The 4 Best DMR Scopes

Designated Marksman Rifles (DMRs) combine the features of both rifles and sniper rifles, creating a distinct category of firearms. They hold significant importance in both law enforcement and military applications. A high-quality DMR scope is essential for these rifles, offering several specialized functions. Here, I review what I consider the top four DMR scopes for my rifle.

Best Budget Buy	UTG 3-9x32mm Bugbuster AO RGB Mil-dot	Lightweight and build quality Tactical Range Estimating (TRE) Mil-dot reticle 1-inch tube with multi coating Limited eye-relief	$121 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Burris Scout 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope	Up to 12 inches of eye relief Great shock/fog/waterproof features Anti-glare technology Doesn’t seem to do well with low lighting A bit pricey	$396 Shop NowClick to read my review
Top Pick	Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Riflescope	One of the lightest scopes available Used by U.S. Marine corps Requires low scope rings Not night vision capable View can be a little hazy in closer ranges	$229 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope	ACSS reticle with wide magnification range Crystal clear optic with 4-14x magnification Waterproof, shockproof and nitrogen purged Not ideal for short to mid-ranges Reticle is specifically designed for .308 or .223 only	$259 Shop NowClick to read my review

Buyer’s Guide for Choosing the Best DMR Scopes

Magnification

A magnification of 4x or less is generally adequate for a DMR. You won’t require anything beyond that range. The ideal DMR optics should enable accurate shooting beyond 400 yards. It’s important that your scope allows for rapid target acquisition and supports close-range engagements as well.

When engaging multiple targets, a wide field of view (FOV) proves advantageous. There is a close relationship between magnification and FOV; as magnification increases, the field of view typically decreases.

Reticle

Selecting the appropriate reticle for your rifle scope is nearly as important as choosing the scope itself. For your DMR scope, it’s essential to pick a reticle that offers a balance between long-range accuracy and rapid target acquisition. Additionally, the reticle can be either in the first focal plane (FFP) or the second focal plane (SFP).

The main difference is that an SFP reticle maintains a constant size regardless of the magnification level, whereas an FFP reticle’s size changes with the scope’s magnification.

There are many reticle options available, including BDC and Mil-Dot reticles. Simple crosshair reticles are also an option and perform well. Furthermore, a designated marksman scope should ideally include night vision capabilities for use in low-light or nighttime conditions.

Lightweight

DMR optics need to be lightweight to help keep the overall weight of the rifle manageable. A heavy rifle combined with a bulky scope can be cumbersome and challenging to maneuver. Therefore, choosing a lightweight DMR scope will make handling the rifle easier and facilitate better stability for accurate shooting.

Durability

To ensure optimal performance, the DMR demands dependable optics. These optics must endure rigorous handling and function well in extreme conditions. They need to be robust and durable yet light enough to avoid compromising the rifle’s accuracy and recoil management. Many modern DMR scopes come with features like shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof capabilities. Additionally, some scopes offer warranties that cover potential damage incurred during use.

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The 4 Best DMR Scopes

UTG 3-9x32mm Bugbuster AO RGB Mil-dot

Materials – The UTG Bugbuster is a robust scope built for durability and long-term use. If you’re seeking a scope that is both resilient and well-constructed, this is an excellent choice. It can handle the recoil of a rifle as well as common impacts, jolts, and scratches. Featuring adjustable QD rings and a 1-inch tube with multi-coated lenses for enhanced light transmission, this scope offers comprehensive protection with shockproof, rainproof, and fog-proof attributes. The UTG brand has been offering mil-dot reticle optics since 2003, which have been extensively tested by hunters worldwide. This DMR scope lives up to the high standards associated with the brand.

Performance – This UTG scope stands as a standard DMR option with its mil-dot reticle and clear optics. While it is compact, it does have somewhat limited eye relief. The target turrets with 1/4 MOA adjustments deliver precise and reliable windage and elevation settings. The illuminated reticle feature might not be necessary, but the scope performs well without it. Additionally, it comes with two lithium batteries, ensuring that you can use it effectively in various situations.

