Scopes often prove the difference between solid and missed shot. Choice of a scope is almost as important as one’s firearm. And it’s certainly as important as any shot taken with it. That’s why this Vortex Diamondback 3 9×40 review deserves special attention.

It’ll look into one of the best examples of what Vortex can offer. It offers up a traditional one inch tube for basic design. But it also has variable magnification which takes things to a new level. This Vortex Diamondback 3 9×40 review will go into greater detail. And help one decide if it’s the right choice for their personal style.

Vortex Diamondback 3 Specs

• Magnification: 3 – 9x.
• Weight: 14.4 oz.
• Objective Diameter: 40mm.
• Tube Size: 1″.
• Eye Relief: 3.5″.
• Parallax Setting: 100 yd.

Vortex Diamondback 3 Pros and Cons

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Pros

1. Advanced adjustable systems

The Vortex Diamondback boasts and impressive level of customization. In particular, it features a parallax knob which allows for precise shots. It also has turrets which are easy to adjust. This ensures adaptability in a number of different situations.

2. Powerful reticle support

One can fit this scope with reticles. Of course that’s expected. But what’s extra impressive comes from variety of support. One can fit the scope with any reticles that properly fit sub-tension to angular value.

3. Reliable construction

It’s made of aircraft grade aluminum alloy. This in and of itself suggests a durable design. But method of construction matters as well. A multiple piece construction breaks apart with enough kinetic energy. The Vortex Diamondback’s single piece construction avoids that issue.

4. Strong haptic feedback

Taking time to check over equipment is time when one could miss a shot. The Vortex Diamondback solves this by offering solid haptic feedback. When one adjusts elevation and windage dials a click announces results. This means that one can make precise adjustments without ever needing to take eyes from the target.

5. Zero reset

The precision turrets offer a lot of advantages. But the zero reset after sight-in easily ranks among the best. Even better, it fits in a strong precision glide erector system. This helps ensure stronger and more accurate tracking. Additionally it helps for repeating shots. This type of repetition helps build skill.

6. Recoil tolerant

This goes along with single piece construction. But it bears special mention that it’s strong enough to handle any and all recoil. This makes it a perfect match for more imposing firearms. One doesn’t need to give it any special attention when using high powered options. This also means it’s easy to swap between one’s full collection.

Cons

1. Mounting area

Perhaps most notable issue comes from mounting area. The overall size of the mounting area on this scope might come in short. This can end up as an issue in some cases. Though in others, people might find the smaller size makes it easier for quick sets.

2. Jack of all trades style design

Another issue comes from the fact that it’s somewhat middle of the road. It tries to match almost any user’s needs. And for the most part this leads to something which can work in most conditions. However, this philosophy keeps it from really excelling too much in any rare usage condition.

3. Solidly mid-tier

One might consider a mid-tier price and mid-tier design as either compliment or critique. Here, one should note that it’s not a top tier piece. It’s solid and quite good for the cost. But it will suffer issues from not having top-tier construction. It’s one of those critiques which isn’t easy to put into objective statements. But usage in a variety of areas quickly makes it clear that it’s good, not amazing.

4. Somewhat opaque glass

Anyone who’s used a variety of different scopes can attest to differences in glass quality. It’s not enough to simply stand up to recoil. Glass design changes how a scope reacts to environmental conditions.

It also provides the window in which one decides on a shot. In this case that window might be a bit cloudier than one would like. It’s not really occluded. But at the same time it’s not the type of crystal clear display which one assumes from higher priced options.

Who Is This Product Best For?

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This Vortex Diamondback 3 9×40 review emphasizes specs. But one needs to tie it all together. Everything points to this as a good fit for hunters. The main reason comes down to adaptability. It doesn’t showcase excellence in most areas. But it’s also not really weak in any area.

This adaptability matches perfectly with nature. One never knows how the natural world might change in short amounts of time. Likewise, the Vortex Diamondback 3 ensures one can keep up with those changes. However, using it in more stable environments wastes that adaptability. In those cases one might want to find more specialized specs.

Price

The Vortex Diamondback 3 comes in at a reasonable price. It generally sells online for around $200.

Verdict

In conclusion, this Vortex Diamondback 3 9×40 review provides a look at an interesting option. There’s one particular point that we’ve returned to again and again. That’s the fact that a Vortex Diamondback 3 is a solidly middle of the road option. It’s a fantastic scope when one is going through different environments.

For someone at a shooting range this might not be overly impressive. But someone out in the wild during a hunt doesn’t know what he’ll encounter. Thus, a scope like this can perfectly match those situations.

