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What does DMR stand for in Airsoft? – Designated Marksman’s Rifles are quality airsoft weapons that make the difference between losing or winning a game.
However, before delving any deeper, we must understand what DMRs are and where to find them. The main features of these rifles are accuracy and range. However, the things that make a rifle a designated marksman’s rifle, that is, its definition and characteristics, may vary from one airsoft field to the other.
So, before considering buying a rifle, ensure you take time to find out if the airsoft field you’d like to join accepts it. Some of the things you need to consider when choosing a rifle include firing modes (full or semi-automatic), muzzle velocity, and the size and type of airsoft field (indoor or outdoor.)
What Makes a Designated Marksman’s Rifle?
In the real steel rifles world, DMRs are any infantry rifles that can shoot beyond the normal range. In the airsoft world, DMRs are defined as standard, semi-automatic infantry rifles armed with high-quality optics capable of shooting at 0.20g BBs at a maximum of 450FPS.
Considering most of these features, we can safely say that these rifles are a hybrid between bolt action and automatic rifles. Now, as most military personnel will say, it all depends on how one uses their gun. For instance, while you could get and use a sniper rifle in a CQB, it would not be as effective as other rifles, but you’d still be able to tag one or two people.
The same applies to DMRs. Since there’s no standardized definition for them, airsoft players can use any rifle they like. However, it is worth noting that most designs are underpowered and do not have the accuracy needed for long-range shooting. Now, if you are looking for a DMR, the best way to get one is to make one.
This basically means using a standard platform that has been tested and has proven reliable and then improving it.
Things to Consider in a Designated Marksman’s Rifle
Features that matter most in a DMR are accuracy and power. When you combine these two, you improve range, which is the maximum distance the gun can shoot at human-sized targets without missing.
The next thing you need to consider is the platform – the best is a semi-automatic platform that’s capable of shooting .2g BBs at about 440 FPS.
Now, to ensure that you have an easier time hitting targets that's within the guns standard range, you’ll need a scope equipped with variable zoom and no lower than 2X power. However, considering that you won’t always be in a fixed position, it is vital to ensure that the rifle (plus accessories) is not too heavy. Should be at most 10lbs heavy.
Other features to consider before branding your rifle a Designated Marksman’s Rifle include hop-up functionality, trigger response, and magazine capacity (should hold over 250 BBs).
To get or to build a rifle that possesses all of the features I’ve just mentioned here (and those required at your local airsoft field), then be ready to spend a bit more than what you would if you bought a standard rifle. However, considering that a Designated Marksman role is one no newbie can afford, DMRs are often for veteran players with years of airsoft experience and who have the means to create such rifles.
If you are looking to build your own DMR, here is a list of six rifles that you can easily use as a DMR.
Top Six Rifles for DMR
Rifles Image | Rifles Name | Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Lancer Tactical M14 EBR AEG | 9.8
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 | KRYTAC Trident MK-II SPR | 9.5
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 | ICS Proline CXP MMR | 9.3
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 | CYMA Full-Size M14 Airsoft AEG | 9.2
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 | G&P Hybrid Full-Size DMR | 9.0
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 | ARES SR25-M110 Full-Metal | 8.7
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Lancer Tactical M14 EBR AEG 9.8
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KRYTAC Trident MK-II SPR 9.8
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ICS Proline CXP MMR 9.8
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CYMA Full-Size M14 Airsoft AEG 9.8
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G&P Hybrid Full-Size DMR 9.8
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ARES SR25-M110 Full-Metal 9.8
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With a long barrel, fully-metallic body, adjustable crane stock, and a full-size RIS rail, the Lancer Tactical M14 EBR is a beast of a rifle. Since it is quite heavy, I recommend you consider adding a sling on to it, so you do not have to carry its weight by hand every time.
One thing you’ll love about this rifle, apart from its massive look, is the sound it makes. Since it is made out of metal, its charging handle makes extremely realistic sounds. At the same time, the rifle’s mag release action makes really good metal on metal sounds. The gun’s magazine is a high-capacity design that’s capable of holding up to 400 BB rounds and works well with both semi and full-automatic firing modes.
Accuracy-wise, the rifle comes equipped with an adjustable hop-up and sights – the one on the front is fixed while the one on the rear is flip-up). Fortunately, there’s plenty of space on the rifle’s rail to install extra accessories like high-capacity optics.
Finally, since the M14 EBR has a pretty long barrel, it has a very good range and is capable of shooting at 30FPS.
Pros
cons
The KRYTAC Trident MK-II is made of a strong aluminum-alloy body. It is worth noting that each piece of the rifle was specially-machined to guarantee smooth function. Overall, the Trident MK-II is a rifle with a modern look that will leave you thinking about a real steel rifle.
The rifle’s design is primarily focused on accuracy and comes with a special rotary-style hop-up that’s designed to lock in place. This helps ensure your aim does not shift when you move your rifle. Something worth noting is that the rifle’s rotary wheel has 15 settings. When it comes to accuracy, the Trident MK-II has adjustable and detachable rear and front iron sights. Its five-slot key mod rail makes it easier to add accessories like optics.
