Six things your AR15 needs to become a DMR

While at a recent 3-gun event, some shooters mentioned an upcoming Designated Marksman Rifle match being held only an hour from my house. Having very limited experience with this type of match, I decided to go in head-first and try my hand at long-range, rapid-fire riflery. There was just one issue: I didn’t have a precision rifle that would work for the match. At least I didn’t think I did, until I considered the most versatile rifle ever made: the AR-15.

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Many of you are probably shaking your heads right now. Yes, DMR rifles are meant to reach out past the range of infantry weapons and are normally chambered in a more powerful round to facilitate this. That’s true. However, since I’m shooting at steel and paper, stopping power is irrelevant. The only advantage a bigger round has is wind resistance. Thankfully there are heavier grain varieties of .223 ammunition that help combat wind drift.

1. Match grade heavy bullets

2. Heavy contour barrel

3. Free-floated handguard

4. Adjustable stock

5. Bright, variable zoom scope

6. Quality trigger

Just remember…

When building a precision rifle the most under-appreciated part of the equation is the shooter. A novice could buy $15,000 worth of equipment, but if they don’t know what they’re doing they might never achieve groups smaller than 8 inches at 100 yards.

The best way to learn is to find other shooters who compete or enjoy long range shooting for enjoyment, then watch and ask questions. Most are more than happy to lend helpful advice.

Equally important is practice. Knowing how to ski and being an experienced skier are two very different things. The same applies to shooting. So go out there, grab a ballistic chart for your setup, and sling some lead down range. You’ll have a great time and learn the true limits of your rifle in the process.