Designated Marksman Rifle or DMR is a long-range rifle which originally used by the military and law enforcement. It deals with close to long-range target shooting. The DMR allows fast target acquisition with accuracy, precise zero, and quick windage adjustments.
As a DMR owner, you know your firearm can shoot between 300 to 600 yards. People say DMR is the bridge between sniper and infantry rifles. The designated marksman has an optic-enhanced semi-automatic rifle to do better in this range.
The DMR firearms can be used for airsoft games, target range shooting, or hunting. Whatever plan you have to use the DMR for, you need the right scope to match the performance of your rifle.
You should consider your tactical position or shooting range, area of usage, and how long will you spend. The DMR needs the most versatile and reliable optics and scope to improvise the overall performance. The Best DMR scope should be easy to maneuver in close range and also must allow precision shooting for long-range.
If you are finding it hard to choose such DMR scopes and optics, you are in help.
We have compiled the Best DMR scopes for close to long-range shooting or hunting here after researching and testing by spending time so you don’t have to.
Keep reading to know the Best Scopes for your Designated marksman.
If you are in a hurry that you can’t read the full review, here is a quick list of the Best DMR Scopes to compare and buy.
| Product | Name | Optic | Reticle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Primary Arms | 3-18x50 | ACSS HUD DMR | Check Price |
 | Leupold VX-Freedom | 3-9x40 | Duplex | Check Price |
 | Leupold Mark 5HD | 5-25x56 | Tremor 3 | Check Price |
 | Vortex Crossfire II | 1-4x24 | V-Brite | Check Price |
 | Burris 200261 | 2-7x32 | Ballistic Plex | Check Price |
 | Bushnell AR Optics | 3-9x40 | Drop-Zone 223 | Check Price |
 | Nightforce Optics | 4-14x56 | MOAR | Check Price |
 | Primary Arms SLX | 4-14x44 | ARC-2 MOA | Check Price |
Best Scopes For DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) in 2022 - Reviewed
1. Primary Arms 3-18 x 50 mm Riflescope
Primary Arms is a famous optic company to produces affordable riflescopes for all ranges of shooting and hunting applications. Their latest version 3-18×50 FFP riflescope is our choice for the Best riflescope under $500 for DMR.
Specifications:
- Objective Lens: 50 mm
- Magnification: 3 - 18 x
- Reticle: ACSS HUD DMR
- Field of View, Linear: 36.7 - 6.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9 - 3.5 in
- Illumination: Red LED
- Weight: 25.4 oz
If you are a budget-minded shooter who is looking for a precise riflescope under budget, you will find this a great choice. This FFP variable power optic from Primary Arms is suitable for .308 Win and 5.56 NATO firearms.
The 50 mm wide objective lens of the scope allows high light transmission into the optic. The First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle with a LED illumination of red color help to focus on targets in various light conditions.
The reticle placed in the FFP changes its size according to the magnification range. It is best suitable for traditional long-range shooting as a shooter can clearly see and aim their predators from a long distance.
As already said, the FFP setup lets you take advantage of reticle measurements to support the close to the long-range shooting which is not possible in SFP (Second Focal Plane) reticle. This great reticle system makes it the best scope for 1000 yards coverage.
Using the FFP reticle design helps to explore the different possibilities with the FFP scope reticles. Primary Arms incorporated these advantages with their unique ACSS HUD DMR reticle. The predecessor models like 4-14×44 and 6-30×56 are created with this design.
This new design of Primary Arms provides reticle holdover marks to calculate the range, bullet drop compensations, target leading, and windage values. The particular scope has three hold points to track the targets.
The scope has medium power variable optic magnification from 3 to 18x. So you can zoom in the targets for close to medium range shooting with this zoom. The reticle and objective lens are great for long-range hunting also but you might get a little distortion in high magnification levels (18x).
The holdover points with the FFP reticle design of the scope assist shooters to make quick target adjustments not requiring ballistic calculations or manual dial, it saves your time.
But, if you like to manually dial on the optic, it has an option called quick-reset windage and elevation adjustments turrets. Each has push-pull lock settings to prevent you from adjusting accidentally.
The windage and elevation adjustment knobs on the left side of the scope are also used for parallax and reticle illumination settings.
