Reviews: Vortex Optics VMX 3T Magnifier Built

As JJCEO said Wow, this thing makes a big difference in your long range shooting!.

 I paired this up with my Aimpoint Pro red dot optic sight and I am extremely happy with the result. My results at the range were exceptional and the scope is very good quality. I looked at the Vortex, Aimpoint and Eotech scopes and I checked them out in the gun stores locally to see the quality and the differences. I wanted to see the optical clarity and the eye relief distance and after my research the Vortex won. They were in my opinion all the same quality and the Vortex was 1/3 to ¼ of the price.

The Vortex also came with a nicely designed mount that I used on my AR15 but I mounted it in reverse mode so that the scope swings out to the right and out of my left eye vision. Some people complained about the mounting hardware being loose and wobbly and that the way I mounted it was difficult to use. I had none of those problems, the mount is solid and well designed and flipping the scope to the right is simple and easy. I do it one handed and I show it in my video. I mounted it this way so my left eye vision field is clear and it works perfectly in this mode.

I used the shim plate that comes with the scope and it worked perfectly. At the range I was shooting 5 shot patterns in the bull's eye with a spread of ¾ of an inch while standing up. The scope does have elevation and windage adjustments on it. It has nothing to do with the accuracy of the scope as the red dot is the accuracy setting. All you are doing is setting the red dot in the center of the scope and making sure that your field of vision down range is centered around the red dot. I used an Aimpoint Pro red dot scope that I own.

There is a nut used to tighten the scope onto your rail and the nut is slotted. Do yourself a favor and tighten it by hand and then get a good wrench or socket and tighten it down. Don't use a screw driver and scratch up the mount. Don't crush your rail, but make it tight. After 200 rounds then check it and tighten it again because it can loosen on you from vibration.

In my shooting I found that I had a 3 inch+ eye relief that worked well for an AR15. My success at the range was excellent and I had a great time. On the back of the scope is an adjustment to tune the optics to match your vision and that helps to make the target crystal clear and in focus.

This is an excellent sight and I recommend it as I rate it at 5 stars. My only complaint with the scope is that it doesn't come with lens caps. I went out and purchased a Butler Creek Size 01 flip up lens cap and it fit perfectly. I cannot believe that Vortex makes lens caps and simply does not include them with the scope when you purchase it. Vortex, raise the price $20 and include the flip up lens caps.

Another customer The_Biffster experience So, how does it REALLY compare?.

Photo(s) below.

We're a notoriously fickle and untrustworthy species. We love to wax poetic about things which we know little or nothing about. I'm admittedly as much an offender as the next person. When it comes to "our stuff" and the things we choose to buy, nothing gives us the warm fuzzies more than a little "confirmation bias" to make us feel secure in our choices. That's why personal product reviews are such a two-edged sword. Are you really reading the experiences of unbiased experts sharing their knowledge, or are you reading the pedantic ramblings of a hack with nothing better to do on a Thursday night? Such is the plight of the Internet.

OK, I apologize for the rant.

In a nutshell, this Vortex is a home run. If they foolishly tried to price it in line with the EOTech and Aimpoint offerings, it would be a dud, but at literally one-third the price of the "Big Boys" this VMX-3T is almost felony theft -- it's THAT good. As a whole, is it as good as the other two? NO! Optically, yes, it's just about as good. The rest of the package isn't quite up to the quality of the EO and Aimpoint. Owning both of the other two, the Vortex isn't something I'd take into battle (not that I ever plan on going into battle, BTW). It clearly isn't as robustly constructed, nor is the STS mount nearly as good (my Aimpoint has the LaRue STS, which is exceptional, but also another $200 on top of the $600 magnifier). Optically, the EOTech is ever-so *slightly* better than the Vortex, but it's near-as-I-can-tell IDENTICAL in optical quality with the Aimpoint. Best-of-all, the Vortex has noticeably BETTER eye-relief than either the EO or Aimpoint, which is an advantage that is difficult to overestimate. It's also slightly smaller and lighter as well, though were talking fractions here. As many have noted, I have mounted the STS "backward" so the magnifier flips to the right of the rifle. I think there must be an overabundance of left-handed employees at Vortex, which is the only reason I can think of for such and obvious oversight. I do NOT like the locking button required to flip the unit out of the way. The "force to overcome" method is MUCH (MUCH!!!) better, and I view this as so important it's almost the sole reason I considered a one-star deduction. That said, the $199 PRIME price is absurdly low, making up for such foolish indiscretions.