KRYTAC has improved the rifle’s stock by redesigning it to hold batteries. While players can toy around with various configurations, the fact that the rifle has is quite powerful means that there’s hardly any downtimes while on the field.
Pros
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Furthermore, the company has worked hard to improve the gearbox. The rifle now has 8-millimeter ball bearings, which help decrease friction and is now covered with an anti-corrosion coating that helps increase wear and tear resistance. At the same time, the Trident MK-II now has a quick spring system which proves handy when swapping springs.
With a 350 rounds capacity magazine and a max power of 420 FPS, this rifle serves as a fantastic Designated Marksman’s Rifle right out of the box.
The Proline ICS CXP MMR comes with an all-metal internal build for improved accuracy and increased durability. At the same time, its body is made from a combination of durable polymers and metal, which help make the rifle feel like it’s made of real steel. You will love the rifle’s metallic hang guard that allows players to attach standard MLOK accessories. While the rifle’s profile remains low, shooters still have the option to attach extra Picatinny rail sections for attaching different accessories.
The ICS-POM reinforced pistons with steel teeth, and the fully-upgradeable version 2 split gearbox makes the ICS Proline CXP MMR one of the most powerful rifles (capable of shooting at 440 FPS). Its adjustable hop-up and long 458mm inner barrel guarantee its accuracy. Furthermore, its 300-round high-capacity magazine and roomy stock, make this a Designated Marksman’s Rifle that is hard to beat in any outdoor environment.
Pros
cons
CYMA is one of very few brands that capitalized on an opportunity to make a niche-specific airsoft gun series, and the beautifully-accessorized M14 is one such product. Unlike a majority of airsoft M14 rifles in the market that require users to buy a conversion kit with the rifle, the CYMA Full-Size M14 AEG comes ready for use out of the box.
The CYMA M14 AEG has a polymer chassis and comes with a ready-to-use adjustable stock. Apart from that, you will also enjoy the rifle’s adjustable cheek rest and the pistol grip, which help create a more stable long-range shooting platform.
The CYMA Full Size M14 AEG is powerful (380-400FPS) and very accurate (thanks to its adjustable hop-up). The rifle weighs about 5.5 kilograms without a scope and features a 500mm long barrel. The fact that it has sling swivels means you do not always have to carry it with your hands. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the CYMA Full-Size M14 AEG is a big rifle – it’s 1127mm long!
The whole of this rifle’s platform is built around a Tokyo Marui version 7 gearbox (upgradeable), which means you can add extra components if you want to improve your gun. At the same time, the barrel receiver and assembly are all fully metallic.
Pros
cons
The G&P Hybrid is specially-designed for designated marksman positions and comes with tons of cool features. The first thing I will mention is its design. The rifle, which weighs about 4.4kgs, is rather big, and its length is adjustable (from 860mm to 900mm). It also has a matte black finish that makes it quite intimidating.
The handguard, barrel assembly, and receiver are all made of metal. The front grip and pistol make it easy to hold the rifle when aiming. When it comes to accuracy, the G&P Hybrid is all about the target. It comes with rear and front flip-up iron sights and an adjustable hop-up. The rifle’s free-float quad rail allows users to install all kinds of compatible scopes.
When it comes to power, the rifle is capable of shooting 0.20BBs at about 380 -290 FPS. Sadly, the rifle has a rather small magazine considering that it only holds about 130 rounds. The G&P Hybrid features a high-speed motor that’s powered by a 7.4 volts LiPo battery. At the same time, the rifle features an 8-millimeter bearing version gearbox.
Finally, the G&P Hybrid supports three different firing modes – safe, auto, and semi. You should not have any problems with this rifle as it does not do anything over 400 FPS.
Pros
cons
If you are in the market looking for a scary and powerful airsoft rifle, then the ARES SR25-M110 is the rifle to get.
The ARES SR25-M110 Full-Metal is surprisingly long – about 1075-millimeters with the muzzle suppressor on! However, with a weight of 3.7kgs, this rifle is relatively light compared to some of the rifles on this list. The rifle shoots 0.20BBs at about 380FPS. It is worth noting that it only supports safety fire and semi-automatic firing modes. Something worth noting is that the inner barrel is 509-millimeters long.
I like that the rifle’s lower and upper receivers are made of metal, and I am sure you’ll appreciate the licenses stamped on the rifle’s body. Both the upper receiver and handguard support a RIS rail – this gives you the ability to add as many accessories as you want, and a good scope should be one of them.
Pros
cons
The ARES SR25-M110 Full-Metal’s stock is fixed to the rifle and features a rather large butt plate for improved stability when shooting. Furthermore, its controls can be easily accessed by both left and right-handed shooters.
Finally, this rifle comes with an EFCS Version 2 gearbox with a long-type motor powered by a 9.6-volt butterfly battery, an adjustable hop-up, and a Rapid Velocity Tuning System. While the rifle’s magazine capacity is rather small (holds 140 rounds only), the good thing is that the rifle is compatible with SR25 magazines.
Wrap Up
While it is true that standard airsoft rifles do not have what it takes to be Designated Marksman’s Rifles, most top brands on the market have a special set of designs and features that fit your requirements. Before you start working on building your own DMR, I recommend that you first check out the models mentioned here. You never know, you just might end up finding a better deal.