I'm close to purchasing an entry level night vision rifle scope. Budget is about $600. That limits my options but it is what it is.

I'm looking at the following:
ATN X-Sight-4K 3-14X
ATN X-Sight-II 5-20x
ATN OPMOD X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x
Pulsar Digisight N550 - 4.5x50mm
SightMark Photon RT 4.5-9x42S
SightMark Photon RT 6-12x50S
Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50
Am I missing anything?

Of those, which would you purchase? Any positive or negative experiences with those or similar models?

I have been shooting a Photon XT 4.6 for a few years now. Has seen some miles and killed some pigs, no complaints. Took it to the range yesterday for the 1st time since I mounted it and it was still zero'd. Very simple to use and works pretty good out to about 150 yds so Photon gets my vote.

X2. Added an external illuminator and 200-250 is possible.

You can get a refurbished Pulsar Digisight N550 for $400. It is a bit older technology and I think you would be better off spending the extra on a new model Photon, but it is an option.

https://smile.amazon.com/Pulsar-Dig...amp;sr=8-1&keywords=pulsar+digisight

With all of these, you are likely going to want a supplement IR illuminator. You can get on inexpensively via Amazon plus you will need a 1" scope ring or flashlight mount for it.

For example... https://smile.amazon.com/EVOLVA-FUT...75&sr=8-9&keywords=ir+flashlight

Thought I would fix your post for you.

After you get that bought find a used Thermal monocular for scouting and you'll be in business.

Following

After reading reviews here and elsewhere, I’d drop the ATN from the list.

Very satisfied also with my R T also.

I do have an external IR and it will really light things up. Problem for me past 150 yds is depth perception and target ID. Its not as much of a problem say from a deerstand where distances are known. but If I am hunting pasture at night I like to close to what I think is 100 yds or less.

My eyes suck so that might be part of it, also with a 300 BLK you get pretty good drop out past 150. Flatter caliber might help with the distance, won't help with target ID.

I've used all those optics and I'd highly suggest staying away from the ATN scopes as others have already said. The Pulsar N550 is a nice scope but it's a AA battery hog and it has a very weak and under powered IR illuminator. I concur with the rest that the Photon RT 4.5x42S is your best bet for the money. Sightmark is an excellent company and the Photon is a tried and true platform and I think you will be really pleased with it.

If you have any specific questions about it, don't hesitate to ask.

Jason

Photon RT plus a Sniper Hog Light 66LRX and you'll really be in business!

Settled for a used Sightmark Photon 4.6x42S.

That is a damn good choice Cman

Can these scopes be used in daylight as well?

Yes

Yes but to be fair, not very well. The ATN (which almost none of us advise) is really nice during the day but every other scope is black and white during the day and it's really....odd to use. It will work in a pinch but you'd honestly be better off with the cheapest daytime glass scope you can find vs any of the B&W daytime scopes. That's just my opinion but I hear the same thing from my customers who think they will be able to use the Photon during the day.

Jason

I agree, the Photon works during the day not near as well as a decent 4x scope. Works fine though as long as you understand its limitation and I have killed a couple deer during daylight with mine. Usually If I plan on hunting after dark from a stand I will take two rifles. Scoped bolt rifle for serious work before dark and then 300blk AR with the photon for pigs.

I agree with this but instead of taking 2 rifles I just take 2 scopes. I bought a pair Sightmark Quick Detach (QD) rings for the Photon and a set of Warne Maxima QD rings for my Nikon Gold 2.5-10X50mm. I just switch scopes in the field as needed. I've changed the scopes numerous times and they hold zero well. Don't go with cheap QD rings, I really like the Warne Maxima's.

I am the vendor of Digital Crosshairs 1000 night vision clip-on. Get yourself a good glass optic and just attach this in less than a minute to get great night vision.

Reasons why: http://digitalcrosshairs.com/blog/why-choose-digital-crosshairs-night-vision/

See the night vision clearity in video below.

Here is the direction I went. Sightmark on a Saiga x51.

I got me some QD scope rings from the Outdoor Legacy guy.

Nice Cman

Have you had a chance to use it yet??