Vortex Diamondback Tactical Riflescope

[idahohikker]

I am potentially getting talked out of the Leupold CDS system or dialing MOA on other under-$500 models. I've read many reviews of the Diamondback Tactical and everyone has said the turrets track properly for elevation/windage adjustment. I plan to dial for elevation and hold for wind. These guys are long-range shooters that shoot rather than I plan to (my max will be 500 yards).

What are your thoughts on whether the Diamondback Tactical will be reliable for dialing? I know it's not in the Nightforce+ class but my budget is about $300. Since it's built for dialing and supposedly uses better components, based on the reviews I've read I'm thinking it would be a good option. I could try to move up to the Viper if absolutely necessary.

Also, for 500 yards, is 9x power too small for 500 yards?

Thank you. Thank you. I'm learning a lot with this research.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

My understanding is that the diamondback tactical scopes have a "zero-reset feature" that allows you to reset the turret zero by simply pulling up on the turret and rotating it over. You can see it in the video below 25 seconds in.

Vortex Diamondback Tactical Riflescope - YouTube

I believe that would be a recipe for disaster in a hunting situation. You could easily rub the turret against your pack and reset the dial, and have no idea where your zero is.

 

[Formidilosus]

I am potentially getting talked out of the Leupold CDS system or dialing MOA on other under-$500 models. I've read many reviews of the Diamondback Tactical and everyone has said the turrets track properly for elevation/windage adjustment. I plan to dial for elevation and hold for wind. These guys are long-range shooters that shoot rather than I plan to (my max will be 500 yards).

What are your thoughts on whether the Diamondback Tactical will be reliable for dialing? I know it's not in the Nightforce+ class but my budget is about $300. Since it's built for dialing and supposedly uses better components, based on the reviews I've read I'm thinking it would be a good option. I could try to move up to the Viper if absolutely necessary.

Also, for 500 yards, is 9x power too small for 500 yards?

Thank you. Thank you. I'm learning a lot with this research.

Anyone that said that the Diamondback is a reliable dialer, has never actually used one.


The ONLY $300 scopes made that work correctly are the SWFA SS 6x42mm and 10x42mm's. As for 500 yards- 6x works just fine.

 

[idahohikker]

The more research I do, including talking to owners of lower end Leupold and Vortex scopes and the companies, the more I think the tracking issues are pretty small and infrequent. These include experts at bullet companies and fan favorites here on the site. Luke's test for example showed consistent but present tracking issues that would maybe around to an inch or two of error at 700 yards. At 500, my max, that would be even less. Also he suggests the issues are repeatable and can be accounted for in the ballistics app. I don't think this means that you cant reliably dial with a vortex or Leupold lower end or medium end scope.

Would you suggest us a bdc holdover reticle for greater reliability? I would of course calculate the exact distances for the lines per my load.

 

[luke moffat]

The more research I do, including talking to owners of lower end Leupold and Vortex scopes and the companies, the more I think the tracking issues are pretty small and infrequent. These include experts at bullet companies and fan favorites here on the site. Luke's test for example showed consistent but present tracking issues that would maybe around to an inch or two of error at 700 yards. At 500, my max, that would be even less. Also he suggests the issues are repeatable and can be accounted for in the ballistics app. I don't think this means that you cant reliably dial with a vortex or Leupold lower end or medium end scope.

Would you suggest us a bdc holdover reticle for greater reliability? I would of course calculate the exact distances for the lines per my load.

That is assuming the lower end scope have repeatable tracking error as well as repeatable RTZ. If you don't have a good RTZ then your errors in tracking just get worse and worse every time you dial without verifying you 100 yard zero everytime.

 

[mfllood3800]

The more research I do, including talking to owners of lower end Leupold and Vortex scopes and the companies, the more I think the tracking issues are pretty small and infrequent. These include experts at bullet companies and fan favorites here on the site. Luke's test for example showed consistent but present tracking issues that would maybe around to an inch or two of error at 700 yards. At 500, my max, that would be even less. Also he suggests the issues are repeatable and can be accounted for in the ballistics app. I don't think this means that you cant reliably dial with a vortex or Leupold lower end or medium end scope.

Would you suggest us a bdc holdover reticle for greater reliability? I would of course calculate the exact distances for the lines per my load.

I have some lower end Vortex scopes myself, but these are their $600-$900 scopes. To me other than the Razor line, I see most of their scopes in a category of budget minded decent scopes for moderate range. But on a $300 or even the $600 scopes, the idea of consistent tracking for long range just doesn't compute in my mind. If you go to Gunwerks, you will see they offer a couple Vortex scopes as an option. The Razor line and If I remember there was even the 6x24x50 PST in there. I have one of these on my Browning and yes It will repeat out to that 500 yard range. But this is close to $1000 scope, not a $300 model.
I have shot and proven this for this scope. But I also have a $400 Viper HS that I have only verified out to 300 so far.
But to go further is something I just haven't gotten around to yet. Until I verify the repeatability with them, my shot limit is at the distance already proven.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Have you taken a look at the Athlon Argos BTR? Take a look at this review posted by a member on 24hourcampfire.
Athlon offers great scopes priced well below comparable offerings from other brands.