Airsoft DMR AEG Base Guns PT.2: Unique DMR Base Guns

What is an Airsoft DMR?

A little recap for you in case you missed part 1 of our DMR blog series. A DMR is generally an Airsoft rifle platform that has been upgraded to shoot at a higher power level than a standard AEG and is also locked to semi-automatic fire only. 

Airsoft DMRs were introduced into the game to add realism and appropriately simulate the variety of different rifles available to soldiers/combatants in the real world, and as such many sites insist that any upgraded DMR rifle is appropriately built to simulate a comparable real steel platform. 

DMR rules will vary depending on the skirmish site you are attending, so make sure you check FPS limits and other rules in advance before bringing your DMR. DMR rifles usually also have a minimum engagement distance (M.E.D) enforced by site marshalls so if you are bringing a DMR to the skirmish don't forget your sidearm. We will be discussing the best sidearms for a DMR user in a future blog, so stay tuned for that!

As a rough guide of what to expect, the DMR rules for HALO MILL: Proving Grounds are 400FPS or under, locked to semi-auto, DMR externals with a 10m M.E.D. This will vary at other skirmish sites depending on the site's insurance policy, what the site owners are comfortable with and what the players are happy to go up against. 

Top 5 Unique DMR AEG Base Guns

If you aren't really bothered about paying tribute to the real guys with your loadout, but you still want to rock a DMR on the field you have a few more options available as far as base guns go. Whether you are running a fictional mercenary loadout, a sci-fi setup or just whatever guns you like the look of, you are sure to find one amongst these unconventional DMR base guns!

JG G608 SL9 AEG - The AR36 DMR Rifle

If you already own an AR36 AEG you can save some serious cash on magazines by going for the same platform in DMR form. With that in mind, allow us to introduce you to the SL9, the AR36 DMR rifle. The SL9 is based on the real steel SL8 civilian target rifle which is offered on the US civilian market and the SL9SD special variant offered to Law Enforcement and military customers. 

What separates this DMR AR36 from the standard configuration is its redesigned receiver with adjustable thumbhole style stock. The stock retains the ambidextrous functionality of the original AR36 but adds an adjustable cheek riser and length of pull adjustment in the form of removable spacers. The SL9 also uses an unthreaded "bull" style barrel with a heavier profile for improved accuracy and heat resistance and can be fitted with any of the modular handguards, magazine wells and optics rails for the AR36 platform. 

The SL9 is not currently in use by any Military of which we are aware, which means it has a unique look which few Airsofters will recognise, making it perfect for sci-fi style load outs and mercenary kits. Like its assault rifle brother, the SL9 is constructed almost entirely from high density polymer which is both realistic and keeps the rifle lightweight despite its DMR length and size. If the devastatingly handsome SL9 has caught your eye, check out the JG G608 No.1838 AEG. This SL9 replica boasts an integral bipod which fits neatly onto the AR36E style handguard for a lightweight setup which provides extra stability when shooting from a static position and is far lighter than aftermarket bipods. The bipod is easy to deploy, simply requiring the legs to be pulled into the deployed position, and can be stowed again in a flash for those fast-moving marksmen who need to relocate pronto! 

The adjustable cheek riser and stock spacers make the SL9 a great platform for using a large rifle scope and can be set up to suit practically any height and or style of scope mounts. If you use a full face mask we recommend removing the cheek riser all together which should allow you to get a clear view down a scope mounted on high mount rings. Otherwise, you can tune the cheek riser height to suit your face and preferred head position which makes the SL9 arguably the most comfortable rifle to use out of our top 5. 

On the inside, the G608 SL9 is similarly equipped to its G608 AR36 relatives and boasts a rotary adjustable HOP-up unit and a version 3 gearbox. Upgrades are a go for the G608 series thanks to its Tokyo Marui clone design, and when it comes to building out your DMR internals this is a blessing and means this AEG is not limited when it comes to seeking maximum performance. No matter how far you want to go with your upgrades the G608 can take it, and also has superb performance straight out of the box as the JG AR36 series is known for. 

The JG G608 No1838 SL9 would make a fine choice for an unconventional DMR build, and is inherently kitted out to fulfil the DMR role thanks to its 20" outer barrel, built-in bipod, adjustable fixed stock and 20mm optics rail. Its compatibility with version 3 gearbox upgrades and AEG tightbore inner barrels and HOP-up buckings and nubs puts it right in the sweet spot for a relatively hassle-free DMR build which looks the mutts nuts, we're sure you agree!

