New Scope: Steiner GS3?

Bobson · Feb 29, 2020

Hey guys. Been a long time since I’ve posted here, but I’m back with new questions.

I’m replacing the Leupold VX1 3-9x40 which is currently mounted on my Tikka T3 308. I’m kicking around a few options, but the one that I’m most curious about is the Steiner GS3 2-10x42. From what I understand, Steiner generally makes high quality options. I’m hoping someone here has this particular scope (or other Steiner GS3) and can tell me what they think of it based on firsthand experience. I haven’t been able to find it locally, so haven’t had a chance to handle or look through it.

FWIW, other scopes I’m considering are the Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44, and the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40.

I figure the VX-3i will be the least of an upgrade, but I’m still open to it... I haven’t had a chance to look through the Viper HS. I did look through a Viper PST Gen II today, and was very impressed with the clarity, but I’m assuming this isn’t the exact same glass that’s found in the Viper HS.

Thanks a lot.

rayatphonix · Mar 1, 2020

I have the GS3 in a 4-20 x 50 variant. Glass clarity is very good and I believe it’s solid scope. It’s on a hunting rifle so I’ll confess that once zeroed, I’ve not messed with the turrets unless I changed loads.

cdb1 · Mar 1, 2020

I’ll take a VX-3i over a Viper any day. I don’t own a Steiner but have looked through a few. I liked what I saw. Steiner and Burris are owned by Beretta and share the same facility in Colorado.

Jessesky · Mar 1, 2020

I have not had a GS3, I have had a T5xi and the glass was very good. I’ve done a lot of reading on the gs3 because I’ve heavily considered it and the “big game” reticle. The one thing holding me back is the size and weight.

Walkalong · Mar 1, 2020

Jessesky said:
had a GS3, I have had a T5xi

I have no experience with the GS3, but the glass in my T5xi is very good. One of my two really nice scopes.

rbernie · Mar 3, 2020

Bobson said:
but the one that I’m most curious about is the Steiner GS3 2-10x42.

I have one, and it's OK. I bought it as a factory blem (assembly mark on the front/objective lens retainer) from Natchez, with the 4A reticle.

Glass is good in general, but it's a PIG for a hunting-oriented optic. I run it on a 358 Winchester, where the extra weight isn't a bad thing, and run the Razor HD LH in 2x-10x/40 or the Swaro Z3 3x-9x/36 (both also with a 4A reticle) on the more 'walkabout' hunting guns. For the weight, I'd expect an illuminated reticle or something similar to explain the heft (and I'd value an illum reticle for this sort of application).

The only issue that I've had with the GS3 is with the turret caps; they're flimsy as heck (the weight isn't in the caps!) and not conducive to being removed / reinstalled a whole bunch. I've not done any tracking tests or other such evaluations on the erectors, since this was bought to be a set-it-and-forget-it hunting scope.

So far, it's not seen much field use so I can't comment on its robustness in general or the value of the Steiner CAT coatings as compared to the Z3 or HD LH.

I'm waiting for the Razor HD LHT 3x-15x/42 to start shipping; it's a bit heavier than the Z3 or HD LH by a few ounces, but 3x-15x seems a decent range and it does offer an illuminated reticle for the weight difference.

Bobson · Apr 12, 2020

I ended up going with the VX-3i, just FYI. Never got to put hands on a Steiner and couldn’t bring myself to drop the money sight unseen (no pun intended). I was able to find and look through the Leupold and a Vortex Viper HS in a local shop and the Leupold seemed to capture and transmit more light to my eye, so that’s what I went with.

Was supposed to go sight it in today but the weather was crummy. Planning for next Saturday instead. Thanks for the advice, guys.

army_eod · Apr 12, 2020

Nobody ever got fired for using Leupy.

New Scope: Steiner GS3?

Bobson

Member

rayatphonix

Member

cdb1

Member

Jessesky

Member

Walkalong

Moderator

rbernie

Contributing Member

Bobson

Member

army_eod

Member

Similar threads