night vision rifle scope with some power

[6bra1k]

thinking about dumping some money in a night vision scope.
lots of questions.
what kind of distance are they useful ?
what to buy
with no illumimator
does the mil use any night vision scopes today. if so what ??
( no 1x monocals, actual rifle scopes)
thanks

 

[Tempest]

I know people that use Armasight (mfg by FLIR) and they are pretty clear out to 250 yards or so. You can use with or without illuminator.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Even a gen 2+ works better with IR emitter. Have not used gen 3 nv scope, I would(if I could afford) use thermal before gen 3 nv. If you go gen 3 nv make sure it is protected from inadvertent light exposure, or you risk damaging it. Any use of IR emitter with moisture in the air greatly impacts quality of the image.

 

[M21]

Look at an PVS-30 CLIP on scope. Works in front of day scope and works with up to 15X no problem. Any ?? just ask.

 

[thejamesd]

I use a gen.3 Nightoptics, I have killed coyotes at 220 yards with it. Illuminator is nice for lighting up their eyes. I scan with a FLIR thermal. When I see something with the thermal it can usually be identified with the 4 power gen.3, I can tell a fox from a coyote and can often tell if it's a red or gray.

 

[6bra1k]

Look at an PVS-30 CLIP on scope. Works in front of day scope and works with up to 15X no problem. Any ?? just ask.

the only real problem is everyone is out of stock...even at $11k per pop. any comment on the refurb units ??

 

[M21]

A few places have the refurb units, try euro optics or JRH ENT. No affiliation except for being a happy customer. Should be between 4.5 to 6K depending on the particular unit specs. AR's with full length picatinny rail are the easiest way to set up and use the PVS-30'S or get a badger ordinance MUM mount properly installed on a bolt gun.

 

[M21]

Send me a email address and I will send a pic of a M700 rem with one set up.

John

 

[Joe Salt]

I think all the good stuff got left in Afghanistan!

Joe Salt

 

[Woofie]

What are you planning to shoot with your NV 'scope? Hogs? Predators? Malefactors ? It makes a difference.
Honestly, as capability improves and prices go down, thermal is probably where you'll end up. I will say flat out it depends where you live though. In Summer, in AZ, everything stays hot at night and definition isn't what I'd like, especially in rocky or desert areas.
I don't have a "green screen" NV rifle 'scope, but I do have goggles. Work fine. I *do* think you will want an add-on illuminator though. Some of the late model LED illuminators are excellent, although I use a laser and I'm very happy with it. Works with with my digital day/night scope too.
Digital day/night 'scopes are the cheapest option and some offer high magnification.... but you will need an illuminator, even though you say you don't want one.
IMO, the biggest problem with a lot of NV equipment is they are big and clunky. Also in some cases, the manufacturers want to add a lot of features to the electronics .... and like a lot of tech folk who don't have to actually use the product, the features overwhelm usability.
I'd start in the used market if it were me, see how I got on and then maybe buy up.
I do not make a market in NV equipment, maybe after the SHOT show, we'll see. As a retail buyer, I have always found Vladimir at Luna Optics to be an absolutely straight shooter and he's never steered me wrong. His number is 972-722-1100. I'm sure he'll give you some good pointers.
Just my 10c..............

 

[5spd]

I have a Night Optics 4x gen 3 NV scope, autogated, farthest I've shot a coyote at night was 466 yards. I have an IR attached as well, very recomended with NV scopes. Snow covered areas and its like a daytime scope, same with full moon night's.
It's also for sale as I went thermal and it's on a backup ar15.

 

[Yote Hunter]

D 760 6X Gen 3 has worked great for me out to 629 yard one shot coyote kills and will work farther According to some groups I’ve shot to 700 plus yards.