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Vortex

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.

3-9x40mm Rifle

Dead-Hold BDC reticle

Second Focal

Holdover and wind drift correction

Fully Multi-coated

Glass lens surfaces for tack-sharp

Single-piece 1-inch

Aircraft-grade aluminum tube construction

Argon Gas

Purging and O-ring seals help

$249.99
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SKU: WX2*0612746

Overview

Built for hunters who want a straightforward magnified optic for big game, muzzleloader, and slug shotgun setups, this 3-9x40mm scope combines a second focal plane reticle with holdover and wind drift correction. The fully multi-coated glass and 40mm objective are intended to provide a clear sight picture, while the 1-inch single-piece aluminum tube and hard anodized finish add a rugged, low-glare profile. Argon gas purging and O-ring seals help protect the optic from internal fogging and intrusion from moisture, dust, and debris. Capped, finger-adjustable turrets and the Precision Glide Erector System round out a practical package for field use and routine sight-in work.

Why Hunters Choose the Vortex

Fully Multi-coated

Glass lenses support clear, tack-sharp

3-9x Magnification

Suits big game, muzzleloader, and

Second Focal

Plane reticle includes holdover and

Single-piece 1-inch

Aircraft-grade aluminum tube adds strength

Argon Gas

Purging and O-ring seals help

Key Features

  • 3-9x40mm rifle scope with Dead-Hold BDC reticle
  • Second focal plane reticle with holdover and wind drift correction
  • Fully multi-coated glass lens surfaces for tack-sharp images
  • Single-piece 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube construction
  • Argon gas purging and O-ring seals help block fog, moisture, dust, and debris
  • Finger-adjustable capped turrets allow return-to-zero after sighting in
  • Precision-Glide Erector System supports smooth magnification changes

Best Used For

  • Big-game hunters wanting a 3-9x40mm scope with holdover and wind-drift correction
  • Muzzleloader and slug shotgun users needing a second focal plane hunting optic
  • Hunters who prefer capped turrets and easy return-to-zero after sighting in
  • Budget-conscious shooters seeking a feature-rich scope for field and range use
  • Users wanting a 1-inch tube scope with fog-resistant sealing and low-glare finish

Specifications

Adjustment TypeFinger-adjustable
Blade FinishHard anodized
Erector SystemPrecision Glide Erector System
Focal PlaneSecond Focal Plane
Gas PurgedArgon gas purged
Lens CoatingFully multi-coated
Magnification3-9x
MaterialAircraft-grade aluminum alloy
Objective Lens Diameter40mm
Recoil ResistanceRecoil-resistant
ReticleDead-Hold BDC
Seal TypeO-ring sealed
Tube Diameter1"
Turret TypeCapped turrets

Pros

  • Fully multi-coated glass lenses support clear, tack-sharp images.
  • 3-9x magnification suits big game, muzzleloader, and slug shotgun use.
  • Second focal plane reticle includes holdover and wind drift correction.
  • Single-piece 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube adds strength and alignment.
  • Argon gas purging and O-ring seals help block fogging, moisture, and debris.
  • Capped, finger-adjustable turrets allow easy return-to-zero after sighting in.

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • The 3-9x magnification range is well suited to general hunting use, but it is not intended for longer-range dialing or higher-magnification applications.
  • The Second Focal Plane reticle keeps the reticle size constant, so holdover and wind-drift references are not scaled the same way at every magnification setting.
  • Capped turrets are practical for a hunting setup, but they are less convenient for frequent on-the-fly adjustments than exposed target-style turrets.
  • The 1" tube and 40mm objective keep the profile familiar and manageable, though they may offer less adjustment range and light-gathering potential than larger-tube or larger-objective designs.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Hunting rifle scopes
  • Muzzleloader scopes
  • Slug shotgun scopes
  • Second focal plane scopes

Suggested Accessories

  • Scope rings
  • Lens covers
  • Rifle scope mount
  • Scope sunshade

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Diamondback Tactical 3-9x40mm set up for holdover and wind drift correction?

Yes. The product description states that the Second Focal Plane reticle includes holdover and wind drift correction.

What kind of hunting use is this scope described for?

It is described as suitable for big game, muzzleloader, and slug shotgun applications.

Does this scope use a one-piece tube construction?

Yes. The 1" tube is described as being constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum for strength, alignment, improved accuracy, and visual performance.

What features are listed to help protect the scope from moisture and fogging?

The description says argon gas purging and O-ring seals help prevent internal fogging and keep moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating the scope.

Are the turrets adjustable in the field?

The scope has capped turrets that are finger-adjustable and are described as allowing return-to-zero after sighting in.