any recommendations on a night vision scope to put on top of my AR-15 for some hog hunting? Wanting to keep the cost as low as possible, but still get a decent scope for 200 yard shots. Also want to be able to make out the difference in a hog/calf at 200 yards...

200 yds is getting on out there for a lot of nightvision. Cheap prolly isn't gonna get you there. You are looking Gen 2 or 3 and probably 3. The pulsar digisight I have says you can make a shot at 200 but I haven't tried it. It is cheaper than alot of Gen 2 and definitely cheaper than Gen 3 stuff. Good luck to ya.

Pulsar N550

If you are looking for something like a monocular that can be used behind an aimpoint/eotech style sight, this is a very cost effective option:

Mini Monocular


Add a SNVG DLOC QD Mount and you can switch between helmet mounted and weapon mounted with the push of a button..

SNVG DLOC QD Mount

If you want a dedicated night vision scope, the PVS-4 is a low cost option:

SNVG PVS-4

Very reliable and robust night vision system; 3.8x magnification and a high grade Gen II 25 mm tube.

yep 200 YDS easily

Stay away from ATN.

Why do you say that? I thought ATN was a good brand... but have pretty much no experience with night vision (which is why I started this thread).

Go with the Pulsar N550, you will like it. Plus you can change the crosshairs and record your shots to post online or veiw on your TV later. Any nightvision you need, we can make it happen. If you have a particular price range. Send me a message on here and I will give you my thoughts on different scopes that will fit your needs.

http://www.westforkarmory.com/pulsar-dig...on-digi550.html

check out videos here, I know is easy to say nv is $1400

interesting ideas for NV http://www.youtube.com/user/Foxtrot2500 nv

We use d760's and Aquillas in our guide service. 100+ hunts a year they hold up well.

Is that a magnifier on the front of the scope?

used an ATN all last year and slaughtered a bunch of hogs so I'd promote as long as you get high end glass and large diameter scope.

I can appreciate that Ed, I've watched the progression of your hog hunting rigs, but I offer the following from my own experience.

Mars 6X, Gen IIIA



It's been a pain in my butt since the day I bought it. It is currently sitting in a box with another RMA written all over it. 10,000 hours on the tube my [censored].

Here's what they cost:

http://www.atncorp.com/nightvision-riflescope-atnmars6x-3a

Had the old ATN Defender 7800C, also Gen IIIA. The Mars was it's replacement. Had problems with that one too.

Nope, this one is getting fixed and sold. Much better makers out there.

As Michael said, the N550 gives you features you won't find in a regular nv scope. Ed, your videos speak for themselves, but not all of us are A/V guys. You had quite the production going when you used to shoot out of the back of your Suburban.

I think ATN is a roll of the dice. You might buy one that would last as long as their advertised tube life, or you might not. Either way, the warranty is up after 2 years. Would anyone of us regular guys (DJones, you are so excluded) really put 10,000 hours on a scope in 2 years?

I baby that thing and it should be doing a lot better than it has. I would say that was my 2 cents worth, but I don't want to think about how many pennies are in $3,999.00 dollars.

I second that "stay away from ATN"... I had one for about a week and thank God that Cabela takes things back no questions asked... Scope was too top heavy and could only use the weapon at night.

I switched to a 3rd Gen monocular behind a eotech and that's been perfect for me. Dropped hogs 100-150 yards with no issue, and I'm able to use the rifle for day/night by just simply taking off the NV... I'm able to switch easily from my AR15 and AR10 setups depending on what I want to take...

FYI, you'll need to get a IR beam so you don't have to worry about moon light... I have one that looks just like a spot light out to 500+ yards...

AR15 - 6.8 SPC


AR10

Tek brings up a good point. Sometimes I may want do spot and stalk with the 6.8, and sometimes I may want the bigger pop of the R25 in .308 when I'm sitting in the blind. Either set-up with the 6X is heavy and requires re-zeroing after switching.

The day filter is very heavy. You cannot sight it in at 100 yards during the day. You have to calculate how high you need to be on the 50 yard target, which can be seen during the day.

Tek's set-up eliminates issues like that.

Tek, what brand and model is that monocular? What mount are you using?

Great info guys,please keep it coming!

anyone have the PVS that attach to the front of your normal rifle scope? I think they run about 3k but just curious results?!

Tek, what brand/model is your 3rd Gen monolcular? Great idea for switching from rifle to rifle.

would also like to know about the monocular, and ir beam you said that you have to have. can you see through the nv well enough without the additional light? can you see the reticle? not sure how any of this stuff works but getting very interested. might even play the lotto.

coonsaw

Hey fellas, I got the 3rd Gen NV Monocular from the link below...

http://www.nvisionoptics.com/night-vision/gt-14-night-vision-monocular

I use the 3x lens they sell on there. I bought it for about $2800 straight from the manufacturer. I bought it when it first came out back in 2006 and has worked great since. They include a quick detachable mount. No complaints with my monocular... Very rugged and takes a beating!

With any NV setup you go with you're going to need moon light... Below is the link of the IR Illuminator. Search around, you can find it elsewhere for cheaper. I got mine for just under $100. It was awhile ago so I can't remember where I bought it. I don't know why they jacked up the price on these though...

http://www.tnvc.com/shop/elr-torch-varialbe-infrared-illuminator/



As far as using the NV Monocular without the IR light.... You will be disappointed if you're hunting without moonlight. The NV relies on the ambient light from the moon/stars, so if it's overcast you'll be SOL. Without moon light you'll still be able to make out objects, but why half arse it.... Get the IR light!

The IR light eliminates relying on moon light. As far as the reticle from the eotech, you have to of course purchase the NV compatible one. It is IMPORTANT that you make sure you're careful with turning on the eotech/aimpoint in NV mode (or lowest setting) so you don't burn the reticle into your monocular... Can't stress that enough!

Yes getting this NV setup isn't cheap, but you gotta pay to play...

I've never tried the NV that mounts in front of a regular scope, but would imagine it's good to go.

So it just depends on your wants/needs for NV. Hell get the NV scopes or monocular from Cabela's and try it out to see which one you like better. If you don't like it they'll take it back with no hesitation.

Ha, if you hit the lotto forget NV and go with a thermal sight!

Hey SATX, I live in San Antonio... Let's go slay some hogs!

A Standard monocluar might work but can cause parlax distortion..
They make purpose built CNVD's in standard and longrange versions for going infront of you daytime optics..

Sent you a PM.

Aurora Tactical 8010 day night scope the only way to go Gen 3 and you can change it from day scope to NV in 10 sec 2.5 X 10 X 56 not a problem shooting at 300 or more on any night.