Thermal imaging scopes are widely used in the military and other protective agency services, especially in the areas of law enforcement, homeland security and defense, tactical military operations, anti-terrorism, border and coast patrol, nuclear and critical facility surveillance, and many more.
However, these high-tech optics are available for civilians as well. If you’re always hungry for the thrill of hunting and night-stalking animals, you surely need one. But they don’t come cheap, do they?
We understand that you don’t want to make a bad investment. This is the reason we reviewed several thermal scopes on the market and came up with a list of the best thermal scopes available today. We’ll also discuss how thermal scopes work and what you should expect when searching for the best thermal scopes for your hunting or scouting needs.
Let’s get into it right away!
10 Best Thermal Scopes Reviews
1 Pulsar Trail XQ50 2.7-10.8×42 (Overall Best)
The Pulsar Trail XQ50 2.7 comes with high base magnification, with thermal imaging and precision positioning at incredible distances. Having a high refresh rate of 50Hz, the images provided are fluid and crisp.
With a 640×480 ice-free AMOLED display, these thermal devices are able to detect heat signatures in the active detection ranges, on the longer side being 1350 to 1800m. It encompasses multiple zeroing profiles as also 10 electronic reticules.
The additional feature of a Stadiametric rangefinder makes acquiring the target simple. It boasts three operating modes; City, Forest, and Identification. The external battery pack extends the life to 20 hours. The design is both functional and ergonomic. It sports a user-friendly interface.
The option for three different zero calibrations is available on this scope individually for the three different Modes. After having tried out the XQ50 and XQ38, we tried out both models first. We were won over and impressed by the ease of use.
The UI was clean and the design is intuitive, with an unbelievably clear image along with the means to tweak contrast and brightness on the fly.
Full marks to the absence of any lag for quick scanning. The picture-in-picture feature renders hog hunting a song. Take a shot, pick next, take a shot. Nailing hogs running at full speed is no easy task. Many optics don’t fare so well, have a jumpy image, sway or glitch. The Pulsar XQ50 image processing is second to none for the money.
When we tried out the 50 and 38 for image clarity, they turned out basically the same. The objective size, field of vision and magnification are correlated.
Smaller objectives will have a less base magnification and a greater FOV at short distances. Larger objectives have a larger base modification and a greater FOV at short distances.
Another of our experiences with the QF is that the built-in rangefinder which determines the range based on the size of the animal tends to be inaccurate as compared to laser ranging.
We also did try it out in different weather conditions; fog, rain, sleet and snow, without a glitch. The average Joe can now get his hands on professional quality imaging.
Pros
- One-shot zeroing with freeze function
- Picture in picture function
- Stadiametric rangefinder
- Defective pixel repair function
- Built-in 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer
Cons
- Expensive
Our Verdict
Our unanimous decision to crown the Pulsar Trail XQ50 as Overall Best was propelled mainly by its ‘no-nonsense’ attitude. The configuration of sensors, components, refresh rate simply unearth the target even in the densest of cover, place the target well etched, in sharp contrast and early enough making it a child’s play to nail it.
If you’re looking for the best thermal scope with rangefinders, the Pulsar Trail XQ50 is exactly what you are searching for. This is a phenomenal quality scope. Period!
2 ATN ThOR 4, 384×288, TIWST4381A (Budget Choice)
ATN’s Obsidian IV Dual core boasting nextgen Thermal Sensors powers the ATN ThOR 4. Its heightened thermal sensitivity, enhanced contrasts, smooth shutter, and boosted resolution makes the refurbished ATN 4 user-friendly and swift to learn.
Your shot will count every time and hit the target. The Ballistic Calculator- Target Angle, Temperature, Humidity, etc., are factored in for those professional long-range shots.
The ThOR 4 is capable of Dual Stream Video Recording; to your smartphone and simultaneously the SD card. The RAV automatically starts to record prior to and after shooting.
Our experience with this optic has been just great. Agreed, it takes a while to get used to the menus and the unit is on the heavier side, but it is a well-built piece of equipment.
