Night Vision

I originally posted in Accessories, but there's no traffic there, so.....

Anyone have experience with Yukon stuff? Specifically, I'm looking at the 2.5x 50mm (#YK26013WL). Reviews are good, but I'd like to be able to personally converse with someone who's used one. The other I'm considering is the ATN Mk390 Paladin; It's twice the weight but higher res and higher magnification. If the ATN is made in USA, I'll definitely go for it. Otherwise, 1.7 lbs is better than 3.2, and makes it a tough call. I can get the Yukon for $450, the ATN for $480.

I want a Pulsar N550, but $1,400 is a little out of my price range at the moment. My budget at present is limited to ~$500, and no, it really can't wait; I've got cats and 16 month old twin girls, and I'm finding coyote scat in my front yard. I've lived here 8 years, and never had 'yotes in such quantity or getting so close. These things need to be dead NOW!

Thanks in advance!

With a Gen I scope, your shooting distance will be limited to very bright nights or reliance on a 3rd party illuminator, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but more hassles and additional expense.

Since this is for a real threat, if you can't afford the proper night vision, then you might consider getting a very good weapon mounted light, save a lot of money, and have a longer range option than what the Yukon is likely to give you.

Both of them have illuminators included.

I have a surefire rifle light mounted to my AR-10; It worked great for pig hunting, but if you've ever tried to use a light on coyotes, you know why I'm looking at NVRS.

I've used gen I before, it can do what I need it to do here. We're not talking about shooting across a canyon; These things are coming within 30 feet of the house. I'm just trying to get the best optic on my current budget

Eotech makes a few. Don't know price.

Traps and bait are cheaper

Traps and bait are cheaper

Always caught skunks instead, and I don't particularly enjoy dealing with those-dead or alive.

I appreciate the suggestion, but I really am going to go the gen I NVRS route, so could really use input on the two mentioned, or a similarly priced one that performs better.

Well, made some calls, talked to some folks, decided on the Mk 390 for $491 grand total.

I'll let ya'll know how it works out.

Both of them have illuminators included.
And if your quarry is within 70 yards and well contrasted against the background0, you will do okay with the ATN MK390 Paladin. It will help that your rifle NOT have a front sight or anything forward of the onboard illuminator to reflect back into the scope.

At 100 yards, I can barely see reflective white steel targets with the included illumnator.

I have this scope. It has a clear image but poor illumination. I actually use a Gen II scope as a spotting scope for the Paladin because the Paladin is something of a behemoth.

You may want to have some black tape to put over the LED lights that indicate that the scope is on and the one that indicates the illuminator is on. The illuminator LED will shine right on your forehead and light you right up - not very stealthy.