Hunting at night is an exciting and challenging experience. Suppose you’re looking to maximize your tracking and hunting abilities. In that case, a quality thermal scope attachment is a fantastic way to do just that by allowing you to identify animals beyond the reach of even the most powerful night vision.
However, with so many thermal scopes on the market today, knowing which one is best for you can be difficult. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential components to consider when buying this piece of equipment, as well as some of the top brands and where to purchase it.
What to Check When Buying a Thermal Rifle Scope Attachment
With the proper thermal scope attachment for your rifle, you can make sure that every hunt is successful. Here are ten components that you should check when buying one.
1. Magnification
Generally speaking, most thermal scopes today come with a magnification level that ranges from 4 to 10 times. If you want to see targets from farther away and make shots that are more accurate, then you should opt for a scope that has high magnification levels.
For example, thermal scopes with a magnification level of 8x or higher are great for hunting from a distance, while those with lower levels (4-6x) are more suited for close-up shooting. If you’re unsure of which magnification level to choose, you should consider the types of animals that you plan on hunting and the distance from your target.
Using a high-magnification thermal scope is very important when you’re hunting dangerous games at night when there’s less visibility, and you don’t want to get as close to your target as possible.
2. Field of View (FOV)
This feature of thermal imaging scope attachment determines how much of the area in front of you can be seen at any given time. A thermal scope with a wide FOV will allow you to spot your target from a greater distance, whereas those with a narrow FOV are better for hunting fast-moving animals, like wild boars and deer.
Ideally, you should get a scope with an FOV of at least 28 degrees, as this is the most suitable range for thermal imaging.
3. Resolution
Hunting will be much easier if you have a crisp and detailed image of your target. The thermal scope’s resolution determines the detail of the thermal image. And, if you’re looking for a thermal scope that can give you a precise thermal image, then you should consider investing in one with high resolution, such as 640×480.
4. Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD)
This refers to how sensitive a night vision thermal scope attachment is to changes in thermal energy. The lower the NETD, the more sensitive the scope is to thermal changes.
While scopes with a higher NETD will suffice for beginners, investing in one with a low NETD will help you spot thermal energy changes more quickly and accurately. So, for avid hunters, the latter will be the best option. It will also give you better image quality, providing you with a clearer picture of your target under all kinds of weather conditions.
5. Reticle Type
Reticles come in a variety of styles, from simple crosshairs to more complex designs. They work by allowing you to quickly and accurately aim at a target without having to constantly adjust the thermal scope’s internal settings each time.
If you want an accurate thermal shot, then you should opt for one with a reticle that has multiple windage and elevation markings or hash marks. This will help you make minor adjustments faster and easier, even when your target is moving around rapidly.
6. Refresh Rate
A thermal rifle scope attachment with a high refresh rate can provide you with real-time images with no delay. This is essential when you are hunting a rapidly moving game, as it allows you to make shots with precision and speed.
When choosing a scope, you should have at least a 30 Hz refresh rate for optimal performance in this area. If money is not a concern, then you should go for one with a higher refresh rate, like 50 Hz.
7. Weight and Size
Hunting can go on for hours, so it would be good for you if you choose a scope that does not add too much weight to your rifle.
You can find more compact thermal scopes that still have high-performance capabilities. There are different sizes to fit various calibre rifles, so you can definitely find one that suits the type of hunting you’ll be doing.
8. Endurability
A rifle’s recoil when you shoot can be quite strong and will put a thermal imaging camera attachment through some wear and tear. So, it’s essential that you choose one that has been made with durable materials so it can withstand the shock of your rifle’s recoil.
For hunting, a scope that is 9000J rated will provide you with sufficient protection against any shocks. However, this still depends on the rifle you are using. If you have a rifle that has a stronger recoil, then you might need to invest in one with a higher standard rating.
9. Mounting Style
Rifle scopes have different mounting styles, and you should pick one that is most convenient for you. For example, you can find a clip-on thermal scope attachment that can be mounted directly onto the rail of your rifle without any additional adapters. This style is ideal for hunters who don’t want to make too many modifications to their rifles.
10. Battery Life
Every thermal scope attachment needs a power source to be operational. This is usually one or two CR123 batteries, which can provide your thermal scope with several hours of operation before needing a recharge.
So, when you are choosing a thermal scope attachment for hunting, make sure that it has at least 10-12 hours of battery life. You can depend on it even if it takes the whole night to track a game.
5 of the Best Thermal Scope Attachment Brands to Buy
There are many rifle scope brands on the market today, but there are those which stand out for thermal scopes. Here are some of the best brands that you should consider.
Pulsar
Pulsar thermal scope attachments are known for their fast thermal imaging technology, which makes them ideal for hunting. Their thermal scopes are also quite lightweight, so hunters can enjoy a comfortable shooting experience even when out in the field for extended periods of time.
Burris
If you are looking for an infrared thermal scope attachment with exceptional accuracy and durability, then the thermal scopes from Burris are worth a look. They have advanced features, like windage elevation turrets and range-finding reticles, for precise aiming.
HIKMICRO
HIKMICRO thermal scopes also have a range of excellent features, like target recognition, single-button operation, and long battery life. They offer thermal scopes in different sizes to fit various calibres of rifles.
iAiming
This brand’s range of riflescopes is known for industry-leading specifications when it comes to definition and resolution. With their high level of clarity, you can find your targets a lot easier and quicker.
InfiRay
InfiRay scopes are built with the most advanced thermal imaging technology and have superior image quality. They also come with a range of other features, like low power consumption, digital zoom, and recoil resistance.
Where to Buy a Night Vision Thermal Scope Attachment
The best place to buy thermal scope attachments is a shop that specialises in firearms and accessories. These shops usually have scopes from trusted brands and knowledgeable staff who can help you pick the right one for your needs.
You can also find thermal scopes online, but make sure to read customer reviews first before buying.
Wrapping Up
A thermal scope attachment is an essential addition to your hunting gear. By taking the time to read up on your options and understanding what features you need for hunting, you can find the right piece for your needs. With this guide, you can start on the right foot when buying a thermal scope for your hunting expeditions.
For more tips and information on hunting and rifles, you can check out our other posts!