Questions on getting and using night vision scopes

[Ridge Runner]

In today's commercial market of night scopes I am totally clueless.

Tennessee has finally, although limited the use of, has approved night hunting with night scopes and use of electronic calls for coyotes and bobcat.

I'm interested in mounting a night scope on my 22 Hornet.

For those that use and have experience hunting with night scopes I would like to hear your recommendations, pros and cons, and using a night scope on a rifle that isn't threaded for a suppressor.

If possible, rather if available, I would prefer a combination daylight/night scope for use.

Also information and experiences on taking a night scope to use in RSA. I know certain technology, ie night scopes are regulated for import/export so I'm looking for something that an individual can legally export/import.

 

[Sika98k]

The Arken Zulu, a digital day and night scope is gaining a lot of popularity in the U.K. they are at an affordable price point also. Daytime optics are not going to be at Zeiss, Swarovski etc levels but perfectly capable.
I can’t comment on bringing a night scope to SA. But if I were to take one across borders in the EU I would require an export licence.

 

[Tra3]

You will need both a rifle scope and a handheld monocular. I’d look at Pulsar. It won’t be an inexpensive endeavor, but it does open up a whole new block of time for hunting. The better quality you buy, the more you will be able to see.

I’d spend more on the handheld monocular than the scope, as you’ll spend significantly more time on the monocular.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Several years ago I spent money on pulsar night vision, which I used with limited success. There is a big difference between sitting in a blind 75yards from a hog feeder and hunting PAC elephant in a mealie field at unknown distances. You just do not know the distance. NV fell into disuse except in a blind lion, leopard &hyena.

Fast forward I ordered and accumulated the really good stuff. Pulsar binocs with rangefinder. Pulsar top dollar scope with range finder. Then my world came crashing down. Now I do not think I can even PROPERLY mount and put the rifle scope into operation.

The binocs are a dream, but heavy. I believe this is the way to go.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

I purchased mine in Zimbabe.

Lon

 

[petander]

Years ago I went cheap with a Yukon NVRS. It still works but is nowhere near modern equipment.

Oh,I just saw your suppressor note. My dedicated night rifle is suppressed, without it the flash WILL blind you for an hour. Even with subsonic loads, the NV will amplify the flash quite a bit.

Maybe modern ones do not? I don't know.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

I had not considered muzzle flash.

Lon

 

[Moe324]

My pH in Limpopo for night animals used all pulsar stuff. I shot animals with the high end scope and the cheaper scope attachment. The high end scope was 1000 times better then the attachment.

 

[MontanaGrant]

My thought: I have had night vision. Pulsar among them. I would skip that and go straight to Thermal. Cheapish Thermal trumps higher end NV in my opinion. The downside to thermal is harder target ID, however at .22 Hornet Ranges that will not be an issue. What is your budget?

I have an admittedly "Budget" $2500 AGM Thermal but it works well for predator control here in Montana. And I have several friends who have two different $8,000 thermal scopes which is awe-inspiring. And there's some very decent $1500 thermal out there now as well. Grudgingly I will say there is passable $1000 thermal that would work in TN as they're ok but very cold-sensitive.

 

[Ridge Runner]

My thought: I have had night vision. Pulsar among them. I would skip that and go straight to Thermal. Cheapish Thermal trumps higher end NV in my opinion. The downside to thermal is harder target ID, however at .22 Hornet Ranges that will not be an issue. What is your budget?

I have an admittedly "Budget" $2500 AGM Thermal but it works well for predator control here in Montana. And I have several friends who have two different $8,000 thermal scopes which is awe-inspiring. And there's some very decent $1500 thermal out there now as well. Grudgingly I will say there is passable $1000 thermal that would work in TN as they're ok but very cold-sensitive.

I haven't seriously started looking at scopes and prices yet, so the budget hasn't been set. For my use and not doing an infinite amount of night shooting, and considering the very second I hand over my cash, the very next second a better scope within or under my budget will hit the shelves. I'm guesstimating a budget of $2500.00 to $4000.00 range.

Since my plan for 2025 is to hunt some night critters in RSA. I was wondering if any members might have exported and imported a night scope and what the procedures are.

 

[Inline6]

I will echo what @MontanaGrant has said. Thermal is the way to go, 640 is a nice luxury to have. That said, you would be money well spent to get a cheap hand held scanner and cheaper rifle scope it that is all the budget allowed.

 

[analog_peninsula]

I could be wrong, but I don’t think any nv gear is exportable. That out of the way, the cheapest way into functional night hunting is an entry level thermal scanner, and a digital nv scope with a decent 800nm ir illuminator. Make sure your scanner is at least a 384 model and pick a model with very low magnification, absolutely under 2.5x, preferably less. The Sightmark 4k seems to be the gold standard in digital nv. Most seem to prefer the 2x over the 4x model.

The next step up is thermal for both your scanner and rifle scope, and it’s a big step up. Night scopes all have a very limited field of view, so be conservative when it comes to magnification. If you want to shoot moving targets, keep your base magnification at 2x or less. Avoid ATN products like the plague. Occasionally one will work correctly, but it’s very much a lottery.

You don’t need more than decent (AGM) thermal to shoot hogs under a feeder at 80 yards, but the prices on 640 thermal have been falling like a rock. I just gave up my lease, or I’d probably upgrade to a 640 scope, but I do have a 640 scanner to go with my Pulsar Talion 384, and that works perfectly well for my current use. FWIW, I much prefer night hunting here in the south any time of year other than winter. It’s both fun and addictive with well chosen gear.

