Thermal Help

[Duh]

OP, I bought a AGM varmint V2 35-384 last year and killed a bunch of coyotes with it. Only difference between the rattler and varmint is the Varmint had a LRF.

Shots out to 300 were doable but most were 75-200 yards. The AGM you mentioned above will absolutely kill out to 200 yards. I like that those units have 18650 batteries (I upgraded to Nightcore 18650s for the -30 degrees here in ND). IMO, I wouldn't want a thermal that had its own proprietary batteries because they’re expensive. 3x base mag is helpful if you're shooting past 100 yards IMO.

I sold the AGM because when it got to 10 degrees and below, the LRF didn’t work. Judging distance with thermal can be hard so that was a must for me. I would have kept it had it not been for that issue. But you could just shoot a fast gun and not worry about bullet drop out to 350. That’s what I’m doing now with a slow twist 22 creed.

I upgraded to the Nocpix H50R and have been impressed so far. So far, I’ve Been out in -2 degrees at the coldest this season. The LRF works at those temps (so far) and the battery life has been surprisingly good. I wouldn’t hesitate to get the 384 version of the H50R either.

If you go the 384 route and get serious about it, you’ll most likely want to upgrade to a 640 just because. It won’t help you kill more coyotes but it’s just the badass thing to have haha.

This is what you can expect out of a 384 AGM unit. The 640 AGM would obviously be a better image. The AGMs functions are easy to learn too.

 

[menhaden_man]

crazy, i guess when you said "cold" i was thinking something well below freezing but if its eating through batteries at 40 degrees something is definitely wrong and that is understandably frustrating & completely unacceptable.

Went and found the thread - @ZeroFoxGiven was who I was referring to. Know nothing about them at all but they’re a sponsor, really responsive, and struck me as knowing their shit.

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

Pulsar Thermion 2 XG50 vs AGM Rattler v2 50-640? I can get either one for just over $3K right now. Can someone help me with which is "better"?

most of the hunting will be hogs in open fields. some predator hunting too. 200 yards could be common. Leaning towards putting on AR platform 6.5 Grendel.

The Thermion is going to work a lot better on a bolt gun. The compact thermals like the Rattler can be tough to get the eye relief right on bolt guns. Definitely workable, but tube style does it better.

Both take proprietary batteries which ties you to overpriced batteries from the OEM if you need extras. I much prefer something that takes 18650s due to availability and price.

Base mag on the Thermion is 3x, 2.5x on the Rattler. Both have a nice field of view.

Both are a generation old at this point but still solid performers.

Really a coin flip, two very comparable optics outside of base mag and form factor. If you think it’ll end up on a bolt gun, go Thermion. If you think you’ll be taking more longer shots, go Thermion. If you’ll be doing more up close shooting and AR only, go Rattler.

We can get you into either of them. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

I have that last version of the Rattler... not impressed, especially on the battery use (it'll burn a set in 15 minutes when it's cold, no lie). It works but I'd gladly let it go at 60% retail if you want it.

There was a guy on here discussing recently that is very knowledgeable and seemed to be a straight shooter. I'd track that conversation down and hit him up.

V1, V2, or V3?

V1 ran off CR123s which absolutely suck in the cold. I’d get 15-20 minutes out of a set in my Trijicon Reap IR as well.

 

[menhaden_man]

V1, V2, or V3?

V1 ran off CR123s which absolutely suck in the cold. I’d get 15-20 minutes out of a set in my Trijicon Reap IR as well.

Yep V1, I think we had that convo in another thread. Anker pack is what I use now those CR123s are worthless

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

Yep V1, I think we had that convo in another thread. Anker pack is what I use now those CR123s are worthless

Agreed. Thankfully most manufacturers have moved away from them. They’re a terribly choice for thermal, ESPECIALLY in cold weather.