NVG recommendations?

[NatetheGr8]

I'm looking to buying a night vision device, either a monocular like the pvs14 or either a binocular Pair like the sentinels. My fquestion is does anyone have any experiences with them and on what they prefer over the bino/mono system configuration?( perhaps a list of pros and cons with each config.) My initial choic was to get the pvs 14 and shell out for another tube that way I have a choice on weather to mount one on a rifle( not under hunting circumstances) and the other via helmet; or have them both mounted to the helmet. I'm also open to other recommendations I just listed some of my options to the research that I have done. Thanks CGers.

[brando]

They're expensive, but seriously don't waste your time on cheap **** if you want to get any practical use out of them. I suggest starting with a PVS-14 as it's very versatile, can be helmet or used with a spotter and isn't too expensive for most folks. Note: there are weapon mounts for them, but it's generally a bad idea. That'll get your feet wet.

The dual-tube systems are light years better for fire and maneuver, but start around $7800 (vs PVS-14's @ $3k). The main difference is that you get depth perception, which is vital if you're using them to drive offroad. You won't get better clarity but you'll have much better spatial awareness.

So start with the PVS-14, run it on a helmet for a while. If you get a lot of use out of it, then start saving for a dual-tube system. Also, don't be confused by PVS-7B: they're a single tube system but cover both eyes with the same image. The PVS-14 is MUCH better.

[OpticsPlanet]

Go with a PVS-14. You can set up an entry level helmet for a couple hundred:

http://www.opticsplanet.com/us-night-vision-pt-helmet-a-bravo.html

We have one of the best values for a PVS-14 on the market, our unit is built by Morovision and has a Pinnacle tube:

http://www.opticsplanet.com/opmod-pvs-14-night-vision-monocular-with-night-vision-head-gear.html

Tim G.

[JMP]

There are a few options. Do not go less than Gen 3. I use a clip on with my day scope. It works well, but it wasn't cheap, then I had to spend a ton more on my mounting system to get it in spec with my scope. I'd not not go this route unless you have a good daytime scope (when I say good, I'd suggest Schmidt Bender or better) or you won't see beans past a couple hundred yards, especially with magnification.

[NatetheGr8]

They're expensive, but seriously don't waste your time on cheap **** if you want to get any practical use out of them. I suggest starting with a PVS-14 as it's very versatile, can be helmet or used with a spotter and isn't too expensive for most folks. Note: there are weapon mounts for them, but it's generally a bad idea. That'll get your feet wet.

The dual-tube systems are light years better for fire and maneuver, but start around $7800 (vs PVS-14's @ $3k). The main difference is that you get depth perception, which is vital if you're using them to drive offroad. You won't get better clarity but you'll have much better spatial awareness.

So start with the PVS-14, run it on a helmet for a while. If you get a lot of use out of it, then start saving for a dual-tube system. Also, don't be confused by PVS-7B: they're a single tube system but cover both eyes with the same image. The PVS-14 is MUCH better.

Thanks for the info, knowing me if I were to drop the money on the dual tube I'd use the **** out of it aha. I'd be mostly doing night shooting and for when the s#!t hits. I was planning on using two pvs 14 for the adaptability. I do plan on hunting just not with any IR device or night illuminating devices if I were to hunt it'll be with a hand held white light. If I'm not mistaken I can mount a pvs14 on my rifle following proper guidelines am I wrong? I assume this only to this quote;http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=341895 if you scroll down to Quiet's post. Also would be more cheaper and efficient if I just save up for a dual tube system since I plan on running the nvg extensively?

[NatetheGr8]

There are a few options. Do not go less than Gen 3. I use a clip on with my day scope. It works well, but it wasn't cheap, then I had to spend a ton more on my mounting system to get it in spec with my scope. I'd not not go this route unless you have a good daytime scope (when I say good, I'd suggest Schmidt Bender or better) or you won't see beans past a couple hundred yards, especially with magnification.

I plan on adapting the pvs14 to my scar17 with an elcan specter dr and if legal mount a peq 15 atpial c on there to. Maybe a inforce wml or surfer scout or something I assume I'll need a regular light for something aha.

[JMP]

I do plan on hunting just not with any IR device or night illuminating devices if I were to hunt it'll be with a hand held white light. If I'm not mistaken I can mount a pvs14 on my rifle following proper guidelines am I wrong? I assume this only to this quote;http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=341895 if you scroll down to Quiet's post.

