Best Airsoft DMR | 2024 Ultimate Guide

Bridging the gap between assault rifles and sniper rifles, designated marksmen rifles (DMRs) are perfect for mid-to-long range firefights where mobility and firepower are equally as important as accuracy and range. If you would like to see for yourself the benefits of this unique class of rifles, we at RedWolf Airsoft are here to help you find the best airsoft guns that can be designated DMR for your needs and budget. Below, we'll explore what it means for a rifle to be classified as a DMR before diving into our picks of the top ten airsoft DMR rifles on the market today. 

What is a DMR Rifle?

The range and accuracy provided by sniper rifles make them great for picking off long-range targets. However, even the best airsoft snipers tend to be bulky and slow to fire, making them less than ideal for short and medium-range engagements where fast-firing and more easily maneuverable assault rifles usually win the day. While following a few airsoft sniper tips can help make up for these shortcomings, the fact still remains that sniper rifles are less than ideal for anything but long-range engagements. 

Enter DMRs - a fusion between the assault rifle and sniper rifle categories that are designed to offer plenty of accuracy and range while still featuring a fast rate of fire and excellent mobility for more up-close-and-personal engagements. In the military, DMRs are used by designated marksmen in an infantry unit in order to provide the unit with the ability to take down faraway threats without the need for a sniper team. In airsoft, DMRs can fill this same role, allowing you to fight alongside teammates who are armed with assault rifles without slowing them down while at the same time providing your team with a little more punch at longer ranges. This makes DMRs some of the best airsoft infantry rifles for those who want a weapon that is adequate at all ranges. 

HOW WE CHOSE THE BEST AIRSOFT DMRS

There are a number of important factors we considered when compiling our list of Best Airsoft DMR, these include:

FUN FACTOR – Airsoft is a hobby so airsoft guns must be able to generate joy. We look at recoil, sound, design, optional accessories, and overall awesomeness that make the gun interesting. Non-shooting models can also be fun, like a beautiful revolver with realistic ammo that you can load into a rotating cylinder. We rate each of our picks on how much pleasure you can derive from ownership.

REALISM – What makes Airsoft guns attractive for so many is that they replicate real guns. While many manufacturers try their best to recreate the details and feel of a real gun, some succeed while others fail horribly and end up with something more akin to a toy. We rate how real each of our top picks feels and looks.

PERFORMANCE – Power measured in feet-per-second (FPS), range and accuracy are the key metrics we use to determine the best airsoft gun. From there, we also prioritize airsoft guns with an adjustable hop-up and high-quality buckings to ensure that they give the consistency and accuracy you need. All FPS ratings are universally based on 0.2 gram BBs.

BUILD QUALITY – We look for good quality construction, materials and refinement not only in the external components but also internally. The fit tolerances, discernable wobbles and rattles, smoothness of operation, durability of components, etc are all considered.

VALUE – Affordable airsoft guns that rank highly in all the above categories are prioritized over more expensive airsoft guns that offer the same, as "bang for your buck" is an important consideration for most airsoft players.  These criteria rates if you are getting more for your money compared to similar guns in the same class, meaning is it a good deal. For more information on how to determine the value of an airsoft gun, check out this article on what goes into the cost of an airsoft gun.

COLLECTABILITY – Sometimes an Airsoft gun stands out simply because it is unique either because it’s not produced by anyone else or holds enough of a cultural or collectable value to make you want to have a piece of history regardless of its utility. This criteria in particular rates whether the gun is a must-have for collectors. Some rare or limited edition Airsoft guns even appreciate in value in the secondary market and we rate their investment value where applicable.

Top DMRs for 2024

Using the qualifications listed above as well as a wide range of other criteria such as price, aesthetics, and reliability, we've compiled a list of the top airsoft DMRs available in 2024. If you are looking for the best airsoft DMR that your money can buy, any one of these ten high-quality rifles are exceptional products to consider. 

