If you’re shopping red dot scopes, it’s a good bet that you came across the Vortex Spitfire 1x Prism at some point.
What makes this compact, close-range scope such a popular choice? We’re here with a Vortex Spitfire 1x Prism review to answer just that!
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Vortex Spitfire 1x-AR Prism Scope
Pros
Cons
Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism Specs
Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
Adjustment Options:
- Parallax setting: Parallax free
- Max windage adjustment: 120 MOA
- Elevation adjustment: 120 MOA
- Adjustment graduation: ½ MOA
Type of Reticle: Dual Ring Tactical (DRT) MOA
Image of Reticle:
Magnification: 1x, fixed
Objective Lens Diameter: 25mm
Field of View: 75 feet/100 yards
Length: 4.3 inches
Weight: 11.2 ounces
Pros
Vortex’s Spitfire Prism Scope is a popular red dot for several reasons. Boasting some unique features, the Spitfire is a solid choice for competitions or range work.
Optical Performance
Possibly the best aspect of Vortex’s Spitfire Prism is the optics. Between an unbelievably clear field of view and parallax-free experience, there’s a lot to love about how this scope performs in the field.
Additionally, Vortex chose to apply multiple anti-reflective coatings to the lenses. These enhancements allow the scope to function efficiently in nearly any situation, including limited light settings.
Note: If you have astigmatism as I do, the optics on the Spitfire virtually eliminates the starburst effect of the red (or green) dot.
Sturdy Construction
When you never know what conditions you could end up in, it helps to know your scope can handle anything. The Spitfire Prism is lightweight but sturdy with a rugged design that’s compact, well-balanced, and shockproof. The exterior features a hard-anodized finish that is low-glare and scratch-resistant.
Weatherproof
The Spitfire Prism features special o-ring seals that prevent moisture, dirt, or dust from seeping in and ruining your scope. Even better, you don’t worry about thick fog, snow, or heavy rain because this scope is waterproof and fog proof. It can even handle extreme temperatures ranging from -22 degrees up to 122 degrees.
Battery Life
Have you ever reached a site only to have your scope die an hour into the trip? That shouldn’t be an issue with the Spitfire Prism, which features a battery life of 250 hours at maximum brightness. You can get up to 3,000 hours if you opt for the minimum brightness settings!
Bonus: there is a 14-hour automatic shutdown feature in case you accidentally forget to turn it off.
Multiple Adjustable Settings
It’s frustrating when equipment doesn’t quite work for you, and there’s no room for minor adjustments. Vortex clearly understands this because they included several adjustable features on the Spitfire Prism.
Mount heights can be 40.4 mm at baseline, or users can remove the mount riser to lower it to 30 mm.
Choose a red or green dot center.
Brightness can adjust to one of five levels.
Cons
No scope is perfect, though this one comes pretty darn close. It’s tough to find much to complain about, but we have a few minor issues that came up during our research.
Makes it Tough to Use a Magnifier
Since the Spitfire uses an etched reticle, it uses a diopter adjustment for focusing. Since a magnifier also has a diopter adjustment, you would have to line them both up perfectly. Even then, when you take away the magnifier, the scope would be slightly off.
Some Targets Can Be Challenging
While the optics are stellar, some targets, especially certain paper targets, can be difficult. Of note, some users noted that changing the color can help if you struggle with certain target colors.
Best Uses For the Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism
Like many accessories, some work better in certain situations than others. The Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism is no different. While it’s somewhat versatile, this scope does perform better within some parameters.
Close Range
Since it doesn’t work with a magnifier and has a 1x magnification, the Spitfire 1X Prism works best in close-range situations. We felt the best performance fell between 25 yards and 50 yards, though it didn’t drop off too much up to 75 yards. Of note, some people reported accuracy up to 100 yards.