The scope has 3.9 to 3.5 inches of eye relief that is generous to prevent eye injuries from high caliber knockback and recoils. So, the specific scope is perfect for high-caliber rifles also.
Unlike most other long-range scopes of this price range, this DMR scope offers diopter adjustments. The quick-adjust diopter and adjustable power-ring fin help shooters to change magnification power and focus value as needed.
Pros
- Diopter adjustments
- Long-eye relief
- Quick reset knobs
- Parallax free
Cons
- Distortion at a high magnification level
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom riflescope is the most recommended and used optic for tactical actions, hunting, and target shooting. However, its specifications and special features make it an ideal hunting scope that suits DMR perfectly. It is also an ideal scope for Ruger precision rifles for self-defense. You will know why below.
Specifications:
- Objective Lens: 40 mm
- Magnification: 3 - 9 x
- Reticle: Duplex
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 - 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 - 3.7 in
- Illumination: None
- Weight: 12.2 oz
The optic glass provides a crisp and clear picture even under bright sunlight and late evenings. The 40mm objective lens allows vivid colors through the optic and produces pictures with no or less distortion and blur, thanks to Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System.
The scope was tested day and night to ensure picture quality and the results show the same clarity in different light conditions and surroundings like plain areas, dense woods, and brushes.
A clear vision from the scope is a must to prevent being in unknown dangers while hunting especially with the worst light scenarios. That’s why we consider riflescope as a lifesaving investment.
The specific scope uses a Duplex reticle. The reticle crosshair lines are thin, still visible to my aging eyes. The reticle is nice and precise that did not scare away the predators which are crucial in hunting.
The eye relief for the scope is between 4.2 and 3.7 inches.
Most hunters like require eye relief minimum f 3.7 inches which is also the standard value. This eye relief range prevents scope bites due to recoils. The high caliber rifles like Mini 14 need a scope with long eye relief. So, it is the best Mini 14 scope too.
The VX-Freedom scope is made from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum so it is solid and durable yet lightweight at 12 ounces.
The multi-coated lens of the optic is designed in a way to resist scratches and impacts. We have not tested the scope for these features, but checked reviews from other hunters about this, and it is good.
The scope has MOA adjustments and a 0.25 click value which is normal. The MOA adjustments help to zero the scope easily. It took us only three shots from two groupings to zero the scope.
Then click-on zoom magnifies the scope from 3 to 9x closer. It is a 2-in-1 scope to be mounted on DMR and Ruger Mini 14 for hunting and self-defense.
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Easy to zero and hold
- For hunting and self-defense
Cons
- No illumination
3. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Leupold has introduced the Mark 5HD riflescope series in 2018. It includes two models as 3.6-18×44 and 5-25×56.
We chose 5-25×56 as the best companion for DMR. It is an expensive model so if you are looking for scopes under $1000, you can skip this.
But, never miss knowing how it performs.
Specifications:
- Objective Lens: 56 mm
- Magnification: 5 - 25 x
- Reticle: Tremor 3
- Field of View, Linear: 20.4 - 4.2 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.6 - 3.8 in
- Illumination: None
- Weight: 30 oz
The price of the scope has a reason.
The scope allows extra adjustments with a 35 mm tube to maxi out at 34 mils in elevation. The tube is strong, thick, and solid. For great long-range shooting, the feature allows 3 revolutions to get precise groupings. The long shots are accurate and successful.
If the target is within 10 rings, you can extremely make a precise adjustment at 0.1 on elevation and windage.
The Mark 5HD is suitable for serial hunters and snipers because of its marksman skills and tactical features.
The scope comes with different reticle options. This particular scope uses Tremor 3 reticle which is placed on FFP and designed by Horus Vision.
It uses rapid reticle marks above the crosshair center and has a grid-style reticle for bullet drop compensation and wind-drift adjustments. The reticle is designed for serious hunters.
The scope has a side focus that allows parallax correction. Mark 5HD scope is made from 6061-T6 Aluminum to become weatherproof and lightweight. So it is possible to use the scope in the hardest terrains and situations.
The easy access throw lever is used to change the magnification range between 5 to 25x. The one-click zoom value is perfect for close to long-range shooting.
