hey guys - new to night vision. I just ordered a pvs 14 in white phosphor. I'm looking to hunt hogs and maybe whitetails later in the year. I am running a Grendel and I know that pvs isn't rated for more than a 223 so the only option is to do a helmet mount with a laser (I have a dbal d2). My eyes unfortunately are pretty bad and would require some magnification at night. What is the best suggestion for hunting? Put a 3x or 5x on the pvs14 itself or look thru my variable dayscope with pvs14 on my helmet? Only thing I don't like about the magnifier is it's not easy to take on and off.
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Night Vision PVS-14 with laser and magnification?
- Thread starter Mindreader1
- Start date
PVS-14 with 3x magnifier screwed on behind eotech reflex-dot sight ...
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i.imgur.com\/epohR9fh.jpg"}[/IMG2]
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Day carbine on the bottom of this group ... EOTECH 3x magnifier behind holoson reflex-dot sight ... with paq-4c on front ...
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i.imgur.com\/IM3a8xTh.jpg"}[/IMG2]
Had to go back a couple of years to find pic on one of my helmets with no thermal on it ... this helmet has 2xPVS-14s on a dual mount. The 14 on the left side of the helmet has the 3x magnifier slipped on.
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So, note there are two ways to mount the magnifier on the 14 ... screw on (if weapon mounting) or slip on if standing still and shooting or scanning.
So either method works. I've found that with rats, in weeds, the laser might split and that causes disruption to the aiming process. In a wood pile this does not happen. With larger targets, like coons and opossum not much of a problem as they are larger.
But if you want to use a 6.5g ... then too much recoil for pvs-14 (my 6.5g(18) with AMAX123 or SST123 has more felt recoil than my .300WM(24)) ... so go the laser way. Just don't move much when you have the 3x magnifier slipped on up there.
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if your eyesight is an issue, the 14 does have a diopter adjustment on the back, if that isn't enough, then wear your glasses or contacts. Magnification is nice, but adjustment on the backend seems more needed for eyesight issues. Fortunately for me, diopter adjustment is enough.
The 3x magnifier on the 14 (screwed on or slipped on) is a great view ... and I like it for scanning or distance finding with the LRF, but when I've on coop patrol, there isn't time to use it, nor is it needed for me since I'm usually shooting under 100yds and standing unsupported with the laser is fine for coons or opossum.
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i.imgur.com\/epohR9fh.jpg"}[/IMG2]
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Day carbine on the bottom of this group ... EOTECH 3x magnifier behind holoson reflex-dot sight ... with paq-4c on front ...
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i.imgur.com\/IM3a8xTh.jpg"}[/IMG2]
Had to go back a couple of years to find pic on one of my helmets with no thermal on it ... this helmet has 2xPVS-14s on a dual mount. The 14 on the left side of the helmet has the 3x magnifier slipped on.
==
So, note there are two ways to mount the magnifier on the 14 ... screw on (if weapon mounting) or slip on if standing still and shooting or scanning.
So either method works. I've found that with rats, in weeds, the laser might split and that causes disruption to the aiming process. In a wood pile this does not happen. With larger targets, like coons and opossum not much of a problem as they are larger.
But if you want to use a 6.5g ... then too much recoil for pvs-14 (my 6.5g(18) with AMAX123 or SST123 has more felt recoil than my .300WM(24)) ... so go the laser way. Just don't move much when you have the 3x magnifier slipped on up there.
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if your eyesight is an issue, the 14 does have a diopter adjustment on the back, if that isn't enough, then wear your glasses or contacts. Magnification is nice, but adjustment on the backend seems more needed for eyesight issues. Fortunately for me, diopter adjustment is enough.
The 3x magnifier on the 14 (screwed on or slipped on) is a great view ... and I like it for scanning or distance finding with the LRF, but when I've on coop patrol, there isn't time to use it, nor is it needed for me since I'm usually shooting under 100yds and standing unsupported with the laser is fine for coons or opossum.
Wow dual pvs14!! Drooool... although it'll probably be better to get a thermal instead with that much saved up 
what would you do would be the effective range of a 3x vs. a 5x? I'm used to looking thru a 1-6x and really like the 6x (probably bc of my bad eyesight lol)
what would you do would be the effective range of a 3x vs. a 5x? I'm used to looking thru a 1-6x and really like the 6x (probably bc of my bad eyesight lol)
Well, when you speak about 3x and 5x, are you talking about day time? At night time 3x is a LOT of magnification and 5x is a HUGE amount of magnification ... given that most of our night hunting shots are under 100yds. I've had a few shots out to 200yds ... and a TINY number of shots above 200yds ... but given that you can usually only see what you can see through the NV/Thermal ... 5x is usually too much magnification ... too little FOV .. too much sweeping back and forth. You might click up to 5x (from 2.5x) for you shot ... if there is time .. but usually you want to be scanning at 1x to 3x ...
At night, most people strive to get as close as possible to the critters before shooting. Night gives us that advantage, so we take it. We can stalk in or call them in, we can get close. If you are facing a field of multiple sounders, you usually don't want 5x.
again bad eyesight should be correctable with either the dipoter or your glasses/contacts.
