Magnification for an SPR in a Designated Marksman role:

Aug 4

Written By Jonathan Fisher

This is one of the areas where I will claim expertise, both in real-world experience and with current best practices.

Your magnification range should be AT LEAST double for every 100 yards you want to observe and shoot. Preferably more.

e.g. you want to be able to shoot/observe 800yds. You need 16x. for 900yds, 18x. etc

If you want to know why, read on

First, my background

I spent 8 Years in the Army as a Cavalry Scout. Our bread and butter tasking was observation and reconnaissance.
I was assigned as a Designated Marksman for 2 deployments to Iraq, one in 2008 and again in 2010. Worked in a Scout platoon and as a Squadron (Bn) level asset with a 4-man team. I spent a lot of time on roofs and in OP's observing.
I have stayed current with trends and best practices since. I recently graduated from DM TUSC at the Direct Action Resource Center in Sept 2024, participate regularly in precision rifle courses, and train with my current SPR setup regularly.

To more fully understand the role of the designated marksmen, check out the video I did with Dirty Civilian here. This article will be focused on magnification only.

Observation

-Observation is 95% of the role of a DM. You have the ability to see and engage things your team can not.
-You don't just need to see things. You need it IDENTIFY them. Weapons, uniforms, faces, actions, equipment, etc.
-Lighting and environment will play havoc on your ability to observe. Higher magnification is key to maximizing what you can observe in varying conditions.
-Scopes function their best for clarity at about 80% of their maximum magnification. The more powerful your optic, the further you can use it to effectively observe and engage targets

As a DM, you still need to function as a member of a rifle squad, or in the civilian context, you may be working with a very small team. Either way, this is most likely going to limit the amount of ancillary equipment you can carry. Your optic is most likely going to be the highest magnification device you have on you. You can not rely on a spotting scope or big bino’s as a DM.

Shooting

-You are the element's precision instrument. You must be able to engage and hit your targets. On the first shot.
-Targets in real life are not like the targets you shoot on the range. They are camouflaged. They are behind cover. They are small. You need to be able to first SEE, then hit things much smaller than a man-sized steel.
-You will most likely not have a spotter to make your calls. Higher mag helps you see mirage and wind effects clearly, and enables you to make better wind calls on your own.
-You are shooting a small-caliber bullet. Where you put that bullet is very important. You don't need to be able to hit a body 500 yards. You need to be able to choose where you want to hit it.
-Your gun is built for follow-up shots. More magnification = better shot calling + better corrections + faster follow-ups.

My Designated Marksmen Scope of choice

My current SPR Scope of choice is the Leupold MK5 HD 3-18x with the PR2 Reticle. It is mounted to a 16 inch barrel, 5.56mm SPR in a Reptilia 1.53mm height mount, with an Aimpoint ACRO P2 top dot, Reptilia bubble level, and Cole-Tac Cheat sheet dope card holder.

The 3-18x is the ideal magnification range for a 5.56mm SPR, in my opinion. The 18X allows me to observe and engage comfortably out to 700yards, while staying in that 80% of maximum scope magnification.

I previously used Primary Arms GLx 3-18, and had a great experience with it, but the Leupold beat it out on turret design and glass clarity.