Good quality Thermal & NV Optics Brands?

[stinnett1981]

I been in the market for a Thermal scope and hand held NV for several years now. I will be making the purchase this month for sure. It will be used for coyote hunting and the rifle is a 20 practical AR15. I just never felt comfortable enough to pull the trigger on that much $. My main concern is warranty. I need to know that any issues will be covered and fixed. I been looking at Night Optics SVTS-640 Thermal scope and a Night Optics NV hand held. Flir thermal scopes would fit the bill, but $10k is not in the budget. I would like to get a scope and hand held for $7K, maybe $8K. Does Pulsar have a good warranty? I been looking at the Trail LRF XP38 and 50. Both with 640x480 resolution. What do you guys recommend??? Thanks

 

[SamGabara]

I have been using the Pulsar Trail XP50 (not the newer LRF version) for just over a year, and am very happy with it. I spent a few weeks watching you tube videos to compare clarity between brands, and decided on Pulsar. It’s not military grade, but I have killed coyotes, and pigs at just over 200 yards.

Can’t speak as to how good the warranty is, I haven’t had to use it.

 

[GAnderson]

Interested to know why you are electing to go with a Thermal scope and a NV handheld...most go either NV scope/Thermal handheld or Thermal/Thermal. NV generally also requires an IR illuminator(light)...meaning something that requires additional batteries or if the NV unit you get has onboard IR, then it usually drains the battery faster...then most people go to an external battery pack...one more thing to hang off the rifle.
Pulsar has a 3 year warranty and I am sure if you go with a reputable dealer, you will get "backing" even if warranty is out. For the money you are saying, I would go Pulsar thermal in both scope and monocular. There are now some Flir thermals way less than the $10k you listed...get with Tom at Night Goggles. He will be happy to discuss options.
Great choice on the 20 Practical AR...that is what I am running for my night hunting and I use Pulsar scope and monocular.

Gene

 

[germanlongbow]

I have an ITT 3rd get night vision monocular with scope mount. I bought it in 2002 and still works as well today as day I bought it. Buddy has a FLIR thermal scope mount, equally as happy with it out to 200 yards or so on coyotes. He has his on an AR 15 chambered in 20 practical. Our third buddy has same night vision scope set up for his helmet (similar to his military setup) with external IR illuminator with switch mount to his AR. So many choices out there, unfortunately expensive. For the money Pulsar and FLIR have some really good options that won't break the bank. good luck.

 

[kerjo]

Take a look at the Trijicon IR Hunter MK3-35 Thermal. Snipers Hide Forum has some good threads on NV and thermals from guys that use them regularly. I'm not sorry I bought mine.

 

[Travelor]

I had a chance to compare IR scopes at a local gun show. The Trijicon ( https://www.trijiconeo.com/products/ir-hunter/ )mentioned above out classed all the others. The images were as clear as a very good "normal" scope. This is the one I would purchase.

 

[mikecockcroft]

Pulsar XP Trail 38 or 50 will do anything you need to do.
Blazing away at night in total darkness at something 5 or 600 yds away not a good idea.
We walk right up to most anything to within 100 yds or less.

 

[Westhunder]

I been in the market for a Thermal scope and hand held NV for several years now. I will be making the purchase this month for sure. It will be used for coyote hunting and the rifle is a 20 practical AR15. I just never felt comfortable enough to pull the trigger on that much $. My main concern is warranty. I need to know that any issues will be covered and fixed. I been looking at Night Optics SVTS-640 Thermal scope and a Night Optics NV hand held. Flir thermal scopes would fit the bill, but $10k is not in the budget. I would like to get a scope and hand held for $7K, maybe $8K. Does Pulsar have a good warranty? I been looking at the Trail LRF XP38 and 50. Both with 640x480 resolution. What do you guys recommend??? Thanks

One word... Trijicon.