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Red dot reticle scope is great for close-quarter combat. However, one big disadvantage you get with it is the lack of magnification. What you see is what you get, essentially. Let me introduce you to the 3x magnifier scope. In conjunction with a red dot sight, a magnifier helps to zoom in on your target for a more accurate shot. On top of that, some magnifiers in the market have a flip-to-the-side mechanism so you can easily jump from 1x to 3x in an instant.
The Holosun HM3X and Vortex Optics VMX-3T are two magnifier scopes that fit that description. Both have 3x magnification and a flip-to-the-side design. In this article, we are going to compare these magnifiers and determine which is a better 3x magnifier scope at the end. Let’s jump right into it.
Holosun HM3X vs Vortex Optics VMX-3T – Similarities
All specifications and features of the Holosun HM3X and the Vortex Optics VMX-3T magnifier scopes are in a side by side chart.
| Name |
Holosun HM3X |
Vortex Optics VMX-3T |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Material and Finish | Anodized Aluminum | Anodized Aluminum |
| Ambidextrous | Yes | Yes |
| Eye Relief | 2.75 inches | 2.2 inches |
| Magnification | 3x | 3x |
| Magnification Type | Fixed Magnification | Fixed Magnification |
| Length | 3.9 inches | 4.3 inches |
| Weight | 11.6 oz. | 11.9 oz. |
| Linear Field of View | 37 ft at 100 yds | 38.2 ft. at 100 yds |
| Angular Field of View | 7 Degrees | 7.3 Degrees |
| QD Mount | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | Yes, IP67 Certification | Yes |
| Fog proof | Yes | Yes |
| Included Accessories | QD Mount and Spacer | Flip Mount and Shim Plate |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
3x Fixed Magnification
Magnification is important to get more precision shots. Particularly when shooting a target beyond 100 yards, you need all the help of a magnifier scope. The Holosun HM3X and Vortex Optics VMX-3T have a fixed magnification with 3x power. Interestingly, both have different eye relief and field of view.
Flip-to-the-side Design
The ability to instantly have 1x to 3x magnification power is convenient and versatile. Both the HM3X and VMX-3T have a flip-to-the-side mechanism so you can switch immediately from close-quarter to a long-range in just one swinging action. They have an ambidextrous design so you can reverse the mount to accommodate left-handed people. While both have this style of mechanism, the method of flipping it to the side is quite different. Their mounts are different as well.
Waterproof
Any kind of resistance gives scopes versatility of being used in different terrains which is especially important for snowy or rainy terrains. Not only that, but it also gives the scope overall protection against corrosion and degradation. Luckily, both HM3X and VMX-3T have resistance to water and fog. O-ring seals are used in both scopes to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating. Moreover, both are filled with nitrogen gas which removes all the oxygen inside them. This nitrogen purging helps prevent lens fogging that can obstruct your view. All these resistances will guarantee you their long lifespan.
Holosun HM3X vs Vortex Optics VMX-3T – Differences
Length and Weight
Length and weight are worth everything to people worried about carrying the lightest gear. Let’s see how they differ in this category.
Holosun HM3X
The Holosun HM3X has a significantly shorter body at only 3.9 inches. This is nothing impressive, however, considering there are much more compact magnifier scopes such as the Vortex Micro which only sits at 2.9 inches. Anyway, it is still a great thing that it is shorter compared with the VMX-3T. Moreover, the HM3X is slightly more lightweight than the VMX-3T weighing only at 11.6 oz. Again, this is not anything great but let’s get what we can get.
Vortex Optics VMX-3T
The Vortex Optics VMX-3T has a longer and heavier construction at 4.3 inches and 11.9 oz., respectively. You might think that it has a better build because it is heavier. Well, that holds some truth because both are made out of high-quality anodized aluminum. In actuality, a lighter scope disperses kinetic energy from your gun more efficiently. Thus, our winner in this category is the Holosun HM3X
The Winner Is- Holosun HM3X
Eye Relief and Field of View
The eye relief and field of view are two important specs why you buy a specific scope. Let’s see how they stack against each other.
Holosun HM3X
Aiming at your target is more comfortable with the HM3X because of its long eye relief. Another reason why it is comfortable is the fact that it promotes a more natural shooting position than a shorter eye relief. Moreover, eye injuries caused by gun recoil is reduced. One thing the HM3X falls short of, however, is in its field of view. It has a narrower field of view of 7 degrees which gives only 37 feet wide of an area at a 100-yard distance.
Vortex Optics VMX-3T
The eye relief of the VMX-3T is shorter at 2.2 inches. This is similar to EOTECH’s G30.FM. However, what it does better than the HM3X is in the field of view. It has a wider angular field of view of 7.3 degrees giving you 38.2-feet of area width at a 100-yard distance. Furthermore, Vortex used its proprietary coatings on the VMX-3T to increase light transmission. All its lenses have multiple anti-reflective coatings, thus improving its optics and stealth.
The Winner Is- Vortex Optics VMX-3T
Also read: Holosun HM3X vs EOTECH G30
QD Mount
The ability to quickly mount and dismount your scope gives an unfair advantage.
Holosun HM3X
Between the two scopes, only the HM3X has the QD mount. Alongside its flip-to-side mechanism, the HM3X is a great 3x magnifier scope for its price. Additionally, this mechanism is straightforward as you can just push the scope to the side.
Vortex Optics VMX-3T
On the other hand, the VMX-3T does not have a QD mount, rather you tighten it in place using a thumbscrew. Moreover, you are required to push a button to flip it to the side. Thus, changing for 1x to 3x magnification is not instant. Once you get the hang of it, I am sure you will get used to it.
The Winner Is- Holosun HM3X
Also read: HOLOSUN HM3X vs Vortex Optics Micro
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the the the Holosun HM3X and the Vortex Optics VMX-3T will help us to determine which magnifier is the better option.
Holosun HM3X
Pros:
- The Holosun HM3X has an unbeatable value for a scope in its price category.
- It is more compact and lightweight.
- It has a quick detach mount, along with its flip-to-side design.
Cons:
- You can see fewer objects due to its narrower field of view.
Vortex Optics VMX-3T
Pros:
- Although it has a smaller eye relief, it is compensated by a wider field of view of 38.2 feet at 100 yards.
- It has an unmatched VIP lifetime warranty.
- Its optics are fully multi-coated, thus giving it protection and anti-reflective properties.
Cons:
- Its lack of QD mount puts it at a great disadvantage, considering it is more expensive.
The Final Verdict
Buying good optics is a worthwhile investment. Considering how cheap both HM3X and VMX-3T costs, they are truly a great investment. The images produced are high-quality and spot-on. While the VMX-3T has a wider FOV, the value for the money of the HM3X is a better offer. It has a more lightweight body and a convenient QD mount. In summary, the Holosun HM3X is the better 3x magnifier scope.
Related Comparisons:
HOLOSUN HM3X vs Vortex Optics Micro
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