Vortex Optics
Vortex Spitfire AR 1x Prism Scope
Vortex Spitfire AR 1x Prism Scope
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Battery Off. Reticle Still On.
The Vortex Spitfire™ AR 1× is a compact prism scope built for close-quarters speed — its etched DRT reticle stays visible with or without illumination, making it a genuine option for shooters with astigmatism who find red dot 'starburst' distracting.
✓ Noctis Africa Verified
Checked against official Vortex Optics product information. Specifications, included accessories, reticle details, mounting information and compatibility notes are verified before publication. Metric measurements are presented first for South African customers, with original manufacturer figures retained where useful.
Etched, MOA-based
Fixed, Picatinny
AAA, lowest setting
Product Overview
When fast target acquisition in tight spaces is mission-critical, the Spitfire™ AR delivers with precision and competitive speed. Designed for close-quarters engagements — with a prism design preferred by shooters with astigmatism — it offers 1× magnification and an etched reticle for rapid, accurate shots with or without a battery.
The DRT (Dual Ring Tactical) reticle is etched directly on the prism to assure a consistent point of aim at all times, regardless of whether illumination is engaged. The dual-ring design pulls the eye into instant alignment with the reticle centre and target. A yardage-marked BDC turret cap, ballistic-matched to the 5.56 cartridge, ships included alongside the factory-installed MOA cap — swap it in for rapid dialing of known-distance shots out to 700 yards (640 metres).
Compact, lightweight, and built to thrive in high-pressure shooting environments, the Spitfire® AR keeps you focused on your next move without slowing you down.
Key Features
Consistent point of aim with or without illumination — genuinely astigmatism-friendly.
Selectable colour with adjustable intensity for varying light conditions.
Yardage-marked, matched to the 5.56 cartridge for rapid known-distance dialing — ships standard, not sold separately.
Single AAA battery; 250hr at highest setting, 3,000hr at lowest.
The lowest 2 of 10 daylight brightness settings are night-vision compatible.
Easy access to power and illumination intensity from the shooting position.
Hard-anodized black matte aluminium alloy chassis, waterproof and shockproof.
Best Applications
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Which Vortex Optic/Red Dot Is Right For You?
Compare Vortex Red Dots, Prisms & Holographic Sights
| Model | Tier | Best Suited For | Battery Life | Noctis Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph™ | Entry Level | First-time buyer & recreational use | 50,000 hrs | First-Time Buy |
| Crossfire® II Solar | Mid Tier | Genuine battery independence, training and general use | Up to 150,000 hrs (with Solar Assist) | Best Battery Life |
| StrikeFire® II | Mid Tier | Training, general rifle use, magnifier-ready | Up to 80,000 hrs | Best Value |
| Spitfire™ AR 1× | Professional | Close-quarters speed, astigmatism-friendly | Up to 3,000 hrs (etched reticle) | CQB Prism Pick |
| Spitfire™ HD Gen II 3× | Professional | Mid-range reach, astigmatism-friendly | Battery-independent (etched glass) | Professional Pick |
| Spitfire™ HD Gen II 5× | Professional | Extended reach, MRDS red dot piggyback | Battery-independent (etched glass) | Extended Reach Pick |
| AMG® UH-1® Gen II | Top Shelf | CQB, MIL/LE, night vision, magnifier pairing | 1,500 hrs | Ultimate Performance |
Magnifier accessories — Micro3X (3×, 2.64in/67mm eye relief), Micro6X (6×, 2.5in/64mm eye relief), and VMX-3T (3×, 2.2in/56mm eye relief — the shortest in the range) — pair with any red dot or holographic sight in this lineup, including the UH-1, for extended reach. They are not recommended for use with the Spitfire prism scopes, which already carry fixed magnification.
Reticle & Sight Picture
The DRT (Dual Ring Tactical) reticle is etched directly onto the prism glass, ensuring a consistent point of aim whether or not the illumination is powered on — a genuine advantage over standard red dots for shooters affected by astigmatism.
The dual-ring design pulls the eye into instant alignment with the reticle centre and target, supporting rapid engagement at close distances. Illumination is selectable between red and green, with five intensity levels per colour (10 total daylight settings) — the lowest 2 of which are night-vision compatible.
Reticle: DRT (Dual Ring Tactical), MOA-based | Illumination: Red or Green, 5 intensity levels each (10 total)
Technical Specifications & Mounting
| Specification | Spitfire™ AR 1× |
|---|---|
| Optic Type | 1× Prism Scope |
| Magnification | 1× |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 25mm |
| Reticle | DRT (Dual Ring Tactical), etched glass |
| Illumination | Red or Green, selectable, 5 intensity levels each (10 total) |
| Night-Vision Device Compatibility | Yes — the lowest 2 of 10 brightness settings are night-vision compatible |
| Eye Relief | 96.5mm (3.8in) |
| Field of View | 24m at 91m (79ft at 100yd) |
| Battery | 1× AAA |
| Battery Runtime | Up to 250 hours (highest setting) / 3,000 hours (lowest setting) |
| Auto-Shutdown | 14 hours |
| Adjustment Graduation | 1/2 MOA |
| Travel Per Rotation | 30 MOA |
| Max Elevation Adjustment | 120 MOA |
| Max Windage Adjustment | 120 MOA |
| Parallax Setting | Parallax Free |
| Length | 114.3mm (4.5in) |
| Weight | 318g (11.2oz) |
| Body Finish | Hard-anodized black matte, aluminium alloy chassis |
| Mount Type | Fixed, Picatinny — Lower 1/3 Co-Witness height |
| Magnifier Compatibility | Not compatible — prism scopes do not work with Vortex magnifiers |
| Included Accessories | 5.56 BDC yardage-marked turret cap (100–700 yards, calibrated to ~60gr/M855-type loads, zeroed at 100 yards), Torx® T-10 wrench, flip lens caps, AAA battery |
Metric-first presentation. Original Vortex values retained where applicable. Never infer missing specifications.
Vortex VIP Warranty
Unlimited. Unconditional. Lifetime.
If a Vortex product becomes damaged or defective, Vortex will repair or replace it at no charge, subject to the official VIP Warranty terms.
No set time limit
Damage or defect covered
Not restricted to the first owner
Assistance through the local dealer or distributor
The warranty excludes loss, theft, deliberate damage, and cosmetic damage that does not affect performance.
Contact Noctis Africa and we will guide you through the applicable local support process.
Why Buy From Noctis Africa?
Our recommendations, specifications and buying advice are written for South African EDC users, sport shooters, tactical professionals, security users and rifle owners—not simply copied from overseas catalogues.
Local insight. Practical advice. Trusted equipment.
Need help choosing the right optic?
Speak to the Noctis Africa team for practical advice suited to your firearm platform, application, mounting requirements and budget.
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