Steiner has been producing quality optics since the years following World War II. The German company built its reputation on binoculars before expanding further into rifle scopes and other optics. More recently, Steiner has begun assembling some products here in the United States. I’ve had good experience with Steiner’s optics over the years, which is why I was anxious to try out their H6Xi 2-12x42mm riflescope.
The H6Xi series is designed primarily for hunters who want a capable riflescope without unnecessary bulk or complicated controls. Along with the 2-12x42mm model, Steiner also has 3-18x and 5-30x configurations. That gives hunters three different magnification range options to choose from, depending on the distances they expect to shoot and the type of rifle they’re carrying.
The H6Xi 2-12x42mm uses a 30mm main tube, a common choice for hunting optics. That diameter provides room for the internal components and adjustment mechanisms without adding as much weight as larger 34mm designs. The 42mm objective lens also helps keep the scope relatively compact and allows it to sit closer to the rifle’s bore than scopes with larger objective lenses.
Several features make the H6Xi particularly interesting as a hunting optic. First, it uses a first focal plane reticle, a single-rotation elevation turret, and configurable turret arrangements. The general design favors straightforward operation, which is what you need to perform fast and reliably in the field without requiring the shooter to manage a complicated set of controls.
Steiner gives the H6Xi some flexibility in how its turrets are configured. The windage turret comes with a protective cap, but it can be used uncovered if the shooter prefers. The scope also includes a smaller replacement elevation turret and a cap if you want it that way. So you can run both turrets exposed, both covered, or a combination of the two. Hunters who prefer to protect their adjustments from accidental movement can keep the caps on, while those who regularly dial for elevation can leave the turret exposed.
An included throw lever makes magnification adjustments faster and easier. The scope is available with either MRAD or MOA adjustments and corresponding reticles. This one uses the STR MIL reticle, with 0.1 MRAD adjustments and 20 MRAD of elevation and windage travel. The MOA configuration offers 0.25 MOA adjustments and 70 MOA of adjustment range in each direction.
The H6Xi measures 11.8 inches long and weighs 23.2 ounces. Along with the 42mm objective and the 30mm tube, it’s a relatively compact scope for a hunting rifle.
Other features include side-focus parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity, 3.85 to 3.52 inches of eye relief, and an illuminated reticle that’s powered by a CR2032 battery. The illumination control has 11 brightness settings with — thank you, Steiner — off positions between each level setting.
The scope’s housing is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, and the scope is nitrogen-filled, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Steiner lists an operating temperature range of -13 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and backs the scope with its Heritage Warranty.
As I’ve come to expect from Steiner, the H6Xi arrived with several useful accessories. Along with the scope, the box contained the replacement elevation turret, its protective cap, the throw lever, flip-up lens covers, a battery, and full documentation.
For mounting, I used Steiner’s H-Series 30mm rings on a Seekins Havak PH3 rifle. One thing worth noting is the relatively short section of main tube available between the erector housing and objective bell. That limits the available mounting area somewhat, so ring placement requires a little more attention than it might with a scope that has a longer tube. On the Havak PH3, however, the arrangement worked well.
Once mounted, I spent some time looking through the H6Xi before heading to the range. Lower-magnification optics often provide a pleasing image because they place fewer demands on the optical system, but the Steiner’s HD glass still impressed me. The image was bright and clear, and the scope has the solid, well-finished feel I’ve come to associate with the brand.
One feature I really like is the locking diopter adjustment. It’s frustrating to bring a rifle up for a shot only to discover that the reticle has gone slightly out of focus because the diopter was bumped while the rifle was being carried or stored. The locking ring keeps that from happening. The relatively low-profile turrets are another practical detail, reducing the chance of snagging them on clothing, packs, or other hunting equipment.
Our first trip with the H6Xi was to the range to get it zeroed. Bore-sighting was straightforward, and it didn’t take long to get on paper and begin printing groups. The Havak proved to be a good platform for evaluating the scope’s optical performance and adjustment repeatability.