The specific scope has an eye relief of 3.6 to 3.8 inches and exit pupil at 2.2 mm. It prevents knockback injuries and scope bites.
Along with them, the fast-focus eyepiece with Leupold’s patented HD Twilight Light Management System and Diamondcoat 2 external coated lens allows high light transmission and ensures crisp and clear images.
The scope is a bit heavy for hunting rifle scopes with a 30-ounce weight. But it is best used for A-class tactical rifles. Having a huge aperture like extended tube diameter, and extra magnification, it still holds less weight than other premium scopes of similar caliber.
Pros
- Throw lever
- Extra magnification
- 0.1 MIL adjustments
Cons
- Price
4. Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II riflescope is quick to use, has smooth target acquisition, and is small. The Crossfire II 1-4x24mm scope is the perfect fit for AR rifles. Other than that, high-caliber guns, guide guns also fit well with the scope. It is also suitable for the crossbow.
Specifications:
- Objective Lens: 24 mm
- Magnification: 1 - 4 x
- Reticle: V-Brite
- Field of View, Linear: 24.1 - 96.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Illumination: LED
- Weight: 16 oz
All caliber guns can take advantage of this Crossfire II scope that is offering 1-4x magnification power. It is great on a 22 magnum bolt action. If you need a scope for 300 yards to support your rifles that can reach up to 400 m, Vortex Crossfire II is yours.
The 30mm tube diameter picks the target quickly. The tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with an anodized matte finish. It is sleek and solid. The scope is compact and light at 9 inches long and 14 ounces weight.
The O-ring sealed body is filled with nitrogen to become fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof features.
As already said, the scope is built for lever gun, and its 4 inches eye relief is excellent for the weapon. Using the cantilever mounts from Vortex, you can use the scope on flat top AR and battle rifles.
The 24 mm objective lens of scope provides a fantastic field of view at 96.1 ft to 21.1 ft at 100 yards.
It has a low power variable optic with a magnification range from 1 to 4x. The picture is very clear.
As always this Vortex scope also has MOA adjustments. The same scope has V-Plex and V-Brite reticles with illumination on the Second Focal Plane. The reticle is pinpoint capable.
The reticle is great for CQB applications but for shooting at sunlight, the reticle is difficult to read.
The V-plex reticle is great for medium to big game hunting. But not suitable for small games like varmint or wild dogs. The scope allows both eye open ability which works excellent with the v-plex reticle.
The factory set parallax prevents parallax adjustments. The fast-focus eyepiece quickly focuses on targets with the great acquisition.
To cut down the glare and to provide outstanding image clarity, the lenses are multi-coated with anti-reflective materials and have an abrasion-resistant coating to prevent glare that spoils light transmission. So, the scope is best for low light conditions also.
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Illuminated reticles
- Good at low light conditions
Cons
- Not great for small games
5. Burris 200261 2-7x32mm Riflescope
If you want a long eye-relief scope for your DMR, Burris 200261 is the best choice for you. In addition to their long eye relief and ballistic reticle, this Burris scope is perfect for heavy-duty rifles like DMR, Ruger Mini, and AR15s as the scope prevents heavy recoil impacts and scope bites.
Specifications:
- Objective Lens: 32 mm
- Magnification: 2 - 7 x
- Reticle: Ballistic Plex
- Field of View, Linear: 7 - 21 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 9.2 - 12 in
- Illumination: None
- Weight: 13 oz
The eye relief of the scope is 9 to 12 inches. So, your eyes and eyebrows are safe from injuries. The exit pupil of the scope is 4.6 to 13 mm which is larger than the standard value.
The scope has a 32 mm objective glass lens which is not wide yet allows maximum light transmission as possible. It has a Hi-Lume Multi-Coating to provide clear images every time.
The scope is best used for close to medium-range target shooting. It has a variable magnification range from 2 to 7x. It is also suitable for hunting in the daytime.
The fast focus eyepiece allows the shooter to focus on the targets quickly.
At 100 yards, the field of view of scope in 2x zoom click is 21 feet while at 7x the field of view is 7 feet.
