Rifle Scopes Bushnell DMR-IIi - worth upgrading?

[enichols]

Hey guys,
I have been running the first generation Bushnell DMR 3.5-21x50 with G2DMR reticle on my primary match rifle for the past couple years, with no real complaints. The scope has been absolutely reliable, tracks perfectly, and has performed flawlessly in the time I've had it. About the only thing I dislike about it is the (often maligned) way the image takes on a purple-ish tinge at higher magnifications.

So my questions are - is the glass on the DMR-II and IIi significantly and noticeably better than on the first generation scopes? Do the newer models address/fix the color issue at higher magnifications? Is it worth spending the money to upgrade to the latest model, or should I stick with my first generation scope, and spend my money on ammo/training/matches/barrels?

If I were to buy the DMR-II, my old scope would go onto my .223 training rifle (which currently wears a Bushnell Elite Tactical 3-12x44 G2DMR).

Thanks for your input!
Nic

 

[Lionsbreath]

Would love to hear some feedback on this ERS vs DMRll

 

[rtpguy]

I have a 3.5-21 ERS on my bolt rifle, and just finally received a DMR2i for an MDR. Sadly, with the cold spell, I've yet to make it to the range for a more direct comparison, but plan on doing so next weekend. While I can't compare directly to the first gen DMR, I believe the ERS glass is better than the first gen DMR, so - will see how they compare.

 

[5RWill]

Resolution and turrets are a step up from the ERS/HDMR though my model has some prevalent CA and edge to edge clarity isn't all there. Resolution seems better than our Conquest V6 but CA and edge to edge clarity goes to the V6. Haven't really looked at either one side by side in a low light test. HDMR II has been good in low light though. That's the only scope i have to compare it to in a similar price category.

 

[Glassaholic]

OP, I had the original G2DMR and then most recently the DMR IIi. Turrets are better, reticle is a wash, they added a couple extra hashes when they should have redesigned with a full .2 mil hash reticle but that is subjective. Regarding the bluish cast you mention with your current DMR, I remember that well, and while in daylight it wasn't that much of a big deal to me I did a lot of low light shooting and it really made the image poor in those conditions. In my opinion, I felt the DMR II fixed that issue and with the mew multicoatings they is no longer such a strong blue cast in low light, in fact, I felt the DMR IIi did very well in low light and the new illumination was very impressive, brightest daylight bright of any high mag scope I've played with. The DMR II still struggles with resolution and CA, but I feel it's about average compared to other scopes in it's mag range and price point. If you do a lot of low light shooting I think you'll definitely benefit, if you like illuminated reticles then you'll benefit; the DMR II has 10 mil turrets whereas the original was 5 and the II has lower profile (not low profile but "lower") than the first generation. All in all I was very impressed with the DMR II and felt it was a worthy second generation.

 

[demolitionman]

I have a DMR 2. I've got 500 rounds through it. I am already looking to upgrade..... I freaking love the g3 reticle although .2 hashes would be a nice addition for windage. I rarely hold .5 tenths...... usually .2 or .3 for my style of shooting.....glass just leaves something to be desired and my windage turret is between tenths so that kind of sucks. Seems to track awesome though.

 

[lte82]

The dmr2 is a solid upgrade to the original. It seems like slightly better glass than the original (I owned four dmrs, and now 2 dmr2s) and the zero stop and turrets alone are worth the extra coin to me. It does not have the edge to edge clarity, resolution, low light performance, eye box, or lack of CA of say a ATACR, s&b, razor 2, etc but it's still better than the xtr2, pst2, and pretty much everything else in its price range.

 

[enichols]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I think that I'll start saving my money and buy a DMR IIi as the next optic upgrade. As I said, I love my original DMR, and I really like the G2 reticle - looks like the G3 is not much different and slightly improved as well.