UMAREX G28 GBB AIRSOFT RIFLE (BY VFC)

Loud and massive blowback recoil that embarrasses most blowback rifles, with eye-watering power out of the box. It's so loud that your ears may ring if you're aiming with your cheek to the stock. The VFC G28 GBBR, fully licensed by Umarex, is a full metal licensed replica this time in GBB form, stretching to just under a meter in length and weighing in at 5kgs, this absolute unit of a weapon is not known for its lightweight and mobility. If you plan to be out in the field all day, think twice about carrying this beast out. Thankfully at 440 FPS the G28’s lack of mobility is negated by its ability to reach out to your intended target as a fully capable DMR. Featuring a quad rail system, collapsible stock, its own foregrip, Harris bipod and scope rings for a magnified scope and red dot sight, the G28 has almost everything you would need for a DMR setup right from the get-go and is ideal for any aspiring squad marksman.

VFC M110 SASS GBB Airsoft Rifle - TAN (KAC Licensed)

The airsoft version is a faithful replica manufactured by VFC and is fully licensed which means it sports all the correct dimensions and markings. For being such a hefty looking gun, its surprisingly light for its size. The finish is a rich FDE color which feels smooth to the touch. Each control surface is much larger than traditional AR15 based guns making it easy to reach and blends in well with the overall larger size of this rifle. Anyone shooting this gun will immediately be drawn to how satisfying the recoil is. The gas system pushes the heavy bolt back incredibly strong, making the recoil impulse easily one of the strongest you will fell on an airsft gun. Each successive trigger pull sends the bolt back, chambering another round and the feeling of the force slamming into your shoulder makes it feel like you are not shooting an airsoft gun but rather a low recoil firearm! Internally the gun employs the same system as the VFC SR25 ECC though it kicks harder. Most importantly, the M110 features the same mock gas block hop up adjuster as well, making the adjustment of the hop up much easier to do on the fly simply with an allen key, no longer needing to break apart the rifle. Adding to the shootability, the rifle has an adjustable butt pad for better length of pull.

ARES SCAR-H TRP-20 Airsoft AEG Rifle

The ARES SCAR-H TRP-20 airsoft AEG rifle is officially licensed by FN SCAR! This rifle packs a serious punch and is loaded with top-of-the-line features that will make your airsoft opponents quiver in fear. The ARES SCAR-H TRP-20 airsoft AEG rifle comes equipped with a high-quality steel flash hider, bolt, and mag release, ensuring that you'll be able to dominate the battlefield with style and durability. The stock fits the mini type 11.1v Lipo or also smaller batteries with a battery compartment space that is relatively small, so keep this in mind when choosing batteries. The E.F.C.S. reinforced gearbox and one-piece cylinder only add to the overall shooting performance of this airsoft gun, making it a must-have for serious airsoft enthusiasts. The full metal flip-up sights and ambidextrous controls, including the safety, magazine release, and bolt release, make this rifle a true force to be reckoned with. And let's not forget that it also comes with a solid tactical gun case for easy transport and storage. The ARES SCAR-H TRP-20 airsoft AEG rifle is also easily upgradeable with various upgrade parts, making it the perfect choice for those who want to take their airsoft game to the next level. Overall, the ARES SCAR-H TRP-20 airsoft AEG rifle is a top-of-the-line rifle that will make you the envy of your airsoft squad.

Umarex H&K G3A3 GBBR (by VFC)

The Umarex H&K G3A3 GBBR is a rifle that is a 1:1 replica of the H&K G3A3 that has been used extensively by NATO forces as a battle rifle/DMR. Along with its faithful design, other impressive features of this rifle include a blowback action with a satisfying recoil impulse, a high-quality full-metal construction, and high FPS that gives this rifle excellent performance at long ranges. The G3A3 in its gas blowback form as listed here is also our more realistic replica not only in dimensions but also in operation. VFC went to great lengths to hide the more "airsoft" aspects of the rifle, making it ideal for collectors as well!  

