Steiner Introduces Laser-Equipped “Intelligent Combat Sight”
Magnified Optic + Laser RF + Ballistics Computer. What if you could combine all that in a single, compact package. Impressive eh? Well Steiner-Optik (a Beretta-owned company), has done that. Steiner just announced its new “Intelligent” Combat Sight (ICS). The 6x40mm ICS, a true electro-optical aiming device, provides trajectory compensation by automatically calculating the point of aim based on ammunition ballistics, measured distance, and angle to the target out to 800 meters. The ICS combines a 6X optic with a laser rangefinder and a microprocessor-controlled ballistics solver.
Function Similar to Burris Eliminator
Steiner’s ICS is not the first integrated scope/LRF/ballistics calculator. The Burris Eliminator has been around for a few seasons, and it works much the same way. A laser senses the distance to the target, the required hold-over is calculated, and a red dot appears in the scope view. Put the dot on your target and pull the trigger. So Steiner isn’t bringing us something really new, it is just providing this technology in a smaller, ruggedized, waterproof package. (Steiner claims the ICS is waterproof down to 1 ATM – 10 m, which is actually pretty impressive.)
Ballistics Profiles for 7.62x51mm, 5.56x45mm, .300 BLK, .300 WinMag
While the magnification is optimized for the 7.62X51mm (.308 Win), the ICS’s internal ballistic calculator offers settings for other popular chamberings: 5.56x45mm, 300 Blackout, and .300 Win Mag.
The new ICS is easy to use according to Steiner VP Tom Frane: “Just feed the ICS your cartridge’s ballistic info and the scope’s computer and inclinometer instantly calculate perfect hold-over at your exact distance and gives you a bright red dot in seconds — all at the push of a button.” The 6x40mm ICS offers 120 MOA of total elevation. The illuminated reticle adjusts from dim to bright for daylight conditions. A Picatinny base on top of the ICS allows for the addition of a CQB sight, and there is a back-up iron sight on the right side of the unit.
