SWAT Optics · HSS DMR M-Reticle · Field Manual

HSS DMR M-Reticle Field Manual (2026 Edition)

This Field Manual is written for serious shooters running the SWAT Optics HSS DMR 5.56 1–10× FFP LPVO and the SWAT Optics HSS DMR .308 1–10× FFP LPVO . It blends real U.S. rifle marksmanship doctrine with the design logic of the HSS DMR M-Reticle so you can range, identify, and engage threats faster—using nothing but glass, geometry, and disciplined technique.

Multiple patents pending on the HSS DMR M-Reticle and associated systems.

Safety, Legal & Training Disclaimer

Firearms and optics must always be used in accordance with all applicable laws, use-of-force policies, and safety rules. Nothing in this Field Manual is legal advice, a use-of-force policy, or a substitute for certified training. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and assumes lawful, well-regulated use under proper supervision.

Always:

• Follow the four rules of firearm safety.
• Obey all local, state, and federal laws.
• Adhere to your agency or department’s policies.
• Seek qualified instruction before applying any technique described here.

Table of Contents

1. Purpose, Scope & Safety
2. HSS DMR System Overview
3. M-Reticle Anatomy
4. W24 / H36 / D36 – Real-World Stadia
5. Vehicle Ranging: CH5 & SUV6
6. T-Zones & Sectors of Fire
7. Zeroing & Ballistic Integration
8. Use Cases: Urban, Suburban & Rural
9. Training Drills & Progressions
10. Doctrine Crosswalk
11. Further Study & SWAT Optics Resources
12. About the Author

1. Purpose, Scope & Safety

The HSS DMR M-Reticle was not drawn as “art” and then forced onto a rifle. It was built backwards from doctrine.

U.S. rifle marksmanship publications such as Army TC 3-22.9 / FM 3-22.9 and USMC MCRP 3-01 series emphasize that a rifleman must be able to:

• Positively identify targets and discriminate threats from non-threats.
• Estimate range using known-size objects and reticle subtension when lasers fail.
• Apply correct elevation and wind holds, not just “aim center and hope.”
• Fight from cover, minimize exposure, and control sectors of fire as part of a team.

Platoon and squad doctrine (e.g., ATP 3-21.8) expects leaders to divide engagement areas into sectors or quadrants, assign responsibility, and prevent overkill and fratricide by clearly distributing fires across a shared battlespace.

The purpose of this manual is to teach you how to:

• Use W24, H36, and D36 stadia to measure real objects (windows, doorframes, sandbags, barriers).
• Range vehicles using CH5 (sedan) and SUV6 (truck/SUV).
• Apply T-Zones (T1–T4) to improve communication and sectors of fire.
• Zero and employ the HSS DMR on AR-15 (5.56) and AR-10 (.308) platforms.
• Integrate doctrine-inspired techniques from modern rifle marksmanship publications.

Your optic should not be a toy or a fashion accessory. It should be a doctrine engine. The HSS DMR was built to be exactly that.

2. HSS DMR System Overview

The HSS DMR system pairs a 1–10× first focal plane LPVO with an M-Reticle engineered specifically for visual-fit ranging on real-world objects.

2.1 Core Optic Features

• 1–10× true FFP design — stadia and T-Zones are valid at any magnification.
• ED glass for high contrast, reduced chromatic aberration, and better PID at distance and through glass.
• Shockproof construction suitable for 5.56, .308, 6.5, and similar duty calibers.
• Rugged, waterproof, fogproof, nitrogen-purged tube engineered for real-world weather and duty conditions.
• Single-piece CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and alignment stability.
• Laser-etched M-Reticle (not a printed film) for long-term subtension stability.
• Partially illuminated center using a simple CR2032 battery for low-light and rapid acquisition.
• Duty-grade accessories — current configurations ship with a cantilever mount, throw lever, and kill flash. Always verify the latest package details on the product page.
• Manufacturer’s lifetime transferable warranty.
• Multiple patents pending on the reticle system and its visual-fit geometry.

