Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50

In the January issue I got my first look at Vortex scopes in the form of their Viper 6.5-20x50. As the spec indicates this is very much a longer range/precision design with side-focus and target-type turrets. As I recall I found it generally a decent design, given its sub-£500 price tag.

The importers Marchwood sent me another model, which is very much a more general use optic with a spec of 3.5-10x50 it’s called the Diamondback. As before it’s made in the Philippines (same place as some Burris and Bushnell models).

Standard Issue

The Diamondback is a very standard design with a one-piece, 1” body tube build. The magnification ring is reasonably deep and heavily chequered for grip along with a raised vane to aid dialling. At the back is a fast-focus eye piece. The saddle is quite big in relation to the body and shows medium height turrets under waterproof caps.

The build here goes for a low dial, which is very much a zero and forget design. A screw in the centre allows you to lift/turn the dial to 0 position. Nice but non-essential as this is not the sort of build you are going to be constantly mucking about with.

Turrets offer ¼ MOA (minute of angle) @ 100-yards clicks, with 60-clicks (15”) per turn, which are divided into 15 MOA with each being sub-divided into 1/4s. You also get five full rotations (75”). Windage is the same, but the drum goes from 1 – 7 in each direction.

In terms of dialling I found the turrets a little stiff to move with click stops not that positive either in feel or the noise they made. However, once zeroed just put the drums back on and use the reticule for holdover.

PLEX or DEAD HOLD

Reticules offer two options a V-PLEX, which unsurprisingly turns out to be a slim, DUAL-X style and the DEAD HOLD BDC. This consists of the PLEX with range and lead dots on the horizontal and 6 o’clock inner stadia. In effect giving hold over and zero points, as to different calibres.

Light transmission appears good with the scope showing a bright and crisp sight picture. It’s pre-parallaxed for 100-yards, which is again ideal for a hunting optic. Initially I put the Diamondback on a Marlin 795 semi-auto rimfire, then moved it on to a centrefire, with no dramas.

The Vortex Diamondback is a good quality working optic for what it is. Equally well suited to rimfire or fullbore use if you’re looking for something that will bring home bacon; this is it.

For: Decent optics useful spec

Against: Not a lot

Verdict: A good working scope

PRICE: £220