We were much envious of the one shot zero function. It is a game changer. Now you don’t need to shoot half a box of ammo to get it perfect.
Most users we spoke to were absolutely enthralled and so are we. The clarity is crystal clear. After adjusting the settings taking ambient conditions into reckoning, we could spot deer at 500 m clearly.
This optic maintains zero without wandering off. We tried out the mounting by sitting it on the 450 Bushmaster and a 300 AAC. It was a simple exercise and moreover, the 300 AAC was stored when the mount was shifted back to the Bushmaster.
As is sometimes the case, a few complaints were regarding tardy customer service offset by eulogies regarding the service.
Also nothing unusual in this, but we found it gets a bit blurry when zoomed all the way.
Overall, this is one of the most impressive thermal sights your money can buy. One thing you should not forget is updating the firmware regularly.
Pros
- Ballistic Calculator
- Smooth zoom
- Built-in smart rangefinder
- Excellent Image performance
- High-resolution video recording
Cons
- Expensive
- Uses disposable batteries
- A little heavier than expected
Our Verdict
This is one of the best budget thermal scopes not because it is inexpensive but for the huge array of features it comes with for the money. The large range of selectable reticle options and the panoramic display with the option of going two-tone is enthralling.
The scope is designed for heavy-duty usage and the range of add-ons leaves nothing to be desired. This high-tech, low maintenance optic is one of the best thermal imaging scope in the market today.
3 ATN Thor-HD Thermal Scope (Good Value for Money)
The ATN ThOR HD 640 pushes innovation to the 21st century. It has particular night vision capacities. This scope runs on an Obsidian Core which can crunch immense records without breaking a sweat.
This thermal scope doesn’t inconvenience you with complex outlines, mini-computers, or reticles. It is the simplest extension. The ATN Obsidian Shooting Solution deals with all the intricate estimations.
The Recoil Activated Video feature starts recording as soon as the trigger is pulled. The rangefinder does practically everything a pair of rangefinder binoculars do. The degree highlights astonishing ergonomics and accompanies an E-Barometer, Gyroscope, E-Compass, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi included as well.
We took time out to get a firsthand account of this scope and our first finding was that it takes time to read the manual and practice a bit. It is everything the manufacturers claim it is.
Another thing instantly evident is the 30 Hz processor. It does not track moving targets well enough and also presents ghost images. Do go in for the 60 Hz processor if you want quick capture.
We tried out a 3-year old model without all the modern features, and all we found was consistent performance; it functions perfectly for medium game animals like hogs, deer, or antelope.
The view was clear, bright and adjustable. The scope turned out to be amazingly sturdy without risking the quality of viewing. The reticle holds true when dismounting/mounting the scope for cleaning.
Another noteworthy observation of ours is the superior night vision of this optic. Also the number of features on offer can be a bit overwhelming at first but once familiar, it’s a real beaut.
Pros
- Thermal Vision
- Ballistic Calculator
- Profile Manager
- Smart HD Channel
- E-Barometer
Cons
- Takes a little practice
- Uses disposable batteries
- Opt for external battery pack accessory
Our Verdict
We give it 5 stars hands down. This thermal scope calls for a bit of reading and some practice to perfect it. The WiFi gives others the opportunity to share the experience by viewing the action on their smartphones.
Another feather in its cap is its durability. We found it can withstand a fair amount of beating. With its innovative technology and the goodies thrown in, our Good Value for Money award is not misplaced.
Especially if you’re on the hunt for the best thermal scope for hunting, the ATN Thor-HD can be the perfect companion in your upcoming hunting adventures.
4 ATN ThOR HD 384 Smart Thermal Riflescope (Great for Coyote & Hog Hunting)
ATN Thor-HD 348 is a superb thermal rifle scope. Smart HD Technology puts this scope on a different platform than the competition. Our take is that it is a great scope for short range game hunting.
The rangefinder is built strong and will make things easier. It calculates distance, so a perfect shot is guaranteed every time.
Recoil Activated Video (RAV) permits recording all your sessions. Recording your forays is a simple deal using the SD card without the need for any extra USB cables.