2.2 Primary Configurations

• HSS DMR 5.56 1–10× FFP LPVO — optimized for AR-15-class rifles and carbines.
• HSS DMR .308 1–10× FFP LPVO — tuned for AR-10 / .308 / 7.62 NATO DMR and urban interdiction roles.

For deeper LPVO context and cross-article learning on your site:

• LPVO Mastery Hub 2026 – HSS DMR 1–10× for AR-15 & AR-10 (M-Reticle Guide)
• HSS DMR Ballistics Calculator (Live Trajectory & Holds)

This manual assumes you are running the HSS DMR M-Reticle. The geometry, examples, and drills will technically work with other optics, but they were designed around this system.

3. M-Reticle Anatomy (What You’re Actually Looking At)

Before you can use visual-fit ranging, you must understand each structural element of the M-Reticle and what it is calibrated for.

3.1 Core Shape and Center

• M-Shape Body – The central “M” spans a known width at 100 yards (constant-subten design) to quickly frame torsos, vehicles, and windows.
• M-Shape Width – Top corner-to-corner distance ≈ 6.9″ at 100 yards, tuned for rapid center-mass bracketing and visual fit.
• Vertex Gap – The central gap is intentionally open to:
  • Preserve fine detail for PID (hands, weapons, small items).
  • Avoid “chevron blindness” where the aiming shape hides what matters.
• Vertical Drop Scale – Beneath the M are calibrated drop marks used with your ballistic data and the HSS DMR ballistics tools.

3.2 Real-World Stadia

The reticle encodes real-world geometry instead of abstract marks:

• W24 – A 24-inch horizontal reference (two feet).
• H36 – A 36-inch vertical reference (three feet).
• D36 – A 36-inch width reference (standard doorframe width).
• CH5 – Approximate 60" sedan roofline height reference.
• SUV6 (LH SUV6) – Approximate 72" SUV / light truck roofline height reference.

Key Rule:

• W24 is horizontal-only.
• H36 and vehicle markers (CH5/SUV6) are vertical-only.
• D36 is width and is ideal for doorframes and sandbag lines.

3.3 T-Zones – Communication Built into the Glass

The M-Reticle is divided into T-Zones across your field of view:

• T1 – Far left of the main threat band.
• T2 – Left to left-center of the primary target area (left side of “12 o’clock”).
• T3 – Right-center to right of the primary target area.
• T4 – Far right of the field of view.

These zones let you give short, unambiguous calls like:

• “Contact T2 – kneeling at the hood.”
• “T3 – upper window, rifle visible.”
• “T1 – vehicle door, unknown object in hands.”

Because the reticle is first focal plane, these relationships stay consistent at every magnification.

4. W24 / H36 / D36 – Real-World Stadia

In doctrinal terms, this is stadiametric ranging: using a known-size object in the reticle to estimate distance. The M-Reticle updates that concept by choosing objects you actually see in modern streets and neighborhoods.

A common pattern applies to all three stadia. As a design reference:

• At the reference distance (≈ 400 yards), the calibrated object fills the full stadia.
• At roughly 800 yards, that same object fills about half the stadia.

Working rule of thumb: Full stadia ≈ 400 yards. Half stadia ≈ 800 yards.

All of these relationships are approximate and must be confirmed against your actual optic, rifle, ammunition, and environment using known-distance training and the HSS DMR Ballistics Calculator.

4.1 W24 – Horizontal Windows, AC Units, Backpacks & Tracks

• Orientation: Horizontal only
• Baseline: 24" (two feet) full width at ~400 yards (design reference).

Primary uses:

• Residential or apartment window sash segments ≈ 24″.
• Window AC unit faces ≈ 22–26″ wide.
• Backpacks ≈ 12″ wide (about half of W24).
• Tank or tracked vehicle “track run” segments around 24″ sections.

Practical rules:

• If a 24″-class horizontal object fills W24, you are near the 400-yard band.
• If it fills half of W24, you are near the 800-yard band.
• For ≈12″ objects (backpacks, small crates): half W24 at ~400, quarter W24 at ~800.

