Steiner Optics LPVO: the Steiner P4Xi

Let me start out by saying that I am a sponsored instructor with Steiner Optics who produces the P4Xi 1-4.

P4Xi First Impressions

So taking the P4Xi out of the box the first thing I did was look through the glass and was amazed at the clarity and solid light transmission. For a piece of glass in this price range, you are getting a top-rate glass for a reasonable cost. By far this optic has the cleanest glass I have seen and compares to the NIghtforce and Leupold LPVO’s (Low Power Variable Optics) that are about twice the cost.

Moving to the magnification adjustments, I found it to be easy to use and loved the fact Steiner included a throw lever into the package. The throw lever was easy to install and adjust to my liking. If you choose not to use the throw lever the adjustment knob has a knurling that makes it easy to adjust without the throw lever.

The turrets come with a screw-on cap for both the elevation and windage knobs. The adjustment knobs themselves had positive adjustments with a decent audible click.

P4Xi adjustment knobs.

The overall look of the P4Xi was great and again I was very impressed. The weight of the optic was fair and normal as far as LPVO’s go and much lighter than others I have used. The housing is clean and the coating looks great.

Another positive is that Steiner also includes a 30m.m. scope mount in the total package. The mount is held to the upper receiver by two ½” bolts. The mount includes a bubble lever on the top of the mount. I really like this option when zeroing so I can make sure I keep the rifle level.

Mounting

I decided to go with the trusty American Defense AD-RECON-H scope mount. This mount has a 1.93 height over the top of the rail. I like this option for the use of laser devices. The height gives me a clear view above the laser device as well as a more upright head position.

Steiner P4Xi mounted with American Defense AD-RECON-H scope mount.

After mounting several LPVO on my rifles I have found a good starting point for the ocular lens to be just a bit past the back of the charging handle. This helps with getting the proper eye relief in all shooting positions. Once I find the sweet spot with the optics eye relief, I will mount the rifle, looking through the P4Xi in the following positions, Standing, Kneeling and Prone. Doing this I make sure that I am getting a clear image with the least amount shadowing on the edges of the lens.

Zeroing

I zeroed at 100 yards, and with the optics .5 M.O.A. adjustments and I had no issues getting the optic hitting point of aim point of impact.

Steiner PX4i - results at the range.

After zeroing the optic I slipped the rings, this is moving the turret knobs back to a zero position. All optic manufacturers have different methods for completing this action. To adjust the Steiner P4Xi you loosen two screws and rotate the numbered ring until you place the adjustment ring on 0 on the triangle on the scope body noting the return to zero location. Once this is completed you can re-tighten the two screws and you are done the only thing to do is replace the turret cover caps.

Extended Use

With extended use of this optic, I have found several things that I admire greatly. The first of which is the visible day time bright red dot. The truth is that in the high and bright Nevada sun I only have to go to the third from the last intensity setting. This feature makes it easy for you to get red dot usability in a handy platform while working in the 1 power magnification range.

I also love the fact that it is a true 1 power which helps with closer distance engagements making it usable at multiple distances. The 1-4 power magnification gives me the insight at the farther distances, for positive threat identification and facial recognition. At every power setting, the glass is clear and easy to use. The P4Xi collects light during failing lighting allowing you more time to hunt, shoot, and work.

PX4i
PX4i – Image source: Steiner Optics.

The eye relief is sufficient and forgiving at 3.5 to 4 inches. The eye relief is a good thing, especially with the types of use and positions a hunter, competition shooter, military personnel or law enforcement officer, might have work in.

The use of a 2032 battery is something appreciated because I have many uses for that specific battery. This battery is also easy to find at any local supermarket or gas station. I usually replace mine with Duracell as I have found them to last the longest over other brands.

The power adjustment ring is easy to use and is not overly difficult to adjust, unlike other that I have used. There is enough setting that you can use the dot in low light conditions as well as the brightest day.

The price of this optic is amazing for what you get. With an M.S.R.P. of $749.99 you are getting a great optic. I have heard of individuals getting the optic at less than $500.00.

What I Would Change

My only change would be to reduce the size of the reticle in the center. I would like to see the center portion of the reticle reduced by half its size. I found the reticle lines too large in size. This part of the reticle made it less precise than I would like, especially at 4 power when zeroing. When zeroing the optic reticle would cover more of the target then I liked.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a Low Power Variable Optic, I would take a good look at the Steiner P4xi. It has many of the features of a higher-priced optic, a great warranty, and clear clean glass.

Note: the P4Xi is that it won the “optic of the year” from the Golden Bullseye NRA Award. So just don’t just take it from me. Others are noticing the positive aspects of this optic!

Catch you on the flipside!

An article by Daniel "Big Bird" Bales of Crucible Consulting
Big Bird out!

Steiner P4Xi imagery

Customer photos and pictures from various Steiner Optics social media platforms. 

Steiner Optics PX4i - image sourced from Steiner's facebook page.

Steiner Optics P4Xi, sourced from the Steiner Optics facebook page.

Steiner Optics PX4i - image sourced from Steiner Optics facebook page.

Steiner-PX4i - image sourced from Steiner Optics facebook page.

Daniel has been in law enforcement for nearly 15 years. During his career he has worked for a large Sheriff’s department in Nevada on such assignment as detention, courts, court transport, patrol, and S.W.A.T. He is currently a full-time rangemaster. Daniel has numerous firearms, tactics and instructor certifications, to include: handgun, shotgun, carbine, less lethal, force on force, low light, certified armorer, basic and advanced S.W.A.T. schools. He has instructed many students for LMS Defense and is one of the founder-owners of Crucible Consulting. Follow or connect via Instagram, @crucible_consultants.

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3 thoughts on “Steiner Optics LPVO: the Steiner P4Xi

  1. Dear Sir; former LE and current range master pointing the business end of a .556 at a pine fence back stop in a residential area out his front door. You may want to reconsider your choices both for cover photo and example. Activists already have enough ammo to try and de-arm our citizens we shouldn’t make it this easy for them.

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