Handheld Thermal scanner advice

[eshorebwhntr]

Been doing a lot of reading and looking. Still not sure what I want to buy. I do a fair amount of fox hunting in open fields at night. Been having good success with the light but wanting to get a thermal handheld. Most of the properties I hunt would be covered up by 6-700 yards. Looking for a good handheld that could detect foxes at that range. Wondering what you guys recommend. One I've been looking at the most is the pulsar axion 2 xq35. Thanks in advance

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

We bought a FLIR Scout III 640 when they first came out. Best thing we got for night hunting to detect and then use rifle with NV scope.

Scout III Advanced Detection & Resolution Thermal Monocular | Teledyne FLIR

Scout III captures sharp thermal imaging at a fast framerate for smooth, impeccable vision on running targets and from moving vehicles. Designed to increase situational awareness at any time of day, Scout III can detect humans, animals, and objects in complete darkness, haze, or through glaring...

www.flir.com

 

[eshorebwhntr]

Gotchya. Thanks for the recommendation. What would you say the max realistic range for detection is? I only hunt in the winter months

 

[eshorebwhntr]

And what NV scope do you recommend?

 

[scrmblr1982cj8]

I would avoid ATN products. I've had horrible interactions with their customer service and a quick internet search will show plenty of people that feel the same.

One of my friends has a FLIR (cannot remember which model) and it is pretty slick.

I've got a few Armasight clip on NV units. They are pretty amazing, but it gets awkward toting a rifle/scope/clip on unit around. I bought mine mostly for hunting hogs at night from a stationary position. In that setup, it works great, but toting it and a tripod around a field in the dark of night sucks.

 

[eshorebwhntr]

Good to know, thanks

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

And what NV scope do you recommend?

We hunt with a "Night Optics" D760. NV Scope. Also have a IR Light to light up the area dark nights or looking into shadows on full moon nights.
The Scout III 640 can detect a LOOONG way off. It's been one of the best if not the best Hand Held Thermal out there.

Everyone that Night Hunts has their own opinion as far as equipment. There are some really nice Thermal Scopes out on the market these days with record options and good clarity. (thermal definition)

Personally I like to use a hand held thermal to scan and detect then put the NV up to shoot. Also with the NV you are actually seeing what you are shooting. You can tell the difference between a dog or coyote.

 

[eshorebwhntr]

Yeah... I'm with you on the thermal hand held and NV scope. I'm probably filling out my kit in stages. Hopefully thermal this year and NV next year. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[OFtrash]

Check out https://outdoorlegacygear.com/ its where I bought my hand held. They have youtube video comparisons of everything they sell and will answer all your questions if you give them a call.

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

Yeah... I'm with you on the thermal hand held and NV scope. I'm probably filling out my kit in stages. Hopefully thermal this year and NV next year. Thanks again for the advice.

What ever way you go "BUY ONCE-CRY ONCE"
NV & Thermals are not inexpensive.
The quality and image you get from all models varies. Believe me you want the BEST image if you want a great hunting experience.
Save up and wait if it is not in your budget.
PM me and we can talk some time if you want.
Thanks
Len

 

[eshorebwhntr]

Thank you for the offer. May take you up on that in the future when I decide to get the NV unit.

 

[DuramaxTravis]

I have an Iray Cabin 25 to go along with my Rico RL 42. The Cabins are a good rig for the money.

 

[bamban]

I bought the FLIR PTS536 before they stop the sale to civilians. Saturday night in Quitaque, TX, hog showed up at 300 yard feeder as we were scanning. Held over for the yardage from 100 yard zeto, dropped it with M118 LR. Rifle is 16-1/2 inch KBI (harvested from a long barrel FTR) AR10, suppressed with FA762SS.

 

[CrossChoke]

Bearing Optics 640 for the scanner then Pulsar XQ50 on a .223 with surefire suppressor. A quality tri pod like a RRS is essential for accurate shooting. It's not as easy as it looks!