Much the same as with the durability factor, the 384 and 640 have basically identical extras; Video modes, Wi-Fi, and streaming are a part. The ballistic calculator and smart rangefinder are mirrored. Truly, the main contrast here that can be an issue is power. If you are within normal shooting distances, the ATN HD-348 is your buddy.
When comparing the contrasts between the 640 and the 348, we found the 348 lagging a bit behind when it came to the cost. To save money and still hunt for a bargain in getting a sturdy, usable optic, you should home in on this scope.
Contrasts are absent between the two siblings with regards to sturdiness. It can deal with the entirety of harsh conditions and temperatures. They won’t haze or be harmed from water and can deal with impacts as far as possible to the biggest non-magnum ammo.
We tested it in both visible light and darkness and found no issue in the visibility. However, we did notice some minor screen interference with the WiFi. Also spectacle users found the eyecup design requiring one to remove glasses.
Pros
- Obsidian II Core
- Smart zoom
- Multiple reticle options
- E-Compass, E-Barometer
- Smart Shooting Solution
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
- Eye cup design could be more user-friendly
- Shooting at larger ranges difficult
Our Verdict
We found this thermal scope to be an excellent choice for the beginners. The reason number one is its battery life that would allow them to use it for a long time, not to mention that newbies miss on targets more often.
The second reason would be that you can see the target in dim light at even a range of 200 yards without any problem. If you’re looking for the best thermal scope for 200 yards, this is the one you should pick.
In a nutshell, the Smart Thermal Riflescope lives up to its image and truly is extremely well suited for hog and coyote hunting besides other vermin and foragers. It comes with a host of extras and for its price is a real performer.
5 ATN ThOR-HD 640, 640×480
This Thermal Imaging Scope can, be it day or night, pick up and recognize your prey. The ATN core performs superbly. Utilizing the amazing Obsidian Core & UI, the ATN ThOR-HD is designed to operate as a state-of-the-art computer.
The device features a ballistic calculator which compensates for the trajectory of the bullet. Feed your wind readings to the Smart RangeFinder and the Core leaps into action. Armed with RAV and a smart rangefinder, you can use this scope for taking down big game in low light conditions.
However, our research dug out that the mounting method is a bit poor. The focal lens sits too low to get a good sight picture without resorting to an awkward angle. The natural sighting looks at the bottom right corner of the internal screen. This was tried using the same mount on four different rifles with the same result.
It was appalling to see the quality of the packing case which was merely a cloth satchel, hardly befitting for a $2500 optic. Also the serial number is an affixed sticker which will disappear in a few months and then you are in hot water to make warranty claims.
The menu can swamp you unless you are using it a lot. We also saw that recalibration is necessary frequently. The factory mount is poorly made. We recommend replacing it with a ‘return to zero’ picatinny mount that works wonders.
The NUC process which recalibrates the image to compensate for changing environmental conditions, needs to be done frequently, which though annoying, is quick and easy to do.
Pros
- Smart Shooting Solution
- GPS Geotag GPS
- Electronic Compass
- Microphone
- Durable construction
- Quick release mount
Cons
- Grainy view
- Ghost images
- Poor mounting
- Cheap accessories
Our Verdict
Everything worked as advertised. The image is outstanding, crisp and clear though some users have a complaint there. This robust device can handle heavy, harsh conditions without a whimper. The first time setup may throw you off, but you are ready for takeoff once you have your profile and zero done.
So, head downwind and engage those boars instead of merely spooking them. Prepare your gear and grab the best thermal rifle scope without further dilly dally and nail those pests.
6 Trijicon Teo Reap-IR Mini Therma IRMS-35
One cannot but embrace Trijicon products because they manufacture quality products despite their late entry into thermal optics.
The REAP-IR is made to military specs and comes with the new stadiametric rangefinding technology providing a 12° degree field-of-view lens.
What makes the REAP-IR ideal for military, security, and night hunters? The 2.5x magnification coupled with the 640×480 resolution and a whopping 60 Hz frame rate. A target, no matter how swift, stands little chance against this lethal combination.
