The Steiner DRS1x, has a window size is .96 x 1.26 in. (height x width), and its the answer to those who want a better version of an Eotech-styled optic, but want robust, lightweight, and overall real-world adaptable RDS (red dot sight) with build in person-ranging reticle.
In the box, you get the DRS1x, two batteries, and a manual. The batteries I got were DOA, but thankfully this takes AA batteries, which is one of the main reasons I purchased this optic for T&E.
It came with Energizer, I use Duracell. The DRS1x has the ability to work with only 1 AA battery which is pretty cool, and again one of the selling points for me. The battery caps are retained with a rubber attachment, and they have a rubber gasket which means they have a water rating.
You do not need a specialized tool to screw or unscrew, the battery caps, you can hand tighten them and it works fine this way.
The DRS1x has a built-in Picatinny mount with a screw system that you can hand tighten as well, but I give it an extra 1/4 turn to torque it in place.
As you can see it mounts over three rail slots, batteries towards the muzzle.
Zero knobs can be moved via 223/556 rounds, or Philips/flathead screw drivers. You will need to mark them once you zero the gun though, no way to secure them unless you want to tape them in place. I like that they are essentially flush with the body of the DRS1x and that makes for better zero retention.
2 MOA dot is very crisp, it has 4 daylight visible settings and 3 NVG settings, I have not had a chance to test the NVG settings on the range, but I will snap some photos in the future. The daylight visibility of the 2 MOA dot is very crisp, at max brightness, it becomes a star (pictured above) but does not affect functionality. If you are using it indoors CQB max brightness will be too bright. I prefer smaller MOA dots for every RDS I use, 2 MOA is very crisp and provides an easy way to zero for max point blank range.
The DRS1x has three reticle options that you can cycle through using the power button in order. The second dot setting is the center dot with the two hash lines on the left and right of the dot. As you can see from the above graphic, you can use it to range find an average male of combat age at various distances.
The third reticle adds a 13.6 MOA dot to the bottom, below the 2 MOA dot, and the distance between the 2 MOA dot and the 13.6 MOA dot is 27.6 MOA, which is about 28.7" @ 100 y, and is 14.3" @ 50 y, you can figure out what that measurement is good for.
Overall I mean impressed with the features and the overall size versus the weight of the DRS1x. I compared it against my Aimpoint T1 and you can literally put the T1 inside the window of the DRS1x so that answers that question for me.
In my opinion, this is part of the "new age" of RDS optics that are picking up where Eotech messed up, except without all the issues. There are a lot of pros for setups like this, which is why a lot of bigger name companies are moving towards this type of topic setup. What sold me on the DRS1x is that it takes AA batteries and can work on one battery only, it has an auto shut-off (just like the MPS, which is a feature I like), it has a 2 MOA dot where others have 4 or 6 MOA dots, it's pretty light versus its size, built-in mounting bring the optic higher in the eye line, or can be used with a minimal riser because it only takes up 3 rails, and the ranging function which most probably will not use, but cool to have.
