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Riflescopes Built for Hunting and General Shooting
The standard Vortex Diamondback riflescopes are made for hunters who want a rugged scope that holds zero. They use 1-inch tubes, second focal plane reticles, and capped turrets. That leaves little to snag or bump in the field. We stock the 3-9×40 with a Dead-Hold BDC or V-Plex reticle. The 4-12×40 and 3.5-10×50 both wear the Dead-Hold BDC, and the 2-7×35 Rimfire is made for .22 rifles. The 3-9×40 remains the classic all-around deer scope, while the 4-12×40 adds reach for open country.
Diamondback Tactical for Shooters Who Dial
Diamondback Tactical models take the same name into precision work. Each one has exposed turrets for dialing elevation and windage. The 4-12×40 runs a VMR-1 MOA reticle in the second focal plane on a 1-inch tube. The 4-16×44 and 6-24×50 step up to 30mm tubes and side-focus parallax. They also carry a first focal plane EBR-2C reticle in MOA or MRAD. Vortex aims this line at shooters learning to stretch out toward 1,000 yards. It makes a capable first long-range scope for an AR-10 or a bolt gun.
HD Binoculars, a Spotting Scope, and a Rangefinder
The Vortex Diamondback line does not stop at riflescopes. The Diamondback HD 10×42 and 12×50 binoculars use an HD optical system and fully multi-coated lenses. Their argon-purged housings are waterproof, and each pair ships with a GlassPak harness. For glassing from a tripod, add the 16-48×65 HD angled spotting scope and a Vortex tripod kit to the same order. The Diamondback HD 2000 rangefinder reads out to 2,000 yards on reflective targets. Its HCD mode gives angle-compensated distances for steep shots.
Why Shooters Buy Vortex Diamondback Optics at AR15Discounts
Every Diamondback optic is covered by the Vortex VIP Warranty. It is an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty. Vortex will repair or replace a damaged or defective product no matter how it happened or where it was bought. It excludes loss, theft, deliberate damage, and cosmetic wear that does not affect performance. Our prices sit well under list. If you find a better one, our Low Price Guarantee says we will beat it. Add scope rings and mounts to the same order and the rifle is ready for the range.
We have talked with a lot of buyers about the Vortex Diamondback, and our best advice has not changed. Match the magnification to the distances you actually shoot. Buy rings that fit the tube, and put the money you saved into practice ammo. Follow that, and a Diamondback will earn its place on the rifle for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vortex Diamondback a good scope?
Yes. It is one of the most dependable optics we sell for the money. It offers clear glass, tough construction, and repeatable adjustments, and the VIP Warranty covers it for life.
What is the difference between Vortex Diamondback models?
The main differences are magnification, objective size, reticle, and turrets. Standard models are capped-turret, second focal plane hunting scopes on 1-inch tubes. Tactical models add exposed turrets. The Tactical 4-16×44 and 6-24×50 also add first focal plane reticles, side focus, and 30mm tubes.
Does the Vortex Diamondback come with scope rings?
No. Diamondback riflescopes do not include rings. The 4-12×40, for example, ships with removable lens covers and a lens cloth. Plan on adding rings or a one-piece mount.
What size scope rings fit a Vortex Diamondback scope?
The standard models, the Rimfire, and the Tactical 4-12×40 take 1-inch rings. The Tactical 4-16×44 and 6-24×50 need 30mm rings. On an AR, a cantilever mount usually gives the right height and eye relief.
What is the difference between the Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 and 4-12×40?
The 3-9×40 has the wider field of view at 44.6 to 14.8 feet at 100 yards. It comes in Dead-Hold BDC or V-Plex. The 4-12×40 offers more magnification with a 32.4 to 11.3 foot field of view and uses the Dead-Hold BDC. The 3-9×40 weighs 14.5 ounces, and the 4-12×40 weighs 14.2.
What is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle on a Vortex Diamondback scope?
Dead-Hold BDC is a Vortex MOA reticle with hashmarks for holdover and windage corrections. It is designed for hunting at varying distances. It sits in the second focal plane, so the hashmark values are tied to one magnification setting. The Vortex reticle manual explains which one.
Which Vortex Diamondback scope is best for longer-range shooting?
The Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP is the best choice. It has the most magnification in the line, a 30mm tube, and exposed turrets. Side focus adjusts down to 10 yards, and the EBR-2C reticle comes in MOA or MRAD. The 4-16×44 is a lighter, more compact alternative.
What is the difference between Vortex Diamondback and Diamondback Tactical scopes?
Standard Diamondback scopes use capped turrets and are made to zero once and hold over. Tactical models use exposed turrets for dialing. The two larger Tactical scopes also use first focal plane reticles, so their holdover values stay true at any magnification.
Does the Vortex Diamondback Tactical have adjustable parallax and exposed turrets?
Every Diamondback Tactical scope has exposed turrets. The 4-16×44 adjusts parallax from 20 yards to infinity, and the 6-24×50 adjusts from 10 yards to infinity. The 4-12×40 has a fixed 100-yard parallax setting.
How do I choose between a Vortex Diamondback, Diamondback Tactical, and Diamondback Rimfire scope?
Choose the Rimfire 2-7×35 for a .22, since its parallax is set at 50 yards. Pick a standard Diamondback for hunting rifles you zero and hold over with. Choose the Tactical if you plan to dial turrets for longer shots.