Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 Riflescope Review | Optics Trade Reviews

Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 wide-angle scope was designed specifically for driven hunts. The entire Ranger 4 series was introduced in 2021 to much fanfare, and this individual model has been especially praised by boar hunters. We’re confident that many more will appreciate its features once they have had a chance to try it out.

Interested in this Wide-Angle Scope?

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Steiner Optik

Steiner, one of Europe’s most prolific binocular producers, ventured into creating riflescopes in 2012. Its first model was Steiner Nighthunter – a great scope in the premium class that unfortunately couldn’t compete. It’s not just because of Steiner’s newcomer status in this product category. The production of creme de la creme optics is monopolized by Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss. Even with top-notch hunting scopes from non-traditional brands like ZCO and Schmidt&Bender, this segment shows little signs of changing.

Steiner’s wisest move came in 2015 when they debuted the Ranger series. The models available in the series are more affordable than Steiner Nighthunter, yet still offer great value for money. Ranger 4 models are priced between 900 and 1200 euros. This is the reason Steiner Optik soon became popular among hunters not just for hunting binos, but riflescopes as well.

Steiner Ranger Series

As it stands, Steiner Ranger scopes are among the most popular hunting rifle scopes around 1000 euros. When Steiner Optik first released Ranger scopes, their fiercest competitor was Zeiss with Conquest DL. The DL models were then followed by the Conquest V4 line of scopes.

With the exception of the aforementioned Zeiss Conquest series, no other traditional manufacturer (read: Swarovski or Leica) offers a compelling hunting riflescope in this price class. There are some less prestigious competitors such as Minox, Docter, and Meopta but no mid-priced brand comes close to Steiner. Without a formidable contender in this corner of the market, Steiner Ranger scopes were bound to be successful from the get-go.

The second generation of Rangers carries the number 4, which tells us its zoom factor. Steiner also released the Ranger 6 series in January 2020. The 6x zoom factor was surpassed by the newest Ranger 8 line. This upwards curve in scope production shows Steiner’s renewed efforts to break into the premium class.

Steiner Ranger 4

Okay, enough with the history. Let’s see what the current Ranger 4 series line-up has to offer. The Ranger 4 1-4×24 is a wide-angle model for driven hunts. Steiner also makes the all-rounder scope 2.5-10×50 and a twilight specialist 3-12×56. The late addition to the Ranger family is the high-powered 6-24×56, a novelty in the European market. This magnification range combined with a 56-millimeter objective lens is getting more popular by the day. So we can see why Steiner rolled the dice. The gap between 3-12×56 and 6-24×56 is bridged by the 4-16×56 model, which is good in lowlight and on longer ranges. It’s a pity that the stalking model, the 2-8×42 is gone because it was really popular in Europe. So we have 5 models for now.

Models in the Ranger 4 Series

1. Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24
2. Steiner Ranger 4 2.5-10×50
3. Steiner Ranger 4 3-12×56
4. Steiner Ranger 4 4-16×56
5. Steiner Ranger 6-24×56

Steiner Ranger vs. Steiner Ranger 4

What are the main improvements from Steiner Ranger to Ranger 4? There are plenty of mechanical upgrades. The moving parts glide with a smoother movement than before. The magnification and the diopter rings allow for finer adjustments. There are now also a plus and minus marks on the diopter ring. We believe hunters wearing gloves will be especially fond of these upgrades. Making adjustments with a gloved hand is easier than ever.

In terms of optics, Steiner 4 brings better light permeability and a wider field of view. There were also changes made to the reticle design and scope illumination but more on that later. The clicks on the turrets are farther apart and they produce crisper sounds. The same goes for the illumination adjustment turret.

Want to know even MORE? Watch the clip below!

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Physical Properties

Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 features robust aluminum housing – as is the norm with Steiner devices, which are notoriously tough but lightweight. In fact, this wide-angled Ranger 4 scope is even more mechanically durable than its predecessor models.

Looking at the design details, we can see that the chassis has also been improved. This Ranger 4 1-4×24 is still in encased black, but the finish is a tad glossier compared to the previous generation. The added luster is due to the scratch-resistant hard anodized coating that covers the body of the riflescope.

If you’d like to combine this wide-angle scope with a thermal or NV clip-on, note that the outer objective housing measures 30mm. The 1-4x magnification is perfect for such setups.

This scope weighs half a kilo, so 500 grams (17.63 ounces) The new 1-4×24 model is longer than the previous one. I would say the length difference between Ranger and Ranger 4 models is about two to three centimeters, so quite noticeable. Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 measures 29 centimeters (17.63 inches).

