7 Best Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) Optics: Extend Your Range

The concept of the designated marksman has firmly implanted itself into the American infantry squad.

Designated marksman rifles have a few names. DMR seems to be the most common. The term Recce Rifle also applies to DMRs to a degree. Other folks call them Special Purpose Rifles.

Despite the names, the goal remains the same. DMRs are built to expand a squad’s effective range. Their accuracy and range outdo standard infantry rifles.

DMRs are meant to be able to take shots at longer ranges and precision shots at close range. However, an accurate rifle with the right ammo and shooter can only do so much. These guns are typically equipped with a magnified optic, which is key to their role.

Today, we are talking all about the optics that ride atop those DMRs. We’ll cover the specs, features, and even tell you what to look for when choosing the best optic.

Keep reading!

THE QUICK LIST

1. Editor’s Pick

   Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm

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2. Best Reticle Options

   Sig Sauer TANGO6T 1-6×24

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3. Most Durable

   Nightforce ATACR 1-8×24 F1

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4. Highest Magnification LPVO

   Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 FFP

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5. Best Budget DMR Optic

   Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen 2, 2-12x42mm

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6. Best Value

   Trijicon Credo 2-10x36mm

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DMR Optics Comparison Chart

	Magnification	Objective Lens	Weight	Length	Price
Sig Sauer TANGO6T	1-6x	24mm	22.1 oz.	10.82″	$1,299
Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24mm F1	1-8x	24mm	21 oz.	10.1″	$2,800
Leupold Mark 4HD 2.5-8x36mm	2.5-8x	36mm	16 oz.	11.3″	Discontinued
Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm	2-10x	30mm	24 oz.	11.2″	$1,999
Vortex Razor HD Gen 3 1-10x24mm	1-10x	24mm	21.5 oz.	10.1″	$2,499
Athlon Helos BTR Gen 2 2-12x42mm	2-12x	42mm	25.4 oz.	11.8″	$499
Trijicon Credo 2-10x36mm	2-10x	36mm	23 oz.	13.1″	$912

How We Chose the Best DMR Optics

For this list, we compiled information based on extensive research into the topic of DMR optics as well as hands-on experience with some of the models listed. Hands-on time includes shooting events and even time spent with optics in our own personal collections.

Optics were chosen based on their effectiveness from 50-700 yards, reticle designs, magnification options, and a clear view-through. (Bonus points for lightweight and compact models.)

What is a DMR Optic?

The Global War on Terror was instrumental in the development of the DMR.

At the beginning of the war, the first DMR option was bringing M14s back into service and equipping them with fixed 10X optics. Another attempt was to equip M4 carbines and various M16s incarnations with ACOGs that provided four power magnifications in the era of iron sights.

Those worked at the time, and not to take anything away from those optics, but we’re going to look at more modern designated marksman rifle optics. These optics are versatile with their reticles and magnification.

Depending on their caliber, they should be effective from 50 to 700 yards, so the optic needs to match the range. This will require variable power optics with modern reticle designs. On the low side, magnification may be 1x, and on the highest side, it might hit 15x.

Like any good optics, they should provide an ultra-clear view. For tactical purposes, they should make it easy to locate targets in natural conditions, even when those targets don’t want to be found. Since these optics originate with the infantry, they are better when they are lighter and compact.

Best DMR Optics

1. Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm – Editor’s Pick

Specs

• Magnification: 2-10x
• Objective Lens: 30mm
• Weight: 24 oz.
• Length: 11.2″

While the Leupold Mark 4 series earned a spot on this list, it’s over a decade old. Times changed, and optics got better. Leupold followed the Mark 4 series with the Mark 5 series.

The Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm is the evolution of the TS30-A2 Mark 4.

The Leupold Mark 5HD series gives us adjustable parallax to help eliminate those small errors at longer ranges. Small errors become big misses at long range. This is a huge improvement on one of my criticisms of the Mark 4 series optics.

We still get an ultra-clear class that’s clear edge to edge. The Mark 5HD delivers a fantastic, crisp, clear view with a reticle that’s never in the way. You can pick from a TMR reticle with illumination, a TMR reticle without magnification, or a PR1-MOA reticle.

Although these aren’t as fancy as other, more modern reticles, they are all suitable for DMR purposes. The Mark 5HD uses a first focal plane design, and the reticle measurements for drop and windage are viable at every level of magnification.

Your adjustments will also depend on the reticle you select. The MOA reticle uses MOA adjustments, while the TMR uses the refined .1 MIL adjustments for better overall precision. However, neither reticle is great for close-range use.

But, the Mark 5HD lets you effortlessly reach out and touch targets at ranges from 50 to 600 yards on a 5.56 caliber rifle. Up your caliber, and you can handle 800-yard engagements (If you have the skills to do so).

The Leupold Mark 5HD series is the perfect upgrade to the Mark 4HD series. These optics are great for dedicated designated marksman rifles.

