Entry level thermal scope for varmints.

pharmfisher

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 23, 2023
Messages
103
I'm starting to look for a thermal scope for my .22. I have a lot of rabbits and raccoons that are obviously easier to "take care of" after dark. I'm thinking it would be pretty cool to get a thermal imaging scope for this. My issue is that I don't want to spend a fortune. My question is, are there any models out there for a reasonable price that are usable? Or do you really have to spend thousands to get something you can hunt with?
 
Joined
Nov 8, 2016
Messages
1,642
Location
Kiowa/Deer Trail, CO
Wraith mini thermal......
IMG_0874.jpeg
 

kkp005

WKR
Joined
Jan 4, 2021
Messages
325
Location
Texas
Don’t skimp out… you’ll be underwhelmed with anything less than a 384 resolution
 
Joined
Aug 10, 2015
Messages
1,124
Location
Coeur d alene, ID.
The 384 is easily obtainable and like said above no reason to really go lower than that resolution.
There are new 384's under 2k and especially if you watch some of the used pages you can find some amazing deals as lrf is now a pretty standard option coming into play with all resolutions at most companies.
 

gr8fuldoug

WKR
Rokslide Sponsor
Joined
May 21, 2013
Messages
5,157
Location
Old Bethpage, NY
We are running an extra 10% off on already reduced sale pricing on all Refurbished Pulsar Nightvision and Thermals. You can get:

DIGEX N450 Digital Night Vision Riflescope reduced from $1,199.97 to only $949.99 then call in for an extra 10% off = only $854.99

DIGEX N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope reduced from $1,199.97 to only $949.99 then call in for an extra 10% off = only $854.99

Digisight Ultra N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope reduced from $1,299.97 to only $999.99 then call in for an extra 10% off = only $899.99

Digisight Ultra N455 LRF Digital Night Vision Rangefinding Riflescope reduced from $1,499.97 to only $1099.99 then call in for an extra 10% off = only $989.99

Take a Look at Full Inventory
 
OP
P

pharmfisher

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 23, 2023
Messages
103
After doing some research I'm wondering if I should be looking for an IR night vision scope and not a thermal. The thing I have going for me is that I only need to see in my backyard, about 65 yards. I really like the look of the sightron mini, any other reviews on this one?
 
Joined
Sep 28, 2018
Messages
1,745
Location
VA
I've used cheap stuff and stuff I'm embarrassed to say how much I spent on it.. Pulsar is probably the lowest "quality" i would buy
 
Joined
Feb 25, 2012
Messages
2,244
After doing some research I'm wondering if I should be looking for an IR night vision scope and not a thermal. The thing I have going for me is that I only need to see in my backyard, about 65 yards. I really like the look of the sightron mini, any other reviews on this one?
I've seen good reviews on the SM Wraith. I would actually suggest something like that over a decent thermal because it will cost a lot less and work fine for your application.
 

waspocrew

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 2, 2022
Messages
137
Location
Billings, MT
AGM Neith or even the Arken Zulus might fit your bill better than a lower end thermal. I have no experience with either, but videos online seem pretty decent especially for the price. I’ve thought about picking up one for a backup when friends join me.
 
OP
P

pharmfisher

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 23, 2023
Messages
103
Wraith mini thermal......
IMG_0874.jpeg
Do you think that optic would be usable on a .22 bolt rifle without the swept back mount? I don't think that mount will work on the short pic rail I have. Is it possible to get close enough to the optic if it were mounted like a regular scope? I'm hoping it'd work given how small my .22 stock is.
 
Joined
Nov 8, 2016
Messages
1,642
Location
Kiowa/Deer Trail, CO
Do you think that optic would be usable on a .22 bolt rifle without the swept back mount? I don't think that mount will work on the short pic rail I have. Is it possible to get close enough to the optic if it were mounted like a regular scope? I'm hoping it'd work given how small my .22 stock is.
The Wraith mini comes with a short rail clamp. I bought the cantilever base clamp because the eye relief was too long without it.
IMG_0699.jpeg



this pic does not have the rubber eyepiece attached, but you can see the base differences.
 
OP
P

pharmfisher

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 23, 2023
Messages
103
The Wraith mini comes with a short rail clamp. I bought the cantilever base clamp because the eye relief was too long without it.
IMG_0699.jpeg



this pic does not have the rubber eyepiece attached, but you can see the base differences.
Yes, so my question is, is the optic usable at all if I were to mount it like you have it in this picture (without the aftermarket cantilever mount)? I don't think the swept back mount will fit on my short pic rail. I understand it's probably more comfortable with the swept back mount, but we're you able to use it at all with the factory provided mount?
 
Joined
Feb 25, 2012
Messages
2,244
Yes, so my question is, is the optic usable at all if I were to mount it like you have it in this picture (without the aftermarket cantilever mount)? I don't think the swept back mount will fit on my short pic rail. I understand it's probably more comfortable with the swept back mount, but were you able to use it at all with the factory provided mount?
I don’t have that exact setup. But it sucks trying to use it like that. Which is why a lot of companies are coming out with extended bases to mount on a bolt action.
 
Top