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Rifle Scopes Bushnell DMR II input

clark33

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 2, 2019
608
788
Hello,

I am having a new hunting rifle in 6.5PRC put together and am looking for some input on the Bushnell DMRII 3.5-21x50. I have 2 other rifles that are currently topped with Burris XTR 2's in 3-15. I really like the the reliability of the XTR2's but in hunting situations, especially low light, the glass leaves a little to be desired.

Would the DRMII be a noticeable improvement over the XTR2 glass? Also, how is the locking windage turrent on the DMRII?

I do not need nor want and illuminated reticle, I have heard the reticle on the illuminated DRMII can look a little chunky, how is the non illuminated G3 reticle?

Basically if anyone has owned or used both I'd love a side by side comparison. I can find deals on both that are in my $700-$900 price range.

Thanks
 
I wouldn’t use a non-illuminated FFP scope to hunt with no matter the scope. Turned down on low power to let light through, FFP non-illuminated reticles are useless in low light. This isn’t what you asked so I will move on.

I had and sold a DMRII. I liked the scope bukld and the glass is good enough, but hated the CA. It is the only scope that I have had an issue like that with. The scope is stout. The locking windage is nice. I didn’t play with it at last light because I never considered it for hunting use.
 
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I appreciate the input. I'm out west usually hunting open country type stuff so usually keep my scopes on 6 to 8x when moving. That power is reasonable for my eyes with the XTR but I should probably get my hands on and look through a DMRII.

What did you replace the DMRII with?
 
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I appreciate the input. I'm out west usually hunting open country type stuff so usually keep my scopes on 6 to 8x when moving. That power is reasonable for my eyes with the XTR but I should probably get my hands on and look through a DRMII.

What did you replace the DRMII with?
You asked the wrong guy that question. ?. I buy, sell, and trade constantly. I like to play with everything. I have five or six scopes sitting not mounted in anything right now. I didnt sell it to necessarily replace it with anything. Just moved on to try something else.
Get you a LrHSI ot LRTSI 4.5-18x44. Much better scope for a hunting rifle. Lighter with a much better image. I have two.
 
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I had a DMR2 for a while on a competition gun, so low light wasn't really even on the table and the glass was unacceptably bad. I'm not a glass snob at all and it was pretty much $40 Wal-Mart scope quality. It broke mid-way through a competition and when I sent it in, I expressed my concerns with the glass. They said it was in spec. The ERS I had before that had good glass, no issues with that scope. I think I just got a bad one, but it's not a chance I'd take again. I replaced the DMR2 with a PST2 and it is superior in every way.
 
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I currently own an HDMR and HDMR-II 3.5-21 (been out of the purchasing game for a little bit, haven't had the need to kit anything out in a while). Both are solid scopes, and I haven't had any issues with either yet - that said, they haven't done much but go on a few hog/coyote hunts and a handful of range days.

As far as glass goes, they've been clear enough for me every time I've taken them out (sorry that doesn't answer your comparison question). I haven't had any trouble finding targets or helping shooting buddies spot shots out around 1000 yards. There are definitely scopes out there with better glass, but I've always had a "durability and economy over pristine clarity" mindset when it comes to rifle scopes - i.e. yes, I could spend $3-5k on a higher end scope, but why would I when I could spend less than half of that and have something that is still great doesn't necessarily leave me feeling at a disadvantage?
 
I had a DMR2 for a while on a competition gun, so low light wasn't really even on the table and the glass was unacceptably bad. I'm not a glass snob at all and it was pretty much $40 Wal-Mart scope quality. It broke mid-way through a competition and when I sent it in, I expressed my concerns with the glass. They said it was in spec. The ERS I had before that had good glass, no issues with that scope. I think I just got a bad one, but it's not a chance I'd take again. I replaced the DMR2 with a PST2 and it is superior in every way.
Seems like you got a lemon. Mine was fine other than the purple halo around images. Im not a glass snob either. Good enough is good enough.
 
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I was also looking at those, you may have just sold me one one. I like the look of the LRHS in FDE, would match my stock nicely.
I think you will probably get a lot of thumbs up on this post. They would be over budget for you unless you either have the hookups or buy it on the secondary market. I buy most of my scopes second hand.
 
I had a DMR2 for a while on a competition gun, so low light wasn't really even on the table and the glass was unacceptably bad. I'm not a glass snob at all and it was pretty much $40 Wal-Mart scope quality. It broke mid-way through a competition and when I sent it in, I expressed my concerns with the glass. They said it was in spec. The ERS I had before that had good glass, no issues with that scope. I think I just got a bad one, but it's not a chance I'd take again. I replaced the DMR2 with a PST2 and it is superior in every way.

More than likely so, it happens (that response from CS is a little odd though, must've been a busy or bad day or something). I have the two that I have, and a friend of mine has 2 of them as well and we've both been satisfied with them.
 
Depending on how you evaluate its weight/size and short range focus limitation, the Steiner P4xi might be worth a look. they can be had for $799.00 from Doug at Cameraland.

Does the P4Xi have a zero stop? I am also trying to either have a capped or locking windage turret on my next hunting scope.
 
Call Doug at camera Land NY for great member pricing on the DMR II. $899 as I recall which is a smoking deal on a fantastic optic. I've had one for years and used it initially in PRS. It's a rock-solid optic with good glass, forgiving eye box, and a great warranty from a reputable company should you ever need it. It is one of the few scopes I own that I will never get rid of. I've got thousands of rounds through mine on several different Precision rifles and AR-15 s, just a great optic.

Dan


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Forgot to add that the SCR reticle may not be a good choice for hunting on low power. Withdrawing this recommendation for hunting purposes. Too bad as it has really good low light capabilities.
 
I have a DMR 2 Pro and LRHS sitting in my safe for future projects (couldn’t pass up the last two GAP deals) The glass is great on both. I think the LRHS is better suited to hunting but I don’t think you can go wrong with the DMR2.
 
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Call Doug at camera Land NY for great member pricing on the DMR II. $899 as I recall which is a smoking deal on a fantastic optic. I've had one for years and used it initially in PRS. It's a rock-solid optic with good glass, forgiving eye box, and a great warranty from a reputable company should you ever need it. It is one of the few scopes I own that I will never get rid of. I've got thousands of rounds through mine on several different Precision rifles and AR-15 s, just a great optic.

Dan


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That’s an insane price. I own an HDMR II and it has been awesome.
 
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If it's in your budget, the DMR2 Pro has the higher end glass of the XRS2. I have the XRS2 and it's pretty damn good glass. I'd definitely see about taking that next step if you can afford it. Even in low light on mine I dont have too much of a problem seeing the reticle. I have a non-illuminated G3 reticle in mine.
 
I have a DMR 2 Pro and LRHS sitting in my safe for future projects (couldn’t pass up the last two GAP deals) The glass is great on both. I think the LRHS is better suited to hunting but I don’t think you can go wrong with the DMR2.
Im using dmr2 pro for hunting aswell.
But my ultimate hunting scope is my k5-25 only bcoz its illuminated...other than that my dm2 pro is more suited for hunting..i can only wish they come with illum