Thermal Scopes.

[Amos Keeto]

Yeah....this has probably been covered more than a million times ....BUT....
I'm just now trying to get into the "thermal" thing.
#1) I'm a "po boy"! I don't have the coins to drop $1500 plus just for kicks and giggles!
#2) I live in rural Oklahoma! Pigs snd 'yotes abound! There is a small creek across our property, but all wildlife traffic is after dark!

I'm not afraid or scared of those critters, but it sure would be nice to thin the numbers! Might even help to increase the deer/turkey numbers!

Found an ATN ThOR 4, used for +/- $600. Soorry, but I'm a bit skeptical about dropping $600 on a "used" scope! ....especially a thermal scope!

I "think" , for that much money ($1k+), I'd want something with a factory warranty! Just my OFS* kicking in.

I also was raised with the mindset of "good and cheap" don't belong in the same sentence!

I see some AGM (?) products that run close to the thousand dollar range.
Is AGM worth the money?


*OFS - Old Fart Syndrome

 

[KurtR]

Talk to zero fox given on here. He got me lined out. Not having a range finder at night is really hard. I though the coyote was 150 yards the other night ranged it and it was 60

 

[1000yards]

You're going to need factor a spotter into your budget as well. I know what you're thinking, but there's nothing safe about using your rifle scope as a spotter.

 

[wyosteve]

ATN does not have the greatest reputation for quality or customer service. DNT is an alternative. Beyond that, you're getting into a range greater than it sounds like you want to spend. AGM is good too and can often find used ones. If it's not too old, there may be warranty left. Lots of the thermal companies offer 5 yr. warranties. Good luck. I just got back from a great pig hunt in OK.

 

[waspocrew]

Budget is important with thermals, as the $$ adds up quick.

I’d take a look at the DNT Hydra line. For the money, they have some great features (range finder, ballistic calculator, etc) and have a warranty. They typically have a 10% discount as well. Can check cameralandny for the DNT as well. You can buy without the rangefinder, but I think it’s worth the extra money.

 

[waspocrew]

Phone won’t let me edit above, but here’s a link to the Hydra. DNT website has footage as well.

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

 

[Boltgun]

Avoid ATN. Cool thermals for cheap when they work, but they break often and have poor customer service.

AGM is solid. Consider that you need to spend enough to have the resolution for positive target identification. About $1400 and 384 resolution seems to be the floor for that at the moment.

 

[Amos Keeto]

The 384 resolution made sense. As I understand it, above 384 resolution, the images begin to "pixelate" (distort) when the power level is increased. Below that and you just don't get what you need out to +/- 200 yards.
Besides, too much livestock around here to be slinging lead indiscriminately!

I really didn't want to exceed the $1k limit, but looks like that ain't happening! LOL! Mebbe I can keep it under $1500!

 

[Boltgun]

Sounds like you are on the right track.

Also consider FOV as an important factor. If shooting running hogs, it can be very difficult with a narrow FOV and potentially a safety issue.

Regarding the mandatory scanner mentioned above, it is a big help but I would not consider it a vital necessity if you have a wide FOV. It gives you plenty of opportunity to see objects in the scope before your crosshairs are near them.

AGM Rattler V2 35-384 is about the best do-all (relatively inexpensive) thermal we have found.

 

[1000yards]

Sounds like you are on the right track.

Also consider FOV as an important factor. If shooting running hogs, it can be very difficult with a narrow FOV and potentially a safety issue.

Regarding the mandatory scanner mentioned above, it is a big help but I would not consider it a vital necessity if you have a wide FOV. It gives you plenty of opportunity to see objects in the scope before your crosshairs are near them.

AGM Rattler V2 35-384 is about the best do-all (relatively inexpensive) thermal we have found.

Just to be clear, what you're saying right now is to be able to identify your target in order to verify whether it's safe to point your gun at it or not, you have to first point your gun at it?

 

[JD Jones]

the thermal tech has come a long way and it's getting a lot cheaper. I don't know what's out there right now but from what I gather... is my 3500 thermal (at least the tech) can be had for a lot less dollars nowadays. There's a YouTube channel that's called night crew that used to breakdown various price ranges

 

[satchamo]

Have you day hunted coyotes? That’s a hell of a lot cheaper and way more fun than thermal hunting. Are you gonna put down the numbers? No you can still kill a pile and learn a shit load doing it….

No judgement for thermal guys, it’s just not my thing or the avenue I’d advise a new coyote hunter to go down.

 

[Boltgun]

Just to be clear, what you're saying right now is to be able to identify your target in order to verify whether it's safe to point your gun at it or not, you have to first point your gun at it?

I see your argument and understand it. I run a scanner and appreciate the benefits.

Take the thermal off the rifle. Scan. Put it back on the rifle. Shoot. With a wide FOV, you can re-find your target easily before you have it in the crosshairs.

 

[Ropin4gold]

Friends don’t let friends ATN. Also if I didn’t know much about thermals it would give me pause buying used. In that budget I’d look at the AGMs.