Recommendations for a Thermal Rifle Optic

[FP1201]

With the idea of Hunting using subsonic .338ARC on a MSR platform at Ranges of 100yds or less, can someone offer their experiences with a Thermal Optic:
Anyone using a monocular ahead of a scope?
Dedicated Thermal Scope? If so, magnification?

 

[Bustedknees]

Tag the guys from the varmint threads.

 

[Tisto]

@Shoots100 this one is all you, baby !

 

[RedBreast21]

100 yards or less? AGM TM15 384 unit for a monocular would work. No focusing and it has a wide FOV at 100yrds.

The AGM Rattler V2 25-384 for out to 200 yards. I have both and for budget units work very well.

Of course the sky is the limit and you can go up to 684 resolution unit and higher.

There are also other manufacturers out there that use the exact same internals packaged differently.

I would watch some YouTube videos on the thermal stuff. Not the which brand is better BS but watch how thermals tech works and what the different spec terminology means.

 

[FP1201]

100 yards or less? AGM TM15 384 unit for a monocular would work. No focusing and it has a wide FOV at 100yrds.

The AGM Rattler V2 25-384 for out to 200 yards. I have both and for budget units work very well.

Of course the sky is the limit and you can go up to 684 resolution unit and higher.

There are also other manufacturers out there that use the exact same internals packaged differently.

I would watch some YouTube videos on the thermal stuff. Not the which brand is better BS but watch how thermals tech work and what the different spec terminology means.

Hundred yards or less
Rattlers are both out of stock and priced very modestly compared to other models.
USDA guys have thermals and cans; we can't have cans...yet.

 

[Tisto]

My first thermal was a FLIR and although it was a decent scope, I outgrew it's capabilities quickly. Since then I bought a INFIRAY RICO . It had a few problems after about a year and I had a bit of trouble getting them to fix it properly. Before the issues with the RICO developed, I purchased a INFIRAY ZOOM handheld mono. That has been flawless. Would I recommend an INFIRAY product ? Yeah, probably. I think they've worked out the bugs by now. Neither of the Infiray products I own are valu priced.

I saw these and honestly they have piqued my interest. Not so much for hunting, but to mount on the primary battle rifle.

DNT ThermNight Multispectral Scope: Thermal & Digital Night Vision Combined

ThermNight by DNT Optics combines thermal imaging and digital night vision in one versatile system. With clear, high-contrast visuals and long-range detection, ThermNight ensures accurate performance whether you're night hunting, conducting search and rescue, or operating in tactical scenarios...

us.dntoptics.com

 

[Shoots100]

What's your budget ?
Once that's known then I can give recommendations.

SJC

 

[FP1201]

What's your budget ?
Once that's known then I can give recommendations.

SJC

Was hoping to get in around a grand (wholesale)
Sports South carries a good selection of AGM.
The intent for all this is putting together a 16" MSR upper for night time use filling nuisance Deer Tags at ranges at or under 100yds.

 

[Shoots100]

If it's just for deer culling, any digital NV scope with a 4x base mag using an IR illuminator will work.
Looking over the sports south site at what's available in your price range, I would say the AGM spectrum LRF DNV scope would be a good choice for your needs.
Spectrum
I advise digital because it's protected from accidental light exposure, which is going to happen.
I would say that any thermal monocular in the 384 minimum resolution category will greatly improve your animal detection and be the perfect accoutrement to the DNV scope.
SJC

 

[FP1201]

If it's just for deer culling, any digital NV scope with a 4x base mag using an IR illuminator will work.
Looking over the sports south site at what's available in your price range, I would say the AGM spectrum LRF DNV scope would be a good choice for your needs.
Spectrum
I advise digital because it's protected from accidental light exposure, which is going to happen.
I would say that any thermal monocular in the 384 minimum resolution category will greatly improve your animal detection and be the perfect accoutrements to the DNV scope.
SJC

Thanks, this is new ground for me.
Rough handling is likely as well as errant light exposure.
the .338 ARC in sub-sonic looks very promising!

 

[Shoots100]

Thanks, this is new ground for me.
Rough handling is likely as well as errant light exposure.
the .338 ARC in sub-sonic looks very promising!

Subsonic 338 ARC is meant to be used with a suppressor.
It's still handgun loud when not using a suppressor, but will be a little quieter than std velocity ammo.
The spectrum scope has an on board ballistic calculator, so it'll make longer shots taken with the anemic 338 ARC subsonic ammo possible.

