Your do-it-all rifle needs a do-it-all optic. The Designated Marksman Rifle delivers both sniper and rifle functions. Today’s post shines a light on the best DMR scopes. A Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) is a high-precision rifle mainly used for shooting out to multiple hundred yards.
For your DMR to hit long-range targets accurately, you need a versatile, reliable and high-quality scope mounted on it. A scope will give you better visuals of your targets and bring them closer for accurate shooting. This will give you better field results.
With the market offering a multitude of riflescopes, finding the best DMR scopes can be taxing. After thorough research, we were able to find riflescopes perfect for any DMR shooter. Read on and find out more.
What makes a Great DMR Scope?
A quality scope is all you need to shoot better with a DMR rifle. Since this rifle is renowned for its long-range accuracy and efficiency, a good scope will give you a clear image of your target even at a faraway distance. Several things make a scope great for DMR.
First, it should have high-quality optics that provide bright, clear and sharp as razor images. The optics should also have quality coatings to ensure maximum light transmission.
The scope should also have adequate magnification power and be fully waterproof and fog-free for all-weather reliability. It should also have sturdy and durable housing so you will get many years from it.
What Magnification do you Need?
Your ideal magnification will depend on how far you intend to shoot and your personal preference. If you plan to hunt/shoot on the same distance range, a scope with fixed power scope with moderate magnification will do.
On the other hand, if you plan to use the scope for different ranges, you’ll need a scope with adjustable magnification. Since DMR rifles don’t require so high magnification, a scope with a moderate magnification power will be sufficient.
7 Best DMR Scopes
Finding the best DMR scopes is no easy task. With so many scopes to choose from, finding a model that fits your specific needs can be difficult especially if you are a first-time buyer. But there is no need to worry. If you are on the hunt for the best DMR scope, here is a list of our top picks and a guide to help you choose right. Let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
Vortex is a big name in the field of optics and it’s renowned for making high-quality and affordable optics. The Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope offers the best DMR features at a reasonable price tag.
Strike Eagle 1-6×24 riflescope is defined by speed and versatility making it one of the best DMR scopes. What makes this Vortex riflescope perfect for DMR rifles is the illuminated, glass-etched BDC reticle.
This reticle helps you shoot accurately in poor lighting conditions and has 11 different illumination settings for use in adverse lighting conditions. It also brings to the table top-tier, fully multi-coated lenses that deliver brilliant and clear images and superb low-light performance.
While the 1-6x adjustable magnification seems low for long-range shooting, it’s ideal for a DMR. The 1x magnification is suitable for close-range applications and if you need to engage distant targets, simply adjust to 6x and bring the targets closer. Whether it’s engaging targets from point-blank or a distance, you can rely on this riflescope.
The scope comes with a fast focus dial for easy reticle focusing and long eye relief for added safety. In terms of construction, it has durable housing that’s waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. Without a doubt, the Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP riflescope is one of the best DMR scopes as it is up to the task when called upon.
Features
- 1-6x adjustable magnification
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and fog-free
- Lightweight and portable
- Illuminated glass-etched BDC reticle
- Durable and shockproof
- High-quality fully multi-coated lenses
- 11 illumination settings
- 5” eye relief
- Capped turrets
- 30mm tube
2) EOTECH Vudu 1-8x24mm Precision Rifle Scope
When it comes to durability, precision and versatility, you can trust the EOTECH Vudu 1-8x24mm precision rifle scope. The scope is compatible with AR platforms making it one of the best DMR scopes.
It’s built from aircraft-grade aluminum and has a hard-anodized finish that enhances its durability. It’s water-resistant, fogproof and shockproof to give you a lifetime of performance. This rugged design also helps prevent damage from rough handling and heavy recoil.
This scope offers outstanding optical performance. It has low-dispersion glass that produces high-quality and color-accurate images. On top of that, all the lenses have an anti-reflective coating that maximizes light transmission for unmatched edge-to-edge clarity.
The illuminated dot remains highly visible during the day and is easy to shoot within low-light conditions. Built for speed and precision, this scope delivers tactical precision when it matters most.
With the 1-8x variable magnification, this scope is perfect for both close and long-distance shooting. The throw lever included allows for quick magnification changes and with the one-piece eyepiece magnification ring, you get a simple, fluid transition from low to high magnification power. For utmost precision when taking long-range shots, the scope has a quadplex BDC reticle that provides accurate ballistic holdovers.
