Night Vision Scope for Predator Hunting

[Josh Faulkenburg]

I went hunting this weekend with my uncle and got hooked. He has a AR-15 with a Gen-II Night vision scope. I used it most of the night hunting and [beeep] it i really am wanting to get one now. But i am wanting to keep it under 1k for a scope if possible and still get decent quality if that's even possible. I don't want to put down 2k+ for one since its not going to be tactical just predator hunting purposes only. I have a kill light 250 on my .223 currently but the night vision is just amazing lol. Anyone have some insight/experience they would care to share?

 

[OldTurtle]

Josh, While it's slightly over what you stated cost level, At the PM Hunt, one of our local dealers sent down an ATN Gen-2 rifle scope for me to play with... Unfortunately, since it was equipped with a IR illuminator (against NM rules), I didn't get to use it much...other than just to see the potential...

It was priced through the dealer at $1350 and could be used in the passive mode, as well as with the enhanced illumination..The red reticle was highly adjustable and while I didn't go to the effort of setting the 'zero' at the range,what little time I did get to try it out down in the Ozark Hills, I'm a lot like you and could get hooked on one really easy...

The property owner raises goats and is continually being plagued by wild dogs and Coyotes, as well as other predators and this scope would have allowed me to sit back in the shadows of the barn and snipe any intruders way out in the wood line...

 

[HTRN57]

Josh,

I suggest you start with the same scope that your uncle is using if you like it that well. There are too many units on the market advertised as Gen II's when in fact they are something less than that. Some Gen II's perform better than others as well so I would hate to see you spend a lot of money and not be satisfied. I currently sell all Gen 3 stuff that is well over your price range....but it also performs much better than Gen 2 stuff. Whatever you do don't go below a Gen II and make sure you understand the return policy of the dealer you are purchasing from. Most have a 10 to 25% restocking charge. That could mean 250 dollars out the door because you didn't like the unit you purchased. Kevin