Vortex Optics
Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 3x Prism Scope
Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 3x Prism Scope
Couldn't load pickup availability
Reach Beyond CQB. Speed Without Compromise.
The Vortex Spitfire™ HD Gen II 3× is a redesigned, lighter prism scope for shooters who need more reach without sacrificing speed — its etched AR-BDC4 reticle stays visible with or without illumination, tuned to the 5.56 cartridge for holdovers out to 650 yards.
✓ 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, tuned to 5.56
Lower 1/3 Co-Witness & Low
CR2032, lowest setting
Product Overview
With a redesigned HD optical system that cuts inches and ounces off the original platform, the Spitfire™ HD Gen II 3× is built to excel at mid-range engagements. Its fixed 3× magnification delivers a sharp, accurate sight picture, and its etched-glass AR-BDC4 reticle stays visible even without illumination.
The AR-BDC4 reticle is a BDC-style design built specifically to get the most out of the 5.56 cartridge in an AR platform, providing both rapid target acquisition and precise holdovers out to 650 yards. 12 brightness settings, including 2 night-vision compatible levels, let you match the reticle to any lighting condition.
Rugged and reliable, the single-piece aluminium chassis carries a low-reflectivity matte anodized finish and is engineered to be water, fog, and shockproof. Choose to mount it low to minimise your profile, or higher at a lower 1/3 co-witness with backup iron sights — both mount heights are included in the box.
Key Features
Redesigned for exceptional resolution, reduced chromatic aberration, and edge-to-edge sharpness.
Tuned to the 5.56 cartridge, with holdovers out to 650 yards — always visible, illuminated or not.
Includes 2 night-vision compatible levels.
Lower 1/3 Co-Witness and Low mounts, both included.
Cuts inches and ounces off the original Spitfire platform.
Etched glass eliminates the starburst/streaking some shooters see with standard red dots.
Best Applications
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★☆☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
★★★★☆
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 | Mid Tier | Coming soon — not yet available from SA distributor | TBC | Coming Soon |
| 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 AR-BDC4 reticle is etched directly onto the prism glass and built specifically to get the most out of the 5.56 cartridge — providing both rapid target acquisition and precise holdovers out to 650 yards, visible with or without illumination.
Because the reticle is etched rather than projected, it eliminates the starburst or streaking pattern that shooters with astigmatism sometimes experience with standard red dots, while the illuminated circle-dot design still supports fast, intuitive target acquisition up close.
Reticle: AR-BDC4, etched glass | Calibration: 5.56 cartridge, holdovers to 650 yards
Technical Specifications & Mounting
| Specification | Spitfire™ HD Gen II 3× |
|---|---|
| Optic Type | 3× Prism Scope |
| Magnification | 3× (fixed) |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 21mm |
| Reticle | AR-BDC4, etched glass |
| Eye Relief | 66mm (2.6in) |
| Field of View | 11.5m at 91m (37.9ft at 100yd) |
| Battery | CR2032 (included) |
| Battery Runtime | Up to 3,000 hours (lowest setting); 14-hour auto-shutdown |
| Brightness Settings | 12 (includes 2 night-vision compatible levels) |
| Adjustment Graduation | 1 MOA |
| Max Elevation Adjustment | 250 MOA |
| Max Windage Adjustment | 250 MOA |
| Parallax Setting | Fixed at 91m (100yd) |
| Length | 76mm (3in) |
| Weight | 255g (9oz) |
| Body Finish | Low-reflectivity matte anodized, single-piece aluminium chassis |
| Mount Type | Multi-height — Lower 1/3 Co-Witness and Low mounts, both included |
| Magnifier Compatibility | Not compatible — prism scopes do not work with Vortex magnifiers |
| Included Accessories | Rubber lens covers, T-10 Torx multi-tool, lens cloth, CR2032 battery |
| Recommended Use | 5.56-calibre AR platforms, mid-range engagements |
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.
Noctis Africa Product Engine
Official manufacturer data. Practical buying guidance. Built for real-world use.