Features
- Illuminated dot BDC reticle with 10 brightness settings
- Single-piece 30mm tube
- Low-profile capped turrets
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- XC high-density glass
- Daylight visible illuminated dot
- Anti-reflective lens coating
- 1-8x magnification
- Throw lever
- One-piece eyepiece
3) Athlon Optics Ares ETR 1-10 x 28 mm Riflescope
When it comes to riflescopes, Athlon is one of the most trusted brands. It makes fine optics and the Ares ETR 1-10 x 28 mm Riflescope is no different. It’s rugged, reliable and an important addition for anyone who owns a DMR.
Ares ETR 1-10×28 is specially designed to expedite both close-quarters engagements and long-range shooting scenarios with utmost precision making it one of the best DMR scopes.
The scope has an illuminated reticle housed in the first focal plane. It stays valid at all magnification settings so you can shoot more accurately. It also boasts fully multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission for bright and better image quality. To add to that, this riflescope utilizes UHD glass that minimizes chromatic aberration to give you color-accurate images in any light conditions.
With the precision zero-stop system, you’ll be able to get back to your zero position easily. In terms of construction, this scope has an aircraft-grade aluminum tube that’s fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. To top it all, it comes with an XPL coating that protects the external lenses from scratches, dirt, oil and more.
Features
- 1-10x adjustable magnification
- 28mm objective lens
- FFP illuminated reticle
- Advanced fully multi-coated optics
- Precision zero-stop system
- Aircraft-grade aluminum tube for durability and strength
- XPL lens coating
- UHD glass
- High-precision erector system
- Locking elevation turret
4) Primary Arms 4-14 x 44 mm FFP Riflescope
As one of the best DMR scopes, Primary Arms 4-14 x 44 mm FFP Riflescope offers great durability and dependable performance. It’s fully waterproof and fogproof for use in any weather conditions and shockproof to handle harsh and unforgiving field conditions.
Featuring 4x to 14x magnification, this scope is perfect for shooting at varying ranges. You can use the 4x for close-range targets then ramp up to 14x when you need to engage distant targets.
It has an ACSS Orion reticle placed in the first focal plane so it remains true through the scope’s whole magnification range. Additionally, the reticle has 2.5, 5 and 10mph wind holds at each range to improve your accuracy. Overall, it’s a high-quality riflescope that’s amazingly light and portable.
Features
- Multiple reticle styles
- FFP ACSS Orion reticle
- 4x to 14x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- Lightweight and portable design
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Reticle with quick ranging and wind hold
- 3-year warranty
5) NightForce ATACR 1-8×24 F1 Riflescope
The NightForce ATACR 1-8×24 F1 riflescope is a leader among LPVO scopes and a force to be reckoned with among the best MDR scopes. It features a variable 1x to 8x magnification that makes it suitable for shooting at varying ranges. It works well with any DMR rifle and provides much-needed accuracy when shooting distant targets.
It has a lightweight design so it won’t add unnecessary weight to your rifle and a streamlined profile that makes it easy to shoot with. The center red dot allows for quick target acquisitions and it stays visible even during the day. Pristine target images make it a favorite among DMR shooters.
This scope boasts premium ED glass that provides high-quality sight pictures and an intelligent FC-DMx FFP reticle that gives you precise hold and hold-off points. It also comes with low-profile turrets that are capped to help prevent accidental adjustments and a throw lever for fast magnification adjustments.
Features
- 1-8x variable zoom
- Premium ED glass
- Intelligent FC-DMx FFP reticle
- Lightweight design and streamlined profile
- Daylight visible center red dot
- Capped low-profile turrets
- Integrated power throw lever
- Wide field of view
6) Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm Riflescope
If you are on a budget, the AR 3-9x40mm riflescope is your ideal option. It offers great versatility and comes with everything a DMR needs. It’s simple to shoot with and a perfect option for both beginners and professional shooters.
It features a 3-9x variable magnification for shooting at varying ranges and a side parallax focus for accurate adjustments. The turrets are exposed to help you make adjustments quickly and with a throw lever included, you will be able to make magnification changes quickly.
The multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces enhance light transmission when shooting in low light and provide bright and high-contrast images. You can also trust the scope to perform in any weather condition as it has an IPX7 waterproof construction. Overall, it’s a great optic that provides outstanding value.
