing my faith in your responses. I've had no touchy feely interaction with the device but I believe all of you.
I look forward to feeling as fondly towards mine as you all seem to.

I'll post up my impressions here after the first range session. Hoping for a warm spell.