Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane Review

First Impressions of Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane

The Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane promises to bring tactical-grade performance to the hunting world, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Steiner built a reputation for ruggedness and clarity, and this scope, evolved from the T6Xi series, aims to deliver both in a versatile package. The combination of a 6x optical system, a forgiving eye box, and a first focal plane reticle immediately piqued my interest as a seasoned hunter who often faces rapidly changing scenarios in challenging terrain.

I was looking for a scope that could pull double duty; something clear and bright enough for low-light hunting, but also precise enough for longer-range shots in open country. I’d been frustrated with second focal plane scopes in the past, constantly having to recalculate holdovers as I zoomed. The promise of the HX6‘s FFP reticle remaining accurate at any magnification was a huge selling point.

Unboxing the HX6, the first thing I noticed was its solid feel. The 30mm tube, milled from aerospace-grade aluminum, exudes quality and feels incredibly robust. Its weight feels balanced, suggesting a well-thought-out design that won’t make my rifle feel unwieldy during long stalks. Compared to a Leupold VX-3i and a Vortex Viper PST Gen II I’ve used extensively, the Steiner feels noticeably more substantial, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand harsh conditions.

Honestly, I was excited but also cautiously optimistic. I’ve tested a lot of scopes over the years, and while many promise the world, few truly deliver on every front. However, the initial impression of the Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane was one of quality and potential.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane at my local shooting range, zeroing it on my trusty .308 bolt-action rifle. The weather was overcast, and the light was fading, providing a good test of its low-light capabilities. Adjusting the parallax down to 25 yards, the image snapped into focus, crisp and clear.

Even at 2x magnification, the sight picture was bright and the reticle easily visible. The generous eye box made it easy to get behind the scope quickly, a huge benefit when hunting fast-moving game. One initial surprise was how tactile and positive the turret clicks felt.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane on multiple hunts, I can confidently say it’s held up incredibly well. It’s been exposed to rain, snow, and dust, and the optics remain crystal clear. There are no signs of wear or tear on the tube or lenses, a testament to Steiner’s build quality.

Cleaning the lenses is a breeze with a simple microfiber cloth. Compared to some cheaper scopes I’ve used in the past that fog up easily or lose zero after a few shots, the HX6 has been consistently reliable. Its performance has exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane

Specifications

The Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane boasts impressive specifications. It features a 42mm objective lens diameter for excellent light gathering and a magnification range of 2-12x. The 30mm tube provides ample room for adjustment, and the First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle ensures accurate subtensions at any magnification.

• Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm – This is crucial for brightness, especially in low-light conditions.
• Magnification: 2 – 12 x – Versatile range for close-quarters and longer shots.
• Reticle: MIL – Provides precise holdover and windage adjustments.
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm – Allows for greater internal adjustment range.
• Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP) – Ensures accurate ranging and holdovers at all magnifications.
• Field of View: 55 – 8.5 m at 100 m – Wide field of view for rapid target acquisition.
• Parallax: 25 yds – Fine parallax adjustment for precise aiming at various distances.
• Light Transmission: 92% – Exceptional light transmission for optimal brightness.
• Material: Aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum – Extremely durable and lightweight.

Performance & Functionality

The Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane performs exceptionally well in the field. Its optical clarity is outstanding, providing a bright and crisp image even in low-light conditions. The Modern Hunter Reticle is intuitive to use, offering quick aiming at lower magnifications and precise holdover points at higher magnifications.

The turret adjustments are precise and repeatable, allowing for accurate zeroing and on-the-fly adjustments. The only slight weakness I found was that the reticle, while excellent, can feel a little busy at higher magnifications for extremely small targets. Overall, the scope meets and even exceeds expectations for a hunting optic in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane is top-notch. The scope feels solid and well-balanced. The knurling on the magnification ring and parallax adjustment is aggressive enough to provide a secure grip, even with gloves on.

The locking diopter is a welcome feature, preventing accidental adjustments to the reticle focus. There is a slight learning curve associated with using a first focal plane scope, but it’s easily overcome with practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane is built to last. Its rugged construction and waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof design ensure it can withstand the rigors of hunting in harsh environments. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lenses with a microfiber cloth. With proper care, this scope should last for many years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane does not come with a ton of accessories, but it includes everything you need to get started. This scope is compatible with a wide range of 30mm scope rings and bases from various manufacturers. Because of the MIL reticle and exposed turrets, aftermarket turret caps with custom ballistic information could be extremely useful.

Pros and Cons of Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane

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Who Should Buy Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane?

The Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane is perfect for serious hunters who demand the best in optical performance and durability. It’s also well-suited for competitive shooters who need a reliable and accurate scope for long-range shooting. It’s a great choice for anyone who appreciates quality and is willing to invest in a premium optic.

Hunters on a tight budget should probably skip this product. If you primarily hunt in dense woods at close range, the FFP reticle and high magnification range might be overkill.

Must-have accessories include high-quality scope rings, a good lens cleaning kit, and potentially aftermarket turret caps with custom ballistic information.

Conclusion on Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane

The Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane is an outstanding optic that delivers on its promise of tactical-grade performance for the hunting world. Its exceptional optical clarity, rugged construction, and precise adjustments make it a valuable tool for any serious hunter or shooter. Yes, the price is steep, but the quality and performance justify the investment.

I would absolutely recommend the Steiner HX6 to anyone looking for a top-tier hunting scope. If you’re ready to elevate your hunting experience, the Steiner HX6 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm, First Focal Plane is worth every penny. Go ahead and treat yourself to the confidence and precision this scope provides!