SJC

 

[FP1201]

I understand that Subsonic is to be used with a suppressor, however that's not an option here.
The 16" barrel with a noise attenuating device is about as close as we can get.
Sound isn't that much an issue as it's very rural with few houses (and folk know what's going on out there) I think the idea is just launching a fat, heavy pill into thin skinned animals with less possibility of going out of bounds. Shotguns with Slugs work well enough, but aren't as accurate not platformed for all the optics.
The Gas (or lack of) isn't really an issue as we're going Side-Charging manual operation.

FWIW: I asked Faxon "when" and this was their response:
Thank you for taking the time to contact us! We have submitted the 338 ARC barrels to dealers and distributors but they are still in production. We are working on feeding issue currently as Hornady did not have much data on that and we don't want to send out brand new barrels with the wrong feed ramps on them.

With that said, they are being worked on currently, but I do not have a firm launch date for them. Sports South will be receiving some of the 16" versions as soon as they launch.

Regards,

KAK had Barrels in stock (I think)...should have snatched one up right away.

 

[FrankenCub]

Hundred yards or less
Rattlers are both out of stock and priced very modestly compared to other models.
USDA guys have thermals and cans; we can't have cans...yet.

I’ve been looking at the AGM Rattler v2 25-320 the past couple weeks. But have been considering a 19-256 for the wider fov seems I’m not interested in any long distance.
Really though, the previous generation Rattlers are better than my NV I’m using now.

 

[Shoots100]

I’ve been looking at the AGM Rattler v2 25-320 the past couple weeks. But have been considering a 19-256 for the wider fov seems I’m not interested in any long distance.
Really though, the previous generation Rattlers are better than my NV I’m using now.

I would stay away from scopes using proprietary batteries and anything under 384 resolution.
The RIX storm S3 is a great optic.
SJC

 

[Jem45472]

I’ve been looking at the AGM Rattler v2 25-320 the past couple weeks. But have been considering a 19-256 for the wider fov seems I’m not interested in any long distance.
Really though, the previous generation Rattlers are better than my NV I’m using now.

Check out some YouTube videos of dnt optics thermnight scopes. Night vision, thermal, range finder all in one. Can also use pic in pic- use scope in nv mode with smaller thermal image at same time for scanning.

Has great reviews, and would be on my list if I was looking.

 

[Shoots100]

Like ATN, DNT optics are hit or miss and there's a reason most of the top optic sellers don't sell DNT.
It's not worth the risk getting a lemon when there are so many quality and tested thermal optics out there to choose from.
SJC

 

[FrankenCub]

I would stay away from scopes using proprietary batteries and anything under 384 resolution.
The RIX storm S3 is a great optic.
SJC

Proprietary batteries from known good brands don’t bother me at all. DeWalt, Milwaukee, EGO, Canon, etc etc. Everything has them. Chinese knockoffs are a problem.
And AGM has a great warranty.
I am looking at the previous TS35-384 though, better price on a lightly used unit on eBay.
I personally don’t like those cr123 batteries but I could buy rechargeables.

 

[FrankenCub]

So let me throw this out there. Optics planet has the older v1 640 for similar price as the v2 384. Thoughts?
Still more than I want to spend but may say fuckit

 

[Tisto]

So let me throw this out there. Optics planet has the older v1 640 for similar price as the v2 384. Thoughts?
Still more than I want to spend but may say fuckit

Just my $.02, so take it for what it's worth.

Personally, I would not buy the v1 scope for a few reasons. The biggest reason for me would be the internal battery. I want to be able to replace a battery half way through the night. Battery duration goes way down as the temperature goes down.

I went to the O.P. website to try to figure out exactly which model of scopes you're looking at, but I'm not 100% sure which ones they are. Hiwever, I did find the TS 35-640 that you referenced for around $1600. At least, I'm assuming that's the one you're looking at. Using that price point, I might tell you to check out the RIX STORM S3, or even the S6. Both are very good scopes, and they use common 18650 batteries.

On another topic, and your experience may be different, but Optics Planet would not be my choice of places to buy from. The Rattler v6 might be on the market by the time you get what you ordered. ( v3 is the current model ) I have dealt with a couple dealers, and would highly recommend either THERMAL OPTICS PLUS or FERAL TEXAS OUTDOORS. Both of them have earned my repeat business as well as my recommendation.

