Any experience on the Diamondback HP from Vortex??

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EchoM70

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So this SHOT Show Vortex released a new scope. The Diamondback HP (High Performance) Here is a quick summary of the specs:


Tube Diameter: 1"
Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
Adjustment Type: Click
Exposed Turrets: No
Finger Adjustable Turrets: Yes
Turrets Resettable to Zero: Yes
Zero Stop: No
Turret Height: Medium
Fast Focus Eyepiece: Yes
Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated
Warranty: Vortex VIP Lifetime Warranty
Rings Included: No
Sunshade Included: Yes
Sunshade Length: 4"
Lens Covers Included: Yes
Power Variability: Variable
Min power: 3x
Max power: 12x
Reticle Construction: Glass etched
Illuminated Reticle: No
Battery Type: N/A
Holdover reticle: Yes; Dead-Hold BDC reticle
Reticle Focal Plane Location: Second
Parallax Adjustment: Side focus
Finish: Matte
Water/Fogproof: Yes
Shockproof: Yes
Objective Bell Diameter: 42mm
Ocular Bell Diameter: 42.93mm
Eye Relief: 4.0"
Exit Pupil Diameter: N/A
Weight: 18.0 oz.
Max Internal Adjustment:
Windage: 90 MOA
Elevation: 90 MOA

As you can see on paper these scopes look very promising and at just under $400 they're very tempting. I just can't find anyone that's had any hands on experience or a review on the scope. So, has anyone had any hands on experience with this particular Vortex model?
 
I would step up to a Viper if I were to spend more than $300. Very nice scopes for the money with reliable adjustments.
 
From what I understand these new Diamondback HP scopes are using basically the same glass as the Viper, same coatings too.... A completely different scope than the current diamondback.

Just no one yet has posted a comparison or review... Anywhere and that's the info I seek. Guess they're just still too new right now.
 
I am looking at the Viper HS-T 4x16. It has the MOA retical and turrets in 1/4 MOA. I think it is a bit more like, 550$ though. All I hear are good things about Vortex. I have not seen the scope you are asking about. There are so many good scope in the price range you are shopping that it is hard to chose. Midway has Nikons Monarchs on sale and there were some Weavers too. And Bushnell Elites. Too much selection.
 
I'm also interested in the new Diamondback HP scopes......specifically the 3-12x 42 Vortex part # DBK-10017.

I queried Vortex about the "release date" of these new scopes. On Feb 10-2014 I got a prompt response from Jim Jordan of VORTEX..

He said these scopes should be on dealer's shelves "in 1-2 months".

I'm eager to compare this Vortex DBK-10017 with the revamped Weaver Grand Slam 3-12 x 42 part # 800620.

I'm probably gonna buy one or the other, but first I gotta figure out how to temporarily take possession of both, simultaneously, so as to do a thorough side by side comparison.

FjLee Denver CO
 
Might want to check with CameraLand NY. They have good prices and demo units at very good prices. I picked up the Viper scope at about $150 off and looks brand new.
 
Fjlee... The 3-12x42mm model is the one I'm contemplating. SWFA, Midway, etc... All have the diamondback HP's in stock, they've had them for awhile.
 
EchoM70........

It indeed does look like the Vortex DBK 10017 is available at some dealers.

I went to Midway website.......they show it as being "in stock, ready for shipment".

I'd sure like to do a "touchy feely looky" with that scope!!

FjLee Denver CO
 
I just ordered a diamondback HP 4-16x42. I'm excited to get it, i was going to order from midway, saw them in stock and when I got around to order it they were on back order. I found one on amazon from camera land, same price as midway and free shipping like midway.
I will be replacing a weaver grand slam, the weaver replaced a vortex diamondback 3-9. For the price, quality and warranty I don't think the vortex can be beat. I will post a review when I get the scope.
 
NickB45.......

Congrats on the new scope. Several of us are eagerly awaiting your comments on the new Diamondback HP.

It'd be interesting to see your thoughts on the new scope, relative to how it compares to your old Diamondback 3-9 and to the Grand Slam.

FjLee
 
My buddy has my old diamondback so I can grab it and compare, if I don't have my weaver sold I will try to get some pictures of all 3 of them. Fedex says next Wednesday for a delivery date, should be mounted and sighted in on Friday.
 
That looks great! Let us know how it does after the range trip.


About to go ahead and place an order for the 3-12x42mm. Nick, do you have any experience with the Viper line? How does the HP compaRe to the Viper/Viper HS
 
The scope was awesome at the range. I'm really glad they supplied the sunshade, I've never used one and it cut down on the glare. I forgot a hat so I had the sun in my eyes (the 100yard range faces the south). I will get out again on Friday and have more time to play with it.
The only other vortex scope I have had was a 3-9 diamondback. But this is the nicest scope I have out of a Nikon monarch, leupold vx2 and weaver grand slam.
 
Diamondbacks are made in the Philippines I believe. The razor/viper line is made in Japan. From what I read this hp is the old viper scope. All that info is just what google said. I will take a look at the box tonight and see if it has a sticker to confirm where it's made.
 
Nickb45..........

I hope you're enjoying your new Vortex Diamondback HP. I'm also interested in the new Diamondback HP......

Any opinions, comments or observations you can offer now that you've had yours for a short while?

Thank you...... FjLee Denver CO
 
Nickb45..........



I hope you're enjoying your new Vortex Diamondback HP. I'm also interested in the new Diamondback HP......



Any opinions, comments or observations you can offer now that you've had yours for a short while?



Thank you...... FjLee Denver CO


I'm still happy with it, my groups have tightened up since I put the scope on since the crosshairs are nice and thin. I haven't done much past 300 with the scope yet, out to there the adjustable objective is dead on (it actually makes for a good poor mans range finder) I got a sage rat that was out at about 300. I turned the knob until it was clear, looked over saw it was a little under the 300 mark so I lined up the 3rd line on the reticle at his feet and put the little guy to sleep. That was with a 50 grain varmint grenade doing 3200@ the muzzle and it's sighted in a little high at 100.
96cfe18710d12d5cdb1493c72014992d_zps2a99a723.jpg
 
Here are some pictures I just took... I had the garbage can on a stool so I had a place to set my bi pod to get over the fence, as I was sitting on the counter trying to get my phone camera in the eye box.
It's 7:40pm here in Central Washington.
9003661280fed69e16d1f48945a2b19b_zpscebe1c19.jpg
4X
aa9264d97f4208702da52a96c6bfda0d_zps4fae8f21.jpg
16X
da9ae4873383950c51787a97995f924d_zpsce8bbe37.jpg
That wind machine is probably 2miles out.

The light the scope brings in is awesome! Another nice "feature" is the eye relief distance doesn't change throughout the zoom range.
 
Nick, Thank you so much for the pictures and insight. It has been extremely helpful! Have you by chance done the box test with the adjustments to test the accuracy of the adjustments?
 
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