What NightVision device do you use for scanning your shooting area?

[Terryb00]

I just spent last night hunting raccoons and got 6. I use a Sightmark Photon XT 4.6x42 NV scope. It’s nothing high dollar fancy, but gets the job done. 

I’d like to know what you guys use to scan your shooting lane with; as it’s cumbersome to do so with my gun/scope combo. I’m thinking about a NV or thermal tool. I used a WickedHuntingLights red light last night, in addition to panning with my gun and nightscope, but I think the varmints get wise to it after I took a couple down; because they stay outside it’s beam.

Terry

 

[cmatera]

I use a FLIR LS 640. Advance warning-it's EXPENSIVE!

 

[Terryb00]

@cmatera, wow! I'm dying to know now what you use for a NV $cope...

So for the money, you're happy with your FLIR?

 

[GLPalinkas]

Leupold LTO-Tracker, thermal imager, got mine at Cabela's but Amazon carries them also. $600-700 if you catch it on sale. 
Actually, on sale now at Cabela's., $599...https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/leupold-lto-tracker-thermal-imaging-viewer

Apparently, Leupold has a few different models now. https://www.leupold.com/night-vision-thermal-scopes/handheld/lto-tracker-2-hd

 

[Why]

What's the difference between the $499 and $2599 model?

 

[cmatera]

@terryb00:

Night Optics D740 Gen 3 Pinnacle tube

Night Optics PVS14 Gen 3 Pinnacle tube

ATN 4K Pro 3-14

Night Optics D500 Gen 2+

Various IR illuminators and IR lasers

Yes, like the FLIR with Instalert. Heat shows red.

Had a Pulsar Trail XP38, but they don’t hold zero in cold weather so I sold it.

 

[Mitch1]

If budget is a major factor get an AGM Asp micro TM160. It's under $500 and works great for spotting close-in. If you can manage it, the AGM Asp micro TM384 will really impress you for the money ($1325). Either way, once you try thermal, you'll never go back. It's amazing how many more animals you will see with thermal. But for actual shooting I still use digital NV because there can be difficulty identifying what species you see with thermal. Check out some YouTube videos.

 

[Terryb00]

@Mitch1,

I haven't bought yet.

Dont night hunt very often, really, but do have a blast when I do.

I'll check out the AGM's you mentioned.

Thanks

 

[c_m_shooter]

A flashlight...

 

[Glem.Chally]

I use a Pard008lrf and then have a 5 inch battery powered monitor attached to the gun. Scanning and shooting all in one without having to stare through the eyepiece for hours. Or having to buy a spotting setup separately.

Works amazing.

 

[Glem.Chally]

A flashlight...

Everything stays put when you shine a flashlight at them? Doubt it, for rats anyways they're skittish and always moving.

 

[c_m_shooter]

A red light doesn't seem to bother anything. I use it hunting pigs and have tried to spook deer away with it and couldn't. Flashing it rapidly and sweeping it left to right across them would make them stop eating and kind of look around for a couple seconds, but never towards me.

 

[Glem.Chally]

A red light doesn't seem to bother anything. I use it hunting pigs and have tried to spook deer away with it and couldn't. Flashing it rapidly and sweeping it left to right across them would make them stop eating and kind of look around for a couple seconds, but never towards me.

Sweet! Good to know.

 

[Terryb00]

Looks like I’ll stick with my gun/NV scope combo, or red light for scanning my shooting area for now.

Recently tried a thermal monocular, and for the money, I really wasn’t impressed.

It was a FLIR Scout III 640.

Thanks for your input Guys.

Terry

 

[1shooter]

One other option is the pard nv007 (about $500)

small, light, powerful Ir light and detailed hd screen with digital zoom

The Leupold tracker could be used as well for a quick (pixelated) look and again is affordable ($500-1000) and small/light 

both can be kept in your pocket and are a good bang for the buck

Scope eye can be an issue with the pard but has a brightness setting and the leupold is held away from your face like a 6”-10”eye relief so no scope eye but will light your face up some

 

[KatoKevin454]

ATN X-sight II 3-14

DIY night vision mounted to scope

Harbor freight Night vision monocular

Leupold LTO-Quest Thermal camera