It is also the most robust be it desert conditions or those of urban streets.
Extras were not a predominant design concern but the Reap-IR has a few handy ones chief among which is the integrated rangefinder. This is linked to a readout reflecting where the reticule is pointed.
In our quest for understanding the performance, the first thing that struck is the versatility.
A bonus is in the choice of just outlines highlighting targets so that your night vision is not messed up. As a dedicated weapon scope only, it cannot be used as a clip on.
What we feel is a major setback is that the controller thumbstick is positioned not on the top but to the right, a huge disadvantage for left-handed shooters. It is also over-sensitive making it difficult to choose an option correctly.
About the much touted picture quality, we saw for ourselves that it was indeed crisp and clear to perfection.
Our disappointment was the trade-offs to sacrifice weight. The focusing ring was done away with and you can’t get a sharp image closer than 5 yards.
The second drawback is that there is no internal shutter. Recalibration of the thermal sensors is required frequently as the unit warms up or cools down. The use of small CR123 batteries is limited to 3-4 hours.
Pros
- Stadiametric Rangefinder
- Edge Detect Mode
- Reticle Position Readouts
- ETR-Enhanced Target Recognition
- 5 Reticle Patterns
- Perfect image
- Flexibility
Cons
- Eye protector slips off
- Expensive
- Thumbstick oversensitive
Our Verdict
This is a foregone conclusion. User reviews we’ve got were all out overwhelming in praise of the Reap-IR. Shipping was quick and performance promises all held up. When it comes to versatility, the Trijicon Teo Reap-IR Mini is one of the best thermal scopes on the market.
The image quality is exponentially better for tactical purposes, thanks to the 60Hz frame rate, a fast-moving target poses little difficulty. With so many features packed in, this is one can’t do without scope.
07 ATN Thor 4 Ultra Sensitive Thermal Rifle Scope
Pumped by Dual core ATN’s Obsidian IV next generation thermal sensor, the ThoR 4 is unmatchable when it comes to accuracy under pitch-black darkness.
ATN introduced improved thermal sensitivity in this particular scope that brings better contrast and higher resolution. The noiseless shutter makes the hunting game more interesting.
We found the scope to be of a traditional design yet packing cutting-edge technical wonders. For example, the ABL laser can superbly pinpoint long-distance targets and channel the data to a built in ballistic calculator using Bluetooth.
That does all the reticle POI adjustments within a matter of seconds. The whopping 20000mAh battery pack provides enough juice to run the device smoothly for 22 hours. Perish the thought of misplaced chances due to drained batteries.
We couldn’t help but love the remote controller labeled as ATN X-Track. The name is suitable because it does give you the options for tracking the rangefinder and ballistic calculator. What’s more, the ATN Quick Detach Mount helps you manage the profile of your scope easily.
There’s a superb Dual Stream option for video recording and once recorded, the files can be easily streamed to smart phones in HD. You can simultaneously save the video to an internal SD memory card.
It’s a super intuitive device and we were able to learn how to operate it fast. ATN offers a 3-year warranty on this best rated device that comes at under 5000 USD.
Pros
- Ultra-sensitive Gen 4 Thermal Sensor
- Ballistic Calculator
- Video recording and dual stream
- Records video into Micro SD card and streams on smartphone
- Quick ATN Detach Mount
- Remote control (ATN X-Trac)
Cons
- SD card insertion is difficult and often gets ejected due to a rubber cover
Our Verdict
In the world of thermal optics, it is almost unheard of that the battery can last 16 hours of uninterrupted service. This is definitely ultra-low consumption. If you want a great thermal scope with impeccable battery life, this can be one of the best thermal scopes for you.
Recording directly into a MicroSD card is another welcome innovation. The ATN ThOR 4 has stolen our hearts and we heartily propagate our findings as the optic to watch out for.
8 Pulsar Thermion XM Thermal Riflescope
Sticking the traditional riflescope, standard 30mm ring, and scope mount platforms provide the perfect mounts for The Pulsar Thermion.
