$3k to get something half way decent for predator hunting. Then I’d probably just pickup a cheap sub $1k handheld just to scan with and blood trail Which is better and why?
Thermal clip on or dedicated?
- Thread starter VandelayIndustries
- Start date
Need more detail to help answer your question.
How far are your shots? (Not how far can you shoot, but how far will you shoot)
How far are you spotting heat signatures?
Heavy woods or pasture?
Do you care about cross over day and night capability with the same rifle?
Do you have the rail space?
Do you care about added weight?
Preston
How far are your shots? (Not how far can you shoot, but how far will you shoot)
How far are you spotting heat signatures?
Heavy woods or pasture?
Do you care about cross over day and night capability with the same rifle?
Do you have the rail space?
Do you care about added weight?
Preston
Max 600ish for shooting and spotting.
Pasture/ fields for a majority of the time
I’m not sure on crossover day and night. I guess in theory I like the idea but I’m not sure how much I’d actually use a thermal during the day
Yes and no on rail space, some yes some no
I don’t need it super light but I don’t want a 15+# setup either. If I could keep it around 12# fully setup or less that’s fine with me.
Have run both, if you are chasing the awesome "catch-call" setup, it doesn't exist. I recommend you prioritize very very honestly, then proceed.
I've run both, am doing clip-on this season; it all really comes down to what you want to do well vs "nice to have."
I've run both, am doing clip-on this season; it all really comes down to what you want to do well vs "nice to have."
Day/night crossover is in reference to: Do you want to use the same gun in the day and in the night. Not, do you want to use thermal in the day.
The reason being:
With a stand alone sight, you have dedicated that gun to night use, and pretty much have to switch between day and night guns. The benefit is lighter weight, and better center of gravity.
With a clip on, you only need to keep one gun handy, and just add/remove the clip on as needed. Thats WAY handier as a concept, but makes for a more front heavy gun.
Cost. As a general rule, you can get a stand alone thermal cheaper than a clip on thermal in that same quality range.
If you’re really expecting to reach anywhere near 600 yards, you’ll want to allocate more budget, both for thermals and for a night ranging system like a rifle mounted range finder.
The reason being:
With a stand alone sight, you have dedicated that gun to night use, and pretty much have to switch between day and night guns. The benefit is lighter weight, and better center of gravity.
With a clip on, you only need to keep one gun handy, and just add/remove the clip on as needed. Thats WAY handier as a concept, but makes for a more front heavy gun.
Cost. As a general rule, you can get a stand alone thermal cheaper than a clip on thermal in that same quality range.
If you’re really expecting to reach anywhere near 600 yards, you’ll want to allocate more budget, both for thermals and for a night ranging system like a rifle mounted range finder.
Just picked up first thermal, Pulsar Krypton. Could not be happier. It opens up a whole new fascinating world. Coyotes beware, maybe. Do appreciate the versatility. With different adaptors am able to have 2 rifles available for night hunting, all the while eliminating the need for a dedicated night rifle. No need to re-zero. Crushed a predator first night out of the box at 150. Detail seems amazing to me, but have nothing to compare with. It picks up mice at 200 yards, and shows the heart location in deer at 150.
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I'd say dedicated unless you've got long arms to reach the focus ring on your clip-on. I've use my thermal in the day with no issues.
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