I’ve been through a few micro red dot sights for my pistols, and the Steiner MPS has quickly become my favorite. Let’s break down why:
Built to Last: This thing is a rock. Fully enclosed design? Check. Steiner’s reputation for ruggedness? Absolutely. I’ve taken it through rain, mud, and plenty of range time, and it hasn’t flinched. Online reviewers [Steiner MPS Reviews] echo this sentiment, with many praising its durability for duty use.
Clear View, Crisp Dot: The glass is crystal clear, with a true 1x magnification that delivers a sharp sight picture. The 3.3 MOA dot is the perfect size for pistol work – big enough to pick up quickly, but not so big that it blots out your target. It also has multiple brightness settings, which have held up well under various lighting conditions.
Mounting Options: The MPS uses the common Docter footprint, with an included adapter plate that allows it to fit on pistols drilled for the Aimpoint ACRO footprint as well. This gives you some flexibility when mounting it to different pistols.
Hands-On Experience: Zeroing the MPS was a breeze, with the click adjustments being both positive and audible. More importantly, it has held zero perfectly after numerous range trips. The battery life is impressive, with some online reviewers [Steiner MPS Reviews] reporting they’ve gotten nearly two years on a single battery. The top-loading battery compartment is a nice touch as well.
Now, for the Not-So-Perfect:
No Auto Brightness: This might be a dealbreaker for some. The MPS relies on manual adjustments for brightness. While the battery life is great, some users would prefer the convenience of an auto-brightness feature.
Field of View: While the glass is clear, the enclosed design does cut into the overall field of view slightly compared to some open emitter sights. However, I haven’t found this to be a significant drawback in practical use.
Alternatives: If you’re looking for an auto-brightness option, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a solid choice. However, it sacrifices some of the MPS’s ruggedness. Another option is the Aimpoint ACRO P-1, but some users have reported quality control issues with this model.
Fits Like a Glove: The MPS sits low in the mount, allowing you to co-witness your iron sights on some pistols. This is a big plus for those who want a backup sighting system. From what I’ve seen online, users have successfully mounted the MPS on a wide variety of pistols, including Glocks, Sig Sauers, and Caniks.
Overall:
The Steiner MPS might not have all the bells and whistles of some other micro red dots, but it makes up for it with its rock-solid build quality, clear optics, and exceptional durability. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense red dot sight that can handle anything you throw at it, the MPS is a fantastic option.