The Vortex Optics VMX-3T isn’t a red dot sight itself, but rather a magnifier designed to be paired with a red dot for increased versatility. Let’s delve into its specs, strengths, drawbacks, and real-world use to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 3x
- Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
- Weight: 11.9 oz
- Mount: Cantilevered flip mount
- Construction: Hard-coat anodized aluminum, nitrogen purged
Best Features:
- Flip Mount: Easily transitions between magnified and unmagnified views with a push of a button.
- Eye Relief: Ample eye relief allows for comfortable use with various shooting positions.
- Durability: Built tough with a nitrogen purge for fogproof and waterproof performance.
- Compatibility: Works with most red dot sights.
Advantages:
- Extends the effective range of your red dot sight.
- Improves target identification at distance.
- Maintains quick target acquisition with the flip mount.
- Lightweight and doesn’t significantly add bulk to your firearm.
Disadvantages:
- Adds extra cost compared to a fixed-power magnified optic.
- May require a riser mount to achieve proper sight picture alignment with some red dots.
- Introduces a slight field of view reduction when engaged.
User Experience:
Many users praise the VMX-3T’s ease of use and its ability to transform a red dot into a more capable optic for mid-range engagements. The flip mount is a big selling point, allowing for quick transitions between close-quarters and magnified shooting. The build quality is generally considered excellent, and Vortex’s warranty is a plus for many.
Customer Comments:
- Online discussions highlight the VMX-3T’s value for the price.
- Some users recommend practicing transitioning between magnified and unmagnified views to improve speed.
- A few customers mention a slight loss of image clarity when the magnifier is engaged.
Best for What Gun?
The VMX-3T shines on AR-15 platforms where versatility is key. It’s ideal for shooters who want the speed of a red dot for close-quarters but also the ability to engage targets at extended distances. However, due to its weight and size, it might not be the best choice for lightweight rifles or pistols.
Final Verdict:
The Vortex Optics VMX-3T is a solid option for shooters looking to expand the capabilities of their red dot sight. Its ease of use, durability, and excellent value make it a popular choice. If you crave the flexibility of close-quarters speed and mid-range precision on your AR-15, the VMX-3T is definitely worth considering.
Emma Zaune –
Simple, fast, effective, durable, low priced, and with a top notch warranty… impossible? Nope, that’s the Vortex Optics VMX-3T Magnifier!
Used with a Vortex Red Dot Rifle Scope StrikeFire II on my M&P15T AR15 since nearly a year now, and over 3.000 rounds, this scope is still mint.
100% would buy it again.
Jonathon H. –
Disclaimer I haven’t shot with the optic yet, but initial impressions seem positive. I like that it comes with the shim plate so I can mount at 37mm or 40mm. I’m left handed so Vortex putting the rotating button on the left works out well for me, but I can see that being a problem for someone right handed. Glass clarity seems amazing. My only gripes so far are as follows:
– Poor packaging. Not a big deal, but It wasn’t very high quality
– The eye relief is very short. It lists eye relief at 2.2″ which I feel is generous
Make sure you use the proper screw set with the shim setup you want to run. It comes with 2 sets of screws.
Boobalooba –
Addendum 9/1/2015: I have 3 of these and just purchased 4th on 8/20/15. Spent an hour today trying to figure out why the eye relief on this newest item seems much less than the other 3. Still have no idea, gave up for the day. Has anyone else noticed a much closer and less forgiving eye relief range?
Held my breath and trusted other reviews. It paid off: this fits perfectly atop the rail, and clears the fairly large metal rear backup site that adorns the Colt LE6940-P (even without the use of the included optional riser for the mount). I set-up this simple AR for my Pop, with an Eotech 512 holographic, but wanted to add the “just in case” magnifier as part of the package. I wish I would have found this product before previous purchases of the Lucid adjustable magnifier w/cantilever mount (for one of my own AR’s). Another cool think about the tilt-away mechanism is that the magnifier can still be used for observation/recon even when not aligned with the red dot site (whereas my cantilever mount reverses the magnifier, rendering it useless when off-axis). Anyway, we took it out yesterday, sited in the Eotech, then 72 year old Pop proceeds to effortlessly put a complete 30 rd mag of surplus Lake City 556 within a 4″ target at 100 yards…..almost seeming bored as he accomplished my random challenge (and majority were within 2-3 inches….. with a variably gusty 15-20mph wind from the rear and right at 45 degree angle).
While obviously that’s not MOA or less, the point is that this magnifier set-up is solid, functional, adaptable and augments excellent shooting (for a guy who essentially hasn’t shot a rifle in 40+ years). Obviously, the magnifier can’t take all of the credit, but its has just been one of the rare cool surprises of quality, cost and function. A+++
1/14/15 Update:
NEED A 1/2″ Picatinny riser to use this Vortex magnifier with Eotech EXPS series…….
So as my original review explains, I dig this cost-effective magnifier. So I got one to accompany an Eotech EXPS3-2 on a new SR762. I anticipated the extra height of the EXPS would require the use of the 7mm riser that accompanies the Vortex mount, BUT ITS NOT ENOUGH. Easy solution is the $10 UTG 3-space 1/2″ riser with thumb screw. With the extra 1/2″ the Vortex 7mm riser makes it too high. So, just add the UTG 1/2″ riser under the VMX-3 and it is perfectly level with visual axis of the EXPS. (I doubt the additional riser would be needed with the XPS series).
PISTILLI Robert –
Il buon prodotto sembra molto solido, sono contento del mio acquisto, consegna molto veloce
Grazie
LOU –
You can not go wrong with vortex. This magnifier in combination with the vortex red dot is amazing. The seller is TOP RATED. Excellent in all aspects of service.
JJCEO –
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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.
Benjamin Yost –
I had been debating whether to pick this up for about 6 months. I have an AK74 and an AR15. I mainly bought it for my AK to test if i wanted to drop money on the Eotech version. The reviews for this have been great but just couldn’t pull the trigger till recently. On my AK with a mi side mount and Eotech 512 this thing is a jewel! I couldn’t be any happier with it. The eye relief is great and makes shots so much easier. The flip to side has been great, locks very well and easy to manipulate. So with my AK I couldn’t be any happier. The AR15 is another issue. I haven’t shot it yet but just moved the magnifier to AR15. I have a 14.5 mid length with an Eotech 512 then the magnifier then Magpul steel flip up iron. My only problem (which isn’t a problem but more personal preference) is that with the back up iron behind magnifier, the eye relief only allows my vision to focus when the stock (6 position) is in the 1 to 2 position. I usually like it in the 3 or 4 position. Gun still functions fine, I just need to change my firing position somewhat with the magnifier. Just a heads up to anyone running a AR set similar to mine. Would I buy this again? Hell yes! Am I already thinking about buying another so I can have one on each gun? You bet I am. No regrets buying this product and a lifetime, no questions asked, warranty count me in! Will I buy the Eotech magnifier? I can’t answer that. I am not sure I can justify the price difference. If you are debating this purchase like I have been just stop and buy it. It is worth every penny.
Touges théo –
Rien a re dire très bonne qualité service après vente toujours dispo même au bout de quelque année pour un échange. Garantie constructeur avérée