Utmost durability to IPX7 waterproof rating (can withstand submersion in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes) and a housing of magnesium-alloy provides rugged and well-founded, all-round performance.
From under 1000 yards away, it renders perfect heat-signature imaging on a full-color 1024×768 HD AMOLED display.
The resolution is 320×240 with 12m pixel pitch, PIP, 8 color palettes and 15 reticles. Audio is blended Integrated still image and video recording with Pulsars Stream Vision App. A magnification range of 3.3-13.2x and a 50 Hz frame rate is a game changer. .
The refresh rate is awe-inspiring and you’ll be spoilt for reticle choice. The recording is recoil triggered and hassles free. In comparison, other optics pale.
We all unanimously agreed that this scope gets you the biggest bang for the buck. It has internal recording and one of the two batteries can be removed so that the battery can be changed without the scope turning off. The mounts offer great leeway. Anything with 30mm rings can be used. You are not restricted to one or two options only.
A word about the scope. It is sighted in for long-range shooting with unreal clarity for a 384 sensor. The digital zoom imparts a highly comfortable magnification level for both hunters and target shooters
It is quite durable and we tried it out in close 100% humidity without a glitch. We agree that from functionality to accuracy to weight, it is top of the shelf.
Pros
- IRIS technology increased recognition and detection software
- One-shot zeroing with freeze function
- Picture-in-picture digital zoom
- Defective pixel repair feature
- 5 rifle profiles with 50 zero slaves
Cons
- Poor battery life
Our Verdict
Very hard if not impossible to get for your dollar. This thermal scope review is heading only one way. This mouth-watering spread of sheer functionality, high performance and quality has us spellbound.
Beating this package in an optic is light years away for the competition. A great show, a stellar product. With just a few tweaks, this can become the thermal scope for coyote hunting or target shooting.
9 Pulsar Core RXQ30V 1.6-6.4×22 Thermal Riflescope
The civilian market is the primary target for Pulsar thermal scopes. The high-end features that Pulsar incorporates on their flagship models vis-a-vis contrast presets, picture-in-picture zoom, external power supply capability, 50 frames per second, one-shot zeroing, and a rangefinder, built-in. The 8x zoom gets you on the target in a flash.
A unique, distinctive feature of the Pulsar Core RXQ30V is the presentation of heat signatures in a green sapphire tint. A 50 Hz refresh rate with a 640×480 AMOLED display delivers high-resolution thermal images.
This optic reveals three modes of operation; forest, rocks, and identification to guarantee peerless pictures for your environment. Human-sized heat signatures at 900m are unveiled by the glass-nylon composite Core.
What we found was there was no recording facility. There was no practical way to adjust elevation and the zero was fixed. However, you can choose a reticle.
The battery pack itself is not a standalone power supply. The equipment comes with an adapter that fits the battery pack. The two batteries will last around 5-6 hours. An amazing optic. Can see targets clearly up to 200 yards. However, the reticle doesn’t change color when hovering over a hot object.
Some users claimed screen freezes but we found no such issue. Maybe it was due to improper sensor calibration. It has three modes; Off, Manual and Automatic. Keep it on manual and all problems should go away.
We also discovered that newer models have dumped the sapphire tint and reverted to black and white. Further investigations revealed that users have found the green tint bothersome. We probed for how much recoil it can take and found it was rated for 6000 joules which is quite a lot.
The thermal scope mounting is good we discovered as long as it has a picatinny rail, will fit on any gun.
Pros
- Green Sapphire display
- 50 Hz Refresh rate
- Variable magnification
- User interface for menu/ settings
- Durability
- QD mount for movement from handheld to weapons mount
Cons
- No ranging capabilities
- Objective focus
Our Verdict
For the price, this optic qualifies for the cheapest thermal scope hands down. We, however, found no cutbacks or compromises in the product. In fact, it is a marvel how the bundle of goodies remain undiminished.
