Help with buying a night vision scope.

[castile]

I have only had one NV device. It was in the mid 90s and the Russian imports that were hand held, first gen. I had two of them. The first one worked for about a month then just quit. The replacement they sent me did the same. It was pure junk. I was thinking of buying a NVS and am on a budget. Around 500 USD. Is there a reliable scope I can get for around that? I found SightMark Wraith HD Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope, 2-16x28mm, 50mm Tube, Second Focal Plane, 10 Pattern, Black, SM18021 for 499 on Optics planet. Thanks for any guidance. If I remember correctly, it was a Arbis Russian 1st gen. It looked a lot like an old 60s 8mm movie camera. It was pure junk. When it worked it was great. But it just did not last at all.

 

[12Bravo20]

Outside of the digital NV scopes, all will be junk at that price range. I don't have experience with digital NV scopes so can't help there.

 

[Tinker-S]

I was on the same boat not too long ago. I wanted a night vision scope, and so I went to atncorp.com to compare features and prices. I have never owned one, but I can tell you that you will need to up your budget for a scope that would work.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I have a first gen ATN X-Sight and happy with it. Most people I've talked with say the Wraith is better. But before you decide, are you sure that is the type of NV you need?
There are 3 main types: Cathode, Digital, and Thermal, and each has pro's and cons.
The X-Sight and Wraith are both Digital. Pro is they can be used day or night, con is they can be a little glitchy and they are really only as good as the illuminator you use with them.
Here is a recent video using my X-sight on my M&P Sport II.
This was taken full dark on a misty night with the stock illuminator, I have one from Sniper Hog that is much better.
Round target is a 10" Ar500 at 105yds.

 

[castile]

I looked at the scope you have Huggler. Optics planet has them for 799. Is that about what they run?

 

[Hugger-4641]

I looked at the scope you have Huggler. Optics planet has them for 799. Is that about what they run?

This is the new version of the model I have. $599

https://www.opticsplanet.com/atn-at...y-night-hunting-rifle-scope-with-full-hd.html

 

[jmorris]

I had an X sight II it’s in your price range and I did kill a couple pigs using it.

Ordered two of these and played with them over the weekend, the 160 was ok this one is noticeably better without adding a lot of cost.



It’s not a scope but you can locate animals much easier with it than the X-sight for sure.

If you’re hunting feeders as I was, the DNV worked ok for me but for going on a “walk about” in the dark thermal wins.

My crystal ball says this stuffs going to get cheap, the one above is quite impressive for the dollars spent.

 

[castile]

I just put in the order at Optics Planet. I saved a bit from the link Hugger put up. I also added the quick release scope mount and that saved a bit and have Honey coupon installed and that saved another 30 so all in 700 bucks. Thanks for the help.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I had an X sight II it’s in your price range and I did kill a couple pigs using it.

Ordered two of these and played with them over the weekend, the 160 was ok this one is noticeably better without adding a lot of cost.

View attachment 1142955

It’s not a scope but you can locate animals much easier with it than the X-sight for sure.

If you’re hunting feeders as I was, the DNV worked ok for me but for going on a “walk about” in the dark thermal wins.

My crystal ball says this stuffs going to get cheap, the one above is quite impressive for the dollars spent.

I've been considering those myself. You are correct about locating animals. The newer versions may have improved, but mine definitely has a lag when sweeping/scanning. You don't notice it much in my video because I'm not really moving it far, but trying to scan a fence or treeline I have to move slow. Once I focus in on an area its fine.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I just put in the order at Optics Planet. I saved a bit from the link Hugger put up. I also added the quick release scope mount and that saved a bit and have Honey coupon installed and that saved another 30 so all in 700 bucks. Thanks for the help.

Cool, be sure to come back and update us how you like it.
If I may mention a few other things to consider:
1. If you are going to use it for more than an hour or so, you may want some kind of external battery pack if you don't already have one.
2. The stock illuminator is ok, but one of these will make a huge difference.

https://sniperhoglights.com/66lrx-gun-hunters-package-with-1-4-colors/

 

[castile]

I did a few videos on this. It will take a bit of a learning curve. Since its day or night I assume I can sight it in at the day time range.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I did a few videos on this. It will take a bit of a learning curve. Since its day or night I assume I can sight it in at the day time range.

Yes, you can do it in day time. If you click on my channel, the same one where the video I posted earlier is, there are several videos where I review my scope and shoot with it during the day. I'm sure there are some differences in the newer version, but should be similar.

 

[LonewolfMcquade]

The digital Sightmark Wraith is pretty nice for the $$, much better image/clarity over conventional Gen 1 imo.

 

[Sgt_Mike1]

Not to Highjack the thread as I seen the OP has made a choice. Nor is it to redirect his or anyone thoughts, statement, or choices. Which I'm sure he will be happy.

I went thermal clip on to co witness with my day scope, we wont discuss how much that BAE/Trijicon goes for. Nor how fast that thing eats through batteries. But it is basic it does have the IR laser to pin point something which helps some one with regular Night vision. But it can be used day or night (like the digital civilian night vision offerings) it has it's pros and cons. Price point is the major one.

But I have been entertaining the PVS-14 system (or similar) to do a clip on onto a differing rifle for at least a year now. While it's not the greatest thing out there, I do have a lot of experience with the system. Depending on which Generation of intensifier tube you select greatly alters its capability (image ) and it's price range. Really only thing the clip on in any format offers is modularity. One of the cons of this system is daylight operation because it's not digital.

My only issues with some of the dedicated (digital and other) offerings through different vendor is they have a butt ton of add on 's even the entry level. That I don't want or desire the thoughts in the back of my mind that I feel like I'm paying for unwanted capabilities. As well as a point of failure (maybe). Which probably isn't the true case. There are some that have what I do desire such as range finder, and wind speed and direction I think those are great added capabilities. I know some are all about recording etc etc which is fine for them. But like the OP stated in a earlier post it adds to the learning curve. I like these threads as it causes me to look at the offerings and re-evaluate my thoughts before buyers remose.