What is a DMR airsoft gun?
What is DMR in airsoft?
DMR is an acronym that stands for Designated Marksman Rifle. So, it is a type of rifle used for precise shots by sharpshooters. Depending on the military formation we are analysing, we can come across various ways of using such constructions. Some formations do not assume such a position in their doctrine at all. Others place these types of units at different levels in their squads. In fact, an in-depth analysis of this issue in the context of real military structures is material for a separate work. Certainly, among airsoft enthusiasts there will be a lot of people who would competently explain to us the origin and use of sharpshooters on the battlefield. However, that's not what this article is about. In my assumption, it is to bring closer what the mythical DMR airsoft guns are for a person who may be just starting their adventure and is not sure if they understand this term. It is also worth mentioning that I will be based mainly on the division we have in Poland. Here, due to the relatively high possible power of airsoft guns compared to other countries in Europe and the world, we can set performance limits in a fairly extensive way. So, let's check how, for example, the possible power of replicas at large events in Poland is arranged.
| Type of airsoft gun | Power limits (J) |
| CQB | 1,15 J |
| Storm gun | 1,9 J |
| Machine gun | 1,9 J |
| DMR | 2,6 J |
| Sniper | 3,4 J |
As you can see, the discussed DMR airsoft guns are almost the strongest group of constructions, second only to sniper rifles. If people from abroad read this article and cannot get over the power of the guns we have in Poland, I only hasten to inform you that it is not always the case that everyone plays with the strongest replicas they can have. Besides the power limits, there are others. For example, a sniper rifle cannot be fired inside a building. And one of such limitations is that DMR airsoft guns must operate only in single fire mode. So, we get the opportunity to shoot a more powerful replica, but we can't cover the enemy with burst fire.
Base constructions of airsoft DMR
There are many disputes on the Web about which airsoft guns can be the basis for DMR. Many people do this by trying to bring up all sorts of arguments. For some, the basic criterion will be the calibre of the real firearm a replica is based on. It is argued that DMR airsoft guns must be equivalent to a rifle-calibre design. It makes a lot of sense, but it eliminates, for example, replicas that have no real firearm counterpart. Some, on the other hand, approach the subject more liberally and allow toys based on an intermediate-calibre design but, for example, specifying requirements related to the length of the barrel or the capacity of magazines. This type of solution certainly introduces more variety to the airsoft battlefield. A common feature for most replicas admitted to the game as DMR will be the electric drive. Despite the requirement to shoot with continuous fire, we rarely encounter rate of fire limitations. So, the AEGs fit in well here. They may not be able to fire bursts, but they still give us a better chance of correcting a missed shot than a sniper rifle that needs to be reloaded after each shot. At the expense of possible power compared to sniper constructions, of course. Let's see what are the popular bases for DMR airsoft guns and do they have any advantages?
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AR15
All airsoft guns of a popular design powered by ordinary magazines resembling NATO's STANAG. Of course, purists will reject this solution. For some, the fact that they are mostly based on carbines powered by an intermediate cartridge will not be enough. However, we will find events, even large ones, that allow such a solution. However, they often give additional requirements, such as a specific length of the outer barrel, the need to have a scope or a specific capacity of magazines. Such airsoft guns have one basic advantage. Due to their popularity, tuning is easy. Reaching 2.5J from a replica with a v2 gearbox in the times of CNC frames and precise pneumatic systems is largely based only on the budget available to us. But even here, compared to more exotic designs, costs can be lower. However, there are limitations. Such replicas often have to have an electronically locked automatic mode. This is quite important, because often a longer series on strong parts can have unpleasant consequences. In addition, not all organizers allow such replicas as DMR. This means that their use in this context is highly situational.
Rifle calibre equivalents
This is quite a wide group and because we can deal with different rifle calibres in the real world. Popular representatives of this segment are all constructions based on SR25, G28, M14 and so on. Usually no one questions their admission as DMR replicas. We often have to pay extra kilos of steel or aluminium for the greater allowable power in the field, which we have to carry, because these replicas and their firearm bases are often quite large and heavy. They usually have magazines with a smaller capacity than the popular AR15 clones, and they often have only single fire from the factory. This balances their greater power. However, you have to pay for it. And that's literally. The bases themselves, for various reasons, are relatively expensive compared to what they offer straight from the box. You could say that we pay a DMR tax here. Tuning will not be the cheapest either. It is true that they are often based on the second version of the gearbox, but sometimes in an extended version. This gives us more air in the system, so potentially more power on heavier BBs, but introduces some non-standard parts that can be expensive due to lower availability.
Constructions from the Eastern Bloc
And here the matter is a bit complicated. Constructions based on the AK platform basically have no real counterparts that could pass for marksman rifles. On the other hand, it can be argued that due to its size, a replica resembling an AK, but with a locked automatic mode and appropriate power, will meet the DMR criteria. Here it is probably best to rely on the organizers and their attempts to balance the game. Nevertheless, there is one design that can be called the eastern DMR and that is the VSS. It is true that its use in real armed forces is quite niche and, in my opinion, does not meet the characteristics of a sniper rifle, but in terms of design limitations, it can be said that it fits. Most VSS-styled replicas are based on the v3 gearbox. This partly facilitates tuning, at least when it comes to the pneumatic assembly. However, it is different with bodies. If you are interested in such a DMR replica, check out the ShadowSniper YouTube channel. One of his replicas is just such a design by LCT.
Is DMR airsoft gun for everyone?
A common argument raised in discussions about the beginner's sniper rifle is that it does not give you the opportunity to correct the shot after you miss the first time. This means that players with electric airsoft guns can easily detect us and dominate us with firepower. It can be concluded that the DMR replica solves this problem. Maybe we don't have the ability to shoot with continuous fire, but the lack of the need to reload after each shot makes it a lot easier. However, that's not all. DMR airsoft guns are complex, precise constructions. Rarely does a replica shoot with 2.5J straight out of the box. Each time it must be specifically tuned for this type of performance. This involves significant expenses for both parts and service. I wouldn't say that they are replicas for beginners. A strong and expensive construction is not something we want to start our journey with. It is better to spend your budget on an assault replica and gradually learn habits, tactics and familiarity. So, who should invest in this kind of toy? People who are looking for more precision. Those who are not afraid of spending, but know that they are either able to achieve the desired results on their own or have a trusted service technician who will help with it. At the same time, they must be players for whom the more stationary type of sniper gameplay will seem too boring.
Author: Boreq
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