Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier Review
For my testing, I paired the VMX-3T with SparcAR and its predecessor, the Sparc II. Now that I have reviewed one of my favorite red dot optics, I will discuss the value and worth of incorporating a magnifier to your rifle’s optic lineup. I know exactly what you are thinking, This damn Vortex fanboy is attempting to distinguish me from a lot among my hard earned money. Why don’t you get a 1-4x power range? Well, the solution is both no and yes. Yes, I think you need to get yourself a magnifier to accompany your red dot optic.
Red dots are perfect for numerous types of rifles and are fast for fast and dirty work up close in addition to sufficient for a slower fire at targets up to beyond 100 meters. It’s those times when you’re taking more extended photos by adding a 3x zoom isn’t just useful, but potentially essential. Can it be faster to pivot a magnifier from the way that it’s to flip a magnification ring on a range? Nope, they are about the same. The real distinction is the 1x placing on most lower grade scopes are not real one power, meaning zero magnification.
These stoves may cause optical distortion on their lowest setting and may interfere with effective target acquisition at closer ranges. Should you go out of your way to discover an exact 1x variable power range, you will be paying way more than $400. It’s acceptable to be pleased with a red dot alone, rather than feel the necessity to add a magnifier behind it. Just hear me out, however. Target identification is a massive advantage to having a magnifier on board the rifle. If you’re engaging a target, you need to be capable of seeing all the aspects of the target.
Giving yourself a small zoom might help in choosing out holes in the target at the range, or even more notably in battle you can see more details and characteristics of your goal, and also what lies behind it. At 50 yards your own eyes must don’t have any trouble gathering this critical info, but at 100 yards and beyond the naked human eye isn’t up to the task. Adding 3x magnification isn’t sufficient to cut area of view also radically, but maybe a well-needed boost at these ranges. Also, it may still be utilized in close quarters without wasting valuable time seeking to acquire the target.
Vortex’s magnifier is the VMX-3T, and just like their red dot optics, it boasts super top quality and a lean cost tag that’s truly hard to beat. It costs the same as the Sparc II / / AR, two variations it plays very nicely with. It also works with the Strikefire, along with other producer’s optics such as EOtech holographic landscapes, Aimpoint optics, etc. It’ll not work with any magnified optic that also requires eyes aid, like a Spitfire 4x Prism optic. The button release on the VMX-3T is simple to actuate even with gloved hands. Just grab the range, press the button with the thumb and the pivot on the side.
The button release on the VMX-3T is simple to actuate even with gloved hands. Just grab the range, press the button with the thumb and the pivot on the side. The magnifier flips to the side to permit nude Use of the red dot optics, as well as cowitnessed iron views. Tavor owners need to be sure to mount the magnifier forward enough the clear the Picatinny rail integrated back sight. The magnifier flips to the side to permit nude Use of the red dot optics, as well as cowitnessed iron views. Tavor owners need to be sure to mount the magnifier forward enough the clear the Picatinny rail integrated back sight.
The integration of amount is paramount to some magnifier’s usefulness on a rifle. The capability to rotate or turn out from the way when the bare optic or iron sights are being used is the very iconic feature of a large lamp. In fairness, I have used and compared a couple of types of mounts on my rifles besides the VMX-3T. The EOtech G33 for example, I got in a trade deal, and it came with an American Defense Swiveling mount. This swung the magnifier 180 degrees on a horizontal axis. I discovered this to demand more clearance and was slower to deploy, in comparison to the more common flip Y axis mounts. This and any item that snagged the optics in the offset position with sufficient power could free the bracket’s detent lock. Usually, the G33 comes along with a typical flip style, but for comparison sake, I wished to exemplify that format of the mount was better.
The VMX-3T’s bracket has a push button release than ensures rock-solid deployed and offset positions, and is easily pushable with the operator’s thumb while catching the whole tube for turning it out from the way fast, but additionally smoothly. If you’re left and the desire to exchange the bracket, so the magnifier adheres on the right side of the recipient, then it’s doable. However, the release button will be facing away from you and can become more troublesome to function. While I want the bracket connected into the host railing itself with a fast to detach lever, then the nature of the two positions combined negates that desire.
Should I do not want to optic in my way, reverse it to the side? If I want the zoom to the boom, then shift it inline with your mind. The only reason for dropping the account entirely from the gun is weight loss, which is shy of 12 ounces anyhow. The excess weight added to your rifle is a little cost to pay for a unique advantage behind the trigger. As far as glass quality is concerned, I discovered the VMX-3T to be brighter with a noticeable margin. The eyebox on both VMX-3T and G33 magnifiers was nearly identical with regards to eye relief space.
Both brands adjustment turrets for azimuth centering were on par. I did prefer the VMX-3T might be corrected with a coin or flathead instrument on the fly, while the G33 necessary removal of caps before adjusting. I discover you do not usually have to tweak with the turrets a few times unless ditching optics entirely. Both have an adjustable diopter to adjust the warmth to your particular liking. However, I did locate the Vortex to be more comfortable in finding that sweet spot of crisp lines and textures. The higher level of brightness along with the radically low MSRP is really what hit the deal for me.
A flathead screwdriver, pocket knife, or a cent or dime may be utilized to zero the partnered red dot’s reticle inside the magnifier’s view. A flathead screwdriver, pocket knife, or a cent or money may be used to zero the partnered red dot’s reticle inside the magnifier’s view. One more important feature of the fight is railroad clearance. The VMX-3T’s mount only takes up about four slots of a Picatinny rail, which means you need to have plenty of room to pair it with your favored red dot optic on the top railing of an AR-15 receiver or another contemporary sporting rifle. Be aware though as it may not sit high enough to clear your favored folding rear iron sight. Griffin Armament M2 clear, as does Midwest Industries and Magpul MBUS, so if you’re running any one of these, you will be OK.
Yes, that’s right, you can still run vertical iron sights witnessed with your red dot optic should you need to, all while the magnifier is flipped to the counter position. Could you do this with your 1-4x scope without heading out and purchasing an entirely new set of offset iron sights? Hmm? On another note, it’s possible to use the magnifier as a”field monocular” when in the counter position. Closing my dominant eye and using my left eye, so I can look thru the VMX-3T without shifting my cheek weld or adjusting my shooting position. So if you’re in the scope and desire to use the magnifier in such a way to benefit your view of the target, feel free to do so!
In case you have a red dot, the chances are that I don’t need to convince you just how practical and useful it’s. I would recommend you look into adding a magnifier to squeeze out more benefits and adaptability to your rifle’s abilities. Don’t let high price tags scare you either, because the VMX-3T is the quintessential”best bang for your buck” in the magnifier market right now. Also, its difficult to deny the capacity for pure Instagram gold.