Steiner M7Xi 4-28x56mm Scope Review

The M7Xi 4-28x56mm is Steiner’s new flagship offering. It has the newest lenses and coatings and a quick peek through the scope reveals a sharp image with lots of contrast and color.

In addition to the new optical arrangement, Steiner has updated the turrets on the M7Xi. The elevation turret has 15 mils of travel per revolution with a small revolution indicator that pops out of the top or the turret on the second lap. The elevation turret is very low profile so those desiring to mount a small red dot on top of the scope for close encounters or for aiming assistance will have no problems seeing over the turret and through the red dot.

The elevation turret has an integral zero stop that is very easy to set. Once the scope is zeroed to the rifle, unscrew the two small set screws in the sides of the turret cap and spin it around until the zero lines up with the witness mark on the turret housing. Tighten both screws back down and you’re done. The integral zero stop leaves the shooter the ability to dial .2 mil under his zero should a lot change in ammunition or installation of a night vision device alter the original zero somewhat.

The windage turret is exposed and offers 6 mils of travel in both the left and right direction, for a total of 12 mils of travel. Once the rifle is zeroed, slip the windage turret just like the elevation and then it can be left alone. There is never a need to completely remove turret cap screws (and possibly lose them) or to ever remove the turret cap to expose the scope’s internals. This simplification of turret cap adjustment is a welcome addition to the high-end optics market. Neither of the turrets locks in place, but both require deliberate effort to move. It is highly unlikely that incidental contact with either of the turrets would cause unwanted adjustment.

The M7Xi focuses down to 50 meters. The side-focus knob also houses the illumination adjustment. The illumination has 11 adjustment settings with the first six being for night vision and the last five for daytime use. The illumination system relies on an etched reticle and a red LED powered by a CR 2450 battery. This system is well vetted. The test scope had a Tremor 3 reticle in it with the center dot and each 2-mil center dot below benefitting from illumination. This makes very precise fire possible in low light because the entire reticle doesn’t light up and wash out the low-light image. Kudos to Steiner for putting some thought into the illumination system. In addition to the Tremor 3, the M7Xi is available with Steiner's G2B Mil-Dot and MSR2 reticles as well.

The M7Xi measures a short (for this magnification range) 15.2 inches and tips the scales at 33.5 ounces. The scope has a fast-focus diopter on the eyepiece that adjusts from -2 to 2, making it work for just about everybody’s vision. The 34mm maintube won’t pose any mounting problems and Steiner conveniently includes a set of flip-up scope caps with each M7Xi.

The new scope carries Steiner’s “Heritage” warranty, which means they’ll repair or replace anything faulty at no cost to the owner. Obviously, that doesn’t include deliberate misuse or theft. There is no need to register the scope upon receipt; the warranty is good for life as soon as you open the box.

It’s always exciting to see the new flagship scopes arrive as they represent the ever-advancing field of premium optics. Steiner’s new M7Xi is a strong contender is this highly competitive scope demographic where its optical quality, turret design, and thoughtful illumination system make it a standout.

Steiner 4-28x56mm M7Xi Specs:

Power: 4X-28X
Objective: 56mm
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Elevation adjustment: .1 Mil per click
Windage: .1 Mil per click
Reticle: Tremor 3, MSR 2, G2B
Length: 15.2 in.
Weight: 33.5 oz.
Eye Relief: 3.54 in.
MSRP: $3560 - $4485
Manufacturer: Steiner, 1-888-550-6255, steiner-optics.com

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