Varmint/Predator Hunting - light or night vision scope

[M G]

I'm building a new rifle. I've never used night vision and am wondering if that might be the way to go with my new build. What do you all prefer for hunting at night? A night vision scope or "conventional" with a light? Why?

TIA,

Mike

 

[adelbridge]

I tried a pulsar digital night vision scope but found I needed to bring two guns because daytime shooting wasnt great. For hogs I use an illuminated reticle scope and a rail mounted Lasergenetics ND3. I also have a green ultrafire LED flashlight I got off ebay for $10 that works really good out to around 80-100 yards. I have spooked some animals with the lights, bobcats dont like it one bit. I wouldnt shoot a deer with a light but I had a light on a doe Saturday night and she didnt like it, she didnt bolt out but she kept looking up to see what was going on. Turning it on and off multiple times is the biggest spook factor as they figure out quick something isnt right. If you are going to use it be quick about it unless it is hogs, they dont know the difference.

 

[M G]

Thanks for the response Adelbridge. So, I'm inferring from your message that if I can more or less dedicate the rifle to night shooting, the night vision scope might be the way to go. Otherwise, plan on using conventional scope with light and be cautious in the use of the light. Does that about sum it up?

 

[Tex4426]

If u can afford night vision its great..but i cant so i use a lighted reticle with killight xlr 250 and am good to over 200 yards

 

[Tex4426]

Also to help keep from spooking them use the outside beam of light...dont use the bright center beam....the less brighter outer circle has less effect on game...i prefer red ovr green its been proven to worj for years and ive heard mixed reviews on green