scope magnification

E

Evil Monkey

New member
Straightforward question really, what's the least amount of scope magnification a rifle like a DMR can have for quickly acquiring targets out to 100-200 meters yet still capable of reasonably acquiring targets out to 600-800 meters?
 
6x would be my choice for fixed power. 2.5-8 or 3.5-10 would be my choice for variable power this assuming this rifle is going to need to be mobile.
 
I have no idea what type rifle a DMR might be.

However, I do have some experience with fixed power 6X scopes, having mounted one on my Savage .30-06 a decade ago. I'm convinced that the fixed 6X is one of the most under-appreciated scopes on the market, and there aren't many companies who make them.

Leupold has their fixed 6X, as does Weaver at about half the price. Personally I like the fixed 6X. It's got plenty of magnification for field use, it doesn't have as many moving parts as a comparable variable scope, and there's nothing to fiddle with, so you don't fiddle with it. It simply works. My 6X is a Weaver and it's accounted for several game animals and a couple of reams of target paper. I like it a lot.
 
If it was a fixed power scope go with a 6x for shots at the distancec you have givin but, if it was me id go with a 4x for the closer shots and still be able to make the longer shots with it. Variable power is definatly the way to go unless you just have to have a fixed power scope.
 
In SE Asia, the Colt 3X Realist & M84 Scopes were using on M16A1 Sniper Systems, with results to 700 yards.

The M1C/D used a M82/84 2.2X scopes marked to 900 yards.

I've taught several sniper schools for the NG using the M1C/D and found they were quite effective at extended ranges.

I like the light gathering abilities of the low power scopes. Check out Leopold's 2.5 X scope, I think you'll be impressed.

Unrelated, I've shot my best 1000 yard scores with iron sights, Even with the same rifle, using a Model 70 300 yard in the Any Rifle-Any Sights using a Weaver T-10 and the same rifle with Redfield Pulma Sights in the Any Rifle-Iron Sight match.
 
I've used a number of fixed 4x and 6x scopes, and they will do for a DMR.

reticle choice is up to you.

Jimro
 
It's not that straight forward of a question. It all depends on how much experience you have with optics.

For instance, many guys hunt deer with scopes in the 0-2x range and will warn you about target acquisition at close range for higher powers.

Me, I have a 3-9x on my shotgun and never turn it below 5x. I have no trouble with acquiring the target and have shot running deer at distances measured in single digits at 5x.

However, I have literally had optics on every gun I've ever owned except my carry gun. Even BB guns when I was a kid. Other guys have a scope on one gun and never practice.

So, the answer to your straight forward is that there is no real answer.
 
DMR
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"Designated Marksman Rifle"

Depends on range and what you will be shooting and type of rifle. A good choice would be a 4-12X44 or 42 mm scope.

I use a 3-9x42mm and leave it on 3 power all the time (can aquire with both eyes open) unless I need the range. It does have a 200, 300, 400 and 500 yard bullet compensation adjustment on the scope, but have never used it.

Jim

SAM_0263.jpg
 
Colt 6940

Went with a Nikon 2-8x32 Nikoplex #8486 came with a free743 AR style 223 mount..will be using it for coyote and prairie dawg.. Leave it off for my Slide Fire bump stock auto shooting.:cool:
 
Russians solved this in the 1940's

3.5-4x works just fine for a "DMR" rifle. The most famous is the SVD which I think started with a 3.5x scope with what is probably the most sensible sniper reticule ever invented. Anything else is just re-inventing the wheel. The Dragunov SVD is probably the ideal DMR weapon.

Then again, if every soldier has a very expensive, illuminated 2-4x optical sight already and you STILL need a DMR, then maybe the soldiers have the wrong rifle. The Dragunov makes sense when everyone else has an inaccurate AK47.
 
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Ideal would be variable 4-12
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Here's another vote for the 4-12 or even 4-14. I shoot a 4.5-14x42 and it's about perfect as far as magnification goes.

Although, magnification is a personal preference.. some people don't like a lot of it. Some people want as much as they can afford.
 
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