The Steiner T1Xi has been officially recognized as the top-performing red-dot rifle optic in a recent Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) evaluation. Testing was conducted as part of an effort to equip officers with the most reliable non-magnified red-dot sighting system. Criteria included performance under extreme operational conditions, the ability to meet demanding requirements for ruggedness, battery life, zero retention, night-vision compatibility and compatibility with the agency’s issued patrol rifles.
The evaluation process was exhaustive, objective and purpose-built for law enforcement. Optics were first assessed through verification of construction quality, specifications, warranty, battery access, control function, mechanical precision and mounting integrity.
They were then subjected to a series of environmental, durability and reliability trials. They included battery replacement zero-retention test, extreme temperature exposure (–20 to +160 degrees Fahrenheit), multiple 60-inch drop impacts onto concrete, saltwater immersion and corrosion inspection, sand exposure and 5,000-round live-fire endurance.
The Steiner T1Xi, which was introduced in early 2024, outperformed all other models. The red-dot features crystal-clear Steiner glass and three reticle options: 60-MOA circle with 2-MOA dot, standalone 60-MOA circle or standalone 2-MOA dot. That versatility provides both speed and precision from close quarters to extended ranges. A wide 24 mm objective lens ensures an unobstructed field of view and the optic’s lightweight 5.36-ounce weight minimizes burden on the rifle.
With 11 illumination settings, including two night-vision-compatible modes, officers can confidently operate the T1Xi in any lighting environment. The optic is nitrogen-filled, waterproof, fogproof and boasts a 50,000-hour battery life, ensuring long-term readiness for duty.
The Texas DPS was created in 1935 when the famed Texas Rangers (founded in 1823) and Texas Highway Patrol (established in 1929) were consolidated. Today the department has more than 4,700 commissioned officers and nearly 7,000 non-commissioned employees protecting and serving residents and visitors in the Lone Star State.
