night vision

looking for user based input on first purchase of n/v.

Just stick with pulsar or sightmark brand and you will be good

A lot will come in here talking about the ATN scopes. I tried them. Had three go bad within the first thirty days of ownership and returned all three. No more ATN for me. The quality control is abysmal. The sightmark I had with an aftermarket infrared flashlight was good to about 150 for a clear ear-hole shot. The pulsars seem more clear to me but they cost more. I haven't tried one personally though so you'll have to ask someone who has.

Only 3? Sounds like you had a good run! You did better than many...

What's your primary focus on using it? Are you sold on Night vision or are you thinking about possibly going thermal?

i have a Sightmark Photon RT, I really like it. After about 100yds or so it starts to get a little fuzzy, but i have shot out to about 140yds with good success.

Buy once, Cry once
What kind of hunting are you doing? In a stand, stalking, driving or a combination?
Ranges?

I guess my group has gotten lucky as we run 3 ATN 4Ks, one on a 308 one on a 30-06, and one on a grendel. Using aftermarket IR lights from Sniper Hog Lights. Taken about 40ish hogs this year with no issues. Shots ranging anywhere from 100yds out to about 266yds (the 266 was a skunk).

Buy a lotto ticket cause y’all are certainly beating the odds