Hey guys, Like the title says, I am looking to get into NV or thermal. My goal is to kill some coyotes that are going after our deer. I would like to use one of my bolt actions. Most of the land is wooded, so most of the shots will be closer. Help me figure this out! Thanks!
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Night Vision Newb looking to get into NV or thermal
- Thread starter mercracing
- Start date
Thermal is best for kritters and things going bump in the night.
I would look at the RH25 Rico Micro while it's still under the temporary price drop from Iray. You can use as a spotter, helmet mount, dedicated weapons mount or clip on weapon sight in front of your day optic.
Your budget will help make recommendations easier.
If you can afford it, helmet mounted NV for navigation and a thermal scope and spotter for hunting.
If you don't need to navigate, a thermal spotter and scope.
SJC
If you can afford it, helmet mounted NV for navigation and a thermal scope and spotter for hunting.
If you don't need to navigate, a thermal spotter and scope.
SJC
You will need to determine expenditure as well as distances appropriate . They're not inexpensive so choose wisely based upon Needs .
https://feraltexasoutdoors.com/collections/thermal-scopes
https://www.nightvisionoutfitters.com/collections/thermal-scopes
https://www.sportoptics.com/thermal-scopes.html
When I sit down and think about how much i’ll honestly use it, I kinda think I’m wanting to be around the 1k$ price point. I really don’t know how much/often i’ll use this.
With that in mind, how does this option look? Anything else I should be looking at or reason to stay away from this one?
https://feraltexasoutdoors.com/products/agm-rattlerv2-25-256-1-week-pre-order
With that in mind, how does this option look? Anything else I should be looking at or reason to stay away from this one?
https://feraltexasoutdoors.com/products/agm-rattlerv2-25-256-1-week-pre-order
I’d spend a little more. I would t go underneath 384 resolution. Honestly if you are shooting close enough to not need a range finder, I’d do my best to get Into the 640. It’s a little more expensive, but very worth it! What’s the distance you’re shooting?
Keep saving your money till you can buy decent quality.
Low resolution optics never get better and those optics are cheap for a reason.
CR123's are expensive and don't last long.
Look in the classifieds, as some good deals pop up now and again.
SJC
Low resolution optics never get better and those optics are cheap for a reason.
CR123's are expensive and don't last long.
Look in the classifieds, as some good deals pop up now and again.
SJC
I’m trying to weigh what I need and how much i’ll use it. That’s why I came here to see what I should be looking for, as I don’t know much about this area. If 1k isn’t enough that’s fine. What should I be looking at above that?
Ok that’s not bad so you for sure won’t need lrf. I’d highly advise going at least 384 in resolution. Stick to the more well known branding for resale and warranty reasons. I’d look into IRAY or Pulsar personally. Can buy them slightly used at steep discounts with several years of warranty left. Also YouTube is your best friend for videos etc of real life experience with thermal optics.
Do some research ask questions from people who are using them , Explore the articles concerning pixel resolution magnification .
A Powerful light on Your weapon may be all that's needed have you tried that ?. Thermal around $2K is doable for quality You need but around a grand is sacrificing something . A friend has a Pulsar ,yeah it's GREAT but so was the $'s at $6K + .
Have You tried a stand ambush with the light ?. You mentioned woods trees can You make a comfortable stand ?. May not be Daddy Warbucks but ingenuity is the mother of invention ,as well as economical .
Your timing is great. Take a look at our recent post, Save Big on Thermal and Nightvision Optics and feel free to call us, 516-217-1000, to discuss what would be best for you
Looks like he's got what You're looking for :
PulsarDigisight Ultra N455 LRF Digital Night Vision Rangefinding Riflescopes ( Refurbished )
$1,499.97$999.99
| Classification | Hunting Shooting Tactical Sporting |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4.5-18x |
| Dimensions | 370 x 142 x 74 mm |
PulsarThermion XM38 4.2-16.8x32 Thermal Riflescope PL76525 REFURBISHED
$3,299.97$1,999.99
| Classification | Hunting Shooting Sporting Tactical |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4.2-16.8x |
| Dimensions | 15.5" |
| Weight | 26.5 oz |
I do a lot of hunting at night. I’ve used AGM 384, pulsars 384 and 640, iray 640s, ATN 640s, and Bering optics. IMO, I would stick with pulsar or Iray and don’t get anything less than a 384 rez scope.
I use a PVS-14 for driving and navigating but it’s much easier to spot animals with a thermal. Although I feel like thermals are much more sensitive to environmental factors than Night vision. Get something with large rechargeable batteries if you plan on using it for longer than an hour because they eat of batteries, especially in cold weather.
In the thermal game I feel like you do get what you pay for.
I use a PVS-14 for driving and navigating but it’s much easier to spot animals with a thermal. Although I feel like thermals are much more sensitive to environmental factors than Night vision. Get something with large rechargeable batteries if you plan on using it for longer than an hour because they eat of batteries, especially in cold weather.
In the thermal game I feel like you do get what you pay for.
If you want to be set up and ready to hunt, saving up for a thermal spotter and scope would not leave you wanting.
Having owned and tested gear in all price ranges, I would recommend a used AGM TM15-384(Internal Battery)($800-$1,000 used) or the newer AGM Seeker 15-384($1,300) that uses an 18650 battery.
From what I'm told as I haven't used one, the Seeker 15-384 is the TM15 with a little better sensor and a removable 18650 battery.
For a scope I recommend the RIX Leap L3($2,400 ish), as It's my current backup scope and has been operationally flawless.
The L3 uses an 18650 battery and has the ocular zoom feature that rocks.
I've put both the TM15-384 and L3 scope through thick and thin and they've held up.
Three of my friends and one of my brothers bought the TM15-384 after using mine.
They use it for deer hunting and security as well as predator hunting, so it's a good investment.
There are other optics that you can buy for cheaper, but they aren't in the same ballpark as far as screen size and display resolution, which are key factors when buying optic's.
I always try to recommend US made optics first, but your not going to find a US made optic in your price range.
SJC
IMHO, this is the best advice, if you have the pennies.
If you can only budget for one, get the thermal. The people I know who predator hunt do so at night or after midnight and having a thermal image provides a better sight than just movement in what looks like setting daylight.
I have not been predator hunting but my goal is to one day take my AR-10 and get a thermal on it.
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