Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40

• 4-12x magnification range: Covers the gap between close paper targets and longer shots, so one riflescope can handle rimfire practice, general target work, and learning holdovers at distance.
• Exposed tactical turrets with Zero Stop: The dialing system is built for repeated elevation and windage corrections, while the zero-stop function helps return quickly to the original zero after working through different distances.
• Second focal plane VMR-1 reticle: The reticle stays visually fine at higher magnification for precise aiming, and its MOA-based layout supports holdovers, wind calls, and basic ranging in a practical target-shooting format.
• Fully multicoated optics: The lens coatings improve contrast and light transmission, making the sight picture easier to read when aiming at dark targets, shaded berms, or small details downrange.
• Nitrogen-purged, waterproof and shockproof build: The sealed 1-inch tube resists weather, internal fogging, and repeated recoil, which matters for a riflescope that may move between training rifles and regular field use.

About the Vortex Diamondback Tactical Series

Vortex Diamondback Tactical is the tactical branch of the Diamondback riflescope family, built for shooters who want a practical entry point into dialing corrections rather than relying only on simple hunting-style holdover scopes. The series is aimed at long-range and recreational shooting, with models intended to take users from mid-range work out toward 1,000 yards depending on cartridge, rifle, and setup. That makes it especially relevant for new shooters learning how windage and elevation adjustments work in real use.

Across the line, Vortex offers both second focal plane and first focal plane variants, along with reticle options such as VMR-1 and EBR-2C. The common design theme is straightforward functionality: exposed tactical turrets for dialing, a durable tube construction, and optical performance that supports regular range use without unnecessary complexity. Series configurations such as 3-9x40, 4-12x40, and 6-24x50 give shooters a choice between lighter general-purpose setups and higher-magnification models better suited to slower, more deliberate precision shooting.

About the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40 is the most compact variable-power model in the series for shooters who want tactical-style controls without the size and weight of a high-magnification precision optic. Its 4-12x magnification range is well suited to rimfire target shooting, general range rifles, and centerfire practice at moderate to extended distances. At 4x, it remains usable for closer target transitions and positional work; at 12x, it gives enough image scale for careful shot placement on small targets without becoming overly specialized.

This model uses a second focal plane reticle layout, which keeps the reticle appearance consistent as magnification changes. That is useful for shooters who prefer a reticle that stays easy to see at lower power and does not become visually heavy at the top end. The VMR-1 (MOA) reticle adds practical value by supporting holdovers, wind corrections, and ranging references in a familiar MOA format, while the non-illuminated design keeps the sight picture uncluttered for daylight range work.

The turret system is a major part of the scope’s appeal. Exposed tactical turrets with 1/4 MOA clicks, 12 MOA per turn, and a Zero Stop arrangement are intended for shooters who dial regularly rather than set and forget. In practice, that means faster correction changes between distances and a more confident return to zero after a string of adjustments. The fixed 100 m parallax keeps operation simple, while the fully multicoated optics, fast-focus eyepiece, and nitrogen-filled waterproof, fogproof, shockproof construction make the scope easy to live with on a hard-used training or target rifle.

About Vortex

Vortex traces its roots to a Wild Birds Unlimited store opened by the Hamilton family in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1986. The brand entered the sport optics market in 2002 and is now headquartered in Barneveld, Wisconsin, where it operates as an employee-owned company. Its focus is on sport optics for hunting, shooting, and general outdoor use.

The company’s catalog covers riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, laser rangefinders, and red dots, with established product families including Razor, Viper, and Kaibab. Vortex also develops ballistic tools using GeoBallistics technology, showing a broader emphasis on practical shooting support beyond optics alone. In 2022, the company was selected to produce and deliver fire-control systems for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program, which reflects its growing presence in technically demanding shooting applications.

Main Features

• Magnification: 4.00 x - 12.00 x
• Objective lens diameter: 40.00 mm
• Main tube diameter: 25.4 mm
• Reticle position: 2. focal plane - SFP
• Reticle: VMR-1 (MOA)
• Illumination: No
• Adjustment per click: 7mm/100m - 1/4MOA
• Elevation adjustment range: 20.35 mrad / 71.00 MOA
• Windage adjustment range: 20.35 mrad / 71.00 MOA
• Elevation per turn: 12 MOA
• Turret type: Tactical
• Zero Stop: Yes
• Eye relief: 96.00 mm
• Field of view: 7.80 m/100m - 2.60 m/100m
• Parallax setting: Fixed, 100 m
• Exit pupil: 10.00 mm - 3.30 mm
• Lens coating: Fully Multicoated
• Length: 360.00 mm
• Weight: 460.00 g
• Housing fill: Nitrogen
• Waterproof: Yes
• Fogproof: Yes
• Shockproof: Yes
• Color: Black
• Made in: Philippines

In the Box

• Lens covers
• Lens cloth