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  • Post last modified:August 14, 2023
dd5 rifle

Referenced Daniel Defense

Got a new Daniel Defense DDM5 series rifle and don't have a optic for it?

In this guide, we are going to take a look at the best scopes for Daniel Defense DD5 series rifles including red dots and magnified optics for all available caliber chambers.

We have tested many optics on shotguns, carbine, pistols and picking the right scope with the right magnification, the right eye relief, and the right length will help you configure your bad ass DDM5 into something fun and practical.

So let's check it out.


Best Scopes For Daniel Defense DDM5 Rifles

Vortex 1-10X Gen 3 FFP - Best Overall

vortex razor 1 10x lpvo at 1x engaging targets
Referenced 9 Hole

Why pick this low power variable optic - The RAZOR HD Gen 3 1-10X low power variable optics bridges the gap between CQB and long range capability into one super versatile scope. It's a great hybrid CQB and long range scope for the DD5.

Now 10X Magnification - Increased to 10X power to bridge the gap between a mid-range LPVO with a long range precision scope without compromising size, clarity or field of view.

Vortex 1-10x top ranging reticle

Fast 1X Target Acquisition - 3 inward arrows quickly draws the eye to the illuminated center reticle and get on target fast at 1X. 

Moving Target Hold - Get lead on moving target accurately with dotted moving target holds without any guess work 

Range Target Fast - Just superimpose the hashmarked ranging subtension lines for on the target to immediately estimate the target distance as well as holdover and windage corrections.

Best Warranty Policy - You break it, Vortex will replace it at no cost with a lifetime, unconditional warranty.

Features:

  • Magnification: 1-10X
  • Objective Lens: 24mm
  • Focal Plane: First Focal
  • Tube Size: 34mm
  • Reticle Type: EBR 9
  • Turret Type: Capped
  • Length: 10.1 inches
  • Weight: 21.5 oz
  • Low capped Turrets
  • Fixed Parallax to 150 yards
vtx_rfl_razorhd3_1-10x24_cap_br_w

Daniel Defense dd5v1 with vortex 3-15x44

Why we picked the Vortex 3-15X for the DDM5 - This scope doesn't have too much magnification or too little, it's just about right for anyone using this scope on the DDM5 for hog hunting and plinking.

No Weight Burden -  The Vortex Viper PST 3-15X44 weighs only 28.1 oz that's great for carrying around for hunting and shooting matches without adding too much weight to the 8.5lb DDM5 rifle.

Withstand Harsh Condition - ArmorTek scratch-resistant coating makes the scope bulletproof to rough environment to keep it in good shape.

Fast Adjusting Turret - Adjust the turret on the go without removing any protected cap for speed, and the ZeroStop feature helps return to zero to the exact spot without dialing pass it.

If you have been looking at the Vortex RAZOR but don't have the money yet for it, the Vortex 3-15X44 is a great start with just enough capability to get started before you drop big money and be sure to click on our link below to get the best deal on OpticsPlanet.

Features:

  • Magnification: 3-15X
  • Objective Lens: 44mm
  • Focal Plane: Second
  • Length: 14.3"
  • Tube Size: 30mm
  • Weight: 28.1 oz
  • Eye Relief: 3.4 in
  • Field of view: 8.6 - 41.2 ft at 100 yds
  • Battery: CR2032
  • Click Adjustment: 0.25 MOA/Click,
  • Turret Style: Tactical
vortex viper pst gen 2 3-15x44

EOTech Vudu 5-25X50 - Best For NV/Thermal Addon

Eotech vudu 5-25x50 34mm scope side view
  • Magnification: 5-25X
  • Objective Lens: 50mm
  • Focal Plane: First
  • Length: 11.2"
  • Tube Size: 34mm
  • Weight: 29.5 oz
  • Exit Pupil: 5.5mm (5X) - 2.1mm(25X)
  • Eye Relief: 2.96 - 3.63 in
  • Field of view: 4.7 - 23.3 ft at 100 yds
  • Battery: CR2032
  • Click Adjustment: 0.25 MOA/Click,
  • Turret Style: Tactical

Why pick the Vudu 5-25X50 scope - The VUDU 5-25X50 is a compact magnified rifle scope with the shortest overall length on the market today, and it's perfect a DMR style rifle like the Daniel Defense DDM5.