Snow Wolf AUG Phantom SD - Integrally suppressed DMR AUG

Those who love a backwards rifle (who doesn't?) need to cast their eyes on the Snow Wolf AUG Phantom SD AEG. This AEG was conceived purely for Airsoft and was originally released as a kit by First Factory (aka Laylax) for the Tokyo Marui AUG, and has since been produced as a kit by King Arms, and now as a fully built AEG from Snow Wolf.

The "Phantom" is an integrally suppressed AUG which includes 20mm Picatinny rails surrounding the suppressor body; a perfect location for the included bipod. The classic AUG folding vertical grip is present on the Phantom too but can be removed if you prefer to mount your choice of front grip on the 20mm rail on the bottom of the suppressor. The Snow Wolf Phantom AUG uses the "AUG civilian" style receiver which has a 20mm Picatinny rail running along the top, making it a great candidate for the addition of a large variable rifle scope which is a major force multiplier for an AEG used in a DMR role. 

If the benefits of a bullpup rifle are lost on you, give our blog on Bullpups a quick glance over. Long story short, a bullpup rifle benefits from having a shorter overall length with the same length barrel due to the action being positioned behind the trigger. This makes the Snow Wolf AUG Phantom the shortest and most agile DMR rifle on our list while still packing a full-length inner barrel, keeping you mobile in game without needing to compromise with a shorter barrelled setup. 

Like the SL9 we already discussed, the Snow Wolf Phantom uses a version 3 gearbox which is a great platform for upgrades, and a rotary HOP-up unit which is fully compatible with AEG aftermarket tightbore inner barrels, HOP-up buckings and nubs. Also built into the AUG's version 3 gearbox is a quick change spring system which makes things far easier when it comes to tuning your DMR built to meet the power requirements of your local site. 

The Phantom AUG is unique on our list for its ability to hide a gargantuan 650mm inner barrel within its impressively long suppressor, though if you want to do this you will need to install a cylinder bore-up kit to ensure the air volume is enough to keep the BB accelerating for the full duration of its journey down the barrel. We recommend sticking to around a 509mm inner and filling the remainder of the suppressor with foam to lean into the silent but deadly looks of this AUG. 509mm is still a very long inner barrel, and the chances are that you will have ample accuracy with this length of barrel without the need to go any longer.  

 Krytac Trident MK II SPR / Trident MK II SPR-M / Trident 47 SPR-M - Modern M4/AR15 DMR/SPR Rifle

When it comes to building your own DMR, if you want to start from scratch and build something no one else has, your best option is an M4 platform AEG. That said, we all know the pain of building a custom M4/AR15 platform and then seeing our hand built creation for sale as a pre-built platform a few months later, so if you want a unique look that will stand out you have little chance of this wielding the most popular assault rifle platform in Airsoft! 

M4/AR15 AEG platforms benefit from the widest variety of upgrade parts on the market, and though the original M4 AEGs used a less effective HOP-up unit and the version 2 gearbox the vast majority of M4/AR15 platform AEGs available today use a rotary adjustable HOP-up unit and a reinforced version 2 gearbox. This allows M4/AR15 based DMR rifles to go toe to toe with more recent releases with ease, effectively closing the gap between one of the earliest Tokyo Marui AEG designs and more modern competitors. 

An M4/AR15 based DMR rifle would be a fine choice for those who want the practical ergonomic features of the more prolific platform and the ability to share common M4 AEG magazines with teammates. The modular stock and grip options for the M4/AR15 give you a wealth of customisation options, and while almost every configuration possible has been done before the AR platform allows you to use your preferred grip and stock setup and mould your DMR to your own playstyle and loadout. 

One of the best platforms to base a modern M4/AR15 DMR rifle on is the KRYTAC MKII Trident SPR AEG. The Trident SPR is already set up as a DMR on the outside and boasts a nice and long, but not too long 16-inch outer barrel with a 13-inch Defiance handguard. At the rear we are treated to the oh-so-comfortable Krytac Battery stock which offers similar battery storage potential to a Crane stock but with a low profile adjustment lever, a QD sling socket on either side and the luxuriously thicc and grippy rubberised butt pad which positively locks itself to your shoulder thanks to its deep texture. 

The Trident SPR is a high end AEG, and as such we can expect some exceptional things inside which will save you some Airsoft tokens when it becomes time to commence the building (and shopping) process. The KRYTAC gears are self-shimming and made from reinforced steel ensuring they are up to the task of handling high strength springs. Speaking of which, the gearbox also includes a quick change spring system so you can drop a strong spring in when the time comes to DMR this bad boy. 