What we say – The UTG 3-9×32 Bugbuster Scope is our top pick for Best Budget Buy. Despite its affordability, this scope is packed with features that enhance your rifle’s accuracy. It excels in performance and innovation, boasting the unique Tactical Range Estimating (TRE) Mil-dot reticle that is a hallmark of UTG optics. With a price tag of $121, it’s a great scope overall, offering impressive value for money.

Burris Scout 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope

Materials – The Burris Scout DMR optic features a sleek, nearly all-black design and weighs just 13 ounces. Measuring 9.7 inches in length, it offers 9-12 inches of eye relief. This DMR scope is multi-coated with anti-glare resistance to handle various brightness conditions. It is fully shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, and comes with Burris’s lifetime warranty, making it particularly suitable for M1A and M14 series rifles.

Performance – The Burris Scout DMR scope is notably compact and lightweight compared to other DMR options. It perfectly aligns with the needs of both scout and designated marksman rifles. Its lightweight design complements M1A and M14 series rifles well, which can be challenging to equip with other scopes. The generous eye relief is ideal for managing heavy recoil. While the anti-glare feature performs admirably, the scope might not be the best choice for low-light conditions. The Burris Scout DMR scope is versatile and effective across various ranges.

What we say – For those seeking a lighter DMR scope, the Burris Scout is an excellent choice. We appreciate the extensive eye relief it offers, though improved lighting adjustments would be beneficial. Its shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof features make it a strong contender. Priced at around $399, it is on the higher end of the spectrum compared to other scopes on our list.

Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Materials – The Leupold VX-1 features a sleek black design, ideal for an AR DMR setup. It incorporates a Quantum Optical System with lead-free glass and a Multicoat 4-lens coating. This scope includes Leupold’s classic lockable eyepiece and offers a 2 to 7 power optic. Weighing less than the Burris Scout at under 12 ounces, it has a compact 33-millimeter objective lens and requires only a 1” scope ring. Suitable for ranges up to 600 meters or more, it is also shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof. Additionally, the Leupold VX-1 comes with a lifetime warranty.

Performance – We’re very impressed with the Leupold VX-1’s weight and performance. Its light weight and generous eye relief make it a great choice for AR 15 and M1A rifles. The scope allows ample light transmission, offering near visibility in low-light conditions, though it doesn’t perform perfectly in total darkness. The view is generally clear, though it can become somewhat challenging at closer ranges. We appreciate that the scope only needs a 1” scope ring, which helps keep your rifle streamlined and maintains precision.

What we say – Leupold is a top choice for scopes, with a long history of providing optics to the Marine Corps. We highly recommend the Leupold VX-1 for its outstanding performance with M1A rifles and as one of the best optics for AR15 DMRs. Its lightweight design is excellent, and the $299 price tag offers great value.

Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope

Materials – Like the other scopes on our list, this model is built for durability with an aircraft-grade aluminum construction, allowing it to withstand rough handling without concern. Weighing 25 ounces, it’s a lightweight option that’s easy to carry whether you’re hunting or on the move. It is shockproof, waterproof, and nitrogen-purged, and comes with a three-year warranty covering any defects in components or workmanship.

Performance – This rifle scope is well-constructed and highly functional. It excels with its 4-14x magnification, offering a broad range of distances with crystal-clear visuals. The scope delivers top-tier accuracy and sufficient magnification for long-range shooting. It includes an ACSS Orion reticle with wind holds for 2.5, 5, and 10 mph, enhancing accuracy. This feature can be adjusted for various targets like deer and coyotes. However, it has some limitations: it’s less effective for short to mid-range shooting and the reticle is designed specifically for .308 or .223 calibers.

What we say – Primary Arms is a reliable brand known for its high-quality optics. This scope stands out for its durability and precision, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting. For a DMR scope priced under $300, the Primary Arms SLX offers substantial value and performance.

Our Top Pick For The Best DMR Optics

Among these four DMR scopes, our top pick is the Leupold VX-1. It excels not only with M1A and AR15 models but also has a notable history of use with the U.S. Marines, adding to its appeal. While it’s not the least expensive option on the list, it offers exceptional quality. We appreciate its sleek design and lightweight construction, which makes it accessible for anyone. The Leupold VX-1 performs well across various lighting conditions and meets essential needs for both hunting and combat scenarios.

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