VFC Colt MK12 MOD 1 Fixed Stock AEG

Modeled as a 1:1 replica of the Colt MK12 that was used extensively as a DMR by the US Navy during the recent Global War on Terror, the VFC Colt MK12 MOD 1 Fixed Stock AEG is a full-licensed product that offers a sturdy fixed stock, a full-metal construction, and great long-range accuracy. If you are looking for a well-rounded DMR that won't break the bank then you are sure to find a lot to like about this offering from VFC. This intermediate rifle was most famously used in the movie Lone Survivor by Mark Wahlberg playing Marcus Luttrell.

CYMA Platinum SR25 QBS Airsoft M4 AEG Rifle

The CYMA Platinum SR-25 is full metal, electric airsoft gun that is ideal for many beginners or players that want an affordable platform to upgrade upon. As previously mentioned, this gun is patterned after the legendary SR-25 rifle and features a mock suppressor, flip up front and rear sights as well as a fixed stock. Internally, the rifle uses a standard version 2 gearbox is housed in a full metal receiver set and is compatible with other Tokyo Marui spec upgrade parts. This compatibility allows for an exceptionally wide range of available upgrade parts for the platform. In addition, the rifle is T-Plugs (Deans connectors) ready, meaning you will be able to use high-quality Titan Power lithium ion batteries right from the get go!

G&G TR80 DMR Airsoft M4 AEG Rifle (Split Gearbox w/ ETU)

The G&G TR80 airsoft designated marksmen rifle is a fictional gun, and not exactly based on a real gun, but it does look the part and most importantly, it functions and has features like a proper DMR should. The controls on this rifle are mostly ambidextrous except for the bolt release. Normally, on other regular AEGs, this isn't important but since the G&G TR80 uses the G&G G3 gearbox, you would need to press it after reloads, wonder why G&G didn't make this ambi too? Moving on, the handguard has M-LOK slots on the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions the rifle features a monolithic top Picatinny rail for all your scopes, sights, and other accessories to help with precision shooting. This stock shines on this rifle as it is just so adjustable, it is a folding stock first and foremost, and although the battery is stored in the stock, even folded, it would still work as the wires are threaded into the hinges. The stock itself can be adjusted for length, the height of the cheek rest, the length of the butt pad, and the height of the monopod which can also be folded, there's also a Picatinny rail section under the stock for other accessories.

Umarex H&K 417 12RS AEG

The Umarex H&K 417 features a highly lightweight and compact design that makes it especially well-suited for short to mid-range engagements as well as exceptional accuracy for taking down threats at long range as well. If you are looking for a DMR that is closer to a traditional assault rifle in terms of looks and performance than it is a sniper rifle then this high-quality rifle is a great option to consider. 

Cybergun FN SCAR-H GBBR (by VFC)

The FN SCAR is one of the most recognizable battle rifles in existence, and the Cybergun FN SCAR-H gas airsoft rifle is a perfect replica of the iconic FN SCAR we all know and love. In addition to its realistic and detailed construction, this rifle also offers a blowback action for a strong recoil impulse, high FPS for excellent range and accuracy, and fully ambidextrous controls.

VFC FAL (LAR) Airsoft GBBR

The VFC FAL (LAR) Standard Type I GBB is a faithful replica of the FN FAL, also known as the Right Arm of the Free World and it is also the first ever gas blowback FAL style rifle, not to mention that the FAL is also quite rare as an AEG. The VFC LAR is a replica of the metric version of the FAL which features meters as measurement in the sighting system instead of yards which the inch pattern L1A1 that Britain and Commonwealth countries adopted. This rifle is very similar to that of the early Belgium made FALs (Model 50.00). The gun has a very realistic and robust built, being made out of metal with some steel parts which includes the outer barrel, bolt carrier, carry handle. Yes, this baby has a carry handle!