Steiner Predator 3002 2-16x42mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Illuminated E3 Ballistic Reticle, Second Focal Plane, Black

The Steiner Predator 3002 2-16x42mm rifle scope brings serious optical capability to hunters and precision shooters who demand versatility across varied ranges. Built on a 30mm tube, this second focal plane scope delivers the brightness and durability Steiner's known for, wrapped in a design that handles everything from close-quarters hunting to extended-range shooting. The illuminated E3 ballistic reticle gives you a built-in aiming solution that works in dim light and open daylight alike—an advantage when hunting timber in low-light hours or when you need to spot and place shots quickly.

Steiner has earned its reputation in the optics world by refusing to cut corners on glass quality and mechanical precision. The Predator 3002 continues that tradition with a robust 30mm main tube that's become the standard for serious hunting and sport shooting optics. That larger tube diameter means more adjustment range and more light transmission than smaller formats—genuinely useful if you're building a rifle that needs to work from 50 yards to 500 yards, or if you're mounting it on a recoil-sensitive platform where the extra mechanical strength pays real dividends.

The second focal plane design means your E3 ballistic reticle stays at a consistent size in your sight picture regardless of magnification, making it easier to pick up targets quickly. Wind holds and distance compensation work at the maximum magnification marked on the scope, so you'll zero it once and trust it across your hunting seasons. Whether you're glassing from a blind, stalking open country, or putting rounds downrange at the bench, this scope handles the job without unnecessary complexity.

Key Features

• 2-16x42mm magnification range—low enough for close work, high enough for distant targets
• 30mm tube diameter for strength, light transmission, and adjustment range
• Illuminated E3 ballistic reticle for low-light confidence and quick aiming
• Second focal plane design for consistent reticle appearance at any magnification
• Rugged, reliable construction backed by Steiner's optics pedigree

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a second focal plane scope and first focal plane?

In a second focal plane design, the reticle stays the same size as you change magnification—it doesn't grow or shrink with the view. This makes the reticle easier to locate quickly when you first look through the scope. Your ballistic holds and wind holds are calibrated to work at the maximum magnification (16x on this scope), so always dial to 16x when using the reticle's holdover marks for precise distance shooting.

Is the Steiner Predator 3002 good for hunting?

Yes. The 2-16x magnification range and illuminated reticle make it well-suited for both close-range hunting in timber and open-country glassing and long-range work. The E3 ballistic reticle gives you a fighting chance in low light, when many hunting opportunities happen.

What does the 30mm tube offer compared to 1-inch scopes?

A 30mm tube allows more light to pass through the scope and gives you more adjustment range for windage and elevation—useful if you're shooting long-range loads or if your rifle platform has unusual cant or mounting needs. The larger diameter also means greater structural rigidity under recoil.