Congratulations on your Diamondback Riflescope!

At Vortex, your love for the outdoors is the driving force behind all we do. Our commitment to you, our
customers and dealers, is unmatched in the industry—and is the strength of our success. From impressive
images to durable construction, our carefully designed and field-tested optics are the culmination of
an unwavering dedication to deliver quality, reliability and superior performance to you, our valued
customer.

Vortex Diamondback Series Riflescopes

Contents
Riflescope Diagram A
Riflescope Adjustments B
Riflescope Installation E
Maintenance
Troubleshooting C
Technical Service
D
Please read this entire manual
before mounting your riflescope. A. Fast Focus Ring
B. Magnification Ring
F
C. Eyepiece
D. Windage Dial
E. Elevation Dial G
F. Objective Lens
G. Adjustable Objective (only on AO models)

Riflescope Adjustments
1. Reticle Focusing 2. Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Vortex Diamondback series riflescopes use the exclusive Vortex Diamondback riflescopes incorporate adjustable elevation
Fast Focus ring to get a clear and sharp reticle image. and windage dials with audible clicks. Each audible click moves the
To focus the reticle, begin by allowing your eyes to focus on a bullet’s point-of-impact a fraction of a minute of angle (MOA).
distant object for several moments—not looking through the • 1/4 MOA closely corresponds to 1/4 inch at 100 yards, 1/2 inch
scope. Then, hold the scope up to the sky and quickly look at 200 yards, 3/4 inch at 300 yards...taking four (4) clicks to move
through it. Never look directly into the sun! Pay attention to the the bullet’s point-of-impact one inch at 100 yards.

sharpness of the reticle, and adjust the eyepiece focus until it is How to Adjust Windage and Elevation Settings
as sharp as possible. The reticle image should be crisp and sharp Begin adjusting the windage and elevation settings by first
immediately when you look. Since your eyesight may change over removing the covers. Then, move the dials in the direction
time, it’s a good idea to periodically re-check this adjustment. you wish the bullet’s point-of-impact to change. To make the
adjustments, turn the adjustment dial in the appropriate direction
Caution!
Riflescopes are not intended for looking at the sun or any other intense light (up/down or left/right) as indicated by the arrows.
source. Such use could damage the retina and cornea of your eyes—even to the After sight-in, you can re-align the zero marks on the dials with
point of causing blindness. the reference dots if you wish (see page 15). Replace covers when
done.

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3. Variable Magnification Adjustments
When shooting at distances other than 100 yards, simply pay attention to
To change the power, turn the magnification ring to the desired
good shooting form, keeping your eye centered in the scope, and you will
level. Use lower powers (offering a Magnification minimize any problems with parallax.
wider field of view) when you may Ring

need to make a quick shot at closer

distances. Adjustable Objective Lens
Adjustable Objective
4. Parallax Adjustments Setting the adjustable objective lens
Parallax is a phenomenon that results when the target image does on the AO models is very easy.
not quite fall on the same optical plane as the reticle within the A. Be sure that the reticle is properly
scope. When the shooter’s eye is not precisely centered in the focused (see page 6).
eyepiece, there can be an apparent movement of the target in B. Match the range number
relation to the reticle which can cause a small shift in the point of on the objective lens barrel
(distance you are shooting) as closely as possible to the indicator
aim. Parallax causes the greatest problem on small targets at high
arrow on the riflescope body.
magnification as with varmint and target shooting.
C. Check the setting by moving your head up/down and left/right
Some Diamondback riflescopes have an adjustable objective (AO) while looking through the scope. The setting is correct if there
lens. Most other models are set at the factory to be parallax-free at is no apparent movement between the reticle and target. If
100 yards; this is a setting that will work well for the majority of there is movement, continue adjusting the lens slightly until
shooting situations encountered in the field. A few models will be the movement is eliminated.
parallax-free at 50 yards.

Riflescope Installation
To get the best results from your Diamondback riflescope, proper mounting is essential. Although not extremely difficult, the correct steps must
be followed. If you are unsure of your abilities, it would be best to use the services of a qualified gunsmith.

