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

No one warned you that would suck?



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

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.

Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35 Pro. It’s battery lasts all night and you can get a spare battery too.

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

Got an ATN OLTS 160 2.5-10x I don't use anymore, PM me.

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.