A point in question, a 50 Hz refresh rate. Let’s not waste time, go fetch yourself the best thermal scope for sale before stocks run out. Simply a stellar buy.
10 FLIR Thermosight Pro PTS233
FLIR’s offering in thermal optics of today is the provision of the most explicit and crisp imagery. It has the ability, be it by day or night, to zero in on your targets. The clarity and image quality of this low cost thermal scope which is boosted by the ultra-fast 60 Hz refresh rate and completely eradicate pixelation. This affordable, compact scope is a perfect fit for deer hunting, scouting, and even professional use.
Even at this budget price point, it can record 2.5 hours, that is 1000 images, is possible accompanied by multiple color palettes and reticle choices. The range finder comes built-in. The best part is the lightweight scope, under 1.5 lbs.
The aluminum aircraft-grade compact housing shields a FLIR Systems Boson core with a pitch sensor. For enhanced situational awareness, it has an industry-leading on-chip video processor.
We found this optic amazing all round. Target detection through smoke, haze, fog or rain. Absolute clarity on a high-resolution display.
The integrated digital compass and inclinometer guarantees precision range and target orientations.
Our research finds that FLIR has upgraded this model to a 60 Hz processor that makes it formidable for fast moving targets.
This scope too has one drawback in that it crams in a lot of features. Not that this affects performance, only more time to read up and understand.
An oft repeated grouse was the poor documentation in that not well explained. Hopefully the manufacturers are taking heed of this as a proper manual is a huge necessity.
A more serious drawback is the all too frequent freezing of the system requiring restarts.
The view finder appears narrow and the field of vision small. Enhancement of eye relief too is wanting. Image quality is a little wanting at higher zoom levels but that is expected.
Pros
- Exceptional Night vision
- FLIR Boson camera core
- High-resolution FLCOS display
- Shot activated video recording
- Internal storage of up to 2.5 hours of recording or up to 1,000 pictures
- 3? eye relief
- Digital compass and inclinometer
- Aluminum alloy body
Cons
- Documentation unclear in places
- Freezes at times requiring a restart
- No audio
Our Verdict
This is the cheapest thermal scope on our list. Some users have had issues with image clarity subsequently set right by FLIR under warranty.
If you want an affordable thermal scope without cutting down the performance, the FLIR Thermosight Pro can be one of the best thermal scopes that won’t break your bank. This top-rated scope is well suited for hunting, scouting and even professionals vouch for it.
Where and When to Use A Thermal Imaging Scope
Thermal weapon sights and scopes find their application in a number of fields.
- Operations concerning military
- Enforcement of law
- Hunting or sharp shooting
- Observation of wildlife, such as for census
- Target surveillance
- Concerns regarding security
- Navigation in piracy infested waters
- Detection of hidden-objects
- Entertainment
To be one up on the game of their choice, quite a few hunters are looking up to thermal imaging systems. Most predators are nocturnal by nature. In this scenario of darkness, for successfully hunting them down, one should be able to see through the dark.
In many states, wild hogs have become a nuisance and hog hunting is encouraged by the states. A regular hunting scope fails in certain conditions like coyote hunting, hogs hunting, hares hunting and more.
To successfully bring them down in the dark, you need to be equipped with a good thermal scope to boost your abilities by allowing you to get close enough to your quarry undetected.
Vermin eradication is another big task. Coyotes steal foal and small livestock while hares devastate vegetable gardens. Coyote hunting and shooting down hares often require thermal hunting scopes.
If you are an avid hunter, it is worthwhile to invest in an affordable thermal scope. These can be used by day where natural conditions like fog could conceal visibility.
Lighting Condition
Are you going to be hunting in thick brush or where fog is likely to be encountered? Thermal vision scopes work best in these surroundings.
If temperatures are close to freezing, this affects the amount of radiation. Night vision scores better here also.
Additionally, even if there is no visible light, a thermal scope will help you quickly acquire your target and go for the perfect shot. If you are hunting in a mountainous area, where the light is diffuse, thermal optics fit better.