1. Centering the Reticle 3. Adjust for Maximum Eye Relief

Your Diamondback riflescope is pre-set at the factory with the Before the final tightening of the scope rings, adjust for maximum
reticle centered in both adjustment ranges. This is the ideal eye relief in order to avoid injury from recoil.
position to begin sight-in. If you have changed the settings and A. With the riflescope set at the lowest magnification, slide
wish to re-center the reticle, follow this procedure: the scope as far forward as possible in the rings.
B. While viewing through the scope in the normal shooting position,
A. Turn either dial (windage or elevation) as far as you can in
slowly slide the scope back towards you. When you feel you just hit
one direction until it stops.
the full field of view, stop. Without disturbing the front-back
B. Turn the dial in the other direction until it stops, carefully
setting, slowly rotate the scope until the elevation dial is at the top
counting the audible clicks as you turn the dial.
of the scope and the vertical crosshair of the reticle matches the
C. Turn the dial back again to half the number of clicks counted
vertical axis of the rifle. Using a visual vertical reference such as the
in Step B—the reticle will be centered for that adjustment only.
edge of a building or telephone pole can help with this.
D. Repeat for the other adjustment so that the reticle is centered
C. Tighten the rings per the manufacturer’s instructions.
in both the windage and elevation settings.

2. Mount As Low as Possible 4. Bore Sighting

Using high quality, appropriately sized rings* and bases matched Initial bore sighting of the scope at short range of 50 yards will
to your rifle, mount the scope as low as possible on the rifle. A save time and money at the shooting range. This can be done using
low mounting will help assure proper cheek weld and aid in a a bore sighter, following the manufacturer’s instructions, or by
solid shooting position and fast target acquisition. We recommend removing the bolt and sighting through the barrel on a bolt action
using the lowest rings that will give complete clearance of scope rifle. With the rifle placed solidly on a bench and the bolt removed,
and rifle. Avoid contact with barrel, receiver, bolt handle, or any sight through the bore and center the target inside the the barrel.
other part of the rifle. Work the riflescope’s zoom ring and rifle’s With the bulls-eye centered in the bore, make windage and elevation
action to assure no contact. Be sure to follow the manufacturer adjustments until the reticle crosshair is also centered over the bulls-
instructions supplied with the rings and mounting base. eye. If possible, make initial windage adjustments using the mounting
*Standard Diamondback models use 1-inch rings. base rather than the riflescope’s windage dial.

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Riflescope Installation continued.

5. Base Adjustments and Shimming 6. The Final Range Sight-In

Vortex riflescopes come centered from the factory, but you will Final sight-in should be done at the range using the exact
need to make some adjustments when initially sighting in your ammunition you expect to hunt or shoot with. Set the parallax
scope. Many ring and base setups allow you to adjust windage adjustment on AO models to match the distance being used for
at the base mount. If possible, use these adjustments for initial sight-in. After the scope has been bore-sighted:
windage change. Though not usually necessary, you can correct A. Fire a shot or two to check that you’re roughly on target. If necessary,
the elevation adjustments using shims under the base mount. adjust the reticle to put you near the center of the target (see page 7).
B. Next, fire a three-shot group as precisely as possible. Using the center
Assuming typical ring spacing of 3.25”, a shim of .001”
will yield 1” at 100 yards, 2” at 200 yards, and so on. of this group as a reference, make any necessary correction adjustments
for windage and elevation. Adjust the dials in the direction you wish the
Shim under the front base for more down adjustability and group to move.
under the rear base (nearest shooter) for more up adjustability. C. Fire a final three-shot group to confirm your adjustment and repeat
Note: until you achieve satisfactory results.
If large windage/elevation corrections have been made using bases or shims, it
will be necessary to have the rings lapped. Consult a qualified gunsmith if you’re
unsure of this procedure.