This lets you quickly differentiate between “across the street” vs. “across the block” problems without a laser.

4.2 H36 – Vertical Windows, Kneeling Shooters, Hoods & Barriers

• Orientation: Vertical only
• Baseline: 36" (three feet) tall at ~400 yards (design reference).

Primary uses:

• Common residential window height segments ≈ 34–40″.
• A kneeling shooter’s visible vertical height above the ground.
• Exposed upper body over a sedan hood.
• Many concrete road barriers and barricades ≈ 32–36″ tall.

Practical rules:

• Full H36 ≈ 400 yards for a 36″-class vertical object.
• Half H36 ≈ 800 yards.

Use it to:

• Range a shooter kneeling at a vehicle.
• Range a torso and head visible above a barrier.
• Range window openings when combined with W24.

4.3 D36 – Doorframes & Sandbag Positions

• Orientation: Horizontal only
• Baseline: 36" width at ~400 yards (design reference).

Primary uses:

• Standard residential / light commercial doorframe width ≈ 36″.
• Two sandbags placed side-by-side approximating ≈36″.
• Certain hallway openings and narrow entry points.

Practical rules:

• Doorframe fits full D36 ⇒ ≈ 400 yards.
• Doorframe fits half D36 ⇒ ≈ 800 yards.
• Two sandbags filling D36 ⇒ ≈ 400; half ⇒ ≈ 800.

This is especially powerful for threats using doorframes, hallways, or sandbags as firing positions.

4.4 Combined Geometry – Mental Map of the Battlespace

By combining W24 (horizontal windows, AC units, tracks), H36 (window height, kneeling shooters, vehicle-hood exposures, barriers), and D36 (doorframes and sandbag lines), you create a geometry-aware mental model of your battlespace every time you look through the HSS DMR.

5. Vehicle Ranging – CH5, SUV6 & Threat Interpretation

Modern doctrine recognizes that a large percentage of real engagements occur around vehicles—at checkpoints, on streets, in parking lots, and near urban choke points.

The M-Reticle extends the W24/H36/D36 system with vertical vehicle stadia:

• CH5 — ≈ 60" height reference for average sedans.
• SUV6 (LH SUV6) — ≈ 72" height reference for SUVs and light trucks.

5.1 Basic Method

At the calibrated design distance:

• If a sedan’s roofline (ground to roof) matches CH5, treat the scene as ~400 yards.
• If it fills half of CH5, treat it as ~800 yards.
• If an SUV or truck roofline matches SUV6, again ≈ 400 yards.
• Half SUV6 ⇒ ≈ 800 yards.

This helps answer questions like:

• “Is that sedan at 200, 400, or 800 yards?”
• “Is that truck close enough for my current zero and loadout to be effective?”

5.2 Shooter Over Hood / In Bed / Behind Vehicle

Use CH5/SUV6 combined with H36 to reason about:

• Shooters firing over sedan hoods or engine blocks.
• Shooters standing in truck beds.
• Shooters kneeling behind tires, bumpers, or tailgates.

You can simultaneously measure:

• Vehicle height (CH5/SUV6).
• Visible vertical portion of the shooter (H36).
• Background windows or structures (W24/H36/D36).

This gives you a layered estimate of distance and exposure aligned with how doctrine tells you to analyze complex scenes.

5.3 Barriers, Vehicles & Responsible Engagement

Cement road barriers and vehicles frequently appear together:

• Use H36 to gauge barrier height.
• Use CH5/SUV6 when barriers are combined with parked vehicles.
• Decide whether your caliber, angle, and distance make engagement realistic and responsible.

The HSS DMR ballistics tools are built to interface with this kind of visual range estimation, so the pipeline becomes: reticle → range → ballistic solution → disciplined shot.

6. T-Zones – Sectors of Fire & Communication Advantage

Traditional LPVO reticles focus on elevation and wind holds. They rarely help with what small-unit doctrine emphasizes constantly: communication of target location.

