So I have some points left and will build up points in January to buy an inexpensive ATM thermal monocular. I'm sure the cheap monocular is not the best, but it will have to do for now.
Oh, it won't be the best and there is a reasonably chance it will be a nightmare optic to own. It if takes waiting 1-4 months to save of the difference to buy a better made product, then wait.
I would avoid ATN simply because of their reputation, but you may luck out and get one that never gives you trouble. I understand budget constraints.
Cameraland has the InfiRay Outdoor AFFO AP13 Thermal Monocular for $699.00 which would be a cash proposition, but if Cabela's carries the brand then maybe you can go that route. I would bet on its reliability to be much higher than an ATN product.
The bottom line, at least IMO, is that you don't really need a very high quality thermal for scanning. First, it's just like having someone handy who can see in the dark to tap you on the shoulder and tell you "hey---there's something over there." Even if your scanner isn't good enough to identify the object of interest, at least you know it's there and your weapon sight (whether thermal or DNV) comes into play and will give you a better idea what you're seeing. Another reason you don't need a high definition scanner is that after you've watched animals long enough you can be pretty sure what type of animal it is just by the way they behave. A sounder of pigs is usually easy because there will often be all different sizes of critters, and the little ones seem to be hyperactive (reminds me of little kids in the supermarket), and they all generally appear to be "going somewhere" in a pretty deliberate manner, with purpose. Pigs, deer, and cows all seem to have their own unique behavior that usually makes them fairly easy to distinguish. In any case, your weapon sight should give you an image that leaves no doubt in your mind and that is much more critical. My own thermal scanner is nowhere near as good as my thermal sight, and I just don't feel like it needs to be. It serves me very well and makes sitting in ambush in the darkness much more productive and relaxing. Even with its relatively lower performance, I know what I'm looking at 95% of the time with 95% certainty...I don't need to know with 100% certainty until I'm ready to pull the trigger.
I think you'll be happy with the Rattler's performance as a sight. I had a TS35-384 Adder with about the same specs, and I'd still be using it with perfect satisfaction if I hadn't decided to give myself a retirement present last summer.