Hunting
This scope isn’t just accurate; it adjusts quickly. When you’re hunting, it helps to have a scope that acquires a target fast, and the Spitfire Prism does. It works well in low-light or no light, so early morning or deep woods hunting isn’t a problem. Additionally, the matte finish doesn’t draw attention in bright sunlight.
Competition
The bulls-eye or donut style dot gives you greater accuracy. Though we didn’t try it out at a competition, we found several reviewers who appreciated the small center dot for scoring higher on targets.
Plinking
Line ‘em up and knock ‘em down with this scope. Since it’s versatile and accurate, the Spitfire 1X Prism is a solid choice for aiming at targets, especially at short distances.
Is the Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism Hard to Use?
One of the frequent praises for the Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism is the ease of use. Several users comment on how intuitive the scope is, and we have to agree. Based on our experience, it’s not difficult to set up or operate.
Is the Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism Compatible With Any Rifle?
According to Vortex, the Spitfire 1X Prism was designed for use with ARs, specifically AR-15s, but we found that it worked with an AR-10. We couldn’t find an instance of incompatibility in our research.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism?
Mounting your Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism is relatively simple. Loosen the cross bolt nut to attach your scope to the base. Once the mount fully engages with the base, just retighten the nut.
It’s important to note that the factory setting is a lower ⅓ co-witness height (the distance between the optic center and the base surface is 40.4 mm). If you prefer a lower height, you can remove the mount riser. Removing the riser drops the distance from the optic center to the base surface down to 30 mm.
What Makes the Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism Stand Out From the Competition?
The Spitfire 1X remains a popular product because it delivers a lot of bang for your buck. The pricing comes in range with scopes that lack the clarity and durability you get with the Spitfire 1X Prism. It’s also more compact than many of the similarly-priced scopes, which helps in terms of size and weight.
Comparison Overview
Let’s look at how the Spitfire 1x matches up against two of its competitors, including the Spitfire 3x.
Vortex Spitfire 1x vs 3x
The biggest differences between the 1x and 3x are the size, power, and price. Both scopes are similar, but the 3x is more powerful and capable of showing your target three times closer than the 1x. However, you can expect to pay for that amplification in terms of size and price.
Looking at the 3x, it’s more than an inch longer and an ounce heavier. Some people may not notice the difference much, but others have noted the size makes an impact. Further, expect to pay quite a bit more for the 3x.
Vortex Spitfire 1x vs Sparc 2
If the Spitfire 1x feels too large for you, the Sparc 2 may be a better choice. While they are both red dots, the Sparc 2 is smaller than the 1x but offers some similar features and performance. The big difference is that the Sparc 2 doesn’t have an actual reticle; it uses a 2 MOA red dot.
Note: Vortex discontinued the Sparc 2, so look for it on resale.
Conclusion
The Vortex Spitfire 1x Prism is a solid red dot scope with some excellent features for a reasonable price. It’s one of the more durable and user-friendly options on the market and works well for close-range use.
People Also Ask
Perhaps you still have questions about the Spitfire 1x Prism. We realized that a few questions kept popping up during the course of our research, so we thought it might help others to have these answers.
What Kind of Warranty Does the Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism Come With?
Vortex offers a lifetime warranty on the Spitfire 1x Prism. Known as their VIP warranty, the company promises to repair or replace your item at any time, regardless of what happened or how it happened. The warranty is unlimited and transferable, with no receipt necessary.
How Much Does the Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism Weigh?
The Vortex Spitfire 1x Prism weighs 11.2 ounces. It’s 4.3 inches long.
Can You Use Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism in Low Light?
Yes, the Spitfire 1x Prism works in low light conditions. With adjustable brightness settings and the DRT reticle, you can use this scope in nearly any light conditions.
How Long Does the Battery Last on the Vortex Spitfire 1X Prism?
One triple-A battery can last up to 250 hours at maximum brightness or a whopping 3,000 hours at minimum brightness. The Vortex Spitfire 1x Prism also has an automatic shutdown feature to preserve battery life.