So, no matter what optic you're using -- EOTech, Aimpoint, Trijicon MRO, you name it -- there is no fear or shame in matching the Vortex VMX-3T with such auspicious, well-healed optics. If you're a SWAT cop, active duty .MIL, or other hard-charger that is a habitual abuser of gear, I would forego the Vortex, as it is definintely NOT constructed to withstand sustained, harsh use. Otherwise, for the 99%, it's a perfect compromise that will save you $400 better spent elsewhere, and you will not pay a penny in optical compromise for "cheaping out."

BEHOLD! 27x of STS magnification! ;-)

As JPD tell us So far so good!.

I was inches away from purchasing a Trijicon ACOG, but decided to save 1000 bucks as I don't need a battle sight for range shooting/paper punching nor do I shoot at night so the tritium would just be wasted. I couldn't be happier with my decision as this little Vortex magnifier is impressive. I have this aligned with my SPARC AR red dot and the difference is night and day. This magnifier makes a nice crisp red dot when looking through the glass, oh and btw this is good quality glass. I have this mounted backwards so I can flip the magnifier to the right side of my rifle as I'm a right handed shooter. If you're a southpaw this optic will be perfect for you. This weighs about 11 ounces and doesn't add much weight to my rifle, but it doesn't matter as a heavier rifle=better control for me. I have read some reviews about how bad the eye relief is but for me the eye relief is about 2 inches which isn't bad considering they have it listed at 2.2 inches, but at 2 inches I get a full field of view. I looked at EOtech and the eye relief on their magnifier was 2.5 inches but I opted Vortex as 300 bucks isnt worth .3 better eye relief. I will update this review once I test it out at the range, but for now I would recommend this magnifier...or any Vortex product.

Another customer dodgetech21 experience Great glass for the money!!.

I recently purchased the Vortex VMX-3T 3X magnifier to go behind my Aimpoint PRO. The quality of the Vortex is great. It feels study and substantial. The glass gathers a lot of light, and is very clear. At 1/2 the price, or less, than that of the Aimpoint or Eotech 3X magnifier, the Vortex is a steal.The only thing that I changed with the Vortex was that I flipped the optic around so that it flipped over to the right side. Make sure you use blue Loctite on the mounting screws so that they won't loosen up, and you are good to go.

While David G. Talk Perfect.

Perfect for what you are looking for. You are not looking for an EO Tech or an Aimpoint. If you were you wouldn't be here looking at something that costs $175. Don't fool yourself. This is a $175 magnifier it is NOT a $500 magnifier and don't let ANYONE ever tell you it is anything but that. That being said, they squeeze every single 1/4 cent out of that $175 to give you the best $175 magnifier I've ever seen. Their warranty is so easy it feels illegal - incredible. I've talked to them and they are solid individuals.

Don't listen to the morons on here...here is what you are getting - for real.

- The mount is BOTH left and right it is so simple to switch (I have mine on the right side...the left side is in my way)
- It does slightly "wiggle" as in it is not welded to the dang rail!! It does NOT affect a single thing and anyone with common sense will see immediately this is simple physics at play here
- The eye relief is minimal and tough to get used to...but you do get used to it...if you don't expect to change your shooting style slightly stick with your exact same optics Einstein.
- It is a 3x with very good clarity - but it is NOT EO Tech or Aimpoint clarity so don't expect it and don't compare it...there isn't a comparison. That's like thinking your Hyundai is as good as a Mercedes because you both have leather seats...well - look a little closer - they are not the same and not in the same class.
- With this warranty you can literally ask Felix Baumgartner to drop it from his balloon onto the parking lot at Yankee Stadium and have it replaced with a new one as you receive an apology for their product breaking from this nice dude in Wisconsin

Buy it - you won't be disappointed if you are looking for the best $175 magnifier on the planet. Pair it with the SPARC AR and the set-up is complete and rock solid and guaranteed for life for under $350 TOTAL... unless you are hunting Terrorists in Afghanistan or standing on the wall defending our freedoms daily - calm down on the entire "Wannabe Operator" and save yourself and your family some bucks and still have fun. Hooyah

This a word from SquareWarren experience Simply magnifi-cent..