Overall, thermal imaging scopes work in both day night conditions, producing images by tracking residual heat. They are expensive, heavier, and produce less clear images. In low temperatures, image quality is compromised.
Types of Thermal Imaging
a) Uncooled Thermal Imaging
A cryocooler is a device that lowers the temperature of the sensor to cryogenic levels. This eradicates thermal noise levels below that of the signal from the scene imaging.
Simply put, in un-cooled thermal imaging, the imaging sensor does not require cryogenic cooling. The detection system relies on a microbolometer, a built-in chip with a large temperature coefficient.
On-scene changes in temperature are detected, converted into electrical signals and processed into images.
Uncooled sensors are designed to function in the same wavelength as that of the temperatures related to infrared energy released by terrestrial targets. Uncooled cameras work uninterrupted for longer periods. They are unsuitable for long-range, exceeding 5 km or more.
b) Cryogenically Cooled Thermal Imaging Systems
Cryogenically cooled systems have the imaging sensor integrated with the cryocooler that cools it down to 0?. They are ultra-sensitive, picking up minor temperature variations.When it comes to long-range use, they are well matched. Brilliant image resolution results.
Also, their thermal contrast is high which means that they can detect targets even if the background is close to the target temperature. The flip side is that they are expensive and need servicing every 2 years.
Thermal Scopes Buying Guide: What to Expect
Within the last 30 years, there have been some amazing leaps in night-vision technology that have become available to the civilian market.
A thermal vision riflescope is fundamentally a scope that has a compact thermographic camera along with an aiming reticle. It makes you clearly see your prey no matter how dark the surroundings are.
The thermal imaging technology has recently been increasingly accessible to the average shooter and they’ve never been better than they are right now.
But choosing the right thermal scope can be a very tedious job. And trust me, you’ve got to have some basic ideas about these scopes, how they work, and what features to target.
1. Price
Thermal scopes are indeed not inexpensive. That is because they are a specialty item. The demand for mass production of the microbolometer sensors isn’t there. The components used embrace high-tech and the value could be brought down if high volume production was viable.
If you can’ afford a thermal scope, try a night vision scope like the BESTSIGHT Digital Night Vision or a thermal viewer like the Leupold LTO Quest Thermal Viewer. They won’t give you that amazing experience, but they may help you get your job done to some extent without having to break the bank.
There is also the mid-range Trijicon ACOG 4 X 32 Scope Dual Illuminated Chevron .223 Ballistic Reticle where ACOG stands for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight. It features a dual-illuminated reticle to work fine in low or no light conditions.
On the other hand, if you’ve enough money and want to enjoy an unforgettable night-hunting experience, the Trijicon Reap-IR, 60mm, Black is at your service. Coming with a $9500 price tag, this is probably the most expensive thermal scope out there!
2. Magnification (H3)
Magnification power in thermal scopes can range from 1x to 16x and greater. These scopes have a reliability range of 300 yards, so a magnification power greater than 3x is somewhat redundant.
Keep in mind, the more you zoom, the smaller the field of vision gets. Digital zoom can cause less clear images. Figure out how far you plan to be shooting and the picture quality you desire. You can then determine how far your magnification needs to be.
3. Sensor Resolution (H3)
The paramount features of a thermal scope are the screen resolution and refresh rate. Never matter how great your sensor is or how far your zooming capabilities are. Your scope will be rendered ineffective if the image is not crisp and clear enough.
Higher refresh rates and better screen resolution will output clear, crisp images. Carefully select your scope bearing in mind the quality of the image presented.
4. Range (H3)
Range and magnification go hand in hand. The thermal detection array’s sensitivity can detect thermal radiation at fair distances. In this way, you can see your target approaching whilst you get into position for a good shot.
Most scopes can give you a range of 1000 yards and above, a moderate scope costing under 2000 USD around 300-500 yards. Seasoned hunters will settle for either since taking a shot at 200 yards is the norm for a surer shot and a night hunting safety precaution.
5. Durability (H3)
Like it is for any outdoor equipment and tools, guns are subjected to dust elements, moisture, fog, heat, and cold, meaning there’s no alternative to taking care of it.
