I've been seriously interested in getting into the precision rimfire world (specifically NRL22 here in Utah) and am looking at getting. a Tikka T1x to start out with. As far as scopes go I've been looking at the Vortex Diamondback Tactical and the Bushnell Match Pro. Have you got opinions favoring one over the other? I'd love a zero stop but just don't think that feature is in the budget. Been watching as much as I can about precision rimfire and getting into NRL22 and have appreciated your videos, thanks!
Everyone’s eyes are different if you have the ability to look through them both I’d start there. If not I’d look over the retical and see which one you prefer. I don’t have any firsthand experience with the Bushnell.
I have the T1x and shoot NRL22. The Diamondback Tactical is a great optic. We have used them for a long time. I haven't had the chance to use the Bushnell Pro, but know of a few that use them and they are very happy with them. My opinion (worth what you pay for it) is to move up to the Vortex Venom over the Diamondback Tactical - or if you can afford it, the Strike Eagle. Here is the reasons: 1) Venom & Strike Eagle uses a 34mm tube size. This gives you a LOT more elevation travel, which is important for 22lr, especially if you are going to be hitting targets past 200 yards, which we do from time to time (x-matches & nationals). 2) Venom & Strike Eagle utilizes 10 mil's per rotation on the elevation turret where the Diamondback uses only 6 per rotation. The reason this is valuable is for quick dialing and ease of use. If you need to dial 14 mils to hit your target, on the venom you go 1 revolution and then to 4. Easy and fast. The Diamondback, you dial 1 rotation, then another rotation, and then to 2. This gets very confusing, especially if you have two targets and you have to bounce between the two. Example, one target at 14 mils, the next target at 7 mils. On the Venom, you dial one rotation (=10 mils) and then to 4 (=14 mils), shoot, then dial back to 7, shoot and then dial back up to 4 (=14 mils) again. With the Diamondback, you dial one rotation (=6 mils), then another rotation (=12 mils), then to 2 (=14 mils)- shoot - then dial back down to zero plus one full rotation (-2 mils & -6 mils), then down another 5 to 1 (=7 mils), shoot, then dial back up to zero plus one full rotation (+5 mils & + 6 mils) and then to 2 (=14 mils). See the confusion? The only difference I can tell between the Venom and the Strike Eagle is the Strike Eagle has an illuminated reticle. Other than that, they both appear to be the same optics. As Boyd mentioned in the video, the lit reticle is valuable if you ever plan on shooting a night match. These are rare, but extremely fun. Being from Utah, if you want to come out to one of our matches, I have a loaner rifle with a Diamondback Tactical on it you are welcome to use to see if you like it. This really is the best way to try before you buy. I also have a Strike Eagle on my T1X that you can check out too. Hit me up at Saltlakenrl22.com
