Steiner MPS Features

For a defensive pistol, a straightforward optic is very desirable.

The Steiner MPS is chock full of all the features you need and no unneeded superfluous extras.

It is non-magnifying a true 1x optic.

Shown is a photo of the author testing the Steiner MPS reflex sight mounted atop a pistol — in this case a Springfield Echelon. The MPS uses a mounting footprint similar to the Aimpoint ACRO footprint. That means the optice does need an adapter plate. However, it does not interfere with the rear sight.

The Steiner MPS red dot sight was tested on the Springfield Armory Echelon pistol.

I found the MPS to be extremely user-friendly.

It has eight brightness tweaks, with two designated for compatibility with night vision gear.

It features a battery life of 13,000 hours and has an auto shut-off feature to prolong the power source.

In this photo, the author is showing the optic’s features while it is mounted on the pistol. The MPS sits low — even with the adapter — allowing easy access to the top-mounted battery on top of the sight. Additionally, it allows the use of a suppressor. Not bad for a new red dot.

The Steiner MPS features battery compartment on top of the optic. This means you do not have to remove it for a battery swap.

This keeps the optic turned on at all times, eliminating any turn-on delay.

Along with the technical aspects, the MPS features an ACRO-pattern footprint.

The design of the MPS allows it to maintain Steiners battle-proven durability and mil-spec ruggedness.

Shown here is the author testing the optic with a Blackhawk holster designed for police and military duty use. You can see the clearance that the rig provides for a red dot sight. The Safariland rig offers a similar fit and clearance. The MPS is powered by a battery that is top mounted which is perfect for an optic from the pistol for fast target or sight acquisition.

Many modern holsters are designed with an optics cut. In the rigs tested, the MPS was compatible with these when mounted on the Echelon handgun.

The MPS features all-metal construction and strong sidewalls to completely seal in the emitter for the red dot.

The front of the optic has a hood that overhangs to protect the recessed objective lens.

A user-friendly feature of the optic is the battery compartment.

In this photo, the author is shooting the Springfield Armory Echelon 9mm duty gun with a Steiner attached to the slide. Both the gun and optic worked flawlessly. The optic was compared to the Holosun with excellent characteristics in its favor. Likewise the Echelon proved to be superior to the Glock in many ways.

The Steiner was tested on the Springfield Armory Echelon pistol. Here the author spends time on the range shooting the pistol with the mounted optic.

Performance

Out on the range is where the Steiner MPS shines.

The crystal-clear glass and large window assist with fast target acquisition.

I have shot this optic on the Echelon for more than 1,000 rounds in a multitude of different drills.

Shown in this photograph is the brightness and size of the red dot when looking through the lens of the MPS. The dot is bright and clearly visible even with glare from the sun. The MSRP of the optic is slightly over $600 which makes puts it firmly into competition with duty type sights.

At only 2.05 ounces, the sight adds little weight to the handgun. This makes it easier to get on target quickly and to hold it there for an extended period of time if needed.

Coming from the holster and picking up the dot on target is simple.

There is no hunting for the dot.

Lets talk a bit about the dot itself.

As seen in this photo, the author demonstrates how you can co-witness the factory u-dot sights with the MPS sight. The u-dot sights use a tritium vial in the front sight that allows you to index it in low to no light conditions such as at night or in a dark room.

You can co-witness the Echelon’s factory U-Dot sights when the MPS is installed on the slide. As shown here, the iron sights are in the lower part of the sight picture and are completely useable.

Its crisp and clean with a perfect 3.3 MOA dot.

This allows for co-witnessing a sight picture should the Steiner optic ever malfunction, however unlikely.

Rain, snow or sleet will not affect red dot performance, and the MPS has been no exception.

Steiner MPS

With over 1,500 rounds through my rifle, it never let me down.

It is, as they say, a shooter.

There were no issues regarding dot brightness.

Echelon™ Series

Conclusion: Zero Problems

What else can I say about the Steiner optic?

The MPS is personally my favorite enclosed emitter reflex sight for a pistol.

On top of this, the MPS looks awesome on top of the Springfield Armory Echelon.

Facebook Share

I believe Steiner made a perfect optic for a duty pistol.

It is waterproof, shockproof, fogproof and backed by the Steiner Heritage Warranty.

Go to forum thread

SteinerMPS

EchelonTMSeries

Twitter Share

Pinterest Share

Article image

Article image