Unfortunately, though they try to hide it, Pulsar is Chinese also. A good rule of thumb is "90% of 90% of all commercial thermals are Chinese"
And yes a few of the pulsars do incorporate the BAE sensor (not the core).
Non-Chinese in the $3500 price range would be used market. Like olde Armasights or FLIR weapon sights. If you watch for them you'll see them going by. I got a new old stock apollo42 640 last Nov for $1800 and a new old stock apollo100 pro for $3500, smokin deals compared to their original prices.
22LR with VO pstg2 1-6x and apollo42 640 in front. My barnyard defense system !
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With the final demise of Armasight (sold off by FLIR a couple of years ago) the USA commercial thermal makers are Trijicon and N-Vision ... and all their stuff is out of your $3500 price range ($6k to $9k) There are also a number of military thermals now in the commercial market, but they are even farther outside the $3500 limit ($10k to $25k).
So the two constraints, of "not Chinese" and "not over $3,500" ... leave you with a small playing field of used stuff. Finding a used Trijicon or N-Vision unit for $3500 or less will be tough, so again that leaves you with FLIR or Armasight.
If you get a used unit, I'd call the manufacturer before buying to find out if they will repair the unit if it breaks, so at least you'll know that going in, though repairing a broken front lens, might cost more than the $3,500 to begin with, so don't break your front lens !!!!
But if you want a new unit, you'll have to relax one of your constraints and either go with Chinese or keep saving and go with USA made.
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Just looked on ebay
[URL]https://www.ebay.com/b/Armasight-Hunting-Thermal-Scopes/40970/bn_54323343[/URL]
I'd get the 30hz one if it was me, they have clearer image (the CPUs in the Armasight cores got overworked at 60hz, this is per Armasight CS itself, back in the day), but there you go, USA made for under $3,500 !!
Though I'd rather have a 640, the 336s will work for closer in work, like inside 300yds. If you're hunting hogs, you'll be fine. If yotes, just be real careful with PID yote vs calf or yote vs deer, etc. Watch the critter move for a while to confirm PID. If not sure, don't take the shot.