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Buying a thermal scope #6344429 06/23/16 01:29 AM
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Monster_Raxx Offline OP
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I am about to get a thermal and wanted to hear any opinions anyone has. Thinking about an Armasight. Looking to spend about $6500

Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6344839 06/23/16 01:45 PM
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For that budget I'd look hard at IR Defense too. Armasight is also good as well. I have a 42mm prometheus spotter and it is really a good unit.

Will this be your only thermal? If so you might look at getting a lesser priced scope and a handheld. Its kind of a pain to scan fields with a rifle mounted optic. I have both a handheld and a gun mounted and it works great. I use the handheld the most.


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Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6344897 06/23/16 02:28 PM
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Big investment, I went with IR Defense.

Try calling the manufacturers a few times and see who picks up and returns calls timely.

Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6344946 06/23/16 02:57 PM
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Armasight is actually fantastic to deal with on service. I sent my prometheus to them for a software update and they were great.


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Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6345381 06/23/16 09:05 PM
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M_R, you wanting a weapon sight or a spotting scope?

What is your planned use of it? If a weapon sight, how far do you normally shoot and what will you be shooting?

Depending in your needs, you could potentially save a lot of money. As noted IRD is also an option you should consider.


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Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6345421 06/23/16 09:38 PM
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Have both IRD and Armasight. IRD by a mile. DNS has the right questions. Your environment and how you hunt can affect what you should buy.

Last edited by dfwroadkill; 06/23/16 09:38 PM.
Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6345632 06/24/16 12:20 AM
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Monster_Raxx Offline OP
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I plan on using it to hunt hogs and coyotes with

Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6345636 06/24/16 12:21 AM
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And I'm going to get another device to scan with.

Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6345637 06/24/16 12:23 AM
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I won't be shooting any farther than 200 yards. Mainly under 150

Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6350192 06/28/16 11:30 AM
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I love my Armasight Zeus

Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6351258 06/29/16 12:03 PM
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I went with IRD. I bought mine from Tyler at Ultimate Night Vision here in Texas. He knows a lot about all night vision devices and uses them (not just some salesman sitting in a cubicle).

Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6351587 06/29/16 03:17 PM
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And is it as good as they say it is

Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6351887 06/29/16 07:34 PM
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I don't know who they are or what they said, but it is a very good thermal. All models have advantages and disadvantages. The IRD MK II and III seem to be amongst the simplest to use with a very good image.


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Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6351904 06/29/16 07:48 PM
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Last edited by dfwroadkill; 06/29/16 07:48 PM.
Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6352147 06/29/16 10:11 PM
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A few observations:

1) This spring was very wet and humid. I discovered that the IRD always worked much better than the Armasight in those conditions.
2) The Armasight Zeus 640 3-24x75 (60Hz) is actually 2.7X mag instead of 3X. Read the fine print, we have NTSC systems here.
3) The auto-cal waits too long between NUCS, so you end up manually NUCing the scope anyway. Advantage over IRD gone.
4) The video out is always on and I like that. Just wish they didn't port it out of the scope vertically. You have to be real careful with your cable.
5) The buttons for operating the scope are small and recessed. It is a pain to get your fingers in there.

IR Defense for me all day long.

Re: Buying a thermal scope [Re: Monster_Raxx] #6353035 06/30/16 02:52 PM
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Ok

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