7. Resetting Adjustment Dials with Zero Reset

Diamondback riflescopes feature windage/elevation dials that Steps for resetting the dials
will allow you to re-index the zero indicator after sight-in without A. Remove outer cap and carefully loosen the central slot head screw
disturbing your settings. This allows you to quickly return to your (A1) using a coin or screwdriver while firmly holding the silver
numbered turret (A2) to prevent any rotation.
original zero if temporary corrections are used in the field.
B. Once the screw has been removed, lift the silver turret straight up and
off the scope (B1), again being very careful to prevent any rotation.
C. Position the turret so that the zero mark matches the indicator line
on the base (C1) and carefully push it back down on the base. Replace
and tighten the central screw while firmly holding the turret to
prevent rotation.
D. Replace outer cap and repeat as needed for both dials.

Step A Step B Step C

Riflescope Maintenance
Your Diamondback riflescope will require very little routine maintenance other than periodically cleaning the exterior lenses. All components of
Vortex riflescopes are permanently lubricated so no additional lubricant should be applied.

Lens Care Riflescope Body Care

When cleaning the lenses, be sure to use products such as the Clean the exterior of the riflescope by wiping with the soft, dry
Vortex Lens Pen or the Fog Free lens cleaning kits that are cleaning cloth provided with the Diamondback riflescope.
designed for use on coated optical lenses. Be sure to blow away
Avoid storage in direct sunlight or hot locations since high temperatures
any dust or grit on the lenses prior to wiping the surfaces. Using
can adversely affect internal lubricants. Do not attempt to disassemble any
your breath, a very small amount of water, or pure alcohol can components of your riflescope.
help remove oil and dried water spots.

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Riflescope Troubleshooting
The VIP Warranty
Please check the following before returning a riflescope for service.
This Vortex riflescope is built with
Many times, problems thought to be with the riflescope are actually with the
our commitment to your absolute
riflescope’s mount.
satisfaction; it is engineered to last and
1. Be sure the mounts are tight to the rifle and that the scope is
secure in the rings; you should not be able to twist or move is unconditionally guaranteed. Vortex
the scope in the rings. pledges this Very Important Promise to
2. Insufficient windage or elevation adjustment range can you, a Very Important Person—and that’s why we call it the
indicate alignment problems with base mount holes drilled in VIP warranty.
the rifle’s receiver or riflescope base; this may also indicate In the event that your Diamondback riflescope requires service,
alignment problems with barrel and receiver. Re-center the reticle no matter the cause*, Vortex Optics will repair or replace
(see page 10) and then check the bore sight. If the reticle is way (at our discretion) the riflescope at no charge to you. What’s
off while centered, base adjustment or shimming may be needed. more, there is no time limit on our promise.
Consult a qualified gunsmith if unsure of correct procedure.
3. If a rifle fails to group well, be sure the rifle’s action is bedded *The VIP warranty does not include loss, theft, deliberate damage, or damage
correctly and that all mounting screws are properly tightened. because of unauthorized repair, modification, or disassembly. Vortex Optics
The rifle’s barrel and action must be clean and free of excessive reserves the right to replace warranted product with a product of similar value
and/or with similar specifications in the event that the original product is no
oil or copper fouling. Be sure the ammunition works well with
longer manufactured or has been discontinued. With no warranty card to fill out,
the rifle—try a type known to have grouped well in the rifle. the VIP warranty is completely transferable.

Vortex Optics Technical Service

Vortex makes optics, not just riflescopes!
See our complete line of binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods, For technical service questions, call the Vortex Optics Technical
and accessories at your nearest Vortex dealer. Service telephone number at (800) 426-0048 or send an e-mail
to [email protected].
To receive your free Vortex product literature, simply call,
e-mail, or write Vortex Optics: If your scope requires warranty service, please follow these
practical instructions before shipping:
Vortex Optics 1. Remove the rings and any other accessories from the scope.
2120 West Greenview Drive 2. Include a note with your name, shipping address, daytime
Middleton, WI 53562 phone, e-mail, and a description of the problem.
3. Add padding around the riflescope, then pack inside a shipping
(800) 426-0048
[email protected] carton to avoid damage during the shipping process.
Send all service repairs to:

Vortex Optics
2120 West Greenview Drive
Middleton, WI 53562