3x Mil Spec Lens vs. 3x Commercial lens

Pete Robinette

Pete Robinette

New member
I will be purchasing a EoTech XPS3-0 this friday (pay day, yea). The next purchase after that will be TNVC TM14 mount.
My question is that I see 3x magnification lenses priced from $100 - $5/600. Is there a real difference in Mil Spec and whatever the others are?
I like the 3x magnification lens due to being able to put on/off PVS-14 easily without threading the lens on.
I have read and read the posts about different lenses and correct me if I'm wrong, the 3x is the only one that you can pop on/off the PVS-14?
please let me know if there are other lenses out there that can be put on/off as easily.
 

I went with a Burris Tripler and Larue FTS mount for a day setup. You will need to get a HIGH mount to use behind the EXPS Eotech. Whatever you get I would make sure it has reticle centering adjustments in the magnifier.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/artripler.html

Larue refers to it as the "tall" model.

http://www.laruetactical.com/larue-tactical-qd-pivot-mount

This is the style PVS14 mount I ended up with after trying a few. It sets the PVS14 far back enough to mount Eotech on your upper and use the 3x lens on the PVS14. Plan on threading the 3x magnifier onto the PVS14...the slip on attachment won't cut it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USGI-NIGHT-VISIO...=item2eca1a9991

ok5VW6X.jpg

 
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I'm sorry, I may have not typed it out like I wanted to say it while the thought was going through my head.
The 3x magnification lens is for the PVS-14 to use at night with the EoTech. I see some lenses that look the same but do not say Mil spec and are much less expensive. They look the same but have different prices. Is there really a difference in the lenses or at least enough to justify a 3 or 4 hundred dollar difference?
Maybe I got it right now.
 
I am sure some are better than others.....HTRN sells them for $245....check with him. I think I paid $200 for mine.

http://www.hightechredneckincorporated.com/product_p/nva3600.htm

Pay attention to the EXTRA information in my post. I tried several different mounts and this setup worked the best. The mount I linked you to does not mount around the focus ring of your PVS14 and put stress on it. The slip on quick mount ring is for helmet mounting and the unit will not stand up to recoil. You will need to thread the 3x onto the PVS14 focus ring when using it on your rifle.

Also you will not be able to get everything mounted onto the rail of your upper RECEIVER with the 3x mag unless you use a mount with a lot of SETBACK. It will force you to move your Eotech onto your forearm rail.....not the best setup.

I was also letting you know what to get for a day setup. I start out with the Burris 3x if hunting before dark and then switch to the PVS14.

If you are dead set on the mount in your post you might look at the Summit mount. It is a nice mount that is easy to use.......I have one sitting in my safe. If you want to buy my $200 mistake I will be glad to sell it to you. You are also working with different heights with different mounts.

http://www.summitnightvision.com/docs/snvg/snvg-dloc-pvs_specs.pdf

LuXmBp9.jpg


Notice how far AFT the PVS14 in relation to the charging handle.
 
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I appreciate the information. That mount is much cheaper then the other mounts. Is that a ITAL IR laser on the front? If so, how do you like it?
 
Originally Posted By: Pete RobinetteI appreciate the information. That mount is much cheaper then the other mounts. Is that a ITAL IR laser on the front? If so, how do you like it?


Yes that is the ITAL laser. I have to admit that I have used it very little because my PVS14 is usually mounted on my rifle.

That will change soon. I have a thermal clip on that should be shipped in a few days. I will be able to use the PVS14 helmet mounted to use with the ITAL laser and have the thermal for my rifle.
 
GMAN,
I was finally able to locate a EoTech EXPS 3-0 and ordered it Friday afternoon and it came in today. I also ordered the USGI mount and it came in today also. It was like Christmas at my house today. I mounted everything up just to look through it and it is awesome. It is amazing to see how much FOV I keep now and how much light the scope was taking away from the NV.
I will purchase the 3x mag lens her next week to finish it off. Thanks for the advice.
 
Pete,

Glad the setup is going to work for you. These things were learned from other members as they were helping me to find a setup also.

I suggest you mount the EXPS3 in the most forward position you can on your receiver rail. That way you will have no trouble with the PVS14/3x mag combo fitting behind. It will also work well with a 3x/FTS mount for day use.

You might check the Eotech mount after shooting some. Mine had loosened up a little at first.

Also....remember to turn your EXPS3 on and look thru it to verify you switched the reticle to NV mode BEFORE you mount he PVS14 behind it. Then leave it on as long as you are hunting and turn on the PVS14 to shoot.


 
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