Quote Originally Posted by BT View Post
I had a Vortex Diamondback 4-12 on a 30/30 Carbine and it was fantasticly clear and the BDC reticle was useful. They can be had for under $200.
My first Vortex was an early Diamondback model in 4-12. This one had the A/O feature. It came with a 25-35 Contender barrel, and I liked it -- a LOT. I made a number of long shots (long for me, anyway) with that rig, including a double on bobcats at 272 and 274 yards.

After that, I had a couple more Diamondbacks, including another 4-12 but without the AO. Glass-wise, they fell somewhere between the Vari-X IIs and Vari-X IIIs that I had then -- and cost much less.