The HSS DMR M-Reticle changes that with its T-Zone system:

• T1 – Far left of your main engagement band.
• T2 – Left to left-center around your primary focal point.
• T3 – Right-center around that same focal point.
• T4 – Far right edge of your practical engagement band.

Because this is a first focal plane system, these zones preserve their angular relationships at every magnification.

6.1 Fire Team Communication Examples

In a two- or four-person element:

• “Contact T2 – kneeling at sedan hood.”
• “T3 – upper window, object in hands, PID pending.”
• “T1 – moving left to right behind truck.”
• “T4 – prone behind barrier, watching intersection.”

Every shooter on a team running HSS DMR optics sees the same geometry and can snap to the same slice of their own field of view in a fraction of a second.

6.2 Sectors of Fire & Overlap

By assigning T-Zones to team members, you can:

• Reduce redundant coverage of the same angle.
• Clarify who owns which window, vehicle lane, or rooftop edge.
• Manage crossing fires more safely and intentionally.

To our knowledge, no other commercial LPVO reticle currently offers an explicit, doctrine-inspired sector-of-fire communication system as an integrated design element.

7. Zeroing & Ballistic Integration

Doctrine-aligned marksmanship begins with a repeatable zero. TC/FM 3-22.9 emphasizes consistency in position, trigger control, sight alignment, and follow-through before advanced holds.

7.1 Suggested Zeros

• 5.56 AR-15 – 50/200 or 100-yard zero, depending on your mission and preferred trajectory.
• .308 AR-10 – 100-yard zero for precision, or a 50/200-style equivalent mapping when used as a general-purpose rifle.

Once your zero is confirmed:

• Use the vertical drop scale in the M-Reticle.
• With the HSS DMR Ballistics Calculator, map each drop mark to a real distance for your:
  • Muzzle velocity
  • Ballistic coefficient
  • Elevation and environment

7.2 Workflow: From Geometry to Hold

1. Estimate distance with stadia.
   Example: Doorframe fills D36 ⇒ ≈ 400 yards.
2. Confirm with additional geometry if possible.
   H36 for vertical exposures; CH5/SUV6 for vehicles.
3. Plug the distance into the Ballistics Calculator.
   Use your barrel length, load, zero, and conditions.
4. Read elevation & wind holds.
   MIL/MOA or reticle-based “BDC ladder” references.
5. Apply the hold inside the M-Reticle.
   Use etched holds instead of dialing under time pressure.

This is exactly how modern doctrine expects optics and ballistic tools to be used: reticle for range and aiming; calculator for precise ballistic solution; shooter for execution.

8. Use Cases: Urban Streets, Suburban Lots & Rural Acres

The M-Reticle was influenced by the real geometry of:

• Suburban streets and cul-de-sacs.
• Parking lots, gas stations, shopping centers.
• Rural property lines, tree lines, and open fields.
• Farm roads, ranch gates, gravel drives, and pasture boundaries.

8.1 Urban & Suburban AR-15 (HSS DMR 5.56)

In dense neighborhoods, the 5.56 HSS DMR excels at:

• PID through tinted glass and odd angles compared to simple red dots.
• Measuring windows and AC units with W24 at 200–400+ yards.
• Calling targets in T-Zones while moving around vehicles and structures.
• Transitioning from 1× CQB to 6–10× PID with the throw lever.

The M-Reticle helps you distinguish “down the street”, “across the block”, and “beyond responsible engagement distance” using geometry, not guesswork.

8.2 AR-10 & Heavier Calibers (HSS DMR .308)

On larger properties or mixed terrain, the .308 version:

• Uses W24 and H36 to measure buildings, barn windows, and vehicle silhouettes out to 600–800 yards.
• Provides more authority against barriers and intermediate obstacles compared to 5.56.
• Preserves the same T-Zones, so communication language remains identical between 5.56 and .308 shooters.

Both rifles share one doctrinally aligned visual system, reducing cross-training overhead and confusion under stress.