The version 2 gearbox is also reinforced and includes radiused cylinder window corners to prevent the gearbox shell from cracking. The KRYTAC inline MOSFET has also been installed which protects the trigger contacts from "arcing" and erosion, and also regulates the current draw of the motor for maximum electrical efficiency. The cylinder head has a Sorbothane pad installed to reduce impact stress and correct the angle of engagement, and the piston has 4 steel teeth to ensure strength at the points of the gearbox's cycle in which the piston is under the most strain. 

The Krytac HOP-up is a truly exceptional piece, and is a rotary design with audible and tactile clicks as you turn it. This helps the HOP-up dial to more effectively maintain its position under the vibrations of firing and simplifies quick HOP-up adjustment in the field. Naturally, this HOP-up unit retains compatibility with AEG tightbore inner barrels, HOP-up buckings and nubs so you can upgrade as you please. The HOP-up has 15 different settings available and allows far more precise adjustment than even some of the more modern rotary style units. Innovations like this are what have secured Krytac's reputation as one of the best Airsoft manufacturers in the world. 

The Trident SPR is available in 3 different variants and is finished with a gorgeous matt anodised finish in a variety of different colour options. The Trident MKII SPR uses a KRISS TR113 KeyMod handguard, the SPR-M is fitted with the KRISS Defiance TR213 M-LOK handguard, and the Trident 47 feeds from AK47/74 AEG magazines in tribute to the real steel SR47 and MK47 Mutant rifles. If you are after an M4/AR15 base gun to chop and change, we recommend going for something else as changing the externals on one of these masterpieces would be a waste of the high quality KRISS licensed parts.

One of the great things about the M4/AR15 platform is the potential to build your DMR rifle from practically any M4/AR15 AEG base gun, adding your chosen barrel length, rail system and stock setup to create a DMR that perfectly suits you. The gent in the picture above appears to have done exactly that, starting with an SR16 style AEG with a short barrel extension, a large rifle scope and a simple yet effective paint job to make this marksman harder to spot in the depths of the woods. 

If you plan on doing this we recommend starting with a rifle with a free floated handguard and low profile gas block, quick change spring system and rotary HOP-up unit so you have a solid base for your future DMR. A high torque motor is also a massive plus, as is a programmable MOSFET with the ability to lock the rifle to semi-automatic only. Tightbore inner barrels are useful but often aftermarket stainless steel tightbore inner barrels will provide better accuracy than pre-installed brass tightbores, so no need to rule an otherwise great base gun out because it doesn't come with a tightbore. 

TR16 MBR 308WH - TR16 MBR 308SR - TR16 SBR 308 MK2 - Modernised AR-10/SR25 Style Rifle

The G&G MBR 308 Series are unique G&G designs, though those of us with an eye for the details will recognise its lineage. The MBR 308 uses a 7.62x51 style receiver which has a similar profile to their 5.56 style AEGs, with modern angular surfaces on the upper receiver, ambidextrous controls and a comfortable finger ridged ergonomic pistol grip. The magazines look strikingly similar to another potential DMR discussed in Part 1,  and although they are not compatible they do borrow the curved and clear design style but with added texture to assist in gripping the magazine firmly during a reload. 

The TR16 308 series comes in 3 different designs; the -WH version, which uses a KeyMod handguard with a sound amplifying muzzle device, the -SR which uses a slightly different KeyMod handguard with an extension for the front iron sight, and a muzzle break style flash hider which is slightly recessed into the handguard for an LVOA style look, and the SBR version which uses an 8.5-inch M-LOK handguard with a 9.5-inch barrel and the GOS-V8 carbine stock, making it the perfect suppressor host. 

On the inside G&G has really treated us, and includes a programmable MOSFET straight out of the box, as well as a 6.04mm tightbore inner barrel, and a "bolt stop" function, similarly to the Systema PTW and Tokyo Marui NGRS rifles. The bolt stop operates just like a real M4/AR15. When the magazine runs try the internal mechanism present in both the mag and the gun will detect this and stop the AEG from firing. To start shooting again, simply insert a fresh magazine and press the bolt catch on the left or right side (just above the mag release) and you are back in action!

The G&G ETU/MOSFET system allows for programmable fire modes, meaning you can set the fully-automatic position on the selector lever to give you a 3 or 5-round burst instead of continuous fully auto fire. Unfortunately, G&G did not decide to include a semi-auto lock function in their ETU, though Perun make a drop-in replacement for the G&G ETU which provides several extra functions, including semi-auto only, binary trigger and sniper delay. If you are going for high FPS and semi-auto only in this rifle we recommend adding the Perun upgraded ETU as this will be the easiest way to lock the rifle to semi. 

