what is the most affordable thermal rifle scope that is good out to 150 yards. I apologize if this has been asked before. I know almost nothing about thermal scopes except they are very expensive. I just need to identify what type of animal I am looking at, out to 150 yards. Can you guys point me in the right direction for most affordable scope that will work. Thank you!

1.Pulsar Core RXQ30v

or

2. Flir PTS 233(if you want on board recording).

Bingo! This is the answer.

The Pulsar Core used to have a green tinted display screen but now it's black and white like all other thermals. It's 1.6x base magnification, has a really cool picture in picture function and has no video recording options. It's got a positive ID range of about 175-200+ yards. It comes with a standard non-QD mount in the box but a small QD mount can be purchased for an additional $100. Price is $1,899

The PTS 233 is a very similar size and weight and it is a 1.5x base mag and it does have internal video recording but no audio recording. The 233 also has multiple color palettes and a the option to change the color of the crosshairs. About the same positive ID range but I'd say it could be 10-20 yards shorter than what the new black and white screen on the RXQ will do. The scope comes with a pre-attached American Defense Mfg. QD return to zero mount. Price is $2,199

Both scopes are fixed focus, meaning the objective lens cannot be focused. They are lightweight, small and dependable. In my opinion, you buy the RXQ if you don't care about recording video. You buy the PTS233 if recording is important to you. Otherwise the scopes are extremely similar.

Let me know if you have more questions, hope that helps.

Jason

Bought my PTS233 from Big Daddy Unlimited 2 weeks ago for $1800 shipped (expedited) using the .99 cent trial membership which I then cancelled.

See Jason's statement above. That about covers it. I like both the RXQ and the PTS233 on the budget end of the spectrum. They both are simple reliable scopes that will get you out to basic hunting ranges. The 233 adds a few nice features but otherwise they're very similar scopes.

The mount on the pts233 is pretty superior to the RXQ IMHO. I got my 233 from MDMORROW and have been very happy with it and scanning to 3-400 yards works. Yes, Pulsar and those do much better but I do have an eye that works in the field.

Thanks fellas. What about the ATN Thor's. I see some of those on ebay for a little less$. Are they no good?

Yes

I have an ATN Thor 4 384 2x8 and I have had no problems with it. Doesn't mean I won't have an issue with it in the future, but so far so good. Also had an X-Sight 4k that was great and without any issues. I paid $1900 for the Thor 4 (with the current rebate offer) and $1800 for the PTS233. The picture quality on the Thor 4 is significantly better than the PTS233. Would have bought another Thor 4, but wanted to option to use the second thermal as a monocular and the PTS233 is much better suited for that.

The original ATN ThOR’s with the FLIR core was a pretty good scope. All of their incarnations starting with the HD suffix on, use their proprietary core which isn’t worth the money.

Charlie

I have the Thot Lt and really like it for TV he price.

My dad has the THOR, it isnt even in the same class as far as image goes compared to my Pulsar. Like comparing a Yugo to a Mercedes. Those are the only thermals ive ever used. Listen to Jason from Outdoor Legacy

So between those two options, which mfg has a better reputation for customer support? I'd like to buy one but it's gonna get beat up, who do you think has the better chance of taking care of me?

Pulsar has the better reputation for Customer Service but FLIR has been improving as of late. Several members on this post are dealers and I'm sure they would take care of you for Warranty/Customer Service issues.

Agree. Pulsar is solid but FLIR is much improved and stabilized. For example, we can create and RMA and print a label out of their system without having to wait for them. That's pretty slick.