Temperature, Water and Shock Resistance

The Steiner Ranger 4 riflescopes are known for their recoil resistance. They are built tough to withstand the punishment of repeated firings, making them an ideal choice for hunters and shooters who want a reliable riflescope that can handle the demands of everyday use.

The Ranger 4 monotube is filled with nitrogen so that you won’t have any performance issues like internal fogging at low temperatures. You can use this Ranger 4 scope down to -25°C and up to +63°C without a problem. The multi-coated 24mm lens repel water droplets, dirt and dust particles.

Mounting Rail

Steiner Ranger 4 4-16×56 sports a 30-millimeter tube. It’s sturdy and reliable. Finding the right mounting solution won’t be a problem. We noticed that the newer Steiner 1-4×24 model has more mounting space than the first Ranger had. This is most noticeable at the front of the scope. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of overall scope length.

Need Quality 30mm Scope Mounts?

30mm Scope Mounts

For about 100 euros more, you can get the same Ranger 4 model with a built-in Zeiss ZM/VM rail. This wasn’t the case with the first Ranger generation. It’s one of the best physical improvements Steiner could make.

We only wish they’d offer an integrated mounting rail on more scopes in the Ranger 4 line-up, not just the 1-4×24 model. Of course, it’s rare for any scope in this price class to offer a rail in the first place. Such optional model upgrades are seldom available on scopes priced below €1500.

Windage and Elevation Turrets

Moving onto windage and elevation turrets. Steiner Ranger 4 turrets are capped, which is typical for hunting scopes. They’re low profile and have noticeably better clicks than older Rangers. They feature 14.5 MILs of elevation.

The click value is one centimeter at 100 meters (0.1 MIL). In a single revolution, you can move the reticle for 60 clicks. We appreciate the rounded-up numbers as it is much easier to calculate the corrections at the shooting range. It just might save us a trip to the nearest gunsmith.

Setting the zero on turrets is easy peasy. Pull on the turret and dial it to your zero. Then lock the chosen click position into place by pushing the turret back down. Steiner 4 1-4×24 has no zero stop, which is to be expected for the price point.

Optical Properties

The Steiner 4 1-4×24 is a great mid-priced riflescope especially because of its optical prowess. The 24mm objective lens has been multi-coated in order to reduce any glare from the sun as well as keep water droplets from forming on the exterior glass surface. The diopter correction (-3.0/+2.0 Dpt) can be made on the fast-focus-eyepiece.

Not only is the image crystal clear in the center, but there is also no distortion around the edges. The view-through stays bright in twilight and the colors are vivid. The parallax is fixed at 100.

The variable magnification 1-4x allows for quick changes as the game approaches. There is no tunnel effect at any of the magnifications. Small stock-to-shoulder mistakes made in heat of the moment will be forgiven thanks to 90 millimeters of eye relief.

Field of View

The generous field of view reveals that Steiner also enhanced the optical performance of the newer Rangers. The FOV is larger than it was previously at 1x magnification. This riflescope now gives you 40 meters of vision at 100 meters instead of 37, which is the case for the first Ranger generation. At 4x image enlargement, the field of view is 10m/100m.

Light Transmission Rate

Ranger 4 scopes also fare slightly better in the dusk, compared to the previous series. Per the manufacturer’s claims, the light permeability of this scope series is above 90%. Albeit positive, this change doesn’t particularly affect this 1-4×24 riflescope as it’s not made for dusk. But hunters who are interested in the 3-12×56 or 4-16×56 low-light models will definitely be fond of this optical upgrade. 

See the VIDEO Review of Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 here!

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Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 Reticle

The reticle is in the second focal plane. The 4-Ai is a classic hunting reticle designed for the modern European hunter. The vertical and horizontal crosshair lines on older Ranger 4Ai reticles intersected in the middle, and an illuminated dot appeared in the center. 

It should be noted that Steiner Ranger 4 scopes feature an updated 4-AI reticle, different from the 4Ai design seen on most Rangers. The newer design is still unquestionably based on the popular German #4. Steiner only replaced the intersection in with a gap in the center. The illumination now reveals a floating red dot.

You can check out all the details in the Ranger 4 user manual. The Ranger 6 models still have the previous version of the reticle with intersected crosshairs. The same goes for the prciest Steiner Ranger 8 series.

Reticle Illumination

The illumination on Ranger 4 1-4×24 is not as day-bright as that on the older Ranger model. This can be an issue as driven hunts primarily occur in the middle of the day when the winter sun is brightest. Having a scope with powerful, day-bright illumination is key. 

