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Steiner Ranger 4

Introduction

It is finally here, the second generation of the incredibly popular Ranger series. In the last couple of years, Ranger riflescopes have often been compared with the similarly-priced Zeiss Conquest V4 – these two series have dominated the price class of around 1000 € in the field of hunting riflescopes. Steiner’s competitors have struggled trying to match the performance of their riflescopes to the Ranger series and only a few managed to release a riflescope this popular at the 1000 € price point. After 6 years, the time was high for the introduction of the second generation – here it is, the Steiner Ranger 4.

Steiner Ranger 4
Source: Steiner

Model Range

Configuration-wise, some models are the same as that of the first generation:

Steiner Ranger 4
Steiner Ranger 4

The 4–16×56 model has been replaced with a new one:

Lately, the 6–24x magnification range has been gaining in popularity among hunters, so we are looking forward to this model hitting the shelves. This is the only model in the Ranger 4 series to feature an adjustable parallax (50 m to infinity).

Improved mechanics

Steiner paid attention to the smallest details with Ranger 4. The chassis is in black still but is a tad glossier compared to the previous generation. This is due to the scratch-resistant hard anodizing that covers the body of the riflescope. The magnification and the diopter ring move smoother, allowing for finer adjustments. The diopter now has +/- marks on it. The clicks on the turrets are further apart and produce crisper sounds. The same goes for the elevation adjustment turret. Those who frequently wear gloves while shooting will be especially fond of the mechanical upgrades. Steiner has gone for more conventional outer objective diameters of their scopes. The new 3–12×56, for example, has a 64mm objective diameter compared to the 63.5mm objective diameter of the previous generation. This makes finding a suitable adapter for NV & thermal clip-on mounting an easier task. The new models are slightly longer than the old ones.

Steiner Ranger 4
Source: Steiner

Steiner devices are known for their ruggedness and the new Ranger 4 is no exception. The construction can withstand an impact up to 500 G without problems. The interior is filled with dry Nitrogen to prevent internal fogging at low temperatures – you can even use it in extremely cold environment (–25 °C).

New reticle design

Steiner decided to redesign their popular 4A-I reticle. The lines used to intersect in the middle, and the illuminated dot appeared at the intersection when the illumination was turned on; they replaced the intersection in the middle with a fine dot, adding a small gap between it and the lines. When the illumination is turned on, the dot in the centre illuminates. Some will be fond of this new design, others not that much.

Steiner Ranger 4
Steiner Ranger 4 1–4×24

Any optical improvements?

The most noticeable upgrade has to do with the field of view, which has been made wider. Ranger 4 boasts a slightly higher light transmission rate than the previous models, which come in handy especially with the low-light specialist 3–12×56.

The option of rail mounting

Two of the models, namely the 1–4×24 and 3–12×56, are going to be available with a Zeiss ZM/VM rail mount later in the year. Rail mounting is advantageous over ring mounting in various ways, and we are glad that Steiner has announced their release. The rail models are going to be slightly more expensive.

Steiner Ranger 4
Source: Steiner

Conclusion

With all the upgrades, Steiner has cemented their position among the leading hunting riflescopes manufacturers in the price point around 1000 €. If you have a budget of 1000–1200 € and want to get your money’s worth, give Ranger 4 series a try. All the models are covered with a 10-year warranty, not to mention that you can count on Steiner repairing your product even well after this period expires.

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Steiner Ranger 4
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It is finally here, the second generation of the incredibly popular Ranger series. In the last couple of years, Ranger riflescopes have often been compared with the similarly-priced Zeiss Conquest V4 – these two series have dominated the price class of around 1000 € in the field of hunting riflescopes.
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