AAR: Suarez Recce/DMR Rifle School - April 1-3, 2016 - Prescott, AZ

[shooterb]

On #2, I think glass with a top end around 10x would be a much better option for your Recce (I currently run a 3-9x) and the 1-5x a good option for your pistol. Have you considered a spotting scope for target ID? That would alleviate putting a 2+ lbs scope on your otherwise lightweight rifle but give you even greater mag for identifying targets and spotting rounds (hits and misses).

On #3, the offset RMR would be awesome but is obviously a bit pricey. I run offset iron sights on my Recce that give me the same option, but at a fraction of the price. Just a thought.

[ChrisNobody]

Shootb....

I have been thinking about a spotting scope. I'm going to hit up Kamp to talk to the Leupold folks about supplying one for me during the GS courses. Then, I'll buy it from them :) (hopefully at a nice discount).

I was unsure of the offset RMR initially. I run an RMR above my ACOG on my patrol rifle. It is a little bit awkward and has a stupid height above bore, but I was able to employ it well at last year's carbine course. I put an RMR (dual illuminated) on MCSO's rifle (the Mk4 used to be mine) and then gave the whole package over to MCSO going forward. He was able to prove out the concept. My only change would be that we need to go with a battery powered RMR. This will give a better experience. One nice thing is that the Mk4 and the RMR use the same battery. If I do the same on my personal setup, I may go with the Leupold DP Pro. This would allow me to change the battery without removing the optic.

I do run offset sights on the Recce currently (with the 1-5....it isn't a QD scope mount). I like them but can't get the front sight to stay stable (it wobbles). I'm going to try another front sight and will hopefully find a flaw in the sight and not something with the rail itself.

[shooterb]

I do run offset sights on the Recce currently (with the 1-5....it isn't a QD scope mount). I like them but can't get the front sight to stay stable (it wobbles). I'm going to try another front sight and will hopefully find a flaw in the sight and not something with the rail itself.

My sights are rock solid (they're made by one of the high end flashlight manufacturers).

As for RMR's, I haven't used any of the dual illum ones, but I prefer the adjustable red dot ones anyways. I think it's just what I'm used to (and if it aint broke, don't fix it). And, like you said, an RMR on top of your optic is way too tall. I prefer the offset setup due to just having to rotate the rifle slightly as opposed to changing your whole shooting position.

I'm running an old Leupold MK4 3-9 on my recce right now that I bought back in '04. Given the option to use and then buy glass at the GS class, I'm seriously considering picking up something with a little more mag. I would love to get one of their spotting scopes, but that is definitely not in the budget right now. Good thing my buddy up there has one we can use. haha

[MCSO]

Chris, I think the spotting scope is the way to go. I'd keep your Steiner. I was basically making a medium range sniper rifle do the job of a CQB carbine, but what you already have is ideal for that plus the DMR role. We basically just need spotting scopes from Leupold.

I will say though that Gabe and Jeromy's course does prove the 20" DMR with Leupold and RMR optics is a more than capable CQB weapon. I would not trade this combination for anything. Once again, confidence is high as the concept was proven in the class. That off-set RMR is unbelievable.

[Gabriel Suarez]

All Cooperisms aside, I believe a scope with a low end around 3 or 4 power and a high end around 9-10 is ideal. The whole "one power for every 100 yards" is fine for hunting, or for a CQB rifle pressed out farther, but identification...positive identification of the target is not possible with anything less. And if one really is doing the DMR/SPR/Recce training with a greater degree of focus on short range sniping, the lower powers will not do it for you.

In CQB you use various index points to hit and its not at all hard to make work.

[Gabriel Suarez]

1058DSCF3823.jpg

A new article perhaps.

CQB With a Sniper Rifle

1). Cheekweld...no need for stock weld.
2). See around and not through the scope.
3). Drive it out like an MP5
4). Use visual Index Points. Top Turret on the 3x10 works great

[Rick Klopp]

Great in-depth AARs - enjoyed the read.

Like others have mentioned, long distance is lacking in my skill sets as well. Something to work on in 2016.

[Jess Karren]

Great in-depth AARs - enjoyed the read.

Like others have mentioned, long distance is lacking in my skill sets as well. Something to work on in 2016.

Building my first recce as I type. This will be the new focus end of this year and next as well.

[CaptBeach]

1058DSCF3823.jpg

A new article perhaps.

CQB With a Sniper Rifle

1). Cheekweld...no need for stock weld.
2). See around and not through the scope.
3). Drive it out like an MP5
4). Use visual Index Points. Top Turret on the 3x10 works great

Will try that soon, thanks.

[mike135]

What are the current opinions about the best applications of a 1-6x or 1-8x optic vs a traditional scope like a 3-10x?

I'm very interested to hear about the challenges experienced with target ID. I hear a lot of guys all over the Internet talk in terms of "I can make hits out to xxx yards with my red dot" (I'm assuming that usually means torso hits or hits on a steel target) but I rarely hear guys talk about what it takes to consistently make head shots or do any significant target ID at various distances.

I currently run a red dot on my Recce because it's the only rifle I have, but once I add an AR pistol or SBR I want to put its accuracy potential to good use and stretch its range, so I'm following these conversations with interest as I plan the next optics purchase.