 

[analog_peninsula]

Lest you think I’m full of crap:

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

In today's commercial market of night scopes I am totally clueless.

Tennessee has finally, although limited the use of, has approved night hunting with night scopes and use of electronic calls for coyotes and bobcat.

I'm interested in mounting a night scope on my 22 Hornet.

For those that use and have experience hunting with night scopes I would like to hear your recommendations, pros and cons, and using a night scope on a rifle that isn't threaded for a suppressor.

If possible, rather if available, I would prefer a combination daylight/night scope for use.

Also information and experiences on taking a night scope to use in RSA. I know certain technology, ie night scopes are regulated for import/export so I'm looking for something that an individual can legally export/import.

@Ridge Runner
I only have experience with the Strong 66 night vision. Bought it for my 25 and it is absolutely brilliant in my book. I do admit I have very limited knowledge in this area but what appealed to me is that you can use it with your existing scope and change it to multiple rifles from 22lr up to 9.3x62.
You just fit and adaptor to your ocular and give the sytong 1/4 turn to lock it in place.
Off the rifle it can be used as a monocular to scan and area then quickly attach it to your rifle.
With multiple adaptors on say five rifles you can switch it between them a quick adjustment to centre it and done. Comes with its own built in IR illuminator.
The beauty of this system to me is you don't have to resight you rifle. Just click in place centre the dot with YOUR reticle and away you go.
When not in use take it off and use your sope as normal.
To me it's the quickest easiest idea I have come across in the price range.
My brain can't compute all the functions on thermal and other day/ night scopes so this suits me fine and dandy.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I haven't seriously started looking at scopes and prices yet, so the budget hasn't been set. For my use and not doing an infinite amount of night shooting, and considering the very second I hand over my cash, the very next second a better scope within or under my budget will hit the shelves. I'm guesstimating a budget of $2500.00 to $4000.00 range.

Since my plan for 2025 is to hunt some night critters in RSA. I was wondering if any members might have exported and imported a night scope and what the procedures are.

@Ridge Runner
With the Strong 66 you could just throw it in your luggage and say it's a monocular, then fit it to your scope as required.
Cheeky but possible.
Bob

 

[Ridge Runner]

So far, here in Tennessee, the only varmints we are legally allowed to hunt starting this year are coyotes and bobcats. Hogs are still only legal to be hunted as incident to and by legal weapons for hunting deer, bear, small game, during respective seasons statewide. Exception to private landowners, or their agent(s), with special permit.

The night vision gear won't be used very much or very often. I can't justify spending the funds for top gear that's not getting used on some sort of regular basis.

I do like @Bob Nelson 35Whelen 's suggestions on using a Sytong, If I can find them in the states.....or one in Africa....perhaps add it to my camera equipment .

 

[Ridge Runner]

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen

How does the HT 66 react to muzzle flash?
Is a noise or flash suppressor needed?
Do you know if these are sold in the US?

 

[mdwest]

Night vision, correct? Not thermal?

Many Day/NV optics are affordable compared to thermal options.

For a day/night scope I’ve got a sightmark wraith… I got mine for $499 a few years ago on a “show special” at DSC when the normal retail price was $799… now that the wraith mini is out the normal price for the wraith HD is $499 and you can typically find them on sale somewhere for about $450…

Between my wife and I we’ve taken dozens of hogs with it.. she actually got a big boar with it just last weekend…

I’ve transitioned to a thermal on my AR10 now.. but she still prefers the wraith NV… (each has some advantages and disadvantages)…

With the wraith and the standard IR light they provide you can pretty easily see and engage targets out to a little more than 100 yards on a very dark night.. if you upgrade the IR like I did you can stretch that out a good bit more… I added a mid grade sniper hog IR.. I can pretty easily see and engage out to about 200 now…

 

[rookhawk]

In today's commercial market of night scopes I am totally clueless.

Tennessee has finally, although limited the use of, has approved night hunting with night scopes and use of electronic calls for coyotes and bobcat.

I'm interested in mounting a night scope on my 22 Hornet.

For those that use and have experience hunting with night scopes I would like to hear your recommendations, pros and cons, and using a night scope on a rifle that isn't threaded for a suppressor.

If possible, rather if available, I would prefer a combination daylight/night scope for use.

Also information and experiences on taking a night scope to use in RSA. I know certain technology, ie night scopes are regulated for import/export so I'm looking for something that an individual can legally export/import.

We were curious, so we bought one, an ATN. It’s a lot of technology in the package, but it’s not a really practical thing. (We haven’t yet used it for winter coyote hunting)

The thing I didn’t understand is just how gigantic they are, how much paraphernalia is hanging off of them, and how impractical they are for mobility. It will be just fine for sitting in a heated hunting blind with a coyote caller on a full moon night, but I’m tired just taking it out of the case and turning it on.

 

[skydiver386]

Without extensive paperwork, taking any of these devices out of the country and bringing them back in is going to be a non starter.

I've looked through and used most of what's out there and I'm still happy with an Armasight Vulcan purchased new a few years ago for around $1500. A strong IR illuminator and you can shoot to 200 yards on a good night. For thermal gear, the AGM Rattler is decent for close to mid range work.

Keep one thing in mind with night vision gear. You are going to be rough on it, and things are going to get knocked around and broken. Anytime you do things in the dark, it's going to happen, and spending 5k on your hearts desire might not be a good idea. Along this same line, avoid any device with a single mounting point. If it only has one ring around the tube, or one qr clamping it to the base, it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Every soldier that's ever marched across a training area at double arm interval looking for Private Snuffy's lost night vision gear knows where I'm coming from.