Vortex Optics VMX-3T Magnifier With Flip Mount

[egm]

I have a Strikefire II and am thinking about getting the VMX-3T. I have read both good and bad reviews about this optic, but the bad reviews were related to eye relief. At least one person mentioned that this optic didn't work with their Strikefire II. There are more good reviews than bad ones, but it seems that most people are very satisfied with this optic. I became interested after I saw that it's 40% off now. Is it worth getting this optic? What are your experiences?

 

[sanders_tj]

I have it paired with my EOTech and I absolutely love it. No issues whatsoever.

 

[crracer_712]

I had it for a bit, sent it back. Optic was clear and it worked fine, I just didn't care for the lack of eye relief which for me was ~1"

 

[arnoob]

I've got one I use with a StrikeFire II, it's a good magnifier although it flips to the "wrong" side if you're a right hand shooter so spin the mount the opposite way to the way they say to use it in the manual.

Would I buy it again though? Probably not, not because there is anything wrong with the VMX-3T just because I've found myself not really using the magnifier at all so it's just extra weight and bulk on the rifle I don't need to carry. Your mileage of course may vary, I know some people swear by them.

 

[egm]

I've got one I use with a StrikeFire II, it's a good magnifier although it flips to the "wrong" side if you're a right hand shooter so spin the mount the opposite way to the way they say to use it in the manual.

Would I buy it again though? Probably not, not because there is anything wrong with the VMX-3T just because I've found myself not really using the magnifier at all so it's just extra weight and bulk on the rifle I don't need to carry. Your mileage of course may vary, I know some people swear by them.

That's good to read because I might be in that position too. I mainly want the optic for clarity. I don't have any major problems with my eyes but I do need glasses to read small print, which was something I didn't need about three years ago. And my rifle is mostly for home defense. I've only taken it out to Angeles once so far. I won't be going outdoors with it often, so if the VMX-3T is mostly suitable for long range and outdoors then I won't purchase it even if it's $149.

I've seen YouTube videos about the advantages of the VMX-3T. One person said that it's suitable for short to medium range distances. I thought this was for medium to longer range distances. So I'm confused. If this will help me to gain greater clarity using my red dot, then it's something I'd consider. I also have read various comments about this product's poor eye relief. Has this helped you in this way, or is it mostly for longer range shooting?

 

[austinjeane]

I have one and I think you'll be pleased with its application. I have it mounted behind a vortex sparq2, not necessarily for the purpose of magnification, but because I can use the red dot without prescription glasses. I have astigmatism and without glasses or the Vortex magnifier, I don't see a dot, but a slash.

 

[egm]

Well doggone it! Just when I was starting to be dissuaded from purchasing this optic.... Now that you mentioned astigmatism I probably have that as well. I remember first looking up into the night sky as planes flew high above me. I thought I was seeing some kind of UFO or experimental aircraft. I saw what seemed to be lights in the sky with elongated arms that were lit up and other strange-looking things. Sadly, my brother confirmed that it was my eyes.

I have very good long-distance vision but need glasses to read small print. No problem using computers or phones though. But after using these they tend to increase my astigmatism. Anyway....

arnoob almost helped me to decide against this optic. The deal breaker for me is if it will substantially increase my vision using my Strikefire II. And I don't mean just a little. I hate accumulating toys just because I wanted something that seemed that I would be able to use it most of the time. My AR is mostly for self defense and that means for the home. Of course, I will be practicing with it but not as often as others who love shooting and have time and the proper venue to be able to shoot their ARs. I don't want to be taking the optic off and on. I want it to be part of my overall setup because as arnoob mentioned above, it would be extra weight and bulk. I plan on adding a side light, so if this optic will improve my accuracy and vision I'll get it. I'll tell you what really impressed me. I went shooting at the Angeles shooting range and I used someone's AR with a fiber optic red dot. That was one of the most amazing optics/red dots that I've ever used! It was like looking through some very high-end binoculars. I don't have experience using optics or red dots, so that's why I'm not 100% sold on the VMX-3T or any other one similar to it. I was told that the fiber optic I mentioned above cost as much as the rifle. Of course, I'm not expecting the VMX-3T to perform like that fiber optic. I just want something practical and that will serve me well most or all of the time. I saw several YouTube videos about this optic and read some reviews. Quite a few people complained about eye relief and at least two people said that the VMX-3T didn't work well with their Strikefire II. E gadz!

Do you find that not having this optic curtails or minimizes your fun, interest, accuracy, etc.? At $149 it seems like this optic is a steal. Is it? I've seen them being sold for $150 but maybe as used. The price as new with free shipping was one of the first things that appealed to me.

 

[cyphertext]

A red dot with a magnifier is a compromise... it works, but not as well as it should. With a magnifier, you are giving up the advantages of the red dot sight, eye relief and not having to have your eye perfectly in line with the sight.

I'm not sure that a magnifier is going to necessarily help with astigmatism either. All it does is enlarge what you see, so if you see a starburst around the dot without magnification, I would think you would see a bigger starburst with magnification.

If you are using an AR for home defense at across the house distances, a magnifier is not needed. Just focus on the target with both eyes open, the dot will appear to float on target, and squeeze trigger.

If you need magnification, get a scope, not a compromise.

 

[egm]

A red dot with a magnifier is a compromise... it works, but not as well as it should. With a magnifier, you are giving up the advantages of the red dot sight, eye relief and not having to have your eye perfectly in line with the sight.

I'm not sure that a magnifier is going to necessarily help with astigmatism either. All it does is enlarge what you see, so if you see a starburst around the dot without magnification, I would think you would see a bigger starburst with magnification.

If you are using an AR for home defense at across the house distances, a magnifier is not needed. Just focus on the target with both eyes open, the dot will appear to float on target, and squeeze trigger.

If you need magnification, get a scope, not a compromise.

Thanks for your information and opinion. When I build an AR I will consider getting what you said. That one will be my range rifle.