Features
- Drop Zone -223 SFP reticle
- IPX7 waterproof construction
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Throw-down power change lever
- Exposed turrets
- Side focus parallax
- 3-9x variable magnification
- Wide field of view
- 40mm objective lens
7) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescope
If you are looking for a military-grade scope for your DMR, look no further than the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 riflescope. It features a rugged aluminum-alloy housing that makes it virtually indestructible. You can subject it to the harshest field conditions and it will still perform.
With this riflescope, you can shoot with both your eyes open. It utilizes the Bindon Aiming Concept. It’s perfect for use in the military as it’s combat-proven. There is no other optic that has been used in combat more than the ACOG.
Another notable feature of the riflescope is the battery-free illumination. The fiber optic/tritium reticle adjusts its brightness setting automatically depending on the amount of light present. Even better, the amber Chevron-ranging reticle included allows for bullet drop compensation when shooting targets that are as far as 800m away.
Features
- Battery-free illumination
- Durable aluminum alloy housing
- Combat proven
- Ranging reticle with bullet drop compensation
- Fixed 3.5x magnification
- 35mm objective lens
- Ultralightweight design
- Brilliant aiming points
- Both eyes open design
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Best DMR Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Considerations when Choosing the Best DMR Scopes
Image Quality
When hunting/shooting with a DMR, having a clear picture of your subjects is vital in placing an accurate shot. This can only be achieved if the scope has a quality lens and quality lens coatings as well.
As you shop around for the best DMR scope, make sure that it is made with top-tier glass preferably ED or HD. Also, the lenses should be fully multi-coated or multi-coated to maximize light transmission.
Magnification
Magnification power is one of the basics to consider when buying a scope. Magnification helps bring the target closer for easy identification and more accurate shooting. A scope with a high magnification power will help in targeting even when the targets are far away.
With a DMR, your ideal magnification power largely depends on the shooting activity you’ll be engaged in and your personal preference. Get a fixed power scope with medium magnification if you will be shooting at the same distance and a variable power scope if you will be shooting at varying distances.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is responsible for collecting light into the scope. The larger the objective lens, the more light is gathered and the brighter and clearer the images will be when you look through the optic. Larger lenses also enhance light transmission in low-light settings.
If you plan to shoot in twilight conditions, a large objective lens will give you clear target views than a smaller objective lens. However, bigger isn’t always better. A large objective lens makes the scope heavy, difficult to carry around and more expensive.
Reticle
The reticle on your scope needs to be usable at both close and long ranges. A scope with a Mil-Dot or ballistic-style crosshairs will help you make accurate long-range shots. Other than the reticle design, you will have to choose between a first focal plane reticle or a second focal plane reticle.
A first focal plane reticle changes with a change in magnification. It gets smaller as you zoom in and larger when you zoom out. With this type of reticle, holdover points stay the same regardless of how much you zoom in on a target.
A second focal plane reticle remains unchanged when you adjust the scope’s magnification. When you zoom in or out, the space between the marks changes concerning the target. As a result, the holdover points are correct at one magnification only.
Durability
A DMR scope must be toughly built to endure rough field handling and harsh elements of the battlefield. Look for a scope that’s crafted with high-quality materials preferably aluminum or magnesium alloy. The scope should also be shockproof, waterproof and fogproof for use in any weather condition.
Weight
Weight is the other important factor you should consider. The DMR rifle is a hefty weapon so you wouldn’t want to add in unnecessary weight by using a bulky scope. Go for the lightest scope possible. It will be simpler to carry in the field and easier to stabilize your DMR when you need to make an accurate shot without a proper shooting position.
See Also
Best DMR Scopes FAQs
Q: What Brand of Scope is used by the Military?
The military force in different countries uses a specific brand of scopes. In the US, the military uses the Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gun Scope, 553 EOTech, or M68 CCO.
Q: What Do Numbers is a Scope Represent?
The numbers in scope represent the magnification power and the size of the objective lens. For instance, in a 3-9x40mm scope, 3-9x is the magnification power of the scope while 40 is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters.
Q: What Magnification Do Snipers Use?
Snipers often use scopes with 2-12x magnification which works well for long-range shooting. Since the magnification is adjustable, you can easily reset it when you need a lower or higher power. The high magnification also helps you meet targets accurately regardless of how far they are.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has given you the information you need about the best DMR scopes. What you plan to use the DMR scope for largely determines which scope you should get. Take your time and compare the features that different scopes offer then choose the product that works best for your specific needs.