Later, I took the rifle into the high country of the Rockies. Looking across deep canyons and valleys provided a good way to assess the scope in the sort of terrain where a hunting optic needs to perform. Being able to pick out details at varying distances is an important part of evaluating an optic, particularly when hunting in open country where a shot may require more than simply identifying an animal at close range.
The H6Xi delivers a clear image in a variety of conditions. I’ve used it in bright sunshine, under cloudy skies, in the rain, and during the early morning around sunrise. Across those conditions, the scope provided a really good view of targets and the surrounding terrain. As with most riflescope reviews, photographs taken through a camera lens don’t really reproduce the detail that the eye sees, but the image quality has been consistently impressive.
The scope’s straightforward design is another plus. There are fewer controls to manage, and the single-rotation elevation turret makes it easier to keep track of adjustments. Its 12 MRAD of elevation adjustment on a single turn gives you a useful amount of travel for hunting applications. At the density altitude where I tested the rifle, the 7mm PRC required approximately 8 MRAD of elevation to reach 1,000 yards, leaving plenty of adjustment for that particular setup. The turret’s single-turn design also reduces the possibility of losing track of where you are when dialing.
The magnification ring rotates through approximately 180 degrees, allowing the shooter to move from low to high power in a single motion. Combined with the included throw lever, changing magnification is really quick and convenient. The locking diopter and configurable turrets add further protection against unwanted adjustments.
The one control I would like to see improved here is the reticle illumination dial. It has less resistance than I like, and I could see it being turned accidentally while the rifle is being handled or carried. An unintended adjustment could leave the illumination turned on and drain the battery. It’s a relatively minor concern, but it’s worth mentioning on a scope that’s this good and intended for hunting use.
In terms of adjustment performance, the H6Xi proved to be a good match for a precision-oriented hunting rifle. The elevation turret returned consistently to zero, and its adjustments tracked as indicated. Repeatability is critical when dialing for longer shots, since a scope that doesn’t reliably return to its original setting introduces uncertainty into subsequent shots. That’s not a problem here.
The H6Xi isn’t an inexpensive riflescope. Its MSRP is slightly above $1,600, although typical street prices are often in the $1,100 to $1,300 range, depending on the retailer. That’s still a substantial investment, especially when there are other similar magnification scopes available for less money. Some competing optics may offer comparable features at lower prices, so the Steiner may not be the obvious choice for every hunter. It should be, though.
For those who know and value the company’s reputation, build quality, and optical performance, the H6Xi makes a strong case for itself. Steiner has a long history in optics, and the H6Xi combines that experience with a really practical feature set and American assembly. For my part, I’d rather spend more on an optic that inspires confidence than choose a less expensive alternative based on price alone.
After spending plenty of time with the Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42mm, I’ve grown really fond of it. It offers excellent image quality in a compact package, and its relatively modest weight makes a lot of sense for a hunting rifle that may need to be carried over long distances. The first focal plane reticle, lockable diopter, configurable turrets, and reliable tracking give it all the tools you need for precise shooting in a precise, easy-to use package with what Steiner calls military ruggedness.
The H6Xi is best suited to hunters who want a quality optic for a versatile hunting rifle, including setups intended for longer-range shooting. Its price may put it beyond the reach of some buyers, and I’d prefer a more resistant illumination control. But those drawbacks don’t outweigh the scope’s strengths I found during testing. For a hunter looking for a compact, well-built hunting scope with first rate glass and straightforward adjustments, it’s hard to beat the Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42mm.
Specifications: Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope
Magnification: 2-12x
Objective Lens: 42mm
Focal Plane: First
Length: 11.8 in.
Weight: 23.2 oz.
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Reticle: STR MIL
Illuminated: Yes, 11 levels
Click Value: 0.1 MRAD (MOA model, too)
Elevation Range: 20 MRAD
Windage Range: 20 MRAD
Glass: HD glass
Construction: 6061-T6 aluminum
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes
Shockproof: Yes
Nitrogen Filled: Yes
Operating Temperature: -13°F to +145°F
Battery: CR2032
Made In: USA
MSRP: $1609.99 (about $1,100 retail)