Steiner claims their new Predator The “8” nomenclature in the new scope line’s handle refers to the multiple of the magnification range of the three models; 2-16x, 3-24x and 4-32x.
One of the biggest weaknesses of an optic’s dedicated ranging reticle is the variability of bullet drop between cartridges, and even varying loads within a cartridge’s makeup. A manufacturer can’t simply offer a limitless number of SKUs to match a limitless number of cartridge/load possibilities. Steiner’s new approach to this quandary offers a unique solution.
An integrated customizable ballistic turret allows shooters to reliably and accurately dial for bullet drop, and three different numbered, movable rings, can be set to custom distances for quick dialing. Audible and tactile turret mechanics provide sure, intuitive operation and a Zero Mode means shooters can quickly get back to zero without coming off the optic.
A wide field of view and high-contrast lens coatings ensure fast, brilliant, and crisp images. It also offers high edge-to-edge sharpness and outstanding detail recognition. Users will not lose accuracy on dark targets or in low light with illuminated reticle options with 11 brightness settings.
The Predator 8 2-16×42 is the lightest and most compact of the lineup and includes a rear focal plane E3 Ballistic reticle. The optic offers cascading subtensions and windage dots to help with tricky holdovers. As expected, the higher-magnification models weigh more, are longer and put a bigger dent in your wallet.
A Few More Features
In addition to the integrated customizable ballistic turret, Steiner’s high-contrast glass with best-in-class optical clarity stays true to the quality reputation earned by the legacy optics manufacturer. Steiner claims an extra-wide field of view, industry-leading light transmission and their versatile 8X system. No arguments there. The reticle is illuminated with 11 brightness settings and offers a Zero mode. This is a rear focal plane optic and comes with their E3 Ballistic reticle.
While at Rendezvous, I was able to send a few rounds down range with their 2-16x Predator 8. Adjustments seemed to track well out to 1,000 yards with a 6.5 Creedmoor at the altitude and temperature the Idaho conditions provided.
Home on the range
A few weeks later, Steiner sent a 3-24x model for testing during deer season. I mounted it on a Mossberg Patriot Predator chambered in 7mm PRC. After sighting in at 100 yards, I set about realigning the ranging rings on the elevation turret. The manual’s instructions were sketchy at best. This led me to call someone with a bit more experience adjusting this optic. The “insider’s” trick revealed, I quickly disassembled the top turret, made adjustments and put it back together.
I already had quite a bit of DOPE for this rifle, so I adjusted the various ranging rings to match up with the number of MOA clicks needed to be on target at various ranges at 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
I moved out to my long range and engaged targets at the corresponding ranges, since the actual temperature was 55 degrees at the time of testing. Dialing back and forth, I moved the crosshairs from one distance to the next and it tracked precisely between 100 and 400 yards. The adjustable rings in the elevation turret are marked with a “2”, “3” and “4” to match up with either 200, 300 and 400 yards or meters… depending on your preference.
Negatives
My only complaints with the Predator 8 are the supplied manuals lack of clarity to disassemble, adjust and reassemble the elevation turret, and the numbering of the adjustment rings. Presets for a 200-yard adjustment seem to be a waste, since the amount of drop for most rifles this optic will be mounted to will be negligible. Numbering the rings, in my opinion, should start with a “3” to correspond with 300 yards, and so forth.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Steiner Predator 8 Series (2-16x42mm / 3-24x50mm / 4-32x56mm
- Magnification: 2-16x / 3-24x / 4-32x
- Objective Lens Dia.: 42mm / 50mm / 56mm
- Tube Dia.: 30mm (all models)
- Focal Plane: 2nd (all models)
- Field of View @100 yds. (Low-High): 7.7-62.07 ft. / 5.2-41.3 ft. / 3.8-31.03 ft.
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in. (all models)
- Exit Pupil: 8.5mm 2,7mm / 8.5mm 2mm / 8, 5mm 1.7mm
- Length: 13.5 in. / 14.7 in. / 15.1 in.
- Weight: 23.4 oz. / 25.2 oz. / 27.3 oz.
- Diopter Adj. Range: -3dpt – +2dpt (all models)
- Reticle: E3 / E3 / SCR
- Windage/Elevation Click Value: 1/4 MOA (all models)
- Max Elevation Range: 55 MOA / 40 MOA / 32 MOA
- Max Windage Range: 55 MOA / 40 MOA / 32 MOA
- Parallax: 20yds to infinity (all models)
- Temperature Range: -13°F to +145°F (all models)
- Nitrogen Filled/Fogproof: Yes (all models)
- Waterproof: 3 ft. (all models)
- Battery: CR2032 (all models)
- Warranty: Heritage Warranty (all models)
- MSRP: $2,069.99 / $2,184.99 / $2,299.99
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