For thermal scopes, they are even more sensitive to such factors for being high-tech and prone to damage under harsh conditions. This is why they need to be taken special care.
Banging and rough handling might damage the sensitive internal precision parts under the hood. It can cause misalignment and imperfect performance, in the worst-case scenario, rendering it totally useless. So, the durability of the scope depends a lot on the user and the way it is used.
6. Extras
Understandably, thermal scopes with rangefinders, inclinometers, and GPS are acceptable. The desirability of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to stream to a smartphone is your choice. Only weigh the extra cost you will be incurring.
A useful extra is the bullet drop compensator (BDC). Your rifle is zeroed for a particular range, typically 100 yards. The possible drop in the bullet for that range is compensated for when you fire.
Suppose your target by your estimate is 300 yards away, just aim using the 300-yard reticle and press the trigger.
7. Battery Life
Battery life of a thermal scope is usually restricted to 5 hours and above. Some operate on disposable batteries and some can be recharged.
8. Refresh Rate (30Hz Vs 60Hz)
The refresh rate as pointed out earlier plays a pivotal role in the image quality delivered. Most of the thermal imagery scopes available today fall under the 30Hz or 60Hz category.
The figure denotes the number of times the image is refreshed in a cycle. The higher the refresh rate, the more lifelike the image is. It is therefore recommended to go in for a scope that provides a higher refresh rate.
Thermal Imaging Hunting Tips
- The cardinal rule of hunting is to hold your shot. Most of us give in to the excitement and enthusiasm and press the trigger. This has sometimes cost dearly. It after all only takes a second to get your identification of the target correct and that it is a critter or a varmint you are seeing through your scope. Go for the trigger then.
- You need to give yourself a little time to set up your optic. It has to warm up, calibrate itself, you need to make adjustments for wind on the Ballistic Calculator, etc. before you pull on your boots.
- Make use of your smartphone by streaming your view onto it. It acts as a second pair of eyes and is also a cross-check to verify your observations.
- The Law. Be well versed with laws governing hunting. Is it allowed after dark? What can you bring down? Not all animals are allowed to be hunted. What is the bag limit applicable? Laws also vary from State to State.
- Check your zero regularly. That one single parameter sets up your device. If it wanders off, bring it back or your efforts won’t pay.
- Take good care of your scope and repair it immediately if you notice any issues.
Wrapping It Up
We believe that with our detailed thermal scope reviews and buyer’s guide, you’ll make an informed buying decision and buy the best thermal scope to get real value from your investment.
For example, the Reap-IR seems to be a jack of all trades, the ATN ThOR 348 especially for hunting and so on. But readers should invest their time in reading up more and objectively arriving at their choice. Engage other owners for first-hand tips and pointers.
FAQs
Q. 1: Which thermal scope is employed by the military?
Ans: The AN/PAS-13 is the thermal scope currently used by the US Military.
Q. 2: Can a thermal scope penetrate walls?
Ans: No, they cannot. Even glass is a barrier, no matter if you’re using the white hot or black hot or iron hot or rainbow or any other setting.
Q. 3: Is daylight use possible with a Thermal scope?
Ans: Yes. In daylight nothing hinders using a thermal scope. Sometimes when it gets warmer, it can get a little trickier but is still possible.
Q. 4: Is seeing through fog with a Thermal scope possible?
Ans: Yes, most thermal optics can see through fog, smoke, and rain.
Q. 5: Can thermal scopes be financed?
Ans: Yes, you can finance a thermal scope. Many financial institutions will finance anything. Amazon has a financing scheme too.
Q. 6: Can a crossbow be fitted with a thermal scope?
Ans: Yes. Most of the quality Crossbows can be successfully fitted with thermal scopes. Though they are not meant or configured for crossbow mounting, they do work, especially the ATN series.
Q. 7: What is the life expectancy of a thermal scope?
Ans: That is a determinant of how often and how long you use it. The thermal cores come with a warranty of 10 years. That would be the average lifespan of a thermal scope.
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