Anyone who’s fired a rifle can attest to the importance of a good scope. When scopes work well they help people fit into nearly any environment. People learn to depend on their scope. As such, it’s important to know exactly how well suited any given option might be. It’s also important to keep in mind that scopes aren’t easily classified.

Scopes usually aren’t objectively good or bad. Rather, they’re good or bad for particular tasks and environments. In this Vortex Diamondback 4 12×40 AO review we’ll look at how it holds up in a variety of situations. By the end, we’ll know exactly when and where the Vortex Diamondback 4 works best.

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Vortex Diamondback 4 Specs

• Magnification: 4 to 12x.
• Weight: 14.6 oz.
• Objective Diameter: 40mm.
• Tube Size: 1″.
• Eye Relief: 3.1″.
• Parallax Setting: 100 yd.

Vortex Diamondback 4 Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Durability

The Vortex Diamondback 4 provides some remarkable strength. This is largely due to a combination of materials and construction methods.

It’s constructed of a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum. The combination of both elements ensures that it’s extremely durable. The aluminum’s structural integrity keeps it from bending. And the single piece construction ensures that there’s no seems or joints which might break.

2. Moisture resistance

Here too, one sees a dual system which provides superior reliability. The Vortex Diamondback 4 combines O-ring seals with argon purging. The O-ring seal keeps moisture from entering. And argon purging helps remove moisture. This doesn’t simply keep it safe in rain. It even keeps the scope from fogging under normally difficult conditions.

3. Precision glide erector system

Jarring magnification can result in lost shots. One can’t expect someone to toss away glasses and make a shot. Likewise, sudden shifts in scope magnification can create the same effect.

But the Vortex Diamondback 4 utilizes a custom precision glide erector system. This system ensures that magnification feels smooth and natural.

4. Light regulation coating

This Vortex Diamondback 4 12×40 AO review touched on environmental variability within the previous items. But it builds on that environmental adaptability by incorporating a multi-coating system for the lens.

5. Dot designed reticle

Some people may feel this is as much a negative as positive. But if one prefers a simple reticle than the Vortex Diamondback 4 delivers.

It uses a fairly standard design. The main distinctive trait comes from using a dot variant system. But simple also means non-distracting. There’s no quirks or tricks to its reticle. One knows how to use it within seconds of setting an eye on it.

The dot design does assist in one’s focus. But only in a non-distracting and natural way. It simply uses an eye’s natural tendencies to guide a shot. It doesn’t insist that one learn anything about the theory behind that design.

Cons

1. Vision issues for close or distant shots

Just because a scope allows sight at certain distances doesn’t mean it’s crystal clear. For example, one can consider taking a shot which is just at the edge of sight. One can still see the target. But given the choice, a hunter would simply step closer.

A Vortex Diamondback 4 tends to do something similar. One can usually still make shots at the near and far end of its range. But many users feel that it’s rated for distances a bit in excess of what it actually supports. It’s the difference between use and comfortable use.

2. Perhaps a little too simple

One might consider this item as the flip side of its simple reticle design. Overall, the scope pushes for reliability over innovative features. To some this is a benefit.

To others, this lack of features might come off as detrimental. This Vortex Diamondback 4 12×40 AO review item largely depends on how someone relates to their scopes.

3. Shorter than average mounting space

The design is a bit different than standard scopes. This means that one can’t make too many assumptions about proper fits.

The sizing differences are extremely minor. But one might want to keep that in mind when considering it. Ideally one should try before deciding to buy.

4. Durability of pack-in accessories

The scope itself is remarkably durable. But one might want to rethink using its included accessories. The lens protector, for example, isn’t nearly as sturdy as the scope itself.

However, it’s also fairly easy to simply swap it out with properly sized items. It’s only an issue if one doesn’t have a spare lens protector sitting around.

Who Is This Product Best For?

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This Vortex Diamondback 4 12×40 AO review highlights some features. But versatility and adaptability continue to come up. The scope’s features make it ideal for people who hunt year round. If someone wants to keep on going even in rain or mist than this should match their intent.

It’s also well suited to firearms with heavy recoil. The Vortex Diamondback 4’s single piece construction ensures that it can stand up to some heavy shocks.

Price

The Vortex Diamondback 4 typically sells for $299.00. This price is fairly competitive when compared to similar scopes.

Verdict

This Vortex Diamondback 4 12×40 AO review has touched on some important points. But the biggest takeaway should relate to durable versatility. These traits aren’t especially notable on a firing range. But they’re a perfect match for hunters who love the outdoors. It holds up in rain, mist and even against stronger recoil. And finally, the price remains fairly competitive. This makes it a solid choice for either a default scope or one to fall back on.

The Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 riflescope is a new design by Vortex. Whether you are looking for a scope to use while hunting in extreme weather conditions, or want a scope to improve your shooting precision, the Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 can do it for you.

Made out of a 35mm diameter one-piece tube, this is a first focal plane scope. It is available in both MOA (Minutes of Angle) with ¼ MOA graduation and MRAD (Milradian) with 0.1 mRad graduation configurations. The quality lens and Vortex propriety lens coating maximize the amount of light transmitted, making it a great scope for using in low light conditions.

Meant for intermediate to long-range hunting or target shooting, features such as parallax correction and minimization of chromatic aberration will bring your shooting up a level. If you are looking for a scope with sharp and bright images throughout the zoom range, you’ve found it with the Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50.

Pros and Cons of the Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50

Pros

1. Bright and Clear Image

The Vortex APO (apochromatic) system corrects the color of any light coming into the lens. It works over the full visual spectrum, resulting in minimal chromatic aberration. The glass is high-density extra-low dispersion and coated with Vortex’s proprietary anti-reflective coating XR technology on all glass-to-air surfaces.

2. First Focal Plane Reticle

The Razor HD 5-20 x 50 first focal plane reticle allows you to use holds or set your target range at any magnification. The reticle is glass-etched, allowing for a clear reticle design, and two glass layers protect the etching. A dedicated wheel controls the eleven illumination settings. Set off to the side, the wheel won’t block the turret settings. Between each illumination setting is an OFF setting to allow you to return to your previous setting without going through the entire range.

3. Solid Construction

The one piece 35mm tube means better accuracy through improved alignment. Made out of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 is rigid and strong. The surface coating has a low-glare matte finish to help camouflage your position when hunting. Plus Vortex proprietary ArmorTek protects the lenses from oil, scratches, and dirt.

4. Waterproof. Fog Proof. Shockproof.

The Razor HD 5-20 x 50 has O-rings to keep out dust, moisture, and debris. Purging with argon gas keeps the lenses from fogging. The solid construction protects the scope from impact and recoil.

5. Side Focus

Located on the left side of the turret is the side focus. It is easy to access when in a shooting position and provides parallax removal and optimal image sharpness.

6. Rapid Zero Return

The Rapid Zero Return (RZR) feature allows the Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 easy and fast zero point return. Without RZR, the shooter must pay close attention and count the number of revolutions when dialing big corrections. With RZR Zero Stop, you can spin the elevation knob back to its original zero without having to worry about counting turns.

Cons

The biggest negative item is the weight of this scope. At 35.2 oz., it is heavy and the 35mm diameter makes it big and bulky.

Some of the accessories that come with the Razor HD 5-20 x 50 could be eliminated, with a resulting price cut in the cost of the lens. The Flip-up scope caps are barely usable and not of the quality you would expect from Vortex. You might find use for the included sunshade but the scope is already long at 15.8 inches. Adding the 4-inch sunshade just makes the scope that much longer.

The Anti-Reflection Device works well but because it is a tight grid, a lot of light gets blocked. Not the best device to use in a low light situation. One thing the Razor HD 5-20 x 50 doesn’t come with are mounting rings and there is some limitation in options because of the 35mm diameter. You can buy them from Vortex and which rings you use will depend on your rifle. Some shooters felt that the low rings were too low on some rifles and medium rings made for a better setup.

While it should be simple to zero the Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50, the zero stop feature makes it a bit complicated. You need to loosen set screws and remove the elevation turret caps. Then follow several intricate steps listed in the manual before replacing the cap and tightening the screws.

As a first focal plane reticle, it can be hard to see the target when used in low light with low magnification and a cluttered background. If this is the environment you’ll be shooting in, have a spare CR2032 battery handy because you’ll be using the scope’s illumination a lot.

Depending on the purpose for this scope, 5x magnification may not be low enough for the desired field of vision to track moving targets. And at 20x, the Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 has a very narrow field of view.

Who Is This Product Best For?

The Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 is best for shooters who will be shooting long range. As compared to a more common 30mm tactical scope, the wide 35mm tube has more room inside for the erector assembly. The result is a scope with a wide range of windage and elevation adjustment. At 1000 yards, elevation is a big concern so whether shooting competition or tactical, this scope can handle it.

When compared to other scopes in its price range, the Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 ranks well. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy focusing. Vortex’s Radius Bar provides a tactile reference point for turret turns and there is a fiber optic rotation indicator. Turret clicks are firm and, once set it does a great job at holding zero. With the high-end optical quality, the precise and solid elevation and windage adjustments, the Razor HD 5-20 x 50 feels, handles, and looks solid, exactly what you would expect from Vortex.

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