The Steiner MPS (Micro Pistol Sight) is a closed-type red dot micro sight (reflex sight), designed by the German company Steiner Optik to equip modern semi-automatic pistols. Presented in 2019 and marketed in 2020, it is positioned in the premium segment of red dots for pistols, alongside the Trijicon RMR, the Aimpoint Acro P-2 and the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. Designed for demanding military, police and sports use, it combines extreme robustness, total waterproofing and exceptional autonomy.
Steiner Optik is a German company founded in 1947 in Bayreuth, Bavaria, by Karl Steiner. Historically known for its high-end military and civilian binoculars, the brand was bought in 2008 by the American group Beretta Holding, which also owns Burris Optics, Sako, Tikka and Beretta. This belonging to the same group explains some of the technological similarities between Steiner and Burris, although the ranges remain distinct and clearly differentiated in terms of positioning.
The MPS was developed in the late 2010s to meet the growing demand from the armed forces, particularly the United States, for a closed red dot micro capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of combat. Steiner is inspired by the feedback gained on its DRS-1X and CQT high-speed sights, and applies the MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461G standards to guarantee resistance to water up to 20 meters, vibration, thermal shock and electromagnetic interference. The MPS is assembled in Germany at the historic Bayreuth plant.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Designation | Steiner MPS (Micro Pistol Sight) |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Steiner Optik GmbH (Bayreuth) |
| Type | Closed emitter |
| Production years | 2020 – present |
| Dot size | 3.3 MOA |
| 1× magnification | (without magnification) |
| 20 × 16 mm | lens window |
| Length | 48 mm (1.89 in) |
| Width | 27 mm (1.06 in) |
| Weight | ≈ 42 g (1.5 oz) |
| CR1632 battery power supply (side, without disassembly) | |
| Battery life | Up to 13,000 hours (medium setting) |
| Brightness modes: | 8 manual levels (including 2 night vision) |
| Windage/elevation adjustment | 1 click = 1 MOA |
| Aimpoint | ACRO footprint |
| IPX8 waterproof | — waterproof to 20 m |
| MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461G | standards |
The Steiner MPS adopts a so-called “closed emitter” architecture, which distinguishes it from open sight reflexes such as the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro or the Burris FastFire III. In this configuration, the LED diode is fully enclosed in a waterproof housing, which protects it from dust, moisture, and debris that can clog the transmitter. This design — shared with the Aimpoint Acro and Trijicon RCR — offers superior reliability in degraded conditions, at the cost of a slight increase in volume compared to open red dots.
The MPS housing is machined from Type III hard-anodizing treated 7075-T6 aluminum alloy and reinforced with double O-rings to ensure water resistance to a depth of 20 meters. The battery compartment is located on the right side side, allowing a change of CR1632 in less than ten seconds without disassembling the optics and therefore without losing the zero. The achieved battery life of around 13,000 hours at the medium setting exceeds most competitors and allows continuous use for more than a year without battery replacement.
The eight brightness levels include two positions that are compatible with Generation 3 night vision, making the MPS suitable for special units equipped with monoculars or light-intensifying helmets. The windage and elevation adjustment is done via two external turrets accessible with a flat screwdriver or the tip of a cartridge, each click corresponding to one minute of angle. The mounting footprint adopts the Aimpoint ACRO standard, which ensures native compatibility with modern Optic-Ready guns (Glock MOS, Sig P320 XRay, Walther PDP, HK SFP9) equipped with this cutout.
The Steiner MPS is available in a single basic version, with a point of 3.3 MOA considered a good compromise between accuracy and fast acquisition. Steiner also offers kits that include adapter plates for different types of pistols, as well as low Picatinny or cowitness mounts for mounting on rifles. Alongside the MPS, Steiner’s tactical range includes the CQT (for assault rifles) and the DRS-1X (for general use), but the MPS remains the model dedicated to pistols and short arms.
The Steiner MPS has been selected by several European and North American police units and special forces. It is referenced in the equipment catalogues of certain German police forces (Bundespolizei, intervention units of the Länder) and is one of the options validated for the individual armament programmes of several NATO countries. In the civilian sector, it is adopted by IPSC sport shooters in the Open and Production Optics categories, as well as by armed private security professionals in Europe and by demanding hunters equipping large-caliber rifles.
In Switzerland, the Steiner MPS is available for purchase from specialist gunsmiths and high-end optical dealers. As a weapon accessory (optical sight), its free sale is not restricted by the Federal Weapons Act (Arms Act), unlike silencers and laser sights, which require an exceptional cantonal permit. The purchaser must obviously legally possess the weapon on which he intends to mount the optics, in compliance with the provisions of the LArm concerning the acquisition permit. The installation of an MPS on a legally owned Optic-Ready pistol or rifle does not change the legal status of the weapon and does not require any action with the cantonal authorities.
The Steiner MPS is one of the absolute references in the segment of closed micro sights for pistols, thanks to its exceptionally robust German construction, its exceptional water resistance and its record autonomy of more than 13,000 hours. Adopting the Aimpoint ACRO industry standard, it fits naturally on most modern Optic-Ready pistols and meets the most stringent requirements of professional operators and experienced sport shooters alike. Positioned in the premium range, it embodies Steiner’s optical excellence and remains a preferred choice for those seeking reliability, precision and uncompromising durability.