The ballistic plex reticle of the scope provides better range estimation and target acquisition. The reticle is on the SFP (second focal plane), the reticle won’t change for various magnification ranges. It is perfect for short to medium-range targeting but may not be helpful in long-range. Because in long-range aiming, you need different reticle measurements as you get closer to the targets.
The scope is made from aluminum to be durable and lightweight. It has a 1-inch tube. The optic is protected with Burris’s special quad seals. The scope is just 13 oz which is common with these long eye relief scopes.
Also, the scope is filled and purged at least 24 times with Lab-grade dry nitrogen to be fog proof. The nitrogen circle absorbs moisture and is airborne.
The Posi-lock mechanism of the scope is a coil-spring-assisted retractable steel post that secures the accuracy of the optic in a place.
The adjustable knobs are easy to turn, smooth, and audible. The elevation and windage adjustments are defined as MOA. The click value is 0.25 MOA.
Pros
- Long eye relief
- High quality nitrogen filled
- Recoil and fog-proof tested
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
6. Bushnell 3-9x 40mm Riflescope
With this scope’s magnification setting and range paired with its remarkable features, this scope is made very helpful for designated marksmen out there. Besides, this riflescope is constructed and offered to be a very budget-friendly scope that you could at the markets these days.
Also, Bushnell’s 3-9x 40mm Riflescope is a perfect fit for AR-15 rifles while it can be a great fit for other types of rifles too.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 3 – 9x
- Objective lens diameter: 40 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Field of View, Linear: 29 ft - 11 ft at 100 yds
- Reticle: Drop-Zone 223
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
This scope has a customizable in length throw lever that can be used for switching from one magnification setting to another. With this feature, you would be able to change the magnification even while you are wearing gloves. This feature can come in very handy, especially when shooting within different ranges that require magnification changes too.
This scope also has the feature of Ballistic Drop Compensated Reticle (BDC) that can be used for easy and prolonged shooting for a distance that reaches up to 600 yards.
When shooting in conditions that are very low in light, you could assure getting bright, clean, and clear images with the use of this feature. The scopes that are completely incorporated with multi-coated optics offer the maximum possible transmission of light in different lighting conditions.
This scope comes with nitrogen purged—meaning to say, it can be utilized in any weather conditions and any temperature because it is nitrogen purged and completely sealed. It would be able to withstand any worst element, and it may expose to in the field.
Pros
- High accuracy
- Easily adjustable
- Generous eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Cons
- Not included mount
7. Nightforce Optics 4-14x 56mm SHV Riflescope
Nightforce is known for designing and manufacturing some of the world’s best scopes in the industry, and Nightforce’s Optics 4-14x 56mm SHV Riflescope is not an exception to that great reputation they have. Its 56-millimeter diameter objective lens lets a ton of light in for you to view through it with brightness. Its matte black finish makes it look very classy and elegant.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 4 – 14 x
- Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Exit pupil: 12.0 mm to 3.6 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Parallax: 25 yds to infinity
With the fully multi-coated optics of this scope, you would surely be able to see images that are bright, high in contrast, and clear.
One of this scope’s best features is its magnification setting—it ranges from 4X to 14X. With that range, you would be able to shoot at different ranges—may it be for short ranges or long ranges of hunting and shooting.
When adjusting some settings using the turret, you would never experience any problem with this scope because it does not need any tool for adjustment.
This scope has a floating center crosshair on its SHV Reticle that allows rapid target acquisition to occur. Also, with the side parallax adjustment of this scope, you can assure sharp images would be maintained while you are using it.
Pros
- Parallax: 25 yds to infinity
- Reasonable price
- MOAR reticle
- Quick Tracking
Cons
- Heavy
8. Primary Arms SLX 4-14x 44mm FFP Riflescope
For a wide range of weapon platforms, Primary Arms SLX 4-14x 44mm FFP Riflescope is an ideal designated marksman riflescope. With its built and interior design, this scope would be able to withstand the worst conditions that one can encounter in the field.
