The Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x 42mm rifle scope has quietly earned a reputation as one of the best values in optics. It does a lot of things right without creeping into premium pricing. With Christmas behind us, many shooters are unboxing new rifles, spending gift cards, or finally upgrading the glass on rifles they already own. This is the price range where smart choices matter most. It’s also where the Diamondback HP stands out.
This scope comes up often in discussions among experienced shooters, Reddit threads, and rimfire forums. It earns that attention by delivering performance that outpaces its price. The Diamondback HP works well on everything from a Ruger 10/22 to a bolt-action rimfire trainer or a lightweight centerfire hunting rifle. I’ve used this scope on both 10/22 rifles and a bolt-action .308. Based on that experience, I wouldn’t hesitate to mount one on a CZ 457 or a Ruger American Rimfire.
What Makes the Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x Different?
The Diamondback HP (High Performance) line bridges the gap between entry-level optics and true mid-tier scopes. You’re getting features that actually matter in the field – not marketing fluff – and that’s where its value really shows.
- 4-16x magnification range for confidence on distant targets
- 42mm objective keeps weight down while maintaining clarity
- Side focus parallax adjustment for precision shooting
- Simple Dead-Hold BDC reticle for practical holdovers
- Solid internal tracking and repeatability
All that for $199.99 – but there’s a catch. This steep discount off MSRP is only available on the MidwayUSA.com website.
Glass Quality and Clarity of the Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x
For the money, the glass is impressive. Edge-to-edge clarity is very good, chromatic aberration is well controlled, and the image remains usable even at the upper end of the magnification range. You won’t confuse it with premium European glass, but it outperforms many scopes that cost significantly more.
Even at 16x, the image stays clear enough for precise shot placement on small targets – which is why so many rimfire shooters gravitate toward it. On centerfire rifles, it provides more than enough clarity for typical hunting distances.
Why It Works So Well on Rimfire Rifles
The Diamondback HP has become especially popular on rifles like the Ruger 10/22 and bolt-action rimfires because of its forgiving eye box, usable magnification range, and reliable parallax adjustment. Rimfire shooters often need higher magnification for small targets, steel, and paper – and this scope delivers without being oversized or heavy. It weighs just 18 ounces.
Unlike many budget scopes, the adjustments track consistently, which matters when dialing for rimfire distances. That reliability is a big reason it’s recommended so often by experienced shooters online.
Performance on Centerfire Rifles
While it shines on rimfire platforms, the Diamondback HP also holds its own on centerfire hunting rifles. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle works well for real-world holdovers, and the scope handles recoil without losing zero.
For hunters who want a lightweight optic that won’t dominate the rifle or the budget, this is an easy recommendation. It’s well-suited for whitetail, varmint, and general-purpose hunting setups.
Why Shooters Keep Recommending the Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x
Spend any time reading shooter feedback and you’ll see the same themes come up again and again: reliability, value, and consistency. The Diamondback HP isn’t trying to compete with $1,000 tactical scopes. Instead, it delivers honest performance at a price that makes sense.
That’s exactly why it keeps showing up in “best value rifle scope” discussions. At this price point, there’s very little that offers the same balance of quality and features. Pair it with a decent set of 1-inch rings and you’re looking at a solid optic setup for under $250. On top of that, it’s backed by Vortex’s unconditional, no-questions-asked lifetime warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for the performance
- Clear glass for the price
- Reliable tracking and repeatability
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Versatile magnification range
Cons
- Not a true long-range competition optic
- Turrets are capped, not exposed
- BDC reticle may not suit all shooting styles
Final Thoughts: Is the Diamondback HP Worth It?
The Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x remains one of the best value rifle scopes available. It’s versatile, reliable, and works well across a wide range of rifles without compromise. While it lacks the flashy features of newer optics, it makes up for that with solid performance and consistency.
If you’re shopping for a scope after Christmas, this is a smart place to put your money. It’s a practical upgrade that delivers real value. I’m even considering another one to upgrade my 10/22 field rifle.
You can check current pricing and availability here:
Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x at MidwayUSA
Full specs:
| Magnification/Objective Diameter | 4-16x 42mm |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Weight | 18 Ounce |
| Tube Diameter | 1″ |
| Minimum Power | 4 |
| Power Variability | Variable |
| Maximum Power | 16 |
| 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 Eye Piece | Yes |
| Lens Coating | XR Fully Multi-Coated |
| Warranty | Vortex VIP Lifetime Warranty |
| Rings Included | No |
| Sun Shade Included | Yes |
| Lens Covers Included | Yes |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC |
| Reticle Construction | Wire |
| Illuminated Reticle | No |
| Reticle Focal Plane Location | 2nd |
| Parallax Adjustment | 30 Yards-Infinity |
| Fog Proof | Yes |
| Shock Proof | Yes |
| Overall Length (A) | 12.5 Inches |
| Eyepiece Bell to Objective Bell Length (B) | 5.2 Inches |
| Objective Bell to Turret Length (C) | 1.9 Inches |
| Eyepiece Bell to Turret Length (D) | 1.9 Inches |
| Eyepiece Length (E) | 3.6 Inches |
| Objective Bell Length (F) | 3.7 Inches |
| Objective Diameter (G) | 2 Inches |
| Eyepiece Diameter (H) | 1.69 Inches |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 42 Millimeter |
| Eye Relief | 4 Inches |
| Field of View @ 100 Yards Minimum Power | 23.8 Feet |
| Field of View @ 100 Yards Maximum Power | 6.1 Feet |
| Maximum Windage Adjustment | 80 MOA |
| Maximum Elevation Adjustment | 80 MOA |
| Sun Shade Length | 4 Inches |