QUICK HIT: Steiner MPS 2.0 Red Dot

Steiner’s second-gen Micro Pistol Sight 2.0 (MPS) takes a standout red dot and makes it even better

by Rob Reaser

Nearly five years ago, in 2021, German optic manufacturer Steiner introduced the company’s MPS (Micro Pistol Sight). Designed in the Steiner mold of rugged dependability for professional defense service, this enclosed emitter red dot checked all the essential requirements — tank-like construction, premium glass, simple operation, impervious to everyday carry environments, and a generous viewing portal for fast sight picture acquisition.

While I’ve run the MPS on assorted pistols, I’ve typically employed this sight for carbine and SBR aiming duties. Being an enclosed emitter design, it seemed a bit bulky to me for anything but a full-size handgun, which I rarely carry concealed. But on a carbine or defensive shotgun, it’s been a winner.

That has been my only caveat with the MPS — great for close-quarter arms and full-size pistols; not my style for handguns of the compact and subcompact flavor.

Now, if you dig a beefy, take-on-anything enclosed emitter red dot but want something more light-and-tight than the MPS that is perfect for smaller pistols, you need to check out Steiner’s recently introduced MPS-C. You can read our review on that one here.

Since that review, Steiner has updated the original MPS.

Called the MPS 2.0, this second-generation red dot boasts essentially the same dimensions as the MPS yet weighs 0.21 ounces more by my scale. Basically, you’ll notice no difference between the gen 1 and gen 2 MPS models as far as dimensions and weight go.

Sure, there are some subtle design changes with the MPS 2.0 but nothing of consequence. The substantive difference between the two is readily seen with the control buttons.

Steiner engineers made the illumination buttons larger. Much larger.

The original MPS control buttons were well-designed and not all that challenging to operate on the fly. Steiner deserves credit for that because so many red dots I test have buttons that are so small they must be depressed with a fingernail…and you can forget about doing that quickly. With the MPS 2.0, adjusting the 3.3 MOA red dot illumination is quick and you can even do it while wearing gloves.

Incidentally, there are eight illumination settings and two night vision modes with the MPS 2.0.

The other big change involves the battery compartment and cap. Button-style batteries, including CR2032s that power this and so many other red dot optics, are inherently slippery, especially if your fingers are dry. That can lead to fumbling whenever you ty to swap batteries. The new battery cap is not only a bit larger in diameter than the previous design, but it also has two small, integrated magnets that securely hold the battery in place while you screw it into the chassis.

Neat.

I also appreciate that the cap has a long, pass-through slot across the top. The earlier version had only a small slot that required the use of a flat driver bit or the included Steiner sight tool. The MPS 2.0 cap, by contrast, can be loosened and tightened with any number of tools, including coins.

The rear viewing glass is flush to the chassis. While I would prefer a hooded configuration for impact protection, the viewing area is expansive enough at around 0.8×0.6 inches, and I never experienced any glare when operating the unit in bright sunlight.

The front lens is slightly hooded, offering some measure of impact and environmental protection. Magnification is true 1X, and Steiner’s chosen lens coatings deliver a neutral color rendering (no overt blues or greens) as viewed by my eyes.

Just for fun, I installed the MPS 2.0 on a Sig P320 X Compact. The combination felt great on the range and the sight picture came on instantly. Functionally, there was nothing to complain about.

I still think it is, for me, too much sight for a concealed carry purposes, but to each his own. For a full-size duty handgun, defensive carbine, shotgun, or SBR/pistol duties, though, the Steiner MPS 2.0 hits the mark.

Steiner MPS 2.0 Specifications