With its illuminated reticle, you would surely be able to spot and see your targets even in low-light conditions. This scope includes some free accessories such as the following: a cleaning cloth, a CR2032 3V Lithium Battery, a bikini lens cover, and a manual. Also, this scope is backed by a 3-year warranty that you can use, especially when you find some defects on your purchased rifle scope.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 4 – 14x
- Objective Lens diameter: 44 mm
- Reticle: ARC-2 MOA
- Field of view @100 yards: 27.20 – 7.85 ft
- Eye relief: 3.22 – 3.14 in
- Exit pupil: 11.20 – 3.30 mm
This scope has an aluminum construction that makes it very durable and sturdy. As you know, aluminum is one of the most common materials that is used to build scopes that are known to be durable and long-lasting.
This scope, just like most of the scope on this list, is also completely sealed and nitrogen purged—with those properties, this scope becomes resistant to water and fog.
With this scope’s feature of having 0.25 MOA click adjustments, you would be able to match your scope’s reticle to make the sighting and the adjusting for different ranges very easy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durability
- Finger-adjustable turret
Cons
- Non-Illuminated reticle
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Best DMR Scope
Price
One of the most essential factors that you should look for the best DMR scope you are buying is its price. There are a lot of expensive scopes out there that can ensure high quality and performance—well, you can invest in them if they are within your budget.
But some scopes are offered in just mid-prices but offer the same quality—you have to be smart in choosing and buying. Remember that the price you are paying should provide you with a performance that is worth it.
Durability
Another important thing that you should consider when buying scopes is their durability. Of course, you want to invest in a scope that would last long and could withstand long-term rugged use. Some of the scopes that are proven to have the standard durability are made from different kinds of aluminum—some are 6061-T6 aluminum, some are aluminum alloy, some are aircraft-grade aluminum, and many others more.
Also, being waterproof, fog-proof, dust-proof, and scratch-resistant are some of the things that durable scopes should have. With those properties, you can assure that your scope would be able to endure even when exposed to different worst elements and adverse conditions.
Magnification Range
Magnification Range is also an important feature that you should consider when buying a scope. In the magnification setting, you would be able to identify the types of shooting activities you can do.
Whether within short ranges only or both short ranges and long ranges. Some magnification settings are perfect for medium ranges and many more. So, you must consider this one.
Quality of Optics and Reticle
There are established brands that cannot be questioned when it comes to the quality of the optics their scopes offer. One of them is the brand of Nikon, but other brands can compete and be at par with the quality of Nikon’s optics—there are Bushnell, Primary Arms, BARSKA, and many other brands.
So, if you want to have a wonderful shooting experience, be sure that you check first the quality of their optics because that is where your view of the surroundings depends on when shooting. Without high-quality optics, it would be hard to be precise and accurate. Also, the reticle is a primary factor too. It also comes in very handy when situations in the field become low in light. An illuminated reticle is one advisable feature that you should look at.
Rapid target acquisition
While dealing with pressurized surroundings, it is important to have a DMR scope with fast and effective target acquisition. There are a few factors in rifle scope which are responsible for quick target acquisition such as
- Light transmission – a large amount of light transmission through the scope provides clear and bright views.
- Field of view – easier to identify and aim the target.
- Simple reticle design – helps in identifying the prey quickly, but simple reticle will not be used for all shooting purposes.
Windage and holdover estimation
DMR Scope needs to have an adjustment to calculate windage and holdover corrections that helps in moving the target. Here, the terms windage and holdover refer to the quantity of wind and bullet drop compensation. There are a variety of scopes available in the market to calculate these factors and pick the correct one for your requirements.
Eye Relief
The longer the eye relief, the better. When choosing a scope, you should pick one that has a long eye relief—you can assure that your head and your eyes would not get hurt when hard recoils occur, especially in heavy-duty firearms. Some scopes offer unlimited eye relief—try to look for them. Some scopes offer eye relief that extends for up to 12 inches—this length is a safe one.
Takeaway
The Designated Marksman Riflescopes mentioned above are the best at the markets these days. With a lot of manufacturers trying to manufacture DMR scopes, it surely was hard for you to choose and buy the right one. And we hope the above review helped you get out of worry and guided to choose the best scope under budget for your DMR.
Remember that it is important to buy a scope that would make you feel comfortable when you are using it— just the right one that you would be able to use with comfort. With that, you would be at your best every single time you use it because it does not bore you for being too easy and it does not intimidate you for being too hard to use.