Steiner 3003 Predator Black 3-24x50mm Riflescope, 40mm Tube, Illuminated E3 Ballistic Reticle, Second Focal Plane

The Steiner 3003 Predator Black 3-24x50mm riflescope brings serious versatility to long-range and variable-distance hunting. Built on a 40mm tube with an 8x magnification range (3x to 24x), this second focal plane scope handles everything from close-range stalks to extended shots—whether you're working open country or tight timber. The illuminated E3 Ballistic reticle gives you fast target acquisition in low light while the 11-level brightness control adapts to any condition, from predawn to bright midday.

What sets the Predator 3003 apart is the customizable ballistic turret system. Three numbered movable rings let you dial in quick solutions for your favorite distances, and the turret mechanics deliver audible and tactile feedback so you always know where you are. The Zero Mode feature means you can return to your baseline without removing your eye from the scope—a real convenience in the field when you've dialed for a longer shot and need to get back fast. With 1/4 MOA clicks and 40 MOA of elevation and windage adjustment at 100 meters, you have the adjustment range to reach.

Optically, Steiner engineered high-contrast glass coatings for edge-to-edge sharpness and crisp image rendition even on low-contrast game in shadowy cover. The extra-wide field of view (5.2 to 41.3 feet at 100 yards) keeps situational awareness intact across the magnification range, and the 95mm eye relief accommodates a range of shooter positions. A nitrogen-filled tube, waterproof construction, and a wide operating temperature range (-13°F to +145°F) mean the scope stays reliable in serious conditions.

At 25.2 ounces and 14.7 inches long, the Predator 3003 pairs well with most hunting rifles without excess weight. The E3 reticle includes cascading subtensions and windage dots to help with holdover situations when you're working distance without dialing.

Key Features

• Illuminated E3 Ballistic reticle with 11 brightness levels for low-light hunting
• Customizable ballistic turret with three movable, numbered rings for quick distance dialing
• Zero Mode for fast return to baseline without removing eye from scope
• Second focal plane configuration keeps reticle subtensions constant across magnification
• High-contrast lens coatings for crisp, high-definition optics in variable lighting
• Extra-wide field of view across the full 3-24x range
• 1/4 MOA click adjustments with 40 MOA elevation and windage range
• Nitrogen-filled, waterproof to 3 feet for weather durability
• Audible and tactile turret feedback for sure, intuitive operation

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this scope suitable for hunting at variable distances?

Yes. The 3-24x magnification range makes the Predator 3003 effective from close encounters to extended shots. The customizable ballistic turret lets you dial for three preset distances, and the E3 reticle's windage dots and cascading subtensions support holdover shots when you're working distance.

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

This scope uses a second focal plane (rear focal plane) design, which means the reticle subtensions and dots remain the same size regardless of which magnification you select. At 3x, the reticle appears larger relative to the target; at 24x, it appears smaller. This makes it simpler to use at low magnification but requires you to magnify to the specific power for which the reticle was calibrated to use the subtensions accurately for holdovers.

Does the illuminated reticle work in bright daylight?

The 11-level brightness control allows you to dial the reticle brightness up or down. In bright conditions, you can increase the brightness to keep the reticle visible, or turn it down low if daylight alone provides enough contrast for your target.

What battery does this scope use?

The Predator 3003 uses a CR2032 battery to power the illuminated reticle.