2. Sig TANGO6T 1-6x24mm – Best Reticle Options

Specs

• Magnification: 1-6x
• Objective Lens: 24mm
• Weight: 22.1 oz.
• Length: 10.82″

The US Army recently chose the TANGO6T 1-6x as their designated marksman rifle scope. This represents an interesting choice, as it is a relatively low magnification for a DMR optic. However, remember that M4s with ACOGs were considered DMRs at one point.

The TANGO6T is set to serve the US Army on the HK G28, aka the M110A1. It works well for full-powered rifle calibers, along with intermediate cartridges like the 5.56.

Sig offers multiple reticle options: the DWLR6, DWLR 5.56, HellFire MOA and MRAD reticles, a 5.56/7.62 horseshoe, and a 762 extended range reticle. Each reticle is illuminated, has settings for night vision use, and features off positions between each illumination setting.

It’s essential to be able to see targets in tactical environments, especially when those targets might be using camouflage. The TANGO6T provides that level of clarity and allows for a crisp and clear view in bright and low-light conditions.

The majority of the TANGO6T series uses extremely precise .2 MRAD adjustments, with one exception for the HellFire reticle variant, which uses .5 MOA adjustments. Ultra-fine adjustments make it easy to zero the optic in for precise shot placements and to round out any slop you might run into.

The TANGO6T has a fast-focus eyepiece and an excellent 3.9 inches of eye relief. The field of view is okay, with 17.7 feet of view at 100 yards. It’s not impressive, but it’s typical for compact scope design.

The optic might be a bit beefy weight-wise, but it’s solid, well-made, and reliable. It’s an excellent option for shots that are 600 yards and in. The modern reticles, precise adjustment, and crystal clear glass help make this a competent DMR optic even with its low magnification.

3. Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24mm F1 – Most Durable

Specs

• Magnification: 1-8x
• Objective Lens: 24mm
• Weight: 21 oz.
• Length: 10.1″

SOCOM selected the Nightforce ATACR 1-8×24 F1 as their designated marksman optic.

For many, Nightforce doesn’t need much of an introduction. They make some of the finest optics in the world. Professional grade is the best way to describe them.

The ATACR 1-8x F1 sits atop the M4A1 as part of the SOPMOD system. Their idea was to extend the range of operators as previous systems only went to 4x. For us, the ATACR 1-8x series creates a tough and precise optic with excellent clarity and a versatile reticle.

And tough is an understatement. Nightforce figured out long ago how to make what’s typically a fragile variable optic and ensure it can withstand serious abuse. It can be submerged, dropped, and beaten up, and it will keep on going.

Precision-oriented .1 MRAD adjustments allow the most discerning of shooters to dial their zero in just perfectly. On your typical AR, it’s plenty precise, but on a DMR-oriented rifle, you’ll see it shine.

The FC-DMx reticle makes excellent use of the first focal plane design. When set to 1x, the illuminated parts of the reticle form a pseudo red dot for close-range shooting. When set to 8x, the illuminated portion opens up and creates a segmented circle with a dot in the middle.

I like the reticle, but it takes up a lot of space when trying to hit small targets at ranges beyond 500 yards. It’s a nitpick, but when it comes to Nightforce optics, the best thing you can do is find something to nitpick.

4. Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm – Highest Magnification LPVO

Specs

• Magnification: 1-10x
• Objective Lens: 24mm
• Weight: 21.5 oz.
• Length: 10.1″

While I might not be a huge fan of LPVOs for DMRs, if I had to pick one for that role, it would be the Razor HD Gen 3 1-10x24mm.

The 1-10 has an extremely versatile magnification range, and it’s backed by a precision-oriented reticle. The size and weight are impressive for a 1-10, and the glass is remarkably clear.

An LPVO with a 10x setting takes it a bit out of the ‘low’ side of the low-power variable optic title. It has enough magnification to reach out and touch targets where needed.

Like all the other LPVOs, it lacks a parallax adjustment, so make sure you mount the gun correctly for those really long-range shots.

In terms of reticles, we get the illuminated EBR-9 in MOA or MRAD. Both reticles come with a Christmas tree-style design for quick and easy wind and elevation calls. There are off settings between each illumination setting here as well.

At the center of the reticle sits a segmented circle that becomes a red dot when the FFP reticle shrinks down at 1x — nice for close-range shots. When you move up to 10x, the reticle opens up so you can make use of the tree for precision shots.

Vortex found some way to put a 1-10 optic in the footprint of a 1-6. It’s a perfect display of efficiency. The Razor HD Gen III is a beastly optic designed to last. How they packed this much magnification and durability into such a compact package is beyond me.

However, we have to cough up the dough for that sweet 10x ability and crisp glass. With an MSRP of four grand, buying this just to LARP in the backyard is tough. But for pro users, it makes a lot more sense.

5. Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen 2, 2-12X42mm – Best Budget DMR Optic

Specs

• Magnification: 2-12x
• Objective Lens: 42mm
• Weight: 25.4 oz.
• Length: 11.8″

Since I’ve already covered a ton of high-end optics, I want to include at least one budget-friendly DMR optic.