It's legal to use without an illuminator in CA. To be honest, illuminators are really only good for indoors and shorter distances. With a decent scope, you'd best rely on ambient light. However, that DOES NOT mean that it is legal to hunt with. You need to check with your local Fish & Game warden, and the answer is probably no.

[Lightstrider]

I was going to get a PVS 14 package from CS Tactical when they had it plus the head kit for $3,999 I think.... But instead I went for the ATN OTS thermal monocular from the forums here for $3500. So amazing, seriously much better than NV cause you can see what is really alive out there. It's heavy, I need a headset but I love. It's very basic mostly for up close but you can see things off in the distance up to at least 200 yards from what I've tested but anything in the view that is heated will show up. I've crept up on packs of deer (I dont hunt at all), watched people walking down my road until the very end, shows animal prints, it's really fun.

[NatetheGr8]

I was going to get a PVS 14 package from CS Tactical when they had it plus the head kit for $3,999 I think.... But instead I went for the ATN OTS thermal monocular from the forums here for $3500. So amazing, seriously much better than NV cause you can see what is really alive out there. It's heavy, I need a headset but I love. It's very basic mostly for up close but you can see things off in the distance up to at least 200 yards from what I've tested but anything in the view that is heated will show up. I've crept up on packs of deer (I dont hunt at all), watched people walking down my road until the very end, shows animal prints, it's really fun.

Do you have any experience with NV? Also if you absolutely had to "cherry pick" the pros/ cons what would they be opposed to NV? Also how much was the mount did you end up pay around the same price as the pvs14s

[NatetheGr8]

It's legal to use without an illuminator in CA. To be honest, illuminators are really only good for indoors and shorter distances. With a decent scope, you'd best rely on ambient light. However, that DOES NOT mean that it is legal to hunt with. You need to check with your local Fish & Game warden, and the answer is probably no.

Do have any recommendation to illuminators? I really wanted the peq15 atpial c because of the ergonomics of the controls and it's simple which makes it easy to use. I also considered the dbal but it seemed a little more complicated do to its different and various settings. Also are these good choices for night shooting/night range sessions or night practices and perhaps in a survivability(shtf) situation? Thanks for the shared info as well.

[JMP]

Do have any recommendation to illuminators? I really wanted the peq15 atpial c because of the ergonomics of the controls and it's simple which makes it easy to use. I also considered the dbal but it seemed a little more complicated do to its different and various settings. Also are these good choices for night shooting/night range sessions or night practices and perhaps in a survivability(shtf) situation? Thanks for the shared info as well.

No, I don't use an illuminator. But, the concept is the same as a flashlight except that it shines a beam at a wavelength that isn't visable to the human eye, but your photon intensifier translates it into an image you can see. For indoors where you are close up, you'd want a beam that is wide to light up a room. To shoot further, you would want a more concentrated beam that gets out further with less immediate dispersion. If you shoot outside there is generally quite a bit of ambient light that can allow you to shoot pretty far with a decent scope. The moon and stars work in your favor. I don't think having a night vision device is a great investment for a SHTF type scenario as those optronics gobble batteries so you'd need to stock up on pricey lithium batteries if you want to keep running it.

[Click Boom]

Increased survivability in mall defense scenarios.

[The War Wagon]

PVS-14 - at a MINIMUM.

[rero360]

I have some pretty decent experience with various NVGs and Thermal devices. PVS-14s are the way to go, unless you have the coin and connections to get your hands on something like the PSQ-20B (combination of both IR and Thermal) or the GPNVG-18s. I don't have any first hand experience with either but will jump on the opportunity if it ever presents itself to me.

For Thermal, the OASYS UTC and UTM are great, the UTC for magnified optics, I had one in front of my USO 1.8-10 on my SDM-R in Afghanistan. The UTM for carbines with ACOGs or RDS, I had one on my carbine at times in front of my Micro T1, it was a bit on the heavy side though.

The downsides to Thermal is that you can't see through glass, and you can't see IR lasers with them. They also tend to be extremely expensive and battery hungry.

[brando]

Uh, the fusion devices like the PSQ-series are restricted to LE/MIL sales only. And few of the night vision systems are too, namely the GPNVG-18 you recommended. Besides, most people don't have $65,000 to spend on a pair of NODs

ETA: you could get a Vectronix COTI to attach to a PVS-14 to get thermal/image intensifier fusion in a roundabout way, though my guess is most folks planning to spend $10,000 would rather put that towards a good set of dual-tube NODs and illumination/marker system.