Used with a Sig Sauer Romeo5 red dot. Great eye relief, outstanding glass quality, and for the price, lighter than average. The push button flip means you can mount nearly flush because, unlike some other mechanisms, it rotates at a pure angle and doesn't pull in or push out to move. A few minor drawbacks: Because it rests so close to the Romeo5, I can't put the bra on to protect the Romeo5 in a case. Because of its length and pushbutton, where I want my red dot when not magnifying, the extremely limited places I can also mount a brass-catcher for wilderness shooting, and the eye relief (which is pretty good, all things considered), I had to remove my MBUS backup flip sights. Also, when flipped out, the magnifier obscures the peripheral field of view (see pic), though that's unavoidable with any magnifier.

All in all, this is a superb product that will put a smile on your face with those 100 yard shots look like they're at 33 yards.

A piece of advice: tighten down the mount THOROUGHLY, or replace with a QR. Mine came loose at the mount...twice. Also, LockTight the screws that hold the magnifier to the base, because those can also come loose...twice. (And yes, I used a torque screwdriver.)

While DaveyCrocket408 said Waited to buy this and so Glad i did!.

Paired with a Vortex StrikefireII. Works GREAT! and for the Price = 1HappyCamper!

Slapped it on and didn't even have to make adjustments (Hit targets and held for 300 rounds). I didn't tighten enough for original maiden voyage but after some reinforced tightening, held for another 1000 rounds. Did take recommendations and mounted it opposite side (with button forward), so it flips to the right. I agree with recommendations, it can get in the way when flip to the left side, for a right handed shooter. Also had to use the "Shim Plate" to elevate the sight to be even with StrikefireII. I removed my B/U Rear site, for the test but plan to put it back for the speed test. I am a rookie shooter with AR's, so take it or leave it (this review).

Would recommend and have already recommended the VMX 3T to anyone who is on a tight budget and still is looking for quality Optics. I may be a rookie but i hit 97% of the targets shot at and grouped 95% of the time.

Next Purchase will be the Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Sight (because it has both built into 1)..

A review Desert Moose say Highly Recommended EOTech Magnifier Alternative.

This thing is an excellent cost saver when pairing with an EOTech. Do not waste your money on the EOTech magnifier when the Vortex does the same thing for hundreds of dollars less. The name brand version sells for over $500. This one aligns with the EOTech perfectly. Both offer exactly the same thing - 3x magnification. This Vortex VMX sits on the rail nicely, looks good, works great and gets the job done for about 300 dollars less than it's overpriced counterpart. The rail mount does need to be consistently tightened after prolonged shooting. A small price to pay for such savings (pun intended).

Another customer Dave York Pa experience Instantaneous better shot! I am still AMAZED.

Bought with the Srikefire II.
OMG. By no means would I ever call myself a good shot. Own a Stag, 556, 18”. Came with a generic scope/red dot combo. I became frustrated because with a laser bore and several hours trying to get it centered- I could never accomplish consistent accuracy. THEN, I decided to spend some $. Bought this VORTEX plus the Vortex strikefire II). But WOW (again, sorry lol), I had it sighted within an hour. After that I was shooting in 2-3 inch ‘spots’ 100 YARDS away! 3”-6” inches at 200 yards (I know these Optics are capable of better). I need to get better. These groupings are incredible for me! Mid-range ammo quality. Usually 62 grain FMJ. The range is so much more fun now. Also, now I get compliments on my shooting :-). Lastly, customer service - AWESOME. They speak English, and I can understand them! Unusual nowadays

While Freer Talk Workable, but sub optimal for timely transitions..

The product is fine, if you are stationary and not concerned with the time of your transitions you will have no issues.

My problem is, essentially, the button. If you have the button accessible to the left hand it will cause the sight to swing to the left, obscuring peripherals. If you set the sight to swing to the right it will be difficult to access the button with your left hand, it is not optimal to remove your trigger hand from the controls of your weapon.

If you do not train, or drill, this will likely never be an issue for you.

If you do, spend the extra and get something without a button that allows you to easily manipulate the optic with your non dominant hand.

The new micro magnifier vortex came out with accomplishes this.