AGM Varmint V2

[IDVortex]

So I am looking at a thermal and with what I've done research of i keep coming back to this AGM. I'm looking at the AGM Varmint V2 LRF TS35-640.

Besides this scope, any other thermals you guys might suggest in this price range? Id like to have LRF, 35mm and be a 640.

I will be calling Outdoor Legacy tomorrow if work willing to talk to them. But just wanting more opinions.

This is my first thermal.
Use is for predator hunting, ranges are from less than 100yrds to 400ish.

 

[Skerhunter]

I would want a higher base mag for the ranges you listed. 3x+ for scope and 2x-3x for a scanner works well. With that you generally get a larger objective to maintain FOV.

A lot of options now for lfr units, which is nice! I would take time at the shop to visually compare models and keep an open mind. Don’t discount 384 resolution scopes either, the image quality on some of the new ones is great.

 

[Byrdman]

Don’t have one but these are what I was looking at. https://us.dntoptics.com/products/t...th-laser-rangefinder-and-ballistic-calculator

 

[dirtytough]

AGM seems to be one of the most popular lower priced options. A buddy has the 50mm and hasn’t said anything bad about it. I personally would buy the Iray RL42 before I bought the AGM you are looking at.

I agree with Skerhunter. I like 3x basemag or more. At night 300 is a long shot for most people.

Unsolicited advice.

I would budget for a scanner. I know people hunt with just a weapon sight but it sucks. Think of sitting there and looking through your rifle scope the entire time you are hunting deer or elk.

I would get a 640 scanner and a 384 scope to make it more affordable.

 

[Gstew1930]

Pard has some really good looking thermals with LRF

 

[IDVortex]

I figured a 640 would give me better resolution out further?

Id love to look at a couple thermals in person, but no one around me has any in stock, unless it's like a 900 scope. Of which I'm not looking at.

I have thought of a scanner/scope combo, but figured I'd do a scope for now than a scanner later. (Plus, I doubt my accountant would be happy if I buy two thermals for work related expenses)

 

[Johnnybobcat]

Iray bolt v2 or SE

 

[dirtytough]

I figured a 640 would give me better resolution out further?

2x basemag with a 640 would be like shooting on a 320 all the time for me. I would almost always zoom 2x which would be digital zoom. So it would turn the 640 into a 320. 4x on a coyote @200-300 yards is not over zoomed in my opinion.

The 4x 384 I would be fine with on most shots so I would be shooting at 384 all the time.

Its too bad you don’t know anyone close with multiple thermals you could try out.

 

[IDVortex]

2x basemag with a 640 would be like shooting on a 320 all the time for me. I would almost always zoom 2x which would be digital zoom. So it would turn the 640 into a 320. 4x on a coyote @200-300 yards is not over zoomed in my opinion.

The 4x 384 I would be fine with on most shots so I would be shooting at 384 all the time.

Its too bad you don’t know anyone close with multiple thermals you could try out.

Well interesting, new to thermals, and trying to learn what I can before I buy ha. Thanks for the info!

 

[dirtytough]

Only a couple years ago there were probably only 25% of what is out there now. There are so many more on the market it takes awhile to sift through them all.

A couple things I believe are important.
3x base mag minimum
50hz minimum
384 minimum
LRF for the people that don’t use them very much.


FOV is important obviously. Especially if you don’t have a scanner. I would sacrifice FOV for base mag though.

Proprietary batteries stink. It’s better if it takes CR123’s or 18650’s.

 

[Skerhunter]

Only a couple years ago there were probably only 25% of what is out there now. There are so many more on the market it takes awhile to sift through them all.

A couple things I believe are important.
3x base mag minimum
50hz minimum
384 minimum
LRF for the people that don’t use them very much.


FOV is important obviously. Especially if you don’t have a scanner. I would sacrifice FOV for base mag though.

Proprietary batteries stink. It’s better if it takes CR123’s or 18650’s.

perfectly summarized! Don’t forget screen size though (2500x2500+ on a 384 scope makes it closer to 640 res on older scopes).

 

[Boltgun]

Only a couple years ago there were probably only 25% of what is out there now. There are so many more on the market it takes awhile to sift through them all.

A couple things I believe are important.
3x base mag minimum
50hz minimum
384 minimum
LRF for the people that don’t use them very much.


FOV is important obviously. Especially if you don’t have a scanner. I would sacrifice FOV for base mag though.

Proprietary batteries stink. It’s better if it takes CR123’s or 18650’s.

Disagree on the last point. I love the rechargeable batteries on the V2 AGMs. Previously I was going through 8-12 CR123’s a night between scope and scanner. Now with the AGM batteries I’m not spending on batteries, and I’m not having my batteries die at the worst times!

 

[Krobe]

That’s quite the range spread for thermal and it will be tough to pick the right base mag on a 384 unit to do that all. Clarion 384 being one of the few that would fit the bill. Sent you a DM.

 

[Krobe]

Only a couple years ago there were probably only 25% of what is out there now. There are so many more on the market it takes awhile to sift through them all.

A couple things I believe are important.
3x base mag minimum
50hz minimum
384 minimum
LRF for the people that don’t use them very much.


FOV is important obviously. Especially if you don’t have a scanner. I would sacrifice FOV for base mag though.

Proprietary batteries stink. It’s better if it takes CR123’s or 18650’s.

3x can be tough shooting at 50-100 depending on the field of view. If a 384 then 3x would be mandatory for the longer shots. A 2x or 2.5x 640 would be much better.

 

[dirtytough]

3x can be tough shooting at 50-100 depending on the field of view. If a 384 then 3x would be mandatory for the longer shots. A 2x or 2.5x 640 would be much better.

I had a 4.5x 640 and really liked the base mag on it. I never had an issue shooting close range coyotes with it.

I could see wanting a 2x base mag if I was hunting tight areas where most coyotes are under 100 yards. I don't hunt areas like that though unless it's windy and I have to drop in. I try to stop them before they cross the 100 yard line though.

After shooting lots and lots of coyotes it doesn't cross my mind that I would kill more coyotes if I had less mag and a bigger fov. I would gladly take more fov with the same mag or more mag with the same fov though.

I use a 640, 3x base, 8.8° x 7.0°.