Anyone Familiar with Thermal Rifle Scopes?

[jraulsten]

I'm looking for a decent thermal to be used mostly for hunting hogs and coyotes on the deer lease so it won't see a whole lot of use. Not looking to break the bank but don't want junk either. I'd like to stay under 3K if it's possible to get a decent one for that amount. Most shots would be 200 yards or less so thinking a 2-8X ? I found a really good sale on ATN Thor 4 384s but hear mixed reviews about the brand........

 

[Bucklowery]

Look at pulsar

Thanks

Buck

 

[Pdyson]

I had an ATN and was not happy with it, battery life was terrible. ATN support is spotty so I sold mine. Iray and Berring optics make good thermals. Hogster is very popular with the hog hunters here in Texas and the newer Super Yoter is a full 640. I almost bought the Yoter seeing as its made
in Texas and uses a LaRue Tactical QD mount I backed out when I discovered that the internal chipsets were from China and the same chinese internals were in the IRay. I wanted to go 100% American but could not afford Trigicon or N-vision. Rather than help the Chinese military develop thermal optics that could be used against Americans in the future. I maxed out my budget and bought Pulsar which is based in Lithuania.
I have the new Thermion 2 Pro LRF 640 res, base mag is 2x and will go up to 16x. Here are 2 images of the same feral cat at base 2x and at 8x. Cat is 40yds out. Image from through the viewfinder is way way better than this screenshot

 

[laker]

Bering optics. One of the hogsters will fit your needs

 

[bamban]

I have a FLIR PRO PTS536 that served me well after infant mortality. Service was very confusing. They had it in the service department, no update, then out of the clear blue I got a carrier notification on shipment coming. Till I received the package there were no notification from the service department. No notes on what they fixed. It works great ever since.

It sits on my pig gun. 308, 16-1/2 barrel with legacy Surefire FA762SS.

 

[Zen Archery]

Any entry level will serve you fine. The more bells and whistles and higher clarity will cost you. If coyotes is high on the list of hunting priorities I'd avoid entry level and find a higher base magnification.

I encourage people to get. Hand held thermal scanner and hunt with a light when starting out.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

You can get a decent Pulsar for $3,000, give or take. I did. I looked at the ATNs too. They even have factory direct refurbished optics. But .... there reviews are pretty bad. I decided to spend a few extra dollars and get a new Pulsar.

 

[Steves1911]

I have a pulsar thermion that works great. Mine is the older model I believe they just came out with a updated thermion that should be even better. My next one will be one with a laser range finder built in it's really hard to judge distance with a thermal across a open field at night.

 

[jraulsten]

I have a FLIR PRO PTS536 that served me well after infant mortality. Service was very confusing. They had it in the service department, no update, then out of the clear blue I got a carrier notification on shipment coming. Till I received the package there were no notification from the service department. No notes on what they fixed. It works great ever since.

It sits on my pig gun. 308, 16-1/2 barrel with legacy Surefire FA762SS.

View attachment 384765View attachment 384766View attachment 384767

Any entry level will serve you fine. The more bells and whistles and higher clarity will cost you. If coyotes is high on the list of hunting priorities I'd avoid entry level and find a higher base magnification.

I encourage people to get. Hand held thermal scanner and hunt with a light when starting out.

I've been killing critters with a light for years but after using a friend's thermal on a Nilgai hunt, I just have to get one. That was a high end Pulsar and I really didn't want to spend that much right now but the Pulsar Thermion looks like it may be the way to go. Wish ATN didn't have such terrible reviews.....

 

[Veteran]

After several months of research,
here's what I bought to hunt hogs and coyotes with, on an AR 10
platform


Check Link right below:

Digex C50: Uncover the Color Twilight Mode and More | Pulsar

How great would it be to view objects in the cloak of darkness? Well, now you can! The Digex C50 comes with a color twilight mode that helps you see in the dark

You may find this cheaper, but beware it may not include the illuminator.

Heres where I purchased:

These folks seem really really knowledgeable and service oriented.

Check Link Right below:
Pulsar Digex C50 3.5-14 Digital color day and night riflescope PL76635L


One proviso.....I have not tested mine yet in fact, but vs. all the rest this one seems a big bang for the buck on:

battery life
both day to night and color
image definition and quality
illuminator distances and quality
Audio and video
remote control w phone app
USB port
SD card capable
Traditional scope appearance
Pulsar reputation

Downside is weight.
34 oz.

 

[azsugarbear]

I did a lot of research before buying my thermal scope. ATN was sketchy back then and still is today. I can recommend Pulsar without hesitation.

I ended up buying a Pulsar Apex XD38A. It worked very well on the two hog hunts I did in Texas. Now it just sits on a shelf in my safe. I haven't used it in past three years, so thinking of selling it. Let me know if you are interested.

 

[jraulsten]

I did a lot of research before buying my thermal scope. ATN was sketchy back then and still is today. I can recommend Pulsar without hesitation.

I ended up buying a Pulsar Apex XD38A. It worked very well on the two hog hunts I did in Texas. Now it just sits on a shelf in my safe. I haven't used it in past three years, so thinking of selling it. Let me know if you are interested.

I'll definitely let you know!

 

[BallisticsGuy]

Pulsar Thermion, Steiner S35 (standalone) or C35 (clip-on), Bering Hogster have all done nicely by me. I have an oasys UTM on the way as well. 1-4x Hogsters will come in under your budget and are more than capable.

 

[Northkill]

Check with big dealers like EuroOptic, Cameraland, OpticsPlanet and such for clearance or demo options. Was able to get a nice Trijicon for $$$$ off on a demo at EuroOptic earlier this year.