Rifle Scopes Bushnell DMR II or ?

[RampedRaptor]

In need of a scope for a longish range AR15 I put together. Max range will be 1000yds with 70% being 600yds or less.

Range toy only/ varmint hunting.
Im a huge vortex fan but I'm open to others. I strongly value a companies warranty if their known to back it.

I can get the the DMR II for a decent price but it's not the illuminated version.

I like the profile of the DMR but have concerns the reticle will be thicker than I'll like. I'm partial to open centers like the razor 2 has. Also concerned with the glas quality. My budget doesn't allow for me to have gen 2 razors on everything sadly.

The pst 2 is also a consideration but I looked through the glass and I was not very impressed (limited experience). I would just get a gen 1 razor but I want a black scope for aesthetic reasons and the tall turret is an eye sore these days.

Long story short:
Is the DMR2 non "i" worth the price ?
Is there a better scope for under 1 grand?
New/used price



Thanks for any advice with focus being directed at the DMR 2

 

[Poorboyr]

I'm debating the same thing. I will be watching this thread. I'm at a cross between the DMR II / Viper PST Gen II / Leupold VX 3i LRP

 

[SRPowah]

The non-i DMR supposedly has a noticeably thinner center crosshair, which makes it a little more useable. Illumination is nice, but not needed for certain rifles. If I think I might need it (low light, or hunting in the woods), I grab a rifle that has it...but both of those situations are very rare for me.

I don't think you will regret going with a shorter optic like the DMR. After getting a S&B US, I am moving to shorter scopes where 13.5" is the absolute limit unless they are very light. The balance that the shorter scopes bring is awesome. Also aesthetically pleasing to me, but never admit it if that is a reason you want something

 

[RampedRaptor]

SRPowah: Do you own the illuminiated version of the DMR? What it your take on the clarity of the glass?

 

[Fursniper]

I'm pretty sure the DMR II has cross hairs that thin down in the center like the ERS does. I have an ERS on a 308 that I shoot out to 1k and glass quality & reticle thickness is not an issue.

 

[mattsnuked]

DMR 2 glass and turrets are nice, I would choose this over a PST any day for build quality alone. I had the illuminated model and the cross hair was a little thick for my liking but it was definitely usable.

 

[mpk1996]

is there a budget? i would go for the NF 4-16 ATACR in the MIL-R if you want illum. great scope and profile, perfect for an AR. I love mine. the glass is def better than the XRS that i had, but i haven't played with the DMR II to be able to compare.

 

[CSTactical]

is there a budget? i would go for the NF 4-16 ATACR in the MIL-R if you want illum. great scope and profile, perfect for an AR. I love mine. the glass is def better than the XRS that i had, but i haven't played with the DMR II to be able to compare.

I really like the 4-16 ATACR for the AR platform shooting at longer distances, we have them in stock, call 916.670.1103 for hide pricing.
Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42mm F1 Mil-R
https://www.cstactical.com/nightforce-atacr-4-16x42mm-f1-zerohold-1-mil-radian-digillum-ptl-mil-r

 

[RampedRaptor]

Hey guys, I underlined in my OP about price requirements. I would like to keep it right around 1k or less. This goes for the used price as well. I'm okay with second hand scopes with solid companies.

 

[RampedRaptor]

Another poster mentioned the weaver 6-30. Besides the recticle it seems like a good scope for the money but it's a weaver product and I don't have too many warm fuzzies about that. I have seen many who recommend the weaver grand slam to new shooters on a budget and that's the only reason why I'm even contemplating it.

 

[z71rat]

My DMRIIi is awesome. Yes, the center of the reticle is a bit thick, but it has to be for the illumination. The DMRII, with the thinner reticle is an awesome scope too. I opted for the i version. I have no complaints at all with it. Tracking is spot on, parallax focus is spot on, and the Zero Stop is super easy to set and forget. For the money, IMHO, they are even better than the PST's, and I have loved and used Vortex for a LONG TIME!

DK

 

[steve123]

Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27x50 new at $850 MAP but shop around.

The old Bushnell 3.5-21x50 DMR or HDMR were good scopes and can be found used for $900 or so.

After playing with 3 of the Ares, it'd be the easy choice for me.

 

[SRPowah]

SRPowah: Do you own the illuminiated version of the DMR? What it your take on the clarity of the glass?

Sadly I don't own one yet, but I did all of the research myself a few weeks ago. I decided I am definitely picking up a DMR2 non-illuminated or a NF 4-16 if I sell my current optic first. Going on a .308 bolt gun, but I still recommend shorter scopes for lighter ARs.

 

[RampedRaptor]

Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27x50 new at $850 MAP but shop around.

The old Bushnell 3.5-21x50 DMR or HDMR were good scopes and can be found used for $900 or so.

After playing with 3 of the Ares, it'd be the easy choice for me.

The ares crossed my mind a couple of times but after being rubbed the wrong way by Athlon when they first started up I decided not to send them any business.

I ordered the weaver to check out. I would like members to continue commenting because if the weaver is a let down I'll still need to pick something up.

I know I'm one of the few that does not like .2 mill hash marks in an optic.

If the weaver does not work out I am still leaning towards the DMR. For the price difference and the requirement of this rifle
the Weaver was worth a try.

 

[steve123]

Sorry to hear that!

I had a very unpleasant experience with SWFA, well twice actually, but the first was more annoying than anything else. Problem was back then their 3-15 was the only scope which met my main requirements so I was stuck. Athlon has been the opposite for me.

Enjoy your new Weaver!

 

[CSTactical]

You can also look at the BURRIS XTRI.

 

[Ron Warren]

I purchased the DMR II for under 1k when Bushnell had their 25% rebate a few months ago. The scope is awesome! There is nothing else out there that can match the glass and functionality of the DMRII for that price. Even at $1500 it is a great value. The DMR II has had a lot of upgrades from the older DMR. The tube is now 34mm with improved glass coatings, and optional illumination. The windage turret is locking and the elevation turret has been lowered with the same zero stop as their LRTS. It is above the midrange glass of the Sightron III, Vortex PST II, Ares BTR and Burris XTR II, and knocking on the door of the alphas for much less. Definitely a good value if you can't afford to drop $3000 on a PMII or Kahles K624i

 

[m6z]

I purchased the DMR II for under 1k when Bushnell had their 25% rebate a few months ago. The scope is awesome! There is nothing else out there that can match the glass and functionality of the DMRII for that price. Even at $1500 it is a great value. The DMR II has had a lot of upgrades from the older DMR. The tube is now 34mm with improved glass coatings, and optional illumination. The windage turret is locking and the elevation turret has been lowered with the same zero stop as their LRTS. It is above the midrange glass of the Sightron III, Vortex PST II, Ares BTR and Burris XTR II, and knocking on the door of the alphas for much less. Definitely a good value if you can't afford to drop $3000 on a PMII or Kahles K624i

I read about deals like this and kick myself in the ass for not starting my search sooner. The best price I've found in the last couple of weeks is $1,300 and it's a pre-order. I'd like to order from a SH vendor, but they're quotes have all been higher.

 

[RampedRaptor]

Ron that's a heck of a price you got the DMR for. Congrats.