First Look: Steiner M7Xi IFS Riflescope

Incorporating new ballistic technology into the company's line of M-Series riflescopes, Steiner Optics unveiled its all-new M7Xi IFS option that includes the company's Intelligent Firing System. This innovative platform built into the optic itself includes a range of sensors designed to provide long-range shooters with a custom firing solution via a heads-up display in the scope's sight picture.

Located in a housing just forward of the ocular bell at the rear of the scope, the Steiner M-Series Intelligent Firing System sensor suite collects information on a number of variables that can impact shot placement at extended distances, including temperature, air pressure and scope cant. The customizable HUD allows shooters to display all of these elements, as well as wind speed, wind direction, target distance and the windage and elevation settings currently input into the external adjustment turrets. Wind speed and direction, as well as target distance, must be manually input via the optic's touchpad or through Bluetooth pairing, thanks to a smartphone app designed to work with the optic.


Once all these variables are added, an on-board ballistic calculator calibrated to your gun's caliber and load will provide a firing solution, placing an aiming point inside the optic's reticle. Available in a 4-28x56 mm configuration, each Steiner Optics M7Xi IFS optic can be had with TReMoR3, MSR2 or G2B MIL-dot reticles, and the exterior is treated with an all-black anodized finish. Through the optical lens, consumers will find a 1.55- to 9.84-yard field-of-view, depending on magnification. Each optic is outfitted with tactile windage and elevation turrets for fast, intuitive adjustments. Adjustment values are made in 1/10 MILs.

Overall length of the Steiner M7Xi IFS measures 15.4 inches, and the optic weighs in at 40.6 ounces. The on-board sensor suite is powered through a single AA or CR123A battery, and shooters will find 3.54 inches of eye relief behind the optic. Since the M7Xi IFS is purpose-built for use in combat zones, the optic has been tested to withstand incredibly abusive environments, with near-unparalleled resistance to water, fogging and shock. The suggested retail price on the Steiner M7Xi IFS 4-28x56 mm optic starts at $5,749.99.