Which thermal scope?

[TAS25]

After some bad influence and peer pressure from one of my buddies, I've decided I need a thermal for coyote hunting. I really dont know what I want but I want the best thermal scope I can get for under 2 grand, hopefully closer to 1500. Where should I look to?

 

[Mako2023]

AGM RATTLER V2 25-384 works well...but ranges are inside 300 yds were I live

 

[JohnKSa]

@Double Naught Spy may have some input for you. He does a lot of hunting with thermal scopes.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

The AGM Rattler is well liked. I like the Rix Storm S3 a bit better. The ergonomics are fantastic and for a first scope, you can't find a scope much easier to use.

Regardless of what you buy, talking to a dealer will get you a better price, often about 10% off. They can't advertise the reduced price, but can sell at a reduced price, so talk to a salesperson.

Here is a video with the S3 showing coyotes and some other critters...

 

[nativeoutdoors]

The AGM Rattler is definitely a solid choice, but I’d also take a look at the Iray Bolt TL35. Great image quality, easy-to-use controls, and right around your price range if you shop around. The Rix Storm S3 is another strong contender—really intuitive setup and great clarity.


Like others have said, reach out to a dealer directly. You can usually get a better price than what’s listed online. Good luck on the coyotes!

 

[tdbmd]

After some bad influence and peer pressure from one of my buddies, I've decided I need a thermal for coyote hunting. I really dont know what I want but I want the best thermal scope I can get for under 2 grand, hopefully closer to 1500. Where should I look to?

AGM Rattler or Sightmark Wraith mini.

 

[dieselchief]

cold weather winter coyote hunting where i live. two three hundred yard edge of field shots. any thoughts?
thanks

 

[freedom 1776]

You can do alot with a 384 core,

 

[illinoisburt]

Since the OP wants to hunt coyotes in cold weather, by chance does anyone know if there are low temp cutoff on the thermal devices? I would expect any of them to be okay at 25, but what about -25?

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Since the OP wants to hunt coyotes in cold weather, by chance does anyone know if there are low temp cutoff on the thermal devices? I would expect any of them to be okay at 25, but what about -25?

I don't know about the specs on all brands, but I have run a couple at -2 and -8 degree (F). None cutoff, but battery life was definitely shorter and the scopes required more nucing. (pronounced nuking, but stands for 'non-uniformity correction which is how the image is calibrated).

Both the Rix Storm and the AGM Rattler are rated to -4 degrees F.

 

[Flat Rock]

This is my setup for yotes
SPR with a FLIR
336 60hz 2-8x good for 300-400 yards

 

[Flat Rock]

This helps me get there
High spec aviation tubes

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Holy Cow. That is a for-real, vintage Armasight Predator in 336 resolution thermal weapon sight. I got the first hog kill on YouTube with one of these back in 2015 as my dealer apparently got the first batch from Pulsar. That was Armasight's attempt at a budget friendly optic with reasonable resolution. I haven't seen one, and certainly not in that good of shape, in years!