One benefit of a short length scope saves space and allows for additional accessories to be mounted in front of the scope.

VUDU 5-25x50 has an overall length of 11.2 inches, which has its advantages and disadvantages. The VUDU is one of the shortest first focal plane scopes on the market.

On the downside, shorter optics makes finding the right eye-relief difficult. It can slide extended optics further back or forward.

Owing to the VUDU short platform, eye relief is what a competitive shooter would require. At VUDUs lowest magnification setting, eye-relief is a generous 3.71 inches; the highest magnification setting is almost identical at 3.63 inches.

eotech 5-25x50 f1 mil has reticle 5X vs 25X
  • 5X magnification; eye relief between 75 to 94 mm or 2.96 to 3.71 inches
  • 25X magnification; eye relief is between 83 to 92 mm 3.27 to 3.63 inches

A larger exit pupil means the position of the shooter’s head is less critical. Consider this when selecting the right scope; eye relief on a standard scope is about four inches. Greater eye relief offers more room for recoil.

VUDU’s shorter size does not translate to shorter eye relief. In fact, EOTech’s newest scope is perfectly suited for heavier magnum loads including calibers chambered for DDM5.

A similar short scope to the VUDU 5-25X50 will be the Leupold Mark 5HD 3-18X44 (12.06 in), but it costs about the same and just a little more, and it's a 35mm tube with more click adjustments than a 34mm tube.

If you're interested in the Leupold Mark 5HD 3-18X44, please learn more here.

For the best deal on EOTech VUDU 5-25X50 please check on OpticsPlanet or click on the button below:


NightForce NXS 5.5-22X56 - Best For The Money

DD5 with nightforce scope


  • Magnification: 5.5-22X
  • Objective Lens: 56mm
  • Focal Plane: Second
  • Length: 15.2"
  • Tube Size: 30mm
  • Weight: 32 oz
  • Exit Pupil: 10.2mm (5.5X) - 2.5mm(22X)
  • Eye Relief: 3.9 in
  • Field of view: 4.7 - 17.5 ft at 100 yds
  • Click Adjustment: 0.25 MOA/Click,
  • Turret Style: Tactical
Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 hs scope

Why Pick NightForce - NightForce has the highest quality scopes and the best in-house quality check to ensure every scope passes before arriving at the shelf.

The NіghtFоrсе NХЅ 5.5-22Х56 HS rіflеѕсоре is designed for medium to long-range hunting and target shooting in low light, so it's a perfect option for the DDM5 platform with that precision made Cold Hammer Forged barrel.

The NXS stands for Nightforce Extreme Scope, and NіghtFоrсе created this series specifically for the use by military operators and accomplished marksman.

The NXS line is one of the toughest in Nightforce offer, designed to withstand multiple beatings. However, the 5.5-22X retain a slim profile that makes it versatile to allow mounting on lightweight and elegant rifles like those in 6.5 PRC or 6.5 Creedmoor.

nightforce nxs 5.5-22x56 hs
The NightForce NXS scope boasts a wide magnification range between 5.5 and 22 times, making this product ideal for short to extended range shooting. With whopping 4 inches of eye relief, the scope is suitable not only for a mild-recoil 6.5 Creedmoor but for extremely brutal calibers.


While the 56mm objective lens provides maximum clarity and the best light resolution, the lenses are fully multi-coated for more light transmission and better contrast throughout the entire magnification range and in all light conditions.

MOAR illuminated reticle C434
The reticle in all NXS riflescopes is located in the second focal plane. Still, the MOAR illuminated reticle in the C434 model is highly effective for shots at any range from 100 yards to 1,000+ yards.

This advanced ballistic reticle can be used for windage, holdover, wind drift estimating, and ranging objects.

The Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 HS Zero Stop MOAR has exposed tactical turrets for quick elevation and windage adjustment in MOA, with1/4 MOA of adjustment per click and 100 MOA elevation travel.

It's a very practical reticle for hunting in the way the reticle draws the eye to focus the center fast and the reticle lines are too clustered to give the shooter a cleaner sight picture for fast aim.

