Why wouldn't someone want to use something like the RXQ30V as a monocular and then slap it on gun when targets are spotted, you get 2 for 1. Yes its at the low end of the pole but for having fun and playing around, it works fine for me without going out of pocket another 3-5K. Just asking
You're question is valid but if I'm reading it correctly, you're not asking why someone wouldn't just buy an RXQ30V as a handheld and backup scope combo but by reading your last line, you're asking why someone would spend $3,000-$5,000 on a scope at all. I'm a huge fan of the RXQ30V but a lot of guys are willing to spend more money to get better image quality, a focus-objective, video recording capabilities, possibly more magnification etc. I understand your sentiment though, but some guys like heated and cooled leather seats, some like cloth and some like vinyl. And for a lot of us (me included) what we like and what can afford are often different.haha
I also think you were sort of asking about using the RXQ30V (or another scope) as a combo handheld/rifle scope, there are definitely a lot of guys doing that. But it's honestly not ideal and if someone can afford it, there are a lot of benefits to owning both a dedicated handheld and a dedicated rifle scope. Hans and I talked about this in depth on Ep. 15 of The Late Night Vision Show podcast. I'm definitely not knocking it if that's what your budget allows but if you can afford a dedicated handheld, it's worth it's weight in gold.
Now the 3rd thing that's often brought up is, "why not just buy an RXQ30V (or PTS233) and use it as a handheld and if you have a buddy come hunting with you, mount it up and let him use it." That's definitely another option. I've sold a lot of RXQ30V's to be used an handhelds and also used as buddy scope if someone tags along.
But for a lot of people they aren't worried about taking a buddy or someone else hunting and if they are going to spend $2,000+ they just prefer to spend it on the tool that is going to work best for their own needs and not try to improvise. I don't mean that to come off snide, I'm just explaining from their point of view. So let's say you have thermal and you really want a handheld. You're spending your own dollars and you can buy an RXQ30V for $1,900 to use as a handheld. It will work but the buttons aren't ergonomically contoured for you to control it by gripping around the scope with your hand. It doesn't have a focus-able objective lens, no battery pack and no video recording, plus you aren't taking many people hunting with you that don't own their own NV. Or you can spend $2,200 and buy the Helion XQ28 that has a much better image quality, focus-able objective, perfectly contoured to your hands, ergo buttons, video recording, 6-8 hour battery life and an adjustable hand strap. It really just depends on what you want...if you want to be a super nice guy and invite your buddies to hunt with you the RXQ is the logical choice and can improvise on the handheld part. But if you want the tool that works best for the job and you aren't concerned about taking other people hunting all the time....a dedicated handheld makes the most sense.
I hope that helps and again, I totally understand not everyone can afford a dedicated handheld, but if you can, it's a super tool.
Jason