Thermal optic, or a new rifle?

[woogie_man]

Hey guys

Well I am looking at a few offerings from AGM and trying to narrow it down to a specific model. BUT on the other hand I am also wanting to build a custom 22lr off of a RimX action from my local dealer. What would you guys do with a decision like this? Both would be fun and I am hoping used quite a bit, but both would serve a completely different purpose.

As much as I would like to get both of them, I am thinking my wife would string me up if I did that.


So what say you guys?

 

[iAMzehTOASTY1]

Voting thermal

 

[Ezana4CE]

@woogie_man Which thermal optic are you looking to get. Which thermal optic(s) do you already have?

 

[mtnGhost]

Definitely the RimX.

 

[Sqwirl57]

Custom 22 all day. I think it would probably see more use

 

[Jscott051966]

New wife??

 

[woogie_man]

@woogie_man Which thermal optic are you looking to get. Which thermal optic(s) do you already have?

Thermal I am not sure of to be honest have been looking at the base to mid teir of the AGM line of clip on units. I currently have none, other wise I would be getting the RimX right away

Definitely the RimX.

I currently have a customized Sako Quad Range that is a great rifle now, but would just need a different stock for the NRL22 stuff. As well as a few other of the CZ455, CZ457 and a few other options.

New wife??

As much as I would love to trade her in for a younger model........ I have grown accustomed to her and the kids I don't think would be to fond of it! Though if you have a lead on a good looking red head that likes to shoot....... hmm .... lol

 

[delooper]

I don't own a tonne of rifles by this forum's standards. But I do place a priority on capability. Thermal gives me the tool to do something I couldn't, otherwise. There's no rifle I could legally acquire here in Canada that would give me any substantially new capabilities. That's why my last big purchase was a quality thermal scope.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@woogie_man In that case I guess it depends on what your intended use would be for the thermal optic and how often you intend to use it. If you shoot PBs frequently be mindful of the max PB caliber rating for your thermal optic in the event you feel inclined to swap it from AG to a PB.

I like thermal for locations and identifying animals for night hunting. I’m fortunate to live in a state that permits its use for hunting certain animals at night. In that sort of situation if you have time to hunt at night, a thermal optic may see a fair amount of use and thus justifies purchasing. That or if you have pest issues and you need to eliminate problem animals around your property on occasion then owning a thermal unit makes sense. In all honesty, I’ve used two different AGM unit and experienced issues with both. Thermal really seems like a pay to play game. I suggest that you don’t go the cheap routine if you’re serious about exploring thermal optics.

Also have to consider your intended use for a .22 RimX build versus what you already have.

 

[woogie_man]

I have thought about the rifles and others.

I have a feeling that my bank account is not going to like either decision that I make. lol

If I get the thermal I would be able to use it at night as well so that is a plus. Would be able to use it on the airguns as well as the powder guns. Wish the tax return was greater so I could just say to heck with it and get both! Wish I would be able to sell a few of my Rc Gliders as well, as those would help offset the cost for sure.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@woogie_man Maybe check out some Pulsar offerings as well. They seem to have a decent selection on the more budget friendly side of the high-end thermal units. IIRC they have a unit rated to handle some decent recoil. One model could handle a shotgun if I’m not mistaken. Also be mindful of which units are best used on bolt action rifles as opposed to AR-styled tactical rifles.

On most of the mid-tier stuff I’ve seen thermal units seem to top out around a max recoil rating of .308 caliber. Take it with a grain of salt coming from me. I’ve only used a few units, but I’ve taken in a significant amount of info on thermals within the past year.

From other AGN threads @Cranky1 seems pretty informed on the topic of thermal optics. Let’s see if he’ll chime in with some advice to help you make a decision. What’s the max you’re willing to spend here?

 

[woogie_man]

If I had to I could move some things around and get up to around the $1500 mark.

 

[Airgunmann]

If you get a thermal I wouldn't go under 320 for the size of the sensor atn refurbished has some pretty good discounts and are warrantied as new I have a atn 320 lt 5-10 x 50 and love it it doesn't have the extra bells and whistles though

 

[woogie_man]

I will take a look over there as well.

Thinking I will go with the Thermal now, and slowly buy the rifle parts when I see them. Not like those are going anywhere fast.

 

[Airgunmann]

Just search atn refurbished because it doesn't come up on there regular sight from what I've read they are trade ins for upgrades and then they go through them and put a 3 year warranty on them

 

[Glenroiland]

Custom gun all the way..

 

[Ctkny]

lo buy my adder

 

[woogie_man]

I would if I wanted a scope. Want to be able to move around to different rifles.

 

[Ezana4CE]

If I had to I could move some things around and get up to around the $1500 mark.

@woogie_man $1500 enough for a decent handheld scanner. It’ll probably get your foot in the door with an entry level thermal riflescope. A clip-on usually runs a few hundred more than a scope. I’d be looking to spend at least $1900-$2k for a decent thermal riflescope (resolution of at least 384 and 17 microns). I liked the Rattler because it’s small enough to double as a handheld scanner and a riflescope.

As far as image quality and pricing goes I can’t speak for ATN stuff. Most of my digging steered me away from that brand, so I’m not too familiar with their units. Some of the lower resolution Thor units may be in your stated price range.

 

[theLBC]

i am a minimalist, so if the new rifle doesn't add a clear capability you don't have already, i would opt for the thermal (assuming you would use it enough to justify the cost). if you don't have a comparable rifle, my choice would be the rifle.