At night, most people strive to get as close as possible to the critters before shooting. Night gives us that advantage, so we take it. We can stalk in or call them in, we can get close. If you are facing a field of multiple sounders, you usually don't want 5x.
again bad eyesight should be correctable with either the dipoter or your glasses/contacts.
The boson q-14 320s might be great, if they are under $2k. They might be available in 6-9 months ... just a guess ... but a PVS-14 is still critical for navigation, especially for driving.
I just got back from a pasture patrol on the 4-wheeler. I ran about 5 miles total ... kit was similar to this pic,
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i.imgur.com\/d0qhoskh.jpg"}[/IMG2]
though no pack or radio ... but I had both pvs-14 and thermal on the head .. and thermal and ir-laser on the carbine ... primary purpose was to search for a calf that has been straying too far from mom (mom's fault, she should be controlling the calf, but she is a first calf heifer. Good news was I did not see the calf away from the group of 18 total head. I did not approach closer than 50yds ... but I could see the cattle before i entered this 440yd by 220yd pasture. While I was rolling on the 4-wheeler with the helmet mounted thermal. There is a sliver of new moon and the pvs-14 could see great ,even in the woods, to navigate. So I had both navigation and critter detection hands free. For long distance ID, I had the TrijiconEO mk3, 35mm on the carbine and at 2x black hot I can see a lot for a long way. I have to flip out the 14 and the odin. But I can and I don't have to turn them off (flip up I would want to turn them off, flip out don't have to).
I just got back from a pasture patrol on the 4-wheeler. I ran about 5 miles total ... kit was similar to this pic,
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i.imgur.com\/d0qhoskh.jpg"}[/IMG2]
though no pack or radio ... but I had both pvs-14 and thermal on the head .. and thermal and ir-laser on the carbine ... primary purpose was to search for a calf that has been straying too far from mom (mom's fault, she should be controlling the calf, but she is a first calf heifer. Good news was I did not see the calf away from the group of 18 total head. I did not approach closer than 50yds ... but I could see the cattle before i entered this 440yd by 220yd pasture. While I was rolling on the 4-wheeler with the helmet mounted thermal. There is a sliver of new moon and the pvs-14 could see great ,even in the woods, to navigate. So I had both navigation and critter detection hands free. For long distance ID, I had the TrijiconEO mk3, 35mm on the carbine and at 2x black hot I can see a lot for a long way. I have to flip out the 14 and the odin. But I can and I don't have to turn them off (flip up I would want to turn them off, flip out don't have to).
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Wow sir you have some expensive toys does the dual thermal and pvs set up on the helmet disorient the vision a little especially if the thermal isn't at 1x, or does your eye adjust very quickly?
I've been watching th q14b closely on the arfcom channel but I'm wondering if it could be used as a weapon sight instead. There is also a thermosight version of it at around 2k also
does the dual thermal and pvs set up on the helmet disorient the vision a little especially if the thermal isn't at 1x, or does your eye adjust very quickly? I've been watching th q14b closely on the arfcom channel but I'm wondering if it could be used as a weapon sight instead. There is also a thermosight version of it at around 2k also
<<does the dual thermal and pvs set up on the helmet disorient the vision>> I've been doing it for a couple of years ... it takes a little getting used to, having a thermal up there, but no disorientation after the first few days ... if the PVS-14 magnification is 1.00 ... then ODIN magnification is 1.05 ... so close enough for viewing purposes ...
Ask about the q-14b in the TNVC thread on that topic. I am curious also.
Ask about the q-14b in the TNVC thread on that topic. I am curious also.
there is a PVS=14 RC. costs about a grand more and is recoil rated to 7.62
If you have questions about it contact Mod-Armory or Pete at l2
The 3x magnifier gets heavy on the helmet
If you have questions about it contact Mod-Armory or Pete at l2
The 3x magnifier gets heavy on the helmet
Hey wig - how do you hold the pvs in place? Do you have a lanyard? I couldn't find one that connects to a exfil ltp
PVS-14 with 3x magnifier screwed on behind eotech reflex-dot sight ...
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i.imgur.com\/epohR9fh.jpg"}[/IMG2]
==
Day carbine on the bottom of this group ... EOTECH 3x magnifier behind holoson reflex-dot sight ... with paq-4c on front ...
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i.imgur.com\/IM3a8xTh.jpg"}[/IMG2]
Had to go back a couple of years to find pic on one of my helmets with no thermal on it ... this helmet has 2xPVS-14s on a dual mount. The 14 on the left side of the helmet has the 3x magnifier slipped on.
==
So, note there are two ways to mount the magnifier on the 14 ... screw on (if weapon mounting) or slip on if standing still and shooting or scanning.
So either method works. I've found that with rats, in weeds, the laser might split and that causes disruption to the aiming process. In a wood pile this does not happen. With larger targets, like coons and opossum not much of a problem as they are larger.
