Nightvision/IR and night hunting

I don't think there is a best per say but from my testing it all depends on the purpose and the price you want to spend. The add on ones are great and nothing will be as good as glass but I don't mind the digital scopes. I have grown to really enjoy them of course at max magnification you will get a pixilated image. I have tried many and currently have 3 dedicated scopes no add on but the atn 4k pro 3-14 with abl does really well on my low power stuff since it will automatically adjust the reticle for that distance but its heavy I use a tripod so weight isn't an issue. The pard 008 is one of my favorites built in IR, laser, uses a 18650 battery, light weight and compact. The field of view is not good and it has limited magnification range 6.5x and 13x thats all but again it serves a purpose for me. You can get the newer version with built in range finder and ballistic data. If you are ok with the IR not being attached and don't mind holding over/under but still want a small package the wraith mini does a really good job as well it just doesn't have the longest battery life since it uses cr123 batteries so you can use a battery pack for extended use. There are a few others I have tested and if you want any other information usage videos just let me know.
 
Thanks all! Those options are nice - the pard looks great. I should have given a range for budget... I was hoping not to spend more than $200 lol. I think it's going to be difficult unless I find some way to modify a monocular style NV scope or use one of those ones that have the screen... Amazon won't ship any NV stuff to me (not sure if this is a CA thing or what... I could've sworn I was able to purchase in the past month and something changed recently though).. EDIT: oh wait, it looks like it may not even be legal hahaha oops.
 
Thanks all! Those options are nice - the pard looks great. I should have given a range for budget... I was hoping not to spend more than $200 lol. I think it's going to be difficult unless I find some way to modify a monocular style NV scope or use one of those ones that have the screen... Amazon won't ship any NV stuff to me (not sure if this is a CA thing or what... I could've sworn I was able to purchase in the past month and something changed recently though).. EDIT: oh wait, it looks like it may not even be legal hahaha oops.
In CA the IR light can not be attached to the weapon which makes it difficult. Have you thought about just using a well known red light with a glass scope something like the sniper hog light but in red?
 
In CA the IR light can not be attached to the weapon which makes it difficult. Have you thought about just using a well known red light with a glass scope something like the sniper hog light but in red?
Ah yes that makes sense. Would green or red be better? I see a few on amazon so may just grab one there
 
Ah yes that makes sense. Would green or red be better? I see a few on amazon so may just grab one there
Red lights do not effect your own eyes night vision. Deep red lights do not trigger the neutralization of the rhodopsin. Light of any other kind makes your night vision less effective. reducing your own ability to see at night/ in the dark. This is why naval vessels used red running lights at night, so when you go out on deck you would still have your best vision.
 
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If you have a bait location it better to have a remote red light that doesn't move and it far away (it doesn't need to be at the shooters location) using a focused light source. If the light is on the gun the animals can see the movement and many times get skittish. If the light is stationary and far away they don't minds at all. I used mounted and red LED light inside of a pipe with a magnifying glass in front to focus the beam to a 6 degree spread. It can light up a target area over 70 yards away. It uses an ESP32 and WiFI to control the on, off and brightness.
 
I don't think there is a best per say but from my testing it all depends on the purpose and the price you want to spend. The add on ones are great and nothing will be as good as glass but I don't mind the digital scopes. I have grown to really enjoy them of course at max magnification you will get a pixilated image. I have tried many and currently have 3 dedicated scopes no add on but the atn 4k pro 3-14 with abl does really well on my low power stuff since it will automatically adjust the reticle for that distance but its heavy I use a tripod so weight isn't an issue. The pard 008 is one of my favorites built in IR, laser, uses a 18650 battery, light weight and compact. The field of view is not good and it has limited magnification range 6.5x and 13x thats all but again it serves a purpose for me. You can get the newer version with built in range finder and ballistic data. If you are ok with the IR not being attached and don't mind holding over/under but still want a small package the wraith mini does a really good job as well it just doesn't have the longest battery life since it uses cr123 batteries so you can use a battery pack for extended use. There are a few others I have tested and if you want any other information usage videos just let me know.
I'm so surprised that more airgun shooters don't flock to use the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro and ABL Laser Rangefinder combo. I've also added the ATN X-Trac so I can control everything from my shooting position.

I also have the same setup on my ATN THOR 4 Thermal Scope.
20220419_205009.jpg
 
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Hi jplee,
A newbie here. Im trying to do the same thing you do. What scope and light did you end up getting? Would you share the Amazon links?
Hi there, I haven't purchased an NV scope/light yet as I'm requesting for more information in the thread. Hopefully there have been some good suggestions though!

Unfortunately, NV scope attachments are illegal in CA (so I've come to learn since posting) so I'll likely end up getting a simple scope mount + red light (or fashion a filter with red cellophane and use a flashlight I have haha).

The current scopes I have are the Hawke Vantage 4x32mm AO Mil Dot scope and the BSA Red Dot. I prefer the scope on the 1322 w/ stock and probably the BSA Red Dot on the pistol form. I have a Beeman P17 that my friend ordered and I have yet to pickup, so the BSA will likely go on that.
 
I have the Sightmark wraith., It is very easy to use. I have not used it on my FX yet. But I have used it for hog hunting. The image is very clear, day and night. Plus, you can record your shots. There is no sound with the wraith. I like that feature, because it protects me from saying something embarrassing. The scope is one of the Best Bang for your Buck, in my opinion.
 
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Hi there, I haven't purchased an NV scope/light yet as I'm requesting for more information in the thread. Hopefully there have been some good suggestions though!

Unfortunately, NV scope attachments are illegal in CA (so I've come to learn since posting) so I'll likely end up getting a simple scope mount + red light (or fashion a filter with red cellophane and use a flashlight I have haha).

The current scopes I have are the Hawke Vantage 4x32mm AO Mil Dot scope and the BSA Red Dot. I prefer the scope on the 1322 w/ stock and probably the BSA Red Dot on the pistol form. I have a Beeman P17 that my friend ordered and I have yet to pickup, so the BSA will likely go on that.
hi jplee3, It seems like people in Ebay will ship to CA. I've also read CA does not allow pepper balls either, but the restriction is shipping and selling, but owning is not illegal.. (it is basically a ball filled with pepper powder). Would you know if NV scopes are illegal to own in CA? or is it just shipping like the pepper balls?
 
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