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We receive a variety of gear daily, and each piece is unique, but I find some equipment just stands out. The latest that came to our attention was the Steiner MPS (Micro Pistol Sight). A sleek, closed Steiner red dot sight that oozed performance, and this isn't something I was used to seeing from Steiner Optics. So naturally, my inclination is refuting the most recent launch - but the MPS felt different.
Like all Steiner optics, the Micro Pistol Sight (MPS) is rugged and seemingly overbuilt. The German-built optic is a true 1X pistol sight with a 3.3-MOA dot. The MPS has a very Aimpoint ACRO look and feel but make no mistake. This is a Steiner through and through.
The battery housing sits atop the optic, eliminating the need to dismount the optic to change the battery. It boasts a 780,000-minutes, or 13,000-hours, of life, which if you do your part and change out the battery once a year, you have no problems with a dead unit. I’ll be honest on this part. This optic is so new I haven’t had the opportunity to give you a full battery cycle test. In this case, we must take Steiner’s word.
Users can use an auto-off feature or continuously run the optic. I choose to run it wide open, but the auto-off feature is the and shuts off at the 13-hour mark.
Steiner optics are rugged. The MPS is no different, featuring solid, all-metal construction and enhanced sidewalls. This is a big deal if you’re looking for a fully enclosed emitter. Open red dot systems are a slave to the environments they come in contact with. The MPS housing guards against debris and dust that could potentially affect the red dots transmission of a clear, crisp sight picture.
I'd never noticed this on my carry gun until I went to the range. I decided it was time to practice with my daily carry, which hadn't seen the range in a month or two. The first sight picture I received seemed blurred. Upon further inspection, a small dust bunny obscured the emitter. Now, this is obviously a shooter's error because if I'm carrying that firearm, it better be inspected regularly. Yes, I learned my lesson and now have a daily check to ensure this doesn't happen again.
However, a fully enclosed system eliminates the potential for oversight to occur. Who's to say that I go through my cleaning of an open red dot design, and a dust bunny falls just right into the emitter or glass before I do my nightly cleaning? It could happen, and that's where a closed red dot sight shines, in my opinion.
Would I carry this on an EDC firearm? Yes. The Steiner MPS weighs 2.05 ounces and is compact. I selected to mount the optic on a Smith & Wesson M&P C.O.R.E. The size doesn't bother me when mounted on the M&P M2.0. It is compact, but as you will notice in the image, it adds a bit of height to the overall profile of the gun. Again, this isn’t an issue because if I worry about the optic printing, I've got many other issues I need to address first.
I’ve ranted about this for quite some time around the office. I think we can all agree that we’d like to see companies standardize the mounting plates. But, alas, that won’t be the case anytime soon.
The MPS utilizes the popular Docter system. Luckily for me, the M&P M2.0 comes with a Docter mount. It was easy to mount the optic to the slide, and I believe I make this disclaimer in every red dot piece I pen. Use a dab of Loctite on the screws to ensure the mounting screws do not back out and allow wiggle room between your optic and mounting plate. You've been warned.
Steiner chose to allow users the ability to select between eight brightness settings. Two of those are night vision options, which should make folks that run NODs extremely happy. The brightness selection buttons are easily found on the left side of the optic. The rubberized, raised buttons are audible when pressed, and relay from button to brightness setting is immediate.
The initial assessment of the Steiner Micro Pistol Sight is positive. The glass inset into the MPS is of the highest quality, and the metal hood and recessed window ensure nothing influences the front lens' ability to provide a clear view.
I'm impressed with the quality and construction. As well as the MPS is built, you'd expect the size and weight increase, which I didn't notice. That’s where the beauty lies. Steiner produced a red dot that scratches all the itches for folks looking to run a fully enclosed red dot. ~ KJ
KJ
Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter and often finds himself in a bass boat. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, KJ always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind.
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