DMR Questions

[Darth Chuckie]

Probably a stupid question to some of you but I am seeking knowledge. What is the purpose of and what exactly makes a DMR? I have several people here talk about about them so I want to learn more and possible build one. Do you start with a base gun and go from there with upgrades (what types?) or is it one specific gun you buy already set up? I do appreciate everyone's input in advance.

[rack0730]

A DMR is a designated Marksman. They are kinda like snipers I guess. A good gun to get if you want a DMR is the new KWA SR12 with a tight bore barrel, and a Scope of some sort. Usually DMR's consist of the bigger rifles like and M16 or the G3 that has the longer barrel and they usually shoot around or over 450fps. I am pretty sure all that is right if I am wrong someone please correct me so next time I can get it right.

[GrimWulf]

Rack, the DMR is not a Designated Markman no more than a sniper is a gun, please read below.

The Designated Marksman Rifle is a weapon which fills the gap between the basic assault rifle and the dedicated sniper rifle. The DM or Designated Marksman role fills the gap between the regular infantryman and the sniper, and are considered a force multiplier just like snipers and support gunners.

In Real Life DMR's: "These rifles have to be effective, in terms of accuracy and terminal ballistics, at ranges exceeding those of ordinary assault rifles (typically up to 500 metres / 550 yards or more) but do not require the extended range of a dedicated sniper rifle (typically up to 1,000 metres / 1,100 yards or more)."  Read everything linked here, and you will learn all you need to know: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_marksman_rifle#Weapons

In Terms of Airsoft: Usually an airsoft DMR is nothing more than an upgraded assault rifle that has some form of magnifying optic, such as a scope or ACOG. The main difference between a DMR and a sniper rifle, is that "usually" when someone thinks of a sniper rifle, they think of a bolt-action gun; when someone thinks of a DMR, they "usually" think of an upgraded, selective fire, assault rifle, such as an M16A4. (Upgraded refers to a higher FPS weapon with an aftermarket tightbore barrel, better hop-up bucking, etc...)  

[rack0730]

Rack, the DMR is not a Designated Markman no more than a sniper is a gun, please read below.

The Designated Marksman Rifle is a weapon which fills the gap between the basic assault rifle and the dedicated sniper rifle. The DM or Designated Marksman role fills the gap between the regular infantryman and the sniper, and are considered a force multiplier just like snipers and support gunners.

In Real Life DMR's: "These rifles have to be effective, in terms of accuracy and terminal ballistics, at ranges exceeding those of ordinary assault rifles (typically up to 500 metres / 550 yards or more) but do not require the extended range of a dedicated sniper rifle (typically up to 1,000 metres / 1,100 yards or more)."  Read everything linked here, and you will learn all you need to know: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_marksman_rifle#Weapons

In Terms of Airsoft: Usually an airsoft DMR is nothing more than an upgraded assault rifle that has some form of magnifying optic, such as a scope or ACOG. The main difference between a DMR and a sniper rifle, is that "usually" when someone thinks of a sniper rifle, they think of a bolt-action gun; when someone thinks of a DMR, they "usually" think of an upgraded, selective fire, assault rifle, such as an M16A4. (Upgraded refers to a higher FPS weapon with an aftermarket tightbore barrel, better hop-up bucking, etc...)  

Yeah I knew all that but I couldn't figure out a good way to word it. Thanks Grim for all the info. Now I will be able to tell people the exact definition of a DMR> 

[Dominum]

As far as airsoft is concerned, classification of weaponry is based on FPS with a .20g BB and is largely necessitated by the AOSC game rules as far as MEDs (Minimum Engagement Distances), fire selection and CQB specific rules go:

340 FPS with a .20g BB or less = CQBR (Close Quarters Battle Rifle) or sidearm, though not necessarily inneffective at greater ranges, and all sidearms are not under 340 FPS, though they aught to be, that way they have no MED. Full auto allowed with no MED. The purpose of this classification is for CQB fields, as a sidearm for when the enemy is close, and for use in buildings even on non-CQB fields. If building a CQBR you obviously want something shorter and lighter, and non-magnifying quick response optics are the preference here. Sidearms are obviously pistols for the most part, though sometimes people carry small AEGs or GBBs in the form of machine pistols, PDWs, and SMGs. Some people carry separate AEGs in a CQBR setup on all fields for close work, while some teams have assigned players with CQBRs as their primary even on non-CQB fields for clearing buildings and other close engagements. With a good hopup and other upgrades an AEG shooting this low can still have comparable range and accuracy to the average AEG at a higher FPS, but with the advantage of having no MED.

341-399 FPS with a .20g BB = Standard assault rifle setup. This is the average AEG in the field, with full auto allowed and a required 20ft MED. The average stock AEG comes somewhere in this range.

400-449 FPS with a .20g BB = Pseudo DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle), restricted to semi auto or bolt action and has a 50ft MED. Can have more range than the standard assault rifle, but not much, and at the cost of another 30ft of MED and no use of full auto.

450-600 FPS with a .20g BB = DMR or sniper rifle, restricted to a 100ft MED and semi auto or bolt action only. With the proper supporting upgrades you can engage targets with more accuracy and at a greater range than most other players.

*Note that though all bolt action guns are called "sniper rifles", unless properly upgraded they often have the equivalent, or even less FPS, range, and accuracy than a stock AEG. There is no such thing in airsoft as a stock bolt action rifle that is worthy of an actual airsoft sniper, it takes upgrades to give it the added range and accuracy over most AEGs, which is it's entire purpose.

*Note that you cannot simply throw a harder spring in any AEG and instantly have a DMR worth it's distinction. FPS alone does not mean accuracy, or even range. You must install the needed upgrades to make it more accurate, have longer range, and be able to handle the higher powered spring in order to have a useful DMR.

[Dominum]

Remember that in airsoft, you can make almost any type of AEG into any of the classifications above, though there are the obvious practical considerations. If you want a DMR, I would use a base that you like, but isn't ridiculously short or with a very obscure gearbox. Then have a high powered spring installed, along with all the needed upgrades (usually a pretty complete overhaul, unless the stock gun you use as the base already came with many of the appropriate parts) to run the gearbox smoothly with that spring. Next, upgrade the barrel, hopup chamber, bucking, and nub with high quality parts that will aid range and accuracy. Additionally, consider the BBs you will want to use, higher quality and heavier weight. Lastly, make sure you have a motor and battery that will pull the spring, preferably with good trigger response. You will want a mosfet to increase trigger response and minimize wear on the contacts, though this applies to all AEGs, it holds especially true in DMR or high speed setups as they draw more electrical current.

[SteevoLS]

Actually, Adrian was just point out that a DMR is a gun and a DM is a person.

[GrimWulf]

Very awesome post Henry! I think that covers pretty much all the bases.

[Mack]

Here is a list of what my DMR platform will have in it once it's complete:

Base gun: CA SR25

Internal Upgrades:
CA SR25 helical gears
SR25 Bore up kit
Madbull Ultimate hop up
Madbull H-nub
G&P SR25 Piston
MOSFET for single fire only
Lipo battery
Custom length 6.02 tight bore barrel

Target fps is 2 joules.

I use KSC Perfect .30 bb's in my bolt sniper rifle and will probably do the same on this.

Total spent on gun, internals and externals will be in the area of $1K

[Darth Chuckie]

I want to Thank Grim for talking with me last night about this, I learn plenty from him. Grim just give me a call when you want to do what we talked about. Thanks Again