Gen 2 Night vision for shooting for less than $1k?

T

TCS

New member
Is there such a thing as a night vision system that would be acceptable for making the shot only (using flir for scanning then gun mounted night vision for shooting) that I could put together for less than $1k?

I'm thinking something like a gen 2 monocular behind a day scope with a torch illuminator?

I've got a tentative agreement with SWMBO that would allow me to spend approximately $3k total on a night vision setup and I really would like to find a way to incorporate a thermal scanner into it.
 
I use an ATN Night Spirit Gen 2+ that is bearable. Same concept as you, mount it behind a red-dot and use the FLIR for most of the work.

That cost me . . . $1500? I think I've seen them cheaper though. Hard to find good NV in Canada though.

This is what I used in the summer:
 
Last edited:
I went out on a limb and bought the NS-520 Gen 2HP Night Vision scope. Just got it tonight, my house is in a 7 acre field and I have a range set up along the back side with 50 yards 100 and 200 yards marked out with scarfs on the trees painted red.

Also bought IR illumination. there's 3 or 4 inches of snow on the ground which I'm sure is helping. There's no doubt in my mind i'd be able to ID out to 200 yards... farther really with the snow. I had my lab out there running around acting silly and it would be impossible to mistake him for anything else.

The only downside so far is after seeing how well the gen 2 is working I'd really like to look at a top of the line gen 3 unit now. being a poor old country boy I know it'd only be a look through it but no way in [beeep] I can afford it thing.

The monocular idea might not be a bad one I have a brand new VX-R 4x12 scope i'm not sure what to do with now.

On a side note this site has taken the bad word filter thing to a whole new level
 
Originally Posted By: the impactzonesorry not such thing! you will not be happy with that price range, as said before pay once cry once

Phil is quite correct.

We could EASILY sell Gen 1 systems all day long, call it just fine and "useable" like some do but it's just not true. We've gotten beat up before saying it, but I have to say it again. Unless you're building or getting a CASCADE type Gen 1, no normal Gen 1 is worth any of your hard earned dollar. This also goes for the low cost Gen 2's we've tested and used with Russian tubes at 17-29LP or less or also very tough to see that clear.

Another point is the very cheap body housings used with these low cost units are problems many times with easily broken parts etc. Early on testing, we had heaps of parts broken from field use from these devices.

I know folks will be surprised to hear me say this, BUT with digital scopes coming down in price I would nowadays buy one of these units over a Gen 1 (FOR SURE) and some Gen 2 Russian built units. Granted, the Digi's WILL need IR illumination and lots of it in extreme darkness, but you can at least see better than with the Gen 1's and low end Gen 2's to take short range shots. Make no mistake, Digi units are NOT true NV units, (they do not amplify light) but have their place in the hunting world. I feel Digi will only get better vs. the original marketing sham of Supervision several years back.

Hope this helps.
smile.gif


Vic
 
Vic,

Point taken. I guess I was just trying to figure out a way to incorporate a thermal scanner into a hunting setup for less than $3k total. Doesn't seem like it's going to happen. You guys will be on my short list when I get to the point where I can think about making a purchase. Gotta keep saving some money first.
 
Originally Posted By: TCSIs there such a thing as a night vision system that would be acceptable for making the shot only (using flir for scanning then gun mounted night vision for shooting) that I could put together for less than $1k?

I'm thinking something like a gen 2 monocular behind a day scope with a torch illuminator?

I've got a tentative agreement with SWMBO that would allow me to spend approximately $3k total on a night vision setup and I really would like to find a way to incorporate a thermal scanner into it.

