The Steiner T6Xi
Our adventure today involves the smallest child of the T6 family. There is also a 3-18X and the aforementioned 5-30X model. With a little luck, perhaps I’ll get hands on the middle model as well, but for now, let’s get a good look at the 2.5-15X.
The T6Xi 2.5-15X is based on a 34mm tube, which has become the popular option with long-range precision shooters. Up front is a 56mm objective lens to draw in as much light as possible for a bright image. The scope has a fairly squatty appearance, looking a bit short – a welcome feature as this scope will mostly be mounted to compact rifles. And though Steiner scopes are built for rugged duty, the smaller size will also reduce weight.
At the center of the scope, you will find the same basic erector assembly as the other T6Xi scopes. The T6 family has an intuitive and ingenious turret system. The numbers are underneath the turret and change when going from the first turn to the second, meaning there is never any question as to what revolution you are on.
The high volume of motion on tactical scopes often requires some way to confirm what revolution of the turret you are on, and this design is a fantastic way to accomplish it. There is also a cunning turret lock design that prevents unwanted rotation of your turrets.
Specifications
- Weight: 32 ounces
- Length: 12.8 inches
- Magnification Range: 2.5X – 15X
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- Tube Size: 34mm
- Elevation Turret Details: Exposed 34 MIL
- Windage Turret Details: Exposed 30 MIL
- Parallax Adjustment: 25 yards to infinity
- Reticle Position: 1st
- Reticle Details: SCR
- Field of View: 44.5 – 8.5 feet at 100 yards
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Illuminated Reticle: Yes – 4 night, 7 daytime
On the Range
With the stubby little Steiner mounted to my Taurus Expedition .308 rifle, I headed into the hills to give the combination a workout. I must start by saying that I love medium-power riflescopes. Scopes that aren’t pushing for such high magnification always seem to be so clear and bright.
Related Review: Taurus Makes an Impressive Break into Bolt Actions with Expedition RIfle
I’d mounted the scope in a set of 34mm rings, and I found one thing that was just slightly irritating. Due to the small size of the T6, you don’t have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to mounting. Not a big deal, but it may require you to be very deliberate in your mounting solution.
After zeroing the scope to the rifle, I reset the turrets at zero. This is done by loosening the two screws of each turret and rotating the turret back to zero. This design keeps the turret body affixed to the erector hub, making for a robust construction.
The turret locks are quite interesting. The top of each turret has a locking ring you can turn to engage or disengage. In the locked position you can see a “locked” indicator, and when unlocked you will see an accompanying “unlocked” indicator. This feature adds to a stronger turret structure. Many turrets are lifted to unlock and pushed down to lock, but the design of the T6 seems stronger as the turrets are secured in place and not meant to move up or down.
Shooting the Steiner T6Xi
With the scope ready for action, I began picking out targets across the canyon in evening light. Many of my usual targets popped out in the yellow light. I gripped the parallax adjustment, turning slightly to better pick out my targets.
I really like the SCR reticle. It has everything a guy could use for measuring targets and making adjustments, and it is one of my favorite non-Christmas-tree reticles. The various points can be used to hold over as needed, as well as countering any wind. The semi-open center doesn’t obscure tiny targets.
After ranging a few targets, I dialed the needed elevation correction and locked up the turret. I fired a few shots at one target, then transitioned to another. Obviously, this kind of shooting doesn’t require locking the turret between shots, so that sequence was quickly dropped. The clearly defined values shown in the elevation turret made elevation changes quick and easy. Never once did I need to think about what revolution I was on. The positive clicks can be both felt and heard, making it easy to make small adjustments without ever coming off the stock.
Shooting a .308 Winchester out to the end of its usable distance isn’t something I often attempt. But with the nearly 30 usable MRAD of elevation left in the T6, I could certainly give it a try. With that kind of elevation, I could close in on the mile. But conditions weren’t really favorable, so I ended up with a maximum observable impact distance around 1,300 yards.
As evening light faded, I also fired up the reticle illumination, evaluating some of the various settings. I like that only a portion of the reticle is illuminated to avoid creating too much light inside the scope, which can tend to blind you in low light.
Pros and Cons
I’ll start with the obvious: this makes an excellent companion optic for a medium-range precision rifle. The 2.5-15 power range also makes it ideal for a DMR-type carbine, using the low end for rapid engagements at close range, while the higher end is still very useful for distances beyond a kilometer if needed. The click values of the turret match and track with the reticle exactly as you’d expect a world-class scope to do.
Steiner scopes have a very robust structure. It really feels like you have something significant in hand. This thing feels bulletproof, and even so, it isn’t overly heavy for what you are getting. Despite its lower power range, you get all the same precision qualities of the reticle and turret system. The easily adjusted magnification made zooming in and out from targets quick and smooth.
If that wasn’t enough, we can all sleep a little better at night knowing that these Steiner scopes are made right here in the U.S. (well, Colorado anyway). So not only can you enjoy the quality of Steiner, but you can do it while employing your fellow Americans. And with a street price not far over the $1,500 mark, it isn’t prohibitively priced.
As for cons, I mentioned that with a short scope like this, you have some limitations with your mounting options. That is a stretch, as it’s not hard to find an easy way to get this thing mounted to your rifle. But I had to stretch something because I couldn’t really find anything about this scope not to like. My personal preference would perhaps be to remove the textured ring in front of the objective, but we’re getting to the level of petty at that point.
Final Thoughts
If you have a budget under $2,000 for a precision riflescope, and you are thinking of anything in the 3-15X or 4-16X power range, you need to look at the T6Xi. I have been very impressed with both the looks and performance of these T6 scopes, and I think they are worth their asking price. Whether you are a sport shooter, or a professional marksman these scopes are worth your time.
