@Evolution 9 do you scan from a tripod ever?
I’m just getting into it, but I’ll share my setup along with pros and cons. I’m running an A4 type setup with a 3-18 and PVS30 with a LUNA 3 because coyotes don’t shoot back. On the helmet, I bridged a PVS14 and NOX18.
I hunt Midwest fields so it’s either flat for 1,000 yds or a ditch with shots from in your lap to 500.
Advantages
- Thermal is the biggest advantage. I saw more dogs than anyone else (DTVNS, cheap nv scope and a weapon mounted thermal)
- Accurate
- Dual band, can spot and designate for buddies
- Positive PID at distance
- In a pinch, could aim with the laser instead of looking through the scope (need to make sure LUNA is centered on reticle or you’re just shooting for fun)
- If there’s no action, you can sit there and occupy yourself looking at the scenery with your naked eye, through NV and thermal
- LUNA lights eyes up a looong ways away
- Head mounted thermal in particular - I saw 2 dogs I would have missed with a thermal scope (this might have changed with a tripod) just because it was “always on”
- Once you’re used to dual band, you see everything in thermal and if you or someone lights something up with IR you see that through the thermal image
Disadvantages
- HEAVY (rifle and helmet)
- Takes a second to rotate pods to get into the scope
- More expensive than a dedicated sight
Takeaways
I think a tripod would make my life easier, whenever I find a fence post that is in the right spot, I enjoy that stand a lot more. I’ve thought about putting the 30 on a lighter gun but this 20” has always treated me right.
I don’t think I would trade the NOX for anything. It’s nice mounted on a rifle but it’s awesome on a helmet. Massive FOV compared to a dedicated sight so you can scan a hillside in a glance.
For the group I hunt with, having an IR laser to designate is super helpful. On two different stands, I lit up dogs with IR (after detecting in thermal) and one of the guys closer was able to make the shot as he moved through. Why didn’t I just shoot first? Transitioning to the scope is a little slower… but I don’t think I would trade the helmet NOX for anything (others experience may differ).
The single largest benefit from the NOX is detection. If an ECOTI or similar unit would detect a coyote in grass at 300-500 yds, I’d probably rather run binos with an ECOTI. I have zero experience to know if that’s reasonable or not. I do know the NOX lets me see deer 800 yds away and know what I am looking at.
The only thing missing from my setup is a weapon mounted LRF. This will come in time.
Curious to hear others’ experiences. Thermals are getting to where they can PID dogs at pretty extreme distances so you get a lot of benefits there.