http://www.tnvc.com/
Hey guys and gals.
I field a ton of phone calls every week from folks wanting a thermal scope. But to date, the civilian-legal offerings have been quite sparse outside the lesser devices built by companies with known QC issues. But, there have been enough requests from clients that I have put thermal weapon scopes at the top of my list for TNVC acquisitions in 2012. So, believe me when I say that I am pretty f'ing excited to show off the new GSCI TWS-3000 line.
GSCI is a Canadian thermal optic manufacturer for the Canadian government. Their optics are top notch and they are affiliated with Elcan. What's more, they don't have the "Holier than thou" attitude of many U.S. thermal makers who won't allow their thermal weapon scopes to be sold to the civilian market. So now, you guys are going to be able to purchase full 384 x 288 AND 640 x 480, 30Hz rifle scopes!
Wait a second, Chip: did you just say 384 x 288...? Why yes I did, "Other Chip." That's right, the base detector on the TWS-3000 Series is 384 x 288, making it higher resolution than standard 340 x 280 systems currently available. And it makes a noticeable difference. The image is visibly smoother and shading/gradation is much finer. Unfortunately, photos of a thermal screen can never do it justice, but here they are anyway.
Anyway, these units are available in 640 x 480 configuration as well. Obviously, we all know that this kind of resolution in a scope is usually restricted to government, but it is now available to the civilian market as well. Yes, it's expensive, but so are the government units with that resolution.
The TWS-3000 Series is made up of three scopes: TWS-3025, 3050, and 3075. The last two digits correspond to the size of the objective lens and how far the unit will reach. They are also available with either an electronic reticle or standard reticle. This is an interesting option. The Electronic Reticle is just that; an internally adjustable electronic reticle. These units come with a standard rail-grabber base. The benefit to this version is the fine tuning that can be achieved with the cross hairs and the "illuminated reticle." The standard version is several hundred dollars less and features a stationary reticle and Elcan mount. This unit is built for heavier recoil because all the zeroing adjustments are made mechanically in the mount. The differences here will directly affect the recoil rating of the device.
People come to us because they want the straight scoop on what NV equipment will and will not do. We present what the manufacturer says, but also temper it with our real-world professional experience so our clients know they are getting something that will work for their mission. That is why it is important to us to work with everything we sell. That said, here is my recommendation on the TWS-3000 series. Most failures in thermal scopes occur because recoil shock damages the circuitry of the reticle, causing wandering zeroes. It's actually very difficult to get manufacturers of thermal scopes to admit what caliber the unit is rated is for. Sure, there are thermals designed for heavy weapons like the M2, but these are hardened case devices. In the case of non-heavy weapon thermals, there is often a gray area for recoil rating. It is our opinion that the electronic reticle units are best kep on 5.56mm platforms. Can they stand up to heavier recoil? Yes. But, why submit them to recoil that will possibly damage the electronics? But, since the standard reticle units are mechanically adjusted, they can go on 7.62 NATO.
Guys, these are great units. They are built like proverbial tanks and offer performance specs higher than most units on the market. You have all been waiting for good thermal scope on the commercial market. Here they are.
-Chip
You can get more info here:
http://www.tnvc.com/shop/gsci-tws-3075-thermal-weapon-scope/
http://www.tnvc.com/shop/gsci-tws-3050-thermal-weapon-scope/
