Night Vision Scope ????

[Gunsrruss]

I ordered and received ATN 5-18 night vision scope. It was $623. It would not focus, but it was so complicated for this 20th century guy I might not have been able to operate it. In other words there were to many gadgets on the thing. I need something that I can put on a rifle and turn on and I have night vision. Anyone got any Ideas???

[JMP]

Holy crap.

http://www.atncorp.com/x-sight-night-vision-rifle-scope-5-18x

Look at all that thing can do. For that price, I'd say it looks a little too good to be true. I think it uses old fashioned digital imagining and doesn't even have a photo cathode tube to translate the photons (which is what will allow day and night viewing at such a low price). Thus, I'd not expect much. You were probably doing it correctly, but you just aren't going to get a decent picture the dark. Since the scope allows it, try focusing the device during the day, that should tell you if you are doing it correctly.

ATN makes some real products, but they get a bad reputation since they sell complete rubbish like this scope as it will appeal to the civilian consumer by looking impressive on paper.

For night vision, I strongly suggesting sticking with a generation 3 or higher level or just not even bothering.

[dvs762]

ATN has some good stuff..its just possible your unit is out of spec..I'd locate an ATN dealer and have them check it out for you...

[brando]

It is too good to be true. For years, the saying among people who risk their lives with night vision: "Friends don't let friends use ATN"

[hermosabeach]

Take a look at the nvg sun forum at snipers hide.

As CA is extremely restrictive on weapon mounted nvg, we might not be the best resource.


There are guys on the hide that hunt pigs with nvg and thermal. So really slick set ups

[JMP]

Actually, for shooting longer range outside, CA isn't really that restrictive. It's the illumination in conjunction that makes it not CA legal. If you plan to be able to shoot past 100 yards, lower than Gen 3 just doesn't hack it and at longer ranges, the illuminator isn't really effective. Law enforcement can use Gen 2 and its peers with an illuminator as they will work with closer engagements and inside of buildings which need illumination. The military uses Gen 3 or higher as that is what is required to see further.

I believe the whole illumination law is due to the fact that would be crimes would likely be committed indoors where no natural light occurs. At close ranges, Gen 1 or the old fashioned digital can be used with an illuminator as Gen 1 technology works just fine if you stay within 20 feet.

[OpticsPlanet]

Unfortunately, the ATN X-Sight has been plagued with some issues. At some point, I suspect they will get the bugs out, but for now it's not the best option. Do you have a budget? For something decent, you will really need to spend something close to $2K or more. If you already have a day scope, you might consider a clip-on from Armasight.

George P

[Gunsrruss]

Night Vision

Unfortunately, the ATN X-Sight has been plagued with some issues. At some point, I suspect they will get the bugs out, but for now it's not the best option. Do you have a budget? For something decent, you will really need to spend something close to $2K or more. If you already have a day scope, you might consider a clip-on from Armasight.

George P

That clip on looked real good. I kinda figured I was going to be in the $2,000 dollar range.....Also thanks for your help

[Merc1138]

Actually, for shooting longer range outside, CA isn't really that restrictive. It's the illumination in conjunction that makes it not CA legal. If you plan to be able to shoot past 100 yards, lower than Gen 3 just doesn't hack it and at longer ranges, the illuminator isn't really effective. Law enforcement can use Gen 2 and its peers with an illuminator as they will work with closer engagements and inside of buildings which need illumination. The military uses Gen 3 or higher as that is what is required to see further.

I believe the whole illumination law is due to the fact that would be crimes would likely be committed indoors where no natural light occurs. At close ranges, Gen 1 or the old fashioned digital can be used with an illuminator as Gen 1 technology works just fine if you stay within 20 feet.

No, it's because the law was written based off of WW2 nightvision technology.
you give CA legislators too much credit regarding their ability to think.

[JMP]

Yeah, I know it's old law, but I figure it's too much of a non issue to update as it never comes into play. But, then again, the 50 BMG ban was pretty worthless in accomplishing anything crime related whatsoever.

Regarding the clip on, take a look at one of your friends' Gen 2 "+" before getting one. For $2k, you may be highly disappointed. Like I've said go Gen 3 or better if you want something you can use. Then, you need to make sure your daytime scope is perfectly aligned with your clip-on, which may result in costly rail and mounting mods. Then, you need a lower power zoom multiple on the regular scope, 1 to 6x is what will generally work. Then, you need a good day sight that transmits light well or the diminished quality will be compounded.

Just a heads up before you get a $2k paperweight. There are other costs in addition to the $4k needed for a Generation 3 clip on. I'd not waste my money on that unless you are only looking to 150 or 200m MAXIMUM.

[GJC]

I want night vision

[OlderThanDirt]

...nor shall this section prohibit the use or possession of such sniperscope when used solely for scientific research or educational purposes.

I sense an increase in the number of scientists and educators in California. There is important research that needs to be conducted on the feeding and breeding habits of Canis latrans.

Also, +1 on the Gen 3 scopes. Optics Planet set me up with one a while back and the thing is awesome. I have some older Gen 1 and 2+ equipment and there is no comparison to the more expensive Gen 3 scopes at longer distances.

[Merc1138]

I want night vision

So get it, just gotta be willing to hand over those duckets.(and then depending on your usage make sure you don't run afoul of some DFG regulation)

[JMP]

It is really fun to use, but NV tends to be a completely impractical dollarwise purchase for civilian use. it's best if you are one to shoot at night in the desert as you get a nice starry sky and you can shoot and hit targets in what otherwise could be unsafe conditions. it's needed out there because there is no artificial lighting, if say you go camping.

For the money, I'd put it into a great primary scope. You can get a Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PMII for about the same as usable NV. You will find that the opportunities to use NV in the civilian world are rather limited.

I can't remember his name, but there's a guy on this site that will sometimes show up to the CGN SSZS shoot in the fall, and he'll bring an Accuracy International rifle that's equipped with a Schmidt & Bender and decent passive NV device and he's pretty nice and let most others shoot it at night. Something like that is a good opportunity to trying out shooting the real stuff where a short action rifile costs as much as a Honda Civic.

[OpticsPlanet]

I hope no one got the wrong idea! I really like the X-Sight and was quite excited when it was released, but it had few bugs early on. I know ATN has already released at least one update and will resolve any issues to make it the reasonably priced, enjoyable and functional product it was designed to be!

George P.