The trigger and fire selector are a departure from the norm, and G&G chose to include a flat trigger for a modern look and the ability to spam the trigger when some suppressive fire is needed. The fire selector is positioned similarly to an M4/AR15 but is ambidextrous, and has a shortened 45-degree throw between modes; much like a SCAR or G36 rifle. This means switching fire modes is much faster and far easier for those with smaller hands, and is a super cool feature that G&G didn't have to include but did anyway. We wish this was on the 5.56-styled G&G rifles, maybe it will be in the future!

As it comes the G&G TR16 308 series look awesome, but they can also be equipped with aftermarket M4/AR15 stocks and pistol grips if you have a preferred setup, or you want to keep some commonality with your M4 platform assault rifles for a more familiar feel. The G&G GOS V3 stock present on the longer variants combines the functionality of the prolific crane battery stock with CTR-like functions such as a friction lock, A-frame shape and a low profile adjustment lever. Ever the innovators, G&G have also included a storage compartment for AA or CR123a batteries, but you can also fit tactical snacks inside such as skittles, M&Ms and peanuts for those who are cutting their carbs. 

When it comes to battery space the TR16 308 series are well equipped, as any potential DMR rifle should be. The space available in the GOS V3 stock is equivalent to a crane stock, providing ample room for a potent 11.1V battery which the G&G ETU requires. The GOS V8 stock of the SBR variant is a slimmer design but still has room for an 11.1V stick battery inside to power your DMR on to victory. Both GOS stocks have a hinged butt plate to access the battery compartment, meaning easier battery changes in the field and less chance of losing small parts. 

The external build quality of the TR16 308 series is phenomenal, and rivals even the Krytac in its flawless surface finish and high-quality CNC machined parts. Unlike the Krytac, this is an original G&G design, and as such more of your money goes into the internals and innovative features such as the "bolt stop" and ETU system rather than licensing for real steel trademarks.

If you are building a DMR for accuracy to a real steel rifle, the Krytac would be a better choice, but if you are less concerned about realistic trademarks and you want the flexibility offered by a programmable ETU and the super immersive G&G bolt stop system, one of the TR16 308 series should be high on your list. The 308WH and 308SR are long enough as it is, but the SBR would definitely be a perfect candidate for a suppressor for some extra length if you are going DMR. 

 Jing Gong LK58 FAL AEG - FAL SA58 Rifle

The right arm of the free world! FAL-style rifles are SUPER rare on the skirmish field despite being one of the most prolific arms of the 20th century. It's a gorgeous looking rifle with an impressive real steel pedigree, we would love to see more FALs for Airsoft!

The LK58 has all the DMR prerequisites, including a railed upper receiver, 7.62x51 real steel chambering, and a full stock for maximum battery space. Though it may be a bit too short as it is to be considered a DMR by the stricter skirmish sites, we think this shortened version of the LK58 would make a great DMR with a big ol' suppressor added, such as the ASG Hush-XL. With this whopping suppressor installed it should be long enough for DMR rules, and should also be a bit harder to locate by the enemy thanks to the deadened muzzle report from this chonky muzzle device. 

The LK58 is based on the real steel FAL rifle, known for its role as the NATO standard battle rifle throughout the cold war. The FAL is still being produced under license to this day and can be seen serving with many South American and African militaries, as well as being very popular on the US civilian market.

The battery space inside the LK58 is quite surprising for such a compact weapon, and has more than enough room for the large batteries a DMR with high power draw may well require. Good news! Much like its impressive internals, being pre-fitted with a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, 8mm ball bearing bushings and a rotary HOP-up unit give it some decent DMR potential to match its looks. 

The JG LK58 boasts full metal construction, a reinforced version 3 gearbox with steel gears, and full compatibility with aftermarket parts, including HOP-up rubbers and inner barrels. The furniture of the LK58 is absolutely rock solid, and has a nice realistic texturing to its surface to match the real deal. The LK58 is also equipped with a modernised FAL top cover based on the real steel DSA FAL rifles, meaning it is ready to mount a riflescope and start doing its dirty work at long range. 

One of the most enjoyable features of the JG LK58 is its electric blowback function which adds a nice bit of immersion by cycling the mock bolt carrier with the piston, greeting us with a "clack clack clack" instead of the usual AEG "wuurpop wurrrpop" sound. Unlike many EBB systems, this is far from a gimmick and makes the LK58 sound similar to a GBB rifle from a few feet away as the clank of the mock bolt drowns out the motor noise. The mock bolt also sounds fantastic when it is manually cocked, which is great for those of us who enjoy being able to realistically manipulate our toy guns. 

If you want a DMR that no one has thought of yet that would also look aesthetic with a District 9 style Multi-National United mercenary loadout, a FAL is what you need, and the LK58 is the best currently available! Wack a scope and a suppressor on this bad boy, get working on the accent, grow your beard out and get busy slotting prawns!