Looking At Night Vision Goggles

[lwaldron]

So, I'm thinking about buying some night vision goggles. Problem is, I don't have the first clue. That's why I'm coming to my colleagues here on THR.
I guess what I'm looking for is something I can both "wear around", and can also use to aim iron sights in the dark. It would be nice if I didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for artificial eyes, but I guess you get what you pay for. I'd prefer something better than fuzzy generation-1 stuff. Also, it would be good if the gear was easy on battery-use.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[NMshooter]

You cannot aim iron sights in the dark, even with NVGs.

That is why IR lasers like the old PAQ-4 and the newer PEQ-2 are almost mandatory on US infantry weapons.

You are looking at somewhere around $2000-$3000 for the PVS-7B or later model of NVG, the kind with one image intensifier tube, if you can find any for sale. The PVS-14D, the monocular, went for $4000 last time I looked. Those are genIII units.

A large surefire weaponlight might be a more realistic purchase for outdoors use, at least 250 lumens, or for indoors only, even a small 65 lumen light would be enough. An optical sight with a tritium or battery lit reticle will show you your point of aim in the dark. So will tritium night sights.

The old stuff may be OK for observation if you have an IR searchlight, but clarity and range are nowhere near what the newer equipment can do.

This is the sort of stuff you look at after you have everything else you want, and still have money to burn...

 

[KriegHund]

You could try tritium sights or red dot sights.

Using airsoft at night w/o the above is...very difficult. You have to rely on an outline againsta lighter/darker background when you can get it.

Check cheaperthandirt.com for NVG.

 

[lwaldron]

Cheaper than dirt. Great. Thank you. I'll give them a look.

 

[SkaerE]

dont want to come off as a snob, but buy 3rd gen or use a flashlight.

you can use an aimpoint (M series) or eotech (552) with NV's too, dont have to have an IR laser.

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

Check and see if anyone of the local shops has a couple thet you can try. I agree that you need AN/PVS 5s with infra red to be effective at night to shoot with. Otherwise get a sniper scope to fit a particular gun (check local laws). If you want to just see in the dark keep giving the THR a try and see what people here have to say. AN/PVS 7s work great if you want to shell out the money for them. Get night vision goggles that strap on your head so you can use both hands. I might be getting my model numbers mixed up but they both work great. Never turn them on during daylight hours. I'd Go with the U.S Army stuff because that's the stuff I'm used to working with.