Enter the Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen 2 2-12x42mm rifle scope, which comes in at a $500 price point.

The Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen 2 comes with a DMR-friendly 2-12x magnification range. It’s an unusual magnification setting but a useful one.

It features its own AHMR2 IR reticle, which comes in either MIL or MOA configurations. This optic is first focal plane, and the reticle takes advantage of that.

In the center sits a segmented circle that closes in as the magnification decreases. This creates a reticle that works well at 2x for quick engagements. As the magnification goes up, the reticle grows, revealing the Christmas tree.

The tree-style reticle allows for easy windage and distance calls. As with most tree reticles, the downside is a busy view at the higher levels of magnification. Most of the reticle is illuminated, but it’s not quite daylight-bright. In the brightest parts of the day, it just barely glows red.

Clarity isn’t bad, but it doesn’t touch the more expensive optics on this list. There is some chromatic aberration, and as you start looking hundreds and hundreds of yards away, things can get a bit fuzzy.

It’s not a problem at the range, but if you deploy to some war-torn nation, you might need help to identify targets that don’t want to be identified, but that’s not a concern for most of us.

While it is a bit heavier and not as tough as other options on this list, it is perfectly adequate for the average shooter while remaining extremely affordable.

6. Trijicon Credo 2-10x36mm – Best Value

Specs

• Magnification: 2-10x
• Objective Lens: 36mm
• Weight: 23 oz.
• Length: 13.1″

The Trijicon ACOG might have been a DMR optic of choice at one point, but we’ve largely moved past fixed 4x optics for DMRs.

Trijicon knows this and has created other optics to keep up with modern times. One such scope is their Credo 2-10x36mm.

From edge to edge, we get great clarity and beautiful color. We can see and pick out various shades of green in an overgrown field, and we can see targets on a berm several hundred yards away. It looks fantastic.

The Credo’s fully illuminated reticle is impressively bright. While it is a small detail, the illumination dial has off positions between each setting, which I always love.

It is available with both MOA and MRAD precision trees. These trees allow for quick elevation and windage changes, making it easier to hit running targets. Once again, the sight picture does tend to get cluttered at high magnification.

Trijicon offers excellent eye relief, ranging between 3.6 and 3.9 inches. A fast-focus eyepiece lets you get behind the optic and dial in quickly. Its 10.2-foot field of view at 100 yards at 10x isn’t impressive, but it’s not out of pocket either.

The Credo comes with the durability you expect from Trijicon optics. They might make heavy optics, but they’re built to last. You can find this specific model for right around $1000, which isn’t terrible given Trijicon’s pedigree.

Honorable Mentions

7. Leupold TS30-A2 Mark 4HD 2.5-8x36mm

Specs

• Magnification: 2.5-8x
• Objective Lens: 36mm
• Weight: 16 oz.
• Length: 11.3″

The Leupold Mark 4HD 2.5-8x36mm is a legend amongst the United States military forces. It was the optic of choice for the legendary Mk12 DMR or Special Purpose Rifle. The Mk12 series served the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.

Sadly, this scope has been discontinued but is still available on the used market. But I had to include it due to its pedigree and proven history. The optic offers a simple cross-hair reticle with plenty of benchmarks for holdovers and elevation alongside red illumination.

The reticle is designed as a bullet drop compensator using the 77-grain Mk262 Mod 0 ammunition. While this was the preferred cartridge for designated marksmen, it seemed rare in my experience. Most of the time, ours used standard M855.

The Leupold Mark 4HD offers a versatile degree of magnification for shots between 50 meters and 600 meters on a 5.56 caliber rifle. It was a game-changer for my squad, extending our effective range and powers of observation. Crystal clear glass made it easy to see the world in front of us in almost all lighting conditions.

The adjustments are incredibly precise, with excellent feedback. In terms of durability, the Leupold is tough to beat. It was issued to 19- and 20-year-olds, and they held up extremely well during my deployment. This optic is still issued to Marines carrying the new M38 DMR.

Why You Should Trust Pew Pew Tactical

Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike spearheaded this article. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. He has thousands of articles across various publications. Many of his articles include his findings on guns and gear he has tested over the years, including numerous different optics and sighting systems.

This review was edited by Pew Pew Tactical Editor Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA and USCCA-certified instructor with previous experience as a competitive shooter and an avid hunter (and is a big-time scope user). He owns over 200 firearms, DMR-style guns included, and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. Wyatt uses his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns and gear for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

Final Thoughts

The optics listed above are a mix of my picks and picks of the United States military. But since there are so many great optics on the market these days, this list is far from exhaustive.

Do you have experience with any of these optics? Do any foreign readers have any insight into the designated marksman rifles and optics of their military force? Let us know in the comments below! Looking for something other than a DMR scope? Check out our hands-on article on the Best Rifle Scopes!