It's getting harder to distinguish between hunting and tactical scopes these days and as optics makers pack more features and magnification into smaller, higher-performing packages, there's less reason to do that at all. If you're a traditionalist and believe that a hunting scope should have a 1-inch tube, capped turrets, and second focal plane optics, there are plenty of good options out there.

But there are a lot of good reasons to mount a "tactical" scope on your hunting rifle, too. They typically have better, more versatile reticle options, first focal plane optics (stadia are what they say they are at any magnification), and wider magnification ranges. Generally speaking. And then there's the trend toward so-called crossover scopes that blend the features of both styles. In short there's something out there for everyone, whichever way your tastes may run. 

One of the best all-around scopes we've gotten our hands on, one that's almost ideal for everything from popping feral hogs to competing out to 1000 yards and beyond is the Steiner T6Xi 2.5-15x50. It's compact (12.8 inches long), has a versatile 6X zoom range, and gives you your choice of two excellent reticles denominated in either MOA or MILs, whichever you prefer.

Make no mistake, Steiner offers both a hunting line and tactical scopes. Their extensive hunting scope offerings give you both first and second focal plane options, 30mm or 34mm tubes, and traditional hunting reticle options. But while they tend to be heavier, I lean toward their tactical line for their bulletproof design and combination of features.

One of those features that a lot of people will appreciate is that while the company is based in Germany, their T6Xi 2.5-15x50 is made right here in the US of A...in Colorado (which is still at least nominally American). And Steiner's T6Xi tactical scopes feature one of the best turret designs I've ever seen.

I'm sure you've seen non-capped turrets that "unlock" and let you dial them by lifting up on the turret. That's a good design that a number of scope makers use to keep exposed windage and elevation turrets from being turned accidentally.

Steiner's taken a different approach though, and it's one I like better. They've designed a rotating "crown" at the top of each turret that locks or unlocks it when you need it, so there's no chance of inadvertently moving elevation or windage. But that's not where the innovation ends.

Setting the T6Xi's zero stop -- Steiner calls it "hard stop" -- is incredibly easy compared to a lot of other turret designs. Then there's the function of elevation turret itself. Rather than the elevation click values being printed on the turret, the T6Xi turret has windows through which you see your elevation setting. As  you turn it and approach 30 MOA of elevation adjustment, the internal number scale changes, giving you additional readings up to 60 MOA.

That means you always know exactly how much you've dialed in (probably why they call it the Never-Lost system). No more having to remember how many times you've rotated the dial. The T6Xi also gives you an impressive 120 MOA of elevation range (or 35 MILs), more than many competitive scopes. That means you're able to dial in adjustments and greater distance and shoot at longer ranges without holding over.

Finally, the turret adjustments are reassuring. Each click is "clean" and sure with no mushiness at all...exactly what you'd expect from a scope at this price point.

Steiner’s SCR MOA illuminated reticle

The T6Xi's SCR MOA reticle is illuminated with four night vision compatible settings and seven daylight brightness levels. And yes, the brightest daylight setting are, in fact, clearly visible in full midday conditions. Steiner also wisely put off positions between each brightness level setting on the illumination dial, something I wish every scope maker would do. 

Oh, and that's apparently an old illustration of the reticle above. The scope I tested has green illumination, a clear upgrade.

Brightness and clarity are nothing short of exceptional. The Japanese glass excellent Japanese glass delivers a perfect edge to edge image with zero blur or distortion.

Steiner's nitrogen-purged tactical scopes are billed as tough and able to stand up to harsh conditions. I baked this one in my car in 95+ degree Texas heat for a few hours. I got it wet and dried it off. Then I put it in the freezer. After re-mounting it, it passed a box test with flying colors. You can be confident that the T6Xi tracks and tracks very accurately, again as an optic at this price point absolutely should. 

Steiner ships this impressive optic with front and rear flip-up caps as well as a their "quick throw" zoom lever you can attach if you prefer. They also include an aluminum screw-in sun shade (above).

Steiner's covered all of the bases with their T6Xi tactical scope line. There are three other options aside from the 2.5-15, including a 1-6x24 first focal plane LPVO, a 3-18x56 and a 5-30x56 when really need to reach out and touch things at distance.

But again, for me, the 2.5-15x50 is the Goldilocks here. With its 6X magnification range, top-tier glass and maybe the best turret design I've ever seen, this scope is every bit as much at home on a carbine as it is on a bolt gun, and worth every penny. Granted, you'll lay out of lot of pennies for one (about $1,450 retail) but you're getting an excellent, American-made optic that will do damn-near everything you'd ever want a rifle scope to do...and it will do it exceptionally well.

Specifications: Steiner T6Xi 2.5-15x50 Rifle Scope
Magnification: 2.5 to 15X
Focal Plane: First
Objective Lens: 50mm
Glass: Multicoated, Japan
Reticle: SCR MOA illuminated (SCR MIL available)
Adjustment Range: 120 elevation, 50 windage
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Length: 12.8 inches
Weight: 32 ounces
Made In: USA
MSRP: $2,299 (about $1,450 retail)