"cheapest" thermal scope...

[SoonerMedic]

Does anybody have any first hand experience with any affordable thermal scopes?? I'm not needing to reach out to 500 yards, but maybe 200 or so max.

 

[hq]

Of current basic models on the market, Pulsar Apex series scopes are good performers for the price. 200yd isn't a problem for even the XD38 base model and subjectively I prefer them over ATN and Armasight even though there isn't that much difference in features and performance. Competition is fierce in $3k thermal market. If you're not in a hurry and your budget can stretch a bit, Pulsar Trail XP series have a higher resolution (640x480) and a plethora of new features. They should be in stores later this year and priced aggressively at MSRP of <$5k.

 

[imashooter]

1-2x reflex: http://shop.opticsplanet.com/sig-sa...plusbox-beta&gclid=CMKintPY7dICFZaMaQodWYoCng

 

[hq]

1-2x reflex

206x156 resolution... It's cheap but knowing how quickly 240x180 (and even 320x240) thermals get so frustrating you'll start ripping your hair out, I'd reconsider. Once the novelty wears off it feels like trying to aim through a display made of lego bricks.

 

[imashooter]

206x156 resolution... It's cheap but knowing how quickly 240x180 (and even 320x240) thermals get so frustrating you'll start ripping your hair out, I'd reconsider. Once the novelty wears off it feels like trying to aim through a display made of lego bricks.

Without several thousand dedicated for a high end thermal scope, not just a thermal imaging device, forget it.

 

[hq]

Without several thousand dedicated for a high end thermal scope, not just a thermal imaging device, forget it.

You're quite right about that. My gateway drug to thermals was a simple, then-new 240x180 Flir PS24 and while it felt absolutely fantastic at first, it didn't take that long for me to realize that in order to make good use of thermal imaging, a much higher resolution, weapon-mounted device with a proper reticle was in order. Low res thermals are cool toys but they're a bit lacking as tools.

 

[SoonerMedic]

I don't really understand WHY these are so damn expensive.....I mean they are honestly not that difficult to make from what I understand and the materials aren't ultra rare. I know the precision aspect plays a big part in it, but the size should make a big difference. I mean handheld FLIR units are about the same price. I dunno, seems like they're charging an awful lot for old technology. Just my .02 anyway!