Rifle Scopes DMR match optics

[redneckbmxer24]

I'm looking for optics advice from DMR MATCH shooters. I'm looking to set my LPR up for DMR matches and since I have no experience with them as of yet I thought I'd ask.

I would like to hear what DMR match shooters use on their rifles and why it works for them. Mainly looking for mag range, features, etc you like on a DMR match optic.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I would go for a variable powered optic in the 2.5-10 range with an offset RDS for close range targets. When I shot the National Defense Match at PNTC back in October I used my NF 2.5-10X24 and was very happy with it throughout the match but I did make some changes afterwards to optimize my set-up for that kind of match. Firstly, I loved the amount of magnification that I had available especially as the targets pushed out to 350+ yards because I could easily see my misses and make corrections, in addition to my hits on steel. There were quite a few guys running lower powered optics or ACOGs that struggled at those ranges because they simply couldn't see that they were just missing off the edge of the target or had no idea they weren't compensating enough for the trajectory. The 10X top end also wasn't so much that I lost targets while transitioning on a couple of stages. Since I didn't have any kind of offset sight on my optic, I had to run it at 2.5X for the close range targets and did ok using it like one would use an ACOG once I got the hang of it but my first couple stages were pretty nasty. That is mostly a training issue though, I'm sure with some practice I could've been pretty good with the scope set on 2.5X power but I decided to go the offset rds option. About two weeks after the match I bought a Burris FastFire II and a Larue mount that replaced one of the ring halves on my LT104 so that I would be better able to engage closer targets that are less than 100 yards away. I experimented with a couple different ways of mounting the RDS but so far have found that I prefer to keep it on the left side of the optic versus the right. With it on the left side if I want to engage a close range target I don't really have to break my cheekweld to use the dot, simply rotate the gun left slightly and pick up the dot with my left eye. I much prefer this to having it on the right side of the scope as it's normally seen where if I want to use it I have to create a chin weld in order to pick up the dot, which doesn't feel natural to me.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

The PNTC DMR matches are what this is being setup for so it's great to hear the feedback of a shooter that's shot the PNTC match. Your setup was my top thought except I was thinking the 42mm version so I guess I was on the right track. I was also thinking of a 1-8 which the CQBSS is my top consideration if going that route but I still have my concerns about Leupolds reliability. NF has proven over and over again to me that they can be depended on.

I'm generally a low magnification shooter (4-8x) even for LR stuff, just enough to spot my misses and hits but maximum FOV for acquiring the next target so I do have some concerns about being stuck on 10X for wind holds with the NF. I suppose it is worth a try though. If only NF made a 1-8!

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I totally agree, I've been dreaming about a NF 1-8 for a long time. I've thought about the 42mm NF as well, mostly because I really dig the reticle and the addition of the parallax adjustment would make it perfect for those times when I want to go prone and shoot farther out. I don't see the scope being SFP as that much of a hindrance, I calibrated mine to true 5X and 10X so if I need more FOV I can drop down to 5X and be ok.