9. Training Drills & Progressions

A reticle is only as good as the repetitions behind it. These drills move you from basic familiarity to disciplined, doctrine-aligned use.

9.1 Dry-Fire Geometry Mapping (No Live Ammo)

From a safe area overlooking streets, lots, or fields:

1. On 6–10×, use W24 to map window widths at various distances.
2. Use H36 to estimate window heights or kneeling silhouettes (if training partners are available).
3. Use D36 on visible doorframes, gates, or similar 3-foot-width features.
4. Call out notes such as “That window = W24, I’m calling it ~400,” and record them.
5. Later, validate with a rangefinder or mapping tools to refine your eye.

9.2 Live-Fire W24 / H36 / D36 Exercise

1. Place reduced-size steel or paper targets at 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 yards (as range allows).
2. Use target backers shaped to approximate:
   • Windows and AC units (W24).
   • Kneeling silhouettes and barriers (H36).
   • Doorframes and sandbag lines (D36).
3. From unknown-distance firing points, use the stadia to estimate distance.
4. Call your hold using your ballistic data.
5. Shoot, then compare your estimate vs. actual to sharpen your visual judgment.

9.3 T-Zone Communication Drill (Two-Shooter)

1. Both shooters run HSS DMR optics and stand 10–30 yards apart.
2. Place multiple targets in an arc resembling building fronts, vehicle lanes, and barrier positions.
3. Shooter A calls targets only using T-Zone language:
   • “T2, kneeling.”
   • “T3, upper window.”
   • “T4, prone at barrier.”
4. Shooter B must snap to the correct T-Zone and identify the right target without extra description.
5. Repeat at 1×, 4×, and 8–10× magnifications and varying distances.

This drill turns T-Zones into a natural communication layer rather than a theoretical feature.

10. Doctrine Crosswalk – How This Manual Aligns with Real Manuals

The concepts in this manual align with the themes and principles found in:

• FM/TC 3-22.9 – Rifle and Carbine (U.S. Army):
  Fundamentals, zeroing, range estimation, and responsible engagement.
• ATP 3-21.8 – Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad:
  Sectors of fire, engagement areas, designated marksmen, and the use of optics to control windows, rooftops, and key terrain.
• MCRP 3-01 series – Rifle Marksmanship (U.S. Marine Corps):
  Visual judgment, stable positions, known-distance and unknown-distance engagements, and environmental awareness.

The HSS DMR M-Reticle extends these ideas into a civilian, law-enforcement, and modern tactical context by:

• Replacing simple dots and chevrons with real-world geometry (W24/H36/D36, CH5/SUV6).
• Embedding communication overlays (T-Zones) to support “shoot, move, communicate.”
• Designing the system for vehicles, windows, barriers, and streets—not just flat-range silhouettes.

11. Further Study & SWAT Optics Resources

Suggested next reads and tools on your site:

• LPVO Mastery Hub 2026 – HSS DMR 1–10× (M-Reticle Guide)
• Best LPVO 2026: Ultimate Military-Based Guide for AR-15 & AR-10
• Best AR-10 LPVO for Urban Engagements — Doctrine-Driven Stadia System
• HSS DMR Ballistics Calculator (bridge reticle holds with live ballistic data)

Turn the Manual into Practice

Print this page, save it as a PDF, or reference it from your phone on the range. The more you associate W24, H36, D36, CH5, SUV6, and T-Zones with real objects and real terrain, the faster your brain will do the math for you.

About the Author

Scott E. Hunt is the founder of SWAT Optics and designer of the patent-pending HSS DMR M-Reticle. He previously served as Senior Director of Analytics & IT at ContentGuard – Pendrell Corporation (NASDAQ: PCO), contributing to technology featured by MIT. He attended executive protection training at ESI and earned his Executive Protection Certificate at Strategic Weapons Academy of Texas. Hunt holds 50+ certifications ranging from AI, ML, analytics, business, and data science. His work focuses on reducing cognitive load in precision optics.