The Vortex Diamondback Tactical scope is one of several Diamondback models available. We tested the entry level 4-12x40mm scope with VMR-1 reticle, aimed at youngsters and beginners wanting to get started in longer range shooting. It has a rather distinctive long bell-housing, a one inch tube and weighs only 495g, rather light for a “tactical” scope. To keep costs down it has no adjustable objective/parallax knob (paralax is factory-set at 100m), nor an illuminated reticle, but has oversize turrets for easy adjustment.
The turrets are big with rather sharp serrations that afford a good grip and audible clicks that help with precise adjustment. Both turrets also have a red fibre optic insert that aids in getting back to zero without having to scrutinize the indicative numbers. This is especially handy for those wearing reading glasses. Each turret is also clearly marked UP/RIGHT respectively.
On the test scope turret adjustment was 6½ rotations for 77MOA, which is more than enough to shoot most calibres at long range with a 100m zero. There is no zero-stop, but the zero can be reset (after sighting the rifle) by lifting the turrets and dialing them back to zero.
The VMR 1 reticle’s sub-tensions are calibrated in 2MOA increments and from the cross hair has in total 30MOA marked on the vertical leg. (See the illustration.) With the MOA system one can range an object by using the object’s height in inches, multiplying this by 95.5, and then dividing the answer by the object’s size measured in MOA on the reticle. With the second focal plane Vortex this can only be done only at maximum magnification. I managed results that were good enough for field conditions.
While testing several rifle scopes during the last few years one aspect that has become clear is that you can now find scopes with good glass for general shooting applications starting roughly at R7 000 from almost all reputable manufacturers. From this price point it seems forking out more simply means that more modern technology was used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, at this price point determining the scope’s ability to track consistently and stay true becomes more important, even more so for long range shooting where adjustments are made more frequently than in the hunting field.
To test this I mounted the Diamondback on a rifle, zeroed the scope, then carefully clamped the rifle in a vice and dialed in 30 MOA up/down, 30MOA left/right in various combinations. After dialing the same number of clicks back on each dial the cross hair ended back on target every time. To determine the long term durability I repeated this regimen several times a day over several days. I also dialed the turrets until they locked at maximum rotation, only then dialing back to zero several times. The scope kept it zero during every exercise. The results were similar on the range doing a 100m box test using a .308 Win.
Eye relief is adequate, except at maximum magnification, where more care is needed in placing your eye at the exact same spot in the eye box every time. Using the scope on the range I found a magnification of between 8 and 10 the best, resulting in absolutely crisp images.
I found the absence of a parallax adjustment knob more of a boon than a hindrance and I could make accurate shots from 40 to 500 metres without any problems.
On the negative side the scope has a narrow field of view – only 7.9ft at 100yds at maximum magnification, which is not ideal for fast target acquisition.
This little Vortex has quickly become a favourite with me. It’s easy to use, tracks well and at the price the optical quality is excellent.
The Tactical performed well on my rifle.
It’s an ideal beginner scope for getting into tactical shooting, but handling it on a daily basis for about two weeks I found it a good all-rounder.
I spotted the scope online at HABITAT AFRICA for R6 900. For more information contact WHYLO on 0861-005-903.
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