Looking into a thermal scope

[peterk123]

I'm not looking to break the bank but also don't want something that will not do the job. I'd like to be able to use it on my AR for coyotes. I'd like to also be able use it on my 22 for raccoons and rabbits.

The Rattler v2 35-384 has popped up in my searches. Curious if anyone here has some feedback and if there are others I should be considering. I'd like to be able to take a coyote at 150 to 200 yards.

Thx Pete

 

[TxLite]

My buddy has one and I have a Hogster. The Agm is usable and we’ve killed coyotes with it but the Hogster is much better imo. It will work for your use case but ID at 200 yards will be tougher.

I plan on getting a 640 50mm lrf when I upgrade.

 

[Okie_Poke]

I recently purchased a Rix Storm S3R. Similar specs to that Rattler (384 core) but has an onboard lrf. I’m a complete noob to thermals though, so don’t buy it because I did. I’m just throwing an option out there. It was suggested as being easy to use, and I like the lrf. I bought it to go on a nighttime coyote rifle; maybe to use occasionally on 22 for popping stuff around the chicken coop. I’ve only played with it in the backyard so far; haven’t shot or zeroed it yet.

 

[Team4LongGun]

I would highly suggest calling Levi @ZeroFoxGiven as he is a wealth of knowledge on thermal. As a Rokslide sponsor, they also will hook you up.

 

[Mountain_Life]

IMO thermals are similar to spotting scopes. If you buy something cheap it's almost worse than nothing at all. Not being able to ID your target has some serious risks. Having said that, you don't need the best on the market either.

I think a 640 resolution, or maybe a good 384 is minimum. Also, don't overlook power supply. Crappy proprietary battery systems cripple the whole scope. A lot of the new scopes are switching to 18650 battery ports. There's a reason for that. They are the future.

 

[Mountain_Life]

I agree with @Team4LongGun, call someone that knows and sells these and tell them what your budget and use case is.