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Hand Held Spotter / Scanner #9145452 11/28/24 03:54 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
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Brother in-law Offline OP
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Is there a best bang for the buck thermal hand held scanner? Tired of scanning with the rifle

I thought Black Friday might be a good day to look

Re: Hand Held Spotter / Scanner [Re: Brother in-law] #9145525 11/28/24 05:41 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
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RiverRider Online Sleepy
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No one warned you that would suck?

whip

Seriously, you probably need to decide whether you just want something to tell you "there's a warm blooded critter over there" or you want to be able to positively identify it and at what range.

My thoughts, for my own use, are that if it can detect a coyote or piglet out to 400 or 500 yards, I'm GTG because I'm going to positively identify the critter using my weapon-mounted thermal before I decide to fire anyway. There have been numerous instances where it worked out that way for me, too, meaning what I thought was going to be a coyote turned out to be a little doe for example. OTOH, I think it would be nice to own and use a scanner of higher performance but it just isn't a priority at this point even though if I saw a killer deal on a better handheld I might just jump on it.

There are some really economical thermal devices hitting the market lately, if that's the way you want to go. If you want advice from someone who's used just about everything out there and won't steer you wrong, give Outdoor Legacy a call and talk to Jason if you can.


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Re: Hand Held Spotter / Scanner [Re: RiverRider] #9146278 11/30/24 03:59 PM
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 453
Geedubya Offline
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Originally Posted by RiverRider
No one warned you that would suck?

whip

Seriously, you probably need to decide whether you just want something to tell you "there's a warm blooded critter over there" or you want to be able to positively identify it and at what range.

My thoughts, for my own use, are that if it can detect a coyote or piglet out to 400 or 500 yards, I'm GTG because I'm going to positively identify the critter using my weapon-mounted thermal before I decide to fire anyway. There have been numerous instances where it worked out that way for me, too, meaning what I thought was going to be a coyote turned out to be a little doe for example. OTOH, I think it would be nice to own and use a scanner of higher performance but it just isn't a priority at this point even though if I saw a killer deal on a better handheld I might just jump on it.

There are some really economical thermal devices hitting the market lately, if that's the way you want to go. If you want advice from someone who's used just about everything out there and won't steer you wrong, give Outdoor Legacy a call and talk to Jason if you can.


+1

I would caution one to abstain from a 256 unit. Go at least 384.

I purchased the AGM Taipan 15-384 from OL.

I bought that particular unit because it was the only hand held scanner of which I was aware that had a base magnification of 1.5 x. I specifically wanted that for tracking at night should a critter not be DRT. It is great for detection.

You did not give an indication of your budget.

If you are shooting over a fixed location, a hand held scanner and Digital Night vision is an option.

If you can afford both a hand-held thermal scanner and a thermal scope, make sure you get at least units with 384 resolution.

IRAY USA recently announced their Nocpix. line of optics.

https://outdoorlegacygear.com/colle...gte=0.00&filter.v.price.lte=15999.00

IIRC the Nocpix Slim L35 3.5-14x Thermal Rifle Scope is +/- $2K and is advertised as a two-in-one device. Bigest drawback is the 3.5X base mag. (for my purposes, 50-150 yds.)

The 640 unit @ $2,999 fetures a 2X base mag, which I would prefer over a 3.5 x base mag.

https://www.nocpix.com/product-slim/

Good luck in your quest.

Best,

GWB

Last edited by Geedubya; 11/30/24 04:04 PM.

A Kill Artist. When I draw, I draw Blood
Re: Hand Held Spotter / Scanner [Re: Brother in-law] #9146287 11/30/24 04:19 PM
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,240
Wilson Combat Offline
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I've been extremely happy with my AGM Fuzion LRF TM35-384, it's been used and abused a LOT and keeps on ticking. Runs on common 18650 battery which will last a full evening of hunting for me. The 3.5x base magnification is plenty to positively identify a hog vs a small calf at 200yds when hunting in cattle pastures. Street price is probably around $1900.

Re: Hand Held Spotter / Scanner [Re: Brother in-law] #9146428 11/30/24 11:14 PM
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ntxtrapper Online Content
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Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35 Pro. It’s battery lasts all night and you can get a spare battery too.

Re: Hand Held Spotter / Scanner [Re: Brother in-law] #9146805 12/01/24 08:17 PM
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Bigfoot Offline
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Just keep searching for deals. 2 or 3 years ago at this time I bought a Burris BTH 35 for $700. On sale from $1700. It isnt the best handheld unit but it is THE PERFECT UNIT for $700. It is extremely clear and I can see a long way away and identify. Battery lasts all night. It has completely changed the way I hunt. In fact I dont know how I hunted before with out it.

A handheld unit is a must for me and comes with me on every hunting trip even when I am not night hunting.

Bottom line is get one soon you will love it!

Keep searching for deals.

Big

Last edited by Bigfoot; 12/01/24 08:18 PM.

GO TRUMP!
Re: Hand Held Spotter / Scanner [Re: Brother in-law] #9147311 12/02/24 04:37 PM
Joined: Sep 2022
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duffas Offline
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Got an ATN OLTS 160 2.5-10x I don't use anymore, PM me.

Re: Hand Held Spotter / Scanner [Re: Brother in-law] #9147365 12/02/24 06:59 PM
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Sick Train Offline
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I purchased a RIX K2 Scanner on sale for $399. I just need it to let me know if something is out there and then I can identify it with my rifle.

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