Rix STORM S3 35mm 384 3.5x Thermal Rifle Scope ($300 off Summer Promotion!)

The Rix STORM S3 35mm 384 3.5x Thermal Rifle Scope is on a Summer Promotion and currently $300 off, discount is applied automatically and all you have to do to get it for $1499 is checkout! The new RIX Storm is a compact and budget-friendly thermal weapon sight that is packed with great...

thermalopticsplus.com

https://thermalopticsplus.com/collections/scopes/products/agm-rattler-v2-25-38

 

[Tisto]

AGM RATTLER V2 25-384 ***INSTANT REBATE PROMO!***

CHARACTERISTICS: Detector type: 12μm Uncooled Refresh rate: 50 Hz Resolution: 384 x 288 Base Magnification: 2x FOV: 10.5° × 7.9° (55 ft @ 100 yds) PACKAGE INCLUDES: ADM QD Mount Two Rechargeable Batteries Battery Charger USB Cable Lens Cloth Owners Manual Carrying Case DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES...

thermalopticsplus.com

For some reason, the link above didn't work.

 

[FrankenCub]

Just my $.02, so take it for what it's worth.

Personally, I would not buy the v1 scope for a few reasons. The biggest reason for me would be the internal battery. I want to be able to replace a battery half way through the night. Battery duration goes way down as the temperature goes down.

I went to the O.P. website to try to figure out exactly which model of scopes you're looking at, but I'm not 100% sure which ones they are. Hiwever, I did find the TS 35-640 that you referenced for around $1600. At least, I'm assuming that's the one you're looking at. Using that price point, I might tell you to check out the RIX STORM S3, or even the S6. Both are very good scopes, and they use common 18650 batteries.

On another topic, and your experience may be different, but Optics Planet would not be my choice of places to buy from. The Rattler v6 might be on the market by the time you get what you ordered. ( v3 is the current model ) I have dealt with a couple dealers, and would highly recommend either THERMAL OPTICS PLUS or FERAL TEXAS OUTDOORS. Both of them have earned my repeat business as well as my recommendation.

Rix STORM S3 35mm 384 3.5x Thermal Rifle Scope ($300 off Summer Promotion!)

The Rix STORM S3 35mm 384 3.5x Thermal Rifle Scope is on a Summer Promotion and currently $300 off, discount is applied automatically and all you have to do to get it for $1499 is checkout! The new RIX Storm is a compact and budget-friendly thermal weapon sight that is packed with great...

thermalopticsplus.com

https://thermalopticsplus.com/collections/scopes/products/agm-rattler-v2-25-38

The 640 I had in question is a Rattler so used cr123 batteries, which I do not like. But there’s other options to work with. Optics Planet had the best price is all. I have ordered from them in the past for telescope stuff. If they’re problematic now, I’ll continue looking.
$1600 is at my extreme edge of what I’ll spend, and I’m not gonna be happy about that lol.
The Rix S6 is definitely out, I have looked at the S3 quite a bit though. Honestly feel more comfortable with AGM being a more well established brand.
I have looked at some used on eBay but I’m hesitant to go used.

 

[FrankenCub]

This is why it took so long to choose my new motorcycle, I keep going back and forth looking at options lmao.

 

[Brawny71]

Predator Thermal Optics

Check out the Predator Thermal Optics thermal scopes and monoculars that stand out from the rest! 5-Year Warranty!

predatorthermaloptics.com

Highly recommend!! Great customer service, answer your questions quick, mostly made in US.

 

[Tisto]

The 640 I had in question is a Rattler so used cr123 batteries, which I do not like. But there’s other options to work with. Optics Planet had the best price is all. I have ordered from them in the past for telescope stuff. If they’re problematic now, I’ll continue looking.
$1600 is at my extreme edge of what I’ll spend, and I’m not gonna be happy about that lol.
The Rix S6 is definitely out, I have looked at the S3 quite a bit though. Honestly feel more comfortable with AGM being a more well established brand.
I have looked at some used on eBay but I’m hesitant to go used.

I myself would not hesitate to purchase a RIX product. Knowing that RIX grew from InfiRay and improved upon the things they thought Iray was doing wrong gives me great confidence in their product. They have gained an excellent reputation in the past few years of their existance.

