Night vision optics - Have prices come down enough to buy?

[Bill_Rights]

For HD (home defense) and similar applications, I have always known that flashlight illumination and night vision would be of primo importance (OK, secundo, next to being armed. OK, OK, tertiary, next to being trained with the firearm.). However, I could never see parting with $6,000 or so for a police/military grade NV optic, and LE/MIL grade stuff is the only grade I'll rely on for serious defense.

Then I saw this advert in the National Geographic merchandise catalog. Here's the ad, then the text in case it didn't come through in the JPEG.

D. Our Compact Night Vision Monocular Reveals Nature's Nocturnal Secrets
Our lightweight and compact night vision monocular extends your explorations to the once unknowable realms of darkness so you can see what wildlife roams at night. The state-of-the-art intensifier tube provides the brightest image possible with two-power magnification . If you need to see in complete darkness, switch on the powerful integrated infrared illuminator. Multicoated glass optics allow 70-foot field of view at 200 feet and feature precise click-ocular focusing.
Housed in a rubberized, ergonomic, water-resistant body. One CR-123 3-volt battery, not included. 3 3/4 "W x 2 1/4"H x S 1/2"L. 9 oz. #1075064 National Geographic Night Vision Monocular S199.00

At $200, I could go for that, if it was adapted for a gun sight! I know it's only 2X fixed magnification and has no reticle. I could probably live with fixed 2X, but I realize a reticle would increase the price. The ad doesn't say what "Generation" (Gen I, Gen II, Gen III, etc.) the NV technology is, but Nat Geo readers are not going to put up with total junk, so it must be reasonable.

What's the latest in NV gun sights? I have been waiting for years for the prices to come down to the sub-$500 range. I am looking for something like or compatible with the EOTech holosight. That is, I want something for indoors as well as outdoor CQB and I don't mind if the NV unit is fixed to the gun versus being strapped to my eye. (Maybe I should mind, but I don't know any better.)

What do you advise? What's out there these days?

 

[Sky]

I have a gen 1 ATN 350 I use quite a bit for night time pig popping. Think I paid $350ish at Opticsplanet a while back. It is a clear great scope out to 125 yards but it is big and weighs a tad bit over 2 pounds. I do not use it for home defense.

I do believe the prices are starting to come down. There was a conversation yesterday at the range about one of the guys picking up or anticipating a price drop on the Gen 3s but I did not pay that much attention to the conversation simply because the scope I have works for me. $200 if it meets your requirements sounds like a decent price. Dunno about the 2x magnification though for home defense......

 

[Bill_Rights]

Sky,

Dunno about the 2x magnification though for home defense......

...so you're thinking 1X would be more versatile?

 

[Bill_Rights]

Here's more detail on the NG monocular (also available in 4X for twice the price):
(The web site is www.shopng.org)

2X Magnification

•Generation 1
•2X magnification
•24mm lens
•29° field of view
•70-foot field of view at 200 feet
•5 1/2"L x 2 1/4"W x 3 3/4"H; 9.1 oz. without battery
•One 3-volt lithium battery required, not included
•1' 7" minimum focus range

4X Magnification

•Generation 1
•4X magnification
•50mm lens
•14° field of view
•56-foot field of view at 200 feet
•7 5/8"L x 2 13/32"W x 3 13/16"H; 14.5 oz without battery
•One 3-volt lithium battery required, not included
•5' 9" minimum focus range


Night vision technology can dramatically increase the ability to see in situations that are too dark for the naked eye. Night vision devices gather existing moonlight, starlight, or infrared light and use an electrical and chemical process to transform photons (the particles that carry wavelengths of light) into electrons (the particles that carry electrical charge).

The electrons pass through a light intensifier tube and are projected on a phosphorous screen. Since the electrons carry no color information, night vision devices have monochromatic screens. Since the human eye is most sensitive to green light, green is the most often used screen color. Using night vision technology, the light from a dim star in a situation that we may perceive as "pitch black" to the naked eyecould be enough to illuminate an entire field.

First used in World War II and extremely valuable to troops in the Vietnam War, night vision technology has continued to evolve over the past 70 years. Because of this, devices are rated as Generation 1, 2, 3, and sometimes 4. GEN 1 devices are the most popular and are excellent for personal outdoor use—observing nocturnal wildlife, boating, and back country hiking, for example— and will produce light amplification of around 1,000x the available ambient light. Costs increase dramatically for later generation technology, which is most often used for law enforcement and military applications.

GEN 1 devices may produce a faint high-pitched noise when turned on, and will glow green for a few moments when turned off.

 

[Sky]

When someone says "Home defense" to me it usually means less than a 30' range.

Now some live on ranches and farms so in that situation I could see using that type of device; maybe I am taking home defense out of context for your situation..The scopes are great for what they are and everyone may have a different opinion on how they can use one.

For me in a 3am glass or wood breaking as the door frame is busted is more of a point and shoot type situation. Laser on a firearm IMO would be much quicker if it auto illuminates when the weapon is held for firing.

The night scopes are turned on and if you are going to use one then it is brought up to the eye for target acquisition; 30' and any magnification is not necessary IMO unless you are trying to hit the BGs buttons. Some people feel if some part of their house is broken into the quicker the response the better for the defender.

 

[Bill_Rights]

I agree with HD scenarios outlined. I have laser pointer on a pistol. Still, a) you have to be able to see the BG, maybe in the dark and b) as one famous THR poster had as his by-line, "A pistol is useless except to fight my way back to my rifle." Who was that THR member? Still around?

I did go ahead and buy the 2X NG Gen I NV monocular. Be here in a couple of weeks. Will post on its characteristics. I figure this device is a special build (factory run) for NG and may be rather good for the money and may sell out quickly. If my philosophy is to have NV on gun sight, then a hand-held NV unit would be good scouting and back-up, AND I won't have to aim a firearm at somebody just to look at them. Could be misinterpreted....

 

[Sky]

Yes please post what you think of the sight when you get to mess with it a bit and good luck!