The physical design of the illumination turret shows no difference between the illumination properties of the first 1-4×24 Ranger scope vs this Ranger 4. There were 11 levels on the previous Ranger model. There are 11 levels here as well. But when set to 11, the dot on Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 is only as bright as level 7 on the previous generation. You can’t turn up the intensity higher than that.

This is because Steiner replaced the optical fiber of the first launch with a diode-based illumination system. This is how Steiner was able to keep the price of newer Rangers so competitive. In all fairness, it’s only on this 1-4×24 model that we miss the old illumination technology. A super-bright dot is best for quick target acquisition needed on driven hunts.

The reduced brightness complaint aside, the illumination is well-designed. The turret dial has sun and star symbols that denote whether the brightness levels underneath are suitable for day or dusk. What is more, the illumination dial has OFF steps between each intensity level. So you don’t have to adjust the turret for the optimal dot strength every time you reactivate the illumination. That saves you time and battery life. The energy source of illumination is a single CR2032 coin.

Scope of Delivery

Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 riflescope comes with a transparent bikini cover, a Ranger 4 instruction booklet, and a lens cleaning cloth with the Steiner logo. The user manual is available in several languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. The attractive product box is padded with foam on the inside. So you can safely transport the rifle scope without worrying about it breaking en route.

Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 flip-up covers are an after-sale accessory. Even so, consider purchasing them as an extra, since impractical bikini covers that come in the package don’t do the riflescope justice. 

Want more Ranger 4 accessories?

1. Steiner Flip-Up Caps for Ranger 4 1-4×24 – Eyepeice & Objective Lens
2. Steiner Set of Ballistic Caps for Ranger 4 Scopes

Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 Price

The price of this Ranger 4 1-4×24 hits below the 1000-euro mark, as it will cost you €949. For the model with ZM/ VM rail underneath the tube, the price is €1049 (it costs 100 euros more).

Steiner Ranger riflescopes are made in the United States, contrary to popular belief that they are made in Germany. This is true for all editions of Ranger scopes, not just the most affordable line Ranger 4.

Learn more about Steiner Optik production:

Where are Steiner Scopes Made?

Steiner Ranger 4 Warranty

The Ranger 1-4×24 comes with a 10-year general warranty, and the electronic parts have a 2-year guarantee. However, if something does go wrong after these periods expire, Steiner’s repair service is still available and is one of the best in terms of customer care – they are on par with Swarovski and Leica. All repairs are done on location, at Steiner factory facilities in Bayreuth, Germany.

Pros

This Steiner scope performs very well in terms of optics and mechanics. The wider FOV is a welcome improvement, one that truly makes a difference in the field. 

Physical upgrades might seem inconsequential on paper but they do contribute to the overall user experience. There are so many of them: smooth glide of the magnification ring, crisper turret clicks, and a neatly adjustable fast-focus eyepiece. As mentioned above, users in gloves will especially benefit from better Ranger 4 ergonomics.

We also think it’s nice that Steiner added the option of purchasing a rail model. Especially in this price category of 1000 euros, where this is just not common.

Pros Summary

1. reliable mechanism
2. optical clarity
3. wide FOV
4. mounting rail option
5. competitive price

Cons

What about the disadvantages? Well, the first one pertains to the diode-based illumination, as the center dot is not nearly as strong as it used to be. Level 11 on the Ranger four equals level 7 on the previous Ranger models. This was likely a money-saving shortcut but the illumination system could have been executed better. At least on this wide-angle model that could really do with a super-bright dot. The new reticle design with a floating dot is another polarizing topic of discussion.

Some might argue that the 4x zoom factor is not enough, but you’ll rarely need more than that on driven hunts. If you’re desperately keen on 6x zoom scopes, check out the Ranger 6 series. Just know that you’ll have to pay around 500 euros more for this feature.

Although you get additional mounting space (it measures 150mm), this 1-4×24 Ranger is about 30 millimeters longer than the older Ranger model.

The scope of delivery leaves a lot to desire. Bikini covers in general are a big nope but at least there are flip-up covers available as an accessory. Check them out because they make the scope much easier to handle on the go.

Cons Summary

1. weak Ranger 4 illumination
2. longer than previous models
3. few accessories included

Interested in this Scope for Driven Hunt?

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Final Thoughts on Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24

Steiner Ranger 4 remains a benchmark in the price class of around 1000 Euros. And even though the dot is not as daytime bright as it used to be on the first generation models, the new 1-4×24 model convinces in terms of optics and mechanics. 

Read More

1. Optics Info Article – Steiner Ranger 4 Series (April 2021)
2. Steiner Ranger Vs. Ranger 4 Rifle Scopes | Optics Trade Debates (April 2021)

Steiner Ranger 4 1-4×24 Photos