If you're interested in a NightForce scope but unsure if you want to drop $2k or $3K right off the bat, try the NXS scope and see how you like it. Please click on our link below to learn more on OpticsPlanet


Leupold Mark 5 HD 7-35X56 - Best For Long Range Shooting

DD5 with Leupold Mark 5 scope

Referenced @Greystatemedic

  • Magnification: 7-35X
  • Objective Lens: 56mm
  • Focal Plane: First
  • Reticle: TMR, CCH, TMOA, TMR 3, H59 & Impact 60 MOA
  • Length: 15.7"
  • Tube Size: 35mm
  • Weight: 33 oz
  • Exit Pupil: 10.2mm (5.5X) - 2.5mm(22X)
  • Eye Relief: 3.6 - 3.8 in
  • Field of view: 3 - 14.7 ft at 100 yds
  • Click Adjustment: 0.25 MOA/Click or 0.1 Mil/Click
  • Turret Style: ZeroLock Tactical
Leupold mark 5 hd 7-35x56mm

Why pick 35mm 7-35X56 scope - For DDM5 users who want to hit targets past 1 mile with 6.5 creedmoor on a DD5v5 20" barrel length rifle for max accuracy, this 35mm FFP scope has a full range of adjustment using tough built ZeroLock tactical dial turrets, and it's the type of scope you may need for that long distance shot.

The Mark 5 HD scope line is the next step up version from the Mark 4, and the Mark 5 HD 7-35X56mm scope allows the shooter to see further and a 56mm size objective lens for maximum light capturing capability.

Max magnification isn't always necessary for long range shooting, in fact, some shooters can get more accurate aim / shot on lower magnification power if the parallax is adjusted, and the Mark 5 7-35X scope provides the shooter a wide range of magnification for aiming and spotting capability.

Leupold mark5hd eyepiece

Lightweight aluminum body - Weighs nnly 33 oz, about 20 oz lighter than a scope in its class, and the scope is made with 6061 T6 aluminum with enough durability to disperse recoil energy from 260, 308 and 6.5 CM.

Great low light performance - The featured Twinlight Max HD Light Management System adds 30 minutes of shooting light and eliminates 90% glare off the lens to provide the shooter better edge to edge lens clarity for more accurate aiming.

m5c3 reticle

Tremor 3 Reticle (Best for rapid holdover shooting)

Faster magnification change - With the built-in throw lever, the shooter can quickly grab the handle and dial the magnification as needed on with one hand without moving away from firing position

Overall, the Leupold Mark 5 HD is a premium long range scope perfect for rifles like the DDM5 and the two brands go very well together, and it looks freaking great when mounted on this rifle.

The street price for this scope is generally lower than the MSRP, so be sure to check out great deals on OpticsPlanet below


Aimpoint Micro + Magnifier - Best For CQB

Aimpoint Geissele
  • Magnification: 1X
  • Objective Lens: 24mm
  • Length: 15.7"
  • Weight: 33 oz
  • Dot Size: 2 MOA
  • Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Click Adjustment: 0.5 MOA/Click
Daniel Defense DD5 with aimpoint micro and magnifier

Referenced @youngbuckdave Features Aimpoint 6X Magnifier

Why All Pros Use Aimpoint Micro - The Aimpoint Micro is the oldest kid on the block. It's tough, durable and many Tier 1 military units around the world trusted and use it.

Built like a tank - The Micro series red dot sight is made from 7075 T6 aluminum - the industry's highest material tough standard for weapon parts for surviving physical abuse, recoil and retain zero.

Insane battery life - It lasts so long that the battery life seems infinite. This means the user doesn't have to switch out the battery at all for 4 years. You never have to worry about the battery running out, it's always ready.

Aimpoint-micro-and-aimpoint-3X-magnifier

Referenced Recoil

Works with magnifier - For users who set up their DDM5 as CQB and mid-range hybrid rifle, the Aimpoint Micro works with any 3X, 4X or 6X magnifier on the market as long as the mount height for the two optics is at the same level.

Accepts various mounts - The Aimpoint micro can accept many different mounts from various companies to suit your tactical needs, having a optimized mount helps retain zero and reduce weight.

Maybe you didn't find what you are looking for, please be sure to check out our scope selection guide for 6.5 CM for more options.