TCS,

We can get you set up for scanning and shooting with our MX-160 Signature Series Scope (Gen 3) for as low as 2400 if you want to go with a used tube. With new tubes we can set you up at around 2900. Includes Gen 3 monocular, Day/Night Riflescope Quick Attach Adapter, Long range IR illuminator, stock extender, quick focus ring, and instructional DVD set. Good value for Gen 3 system, you can check it out here: http://www.hightechredneckincorporated.com/Night_Vision_Scopes_s/2.htm
 
Originally Posted By: HTRN57
TCS,

We can get you set up for scanning and shooting with our MX-160 Signature Series Scope (Gen 3) for as low as 2400 if you want to go with a used tube. With new tubes we can set you up at around 2900. Includes Gen 3 monocular, Day/Night Riflescope Quick Attach Adapter, Long range IR illuminator, stock extender, quick focus ring, and instructional DVD set. Good value for Gen 3 system, you can check it out here: http://www.hightechredneckincorporated.com/Night_Vision_Scopes_s/2.htm

Sorry, but $2900 isn't exactly what I was looking for. I just can't see the benefit to that over a PVS-14 setup. Am I missing something? Either way, I still don't have the cash to incorporate thermal.
 
We are killing things with this stuff,safty and target identification is everything.If you can not afford to buy the good stuff,save up.
 
Last edited:

I can't afford the good stuff, not right now anyway. But, that doesn't mean that I can't enjoy and experience night vision while I'm waiting / saving. My Gen 1 scope has proven that. It all depends on how you intend to hunt. Over bait for coyotes, and with the aid of a small IR light or two, you will put them on the ground. If you hunt like most who post here do, being mobile and calling, then a Gen 1 won't cut it. The Gen 1 scope has it's place, though admittedly limited. Whether it's for you or not depends on the way you hunt.


 
Sorry I was interpreting your statement "I've got a tentative agreement with SWMBO that would allow me to spend approximately $3k total on a night vision setup and I really would like to find a way to incorporate a thermal scanner into it." that you were going to be spending 3K.

Our systems do not require using another NV unit to scan with. You can use the same monocular to scan and shoot with. I was just informing you of that posibility. Although two systems would be your best choice, you have to decide if the added benefit is worth double the cost. I am not aware of any Gen 2 NV systems for under 1K. Kevin
 
Yeah sorry if I wasn't clear, I was trying to see if there was a solution that would allow me to scan with thermal and shoot with night vision that would cost less than $3k total.

If there isn't, my only option is probably a nv system with a quick attach option where I can scan with it either on a head mount or handheld and then snap it onto the gun to shoot. In which case I guess I would be looking at a PVS-14 vs. MX-160, so my follow up question to you was what advantage does the MX-160 unit have vs a PVS-14 system?
 
Thermal and NV under 3000.00. Get flir ps24 $1700.00 new 2 yr warranty for spotting live critters 2 or 4 legged works great! MK350, MK410, aries 330 ~$300-500, will work with strong IR light source like eagletac t100c2 3.4w 850nm(130$ with (2) 18650 lithium ion batts and (1)charger home/auto). The gen I night vision is a childs toy compared to pvs14 gen III ITT Pinnacle. Keep in mind the thermal is not 100% best nor is GEN III night vision. Each has its pros as well as cons, but I have mk330, pvs14, t100c2, and thermal. (160yds NO PROBLEM! with gen I, 400yds no problem with gen III.) Currently lent a buddy my aries 330 and laser IR he said he is good to 200yds no problem!
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: TCS Yeah sorry if I wasn't clear, I was trying to see if there was a solution that would allow me to scan with thermal and shoot with night vision that would cost less than $3k total.

If there isn't, my only option is probably a nv system with a quick attach option where I can scan with it either on a head mount or handheld and then snap it onto the gun to shoot. In which case I guess I would be looking at a PVS-14 vs. MX-160, so my follow up question to you was what advantage does the MX-160 unit have vs a PVS-14 system?



The advantages are more compact, lighter weight, less cost, and longer warranty. They will perform about the same as a PVS-14 with the exception that they don't have a manual gain adjustment and there is no low battery indicator. They use all of the attachments available for the PVS-14 with the only exception being Day/Night scope adapters (which we sell). The MX-160s have only been on the market for about 2 years so their re-sale value would probably not hold up as well as the more popular PVS-14. Kevin
 
Back
Top