Magnification for an SPR in a Designated Marksman role:

Jonathan Fisher
Jan 5
2 min read

This is one of the FEW 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 100yds 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. 8 Years Army, Cav Scout. Make your jokes, but our bread and butter was observation and recon.

Designated Marksman for 2 deployments. Iraq 08 and 2010. Worked in a Scout PLT and as Squadron (Bn) level asset with a 4 man team. Spent a lot of time on roofs and in OP's observing.

I have stayed current with trends and best practices since. I went to DM TUSC at DARC in Sept 2024. Did a precision rifle course this year as well.

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 mag is key to maximizing what you can observe in varying conditions.

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 size steel.

-You will most likely not have a spotter to make your calls. Higher mag helps you see mirage and wind effects clearer, and enable 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 600. You need to be able to choose where you want to hit it.

-Your gun is built for follow-up shots. More mag, better shot calling, better corrections, faster follow ups.