But if you want to use a 6.5g ... then too much recoil for pvs-14 (my 6.5g(18) with AMAX123 or SST123 has more felt recoil than my .300WM(24)) ... so go the laser way. Just don't move much when you have the 3x magnifier slipped on up there.
==
if your eyesight is an issue, the 14 does have a diopter adjustment on the back, if that isn't enough, then wear your glasses or contacts. Magnification is nice, but adjustment on the backend seems more needed for eyesight issues. Fortunately for me, diopter adjustment is enough.
The 3x magnifier on the 14 (screwed on or slipped on) is a great view ... and I like it for scanning or distance finding with the LRF, but when I've on coop patrol, there isn't time to use it, nor is it needed for me since I'm usually shooting under 100yds and standing unsupported with the laser is fine for coons or opossum.
<<Hey wig - how do you hold the pvs in place? Do you have a lanyard? >>
Held in place on the helmet with a combination of shroud, mount, bridge and interfaces.
I have lanyards, but only use those when I am running an optic as a handheld optic (not on helmet).
Held in place on the carbine with a base and mount.
Held in place on the helmet with a combination of shroud, mount, bridge and interfaces.
I have lanyards, but only use those when I am running an optic as a handheld optic (not on helmet).
Held in place on the carbine with a base and mount.
Gotcha - but it just feels like the way pvs is connected to the j arm (a couple turns of a screw) seems like a disaster waiting to happen no?
j-arm is not a very stable mount, agreed.
There are better options.
I bought a dual bridge even with my first 14 because I wanted to have the option to go dual, which I eventually did.
If you want to find something in between the j-arm and the new Universal Bridge that balances stability and price ... I agree with the earlier poster, call Pete at I2 Tech.
https://www.isquarednightvision.com/
He is a very knowledge designer and producer of products in this area and he is even willing to talk to us earthlings about such topics!
But as always, you need to bring your USE CASES to the table. Buying gear is easy. Matching it to the use cases is either easy or hard. Hard if the use cases are unknown, easy if the use cases are known. If you bring you use cases, he can help.
There are better options.
I bought a dual bridge even with my first 14 because I wanted to have the option to go dual, which I eventually did.
If you want to find something in between the j-arm and the new Universal Bridge that balances stability and price ... I agree with the earlier poster, call Pete at I2 Tech.
https://www.isquarednightvision.com/
He is a very knowledge designer and producer of products in this area and he is even willing to talk to us earthlings about such topics!
But as always, you need to bring your USE CASES to the table. Buying gear is easy. Matching it to the use cases is either easy or hard. Hard if the use cases are unknown, easy if the use cases are known. If you bring you use cases, he can help.
Oh, and while you are using a j-arm, tethering your 14 is a good idea ... get some fishing line, crimps and a crimper. These are available on Amazon. Let us know if you need help with this. Or, you can use a lanyard around you neck in addition to your j-arm rhino mount, just make sure the lanyard is long enough to avoid impeding the movement of the mount flipping up and down. I use shoe strings mostly for my lanyards
Ah great advice as always! By case use do you mean the housing? I have a vyper 14. I think the only connection point there for lanyards are the two small holes near the on off switches. Do you have a link to the bridge system you have? I have a Wilcox g24 mount so not sure if anything other than their j arm (which I am using) would be able to connect?
Bridge system I have ...
https://www.modarmory.com/product/i...elmet-mount-d-14-dual-pvs-14-mounting-system/
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Mount I have ...
https://www.modarmory.com/product/n...advanced-tactical-mount-pvs-15-pvs-18-pvs-21/
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New "Sexy" bridge system ...
https://www.modarmory.com/product/universal-bridge-for-dep-technologies/
Interface clips for new bridge system
https://www.modarmory.com/product/monocular-clip-for-hyper-model/
"Sexy" new mount ...
https://www.modarmory.com/product/norotos-lo-sto-helmet-mount-force-to-overcome-1962010/
Two flavors this mount ... and "FTO" (faster, noisier) ... or "Button" (slower, quieter) ... it also comes in black or tan
https://www.modarmory.com/product/i...elmet-mount-d-14-dual-pvs-14-mounting-system/
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Mount I have ...
https://www.modarmory.com/product/n...advanced-tactical-mount-pvs-15-pvs-18-pvs-21/
==
New "Sexy" bridge system ...
https://www.modarmory.com/product/universal-bridge-for-dep-technologies/
Interface clips for new bridge system
https://www.modarmory.com/product/monocular-clip-for-hyper-model/
"Sexy" new mount ...
https://www.modarmory.com/product/norotos-lo-sto-helmet-mount-force-to-overcome-1962010/
Two flavors this mount ... and "FTO" (faster, noisier) ... or "Button" (slower, quieter) ... it also comes in black or tan
Wow $600 for just a bridge?!! Geez I guess the little lanyards will have tshe do for now haha! Maybe we should partner up and go into bridge building... margins look superb lol
Switching topic a little - do you think IRD is going to make a cheaper version of their scopes now that both FLIR and pulsar have produced some quality sub $5k scopes?
