Night Vision Thermal Monocular or Thermal Scope

[Devildog]

I need a little advice from you guys with far more experience then me. I’ve been looking at possibly picking up a thermal handheld monocular to better acquire predators on my place (coyotes, bobcats, exc.)

Currently I have a pvs 14 and an ir laser. I’m wondering would I be better off with a monocular to quickly pick up critters and then switch to NV or would a dedicated thermal scope be a better choice as you could do both. From what I’ve read it sounds like scouting with a thermal mounted on a rifle gets heavy and cumbersome.

At the moment I can’t sponge for both so any input would be great. I’ve been looking at the Pulsar Axiom or Helion monocular and the Trijicon 35 mm Reap-ir scope. The reap-ir would be a stretch for me at this time.

Also my guess would be most shots would be under 200 yards probably more like 100-150 just FYI. Thanks

 

[SkyScrapin]

Get a coti for that -14. Or pick up a breach. You’ll be amazed by how much more you see with a thermal Spotter.

Lots of ways to skin this cat, all of which will be costly.

 

[jeffl838]

Are you shooting off a tripod? From a fixed spot? Will you have a partner? Some things to consider.

If you're off a tripod from a fixed spot, I'd get a thermal riflescope. If you're stalking in the woods, I'd get a monocular. If you'll have a partner, y'all should buy kit to compliment each other's.

I like the coti a lot for tactical applications, but hunting not so much. It might come in handy if you're stalking in the woods, but I'd personally rather spend the money on a nice monocular.

 

[Devildog]

Are you shooting off a tripod? From a fixed spot? Will you have a partner? Some things to consider.

If you're off a tripod from a fixed spot, I'd get a thermal riflescope. If you're stalking in the woods, I'd get a monocular. If you'll have a partner, y'all should buy kit to compliment each other's.

I like the coti a lot for tactical applications, but hunting not so much. It might come in handy if you're stalking in the woods, but I'd personally rather spend the money on a nice monocular.

I’ll be alone most of the time. I live in a heavily wooded place, I’m certain a thermal would make acquiring much easier. I’m just not sure how easy it would be to spot something with a thermal then re-acquire with NV. If I was rich I’d just get both!

I should probably stick with my gut which would be a monocular. i Like the size of the pulsar Axiom but spare batteries are non existent and battery life isn’t great. The Helion seems like it’s more robust but it’s a larger unit. Not a deal breaker.