The only thing that may concern you is the 3.5X base power of the S3. That might be too much for some people. Shoots100 hunts in the woods a lot. The 3.5X base power would be too much for him. I hunt open fields. The 3.5X power is fine for me. My RICO has a base power of 2X, which is fine, but my nightvision is 4X and presents no issues. My thermal spotter is both an optical 2X and 4X with a digital zoom up to 16X.

Unless I lived out west, I wouldn't go any higher than a 4X base power, but that's not really an issue.

Since I didn't see where you said what you intend to mount a thermal on, I should tell you that box type thermal scopes are really only useful on AR type guns. They don't fit well on typical bolt action rifles. If you're trying to mount one on a bolt action, do yourself a big favor and start your search over looking only at tube style scopes.

 

[FrankenCub]

I myself would not hesitate to purchase a RIX product. Knowing that RIX grew from InfiRay and improved upon the things they thought Iray was doing wrong gives me great confidence in their product. They have gained an excellent reputation in the past few years of their existance.

The only thing that may concern you is the 3.5X base power of the S3. That might be too much for some people. Shoots100 hunts in the woods a lot. The 3.5X base power would be too much for him. I hunt open fields. The 3.5X power is fine for me. My RICO has a base power of 2X, which is fine, but my nightvision is 4X and presents no issues. My thermal spotter is both an optical 2X and 4X with a digital zoom up to 16X.

Unless I lived out west, I wouldn't go any higher than a 4X base power, but that's not really an issue.

Since I didn't see where you said what you intend to mount a thermal on, I should tell you that box type thermal scopes are really only useful on AR type guns. They don't fit well on typical bolt action rifles. If you're trying to mount one on a bolt action, do yourself a big favor and start your search over looking only at tube style scopes.

I did research different styles, mounting on my AR so box style is what I’m looking at. Also shoot mostly around 100yds and some woods.
Was interested in the v2 385 seems its 2x but it’s still $1700+

 

[Tisto]

This is why it took so long to choose my new motorcycle, I keep going back and forth looking at options lmao.

What bike did you buy ?

 

[Tisto]

I did research different styles, mounting on my AR so box style is what I’m looking at. Also shoot mostly around 100yds and some woods.
Was interested in the v2 385 seems its 2x but it’s still $1700+

You can mount a tube style scope on an AR nicely and later transfer it to a bolt action if you wish.

Seems to me that the S3 would do everything you want it to at your price point. Cameron at Thermal Optics Plus is a wonderful person to deal with. He will bend over backwards to take care of you. You might want to contact him and ask, he might just have a demo model that could save you a few $$ too.

 

[FrankenCub]

You can mount a tube style scope on an AR nicely and later transfer it to a bolt action if you wish.

Seems to me that the S3 would do everything you want it to at your price point. Cameron at Thermal Optics Plus is a wonderful person to deal with. He will bend over backwards to take care of you. You might want to contact him and ask, he might just have a demo model that could save you a few $$ too.

Bought a ‘24 Street Glide, love it! Just about 10k miles this year lol

The only other rifles I have are a Marlin 444 lever and a beater Savage 22. It’ll likely stay on my AR.
I’ll probably give him a call this week to chat with him. Was hoping to stay under 3x magnification, we’ll see.

 

[Tisto]

Try this on for size...640 resolution, 12 micron, with rangefinder, and under budget. Plus, B&H Photo is absolutely awesome to do business with.
PARD SA62 Thermal Scope with 35mm Lens & Laser Rangefinder https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...2_35_w_lrf_sa62_35_thermal_imaging_scope.html

 

[FrankenCub]

You can mount a tube style scope on an AR nicely and later transfer it to a bolt action if you wish.

Seems to me that the S3 would do everything you want it to at your price point. Cameron at Thermal Optics Plus is a wonderful person to deal with. He will bend over backwards to take care of you. You might want to contact him and ask, he might just have a demo model that could save you a few $$ too.

I talked to Cameron for over an hour today. He was saying the sensor in the new v2 are really good, the 320 would have been a good choice for my uses. Little high base mag than I want though. Over the Rix, he said he had the Nocpix L25 which is a 385 with 2x base mag and is really a great new thermal. Has a great mount design and already has a magnetic cord and port for external battery.
Should have it by Monday.