Thermal scopes.. downside?

[Steve1968LS2]

Anyone have any experience with Thermal scopes?

Yea, I know they are no-go in CA ... but I thought I would ask

Looking at ATN.. reviews seem good and it looks solid for the cost.

https://www.atncorp.com/thermal-scope-thor-lt-3-6x

Cheaper and less complicated compared to night vision gear.. and it's passive.

Thoughts?

[NoHeavyHitter]

Yea, I know they are no-go in CA ... but I thought I would ask

I thought the prohibition was on image intensifier tubes that used an *ACTIVE* infrared illuminator?

[Steve1968LS2]

I thought the prohibition was on image intensifier tubes that used an *ACTIVE* infrared illuminator?

I thought there was a law in CA that says you can't mount a thermal scope to a gun.. off a gun is fine.

The general rule I use for CA is "If it seems fun or makes sense it's most likely illegal in CA"

[The War Wagon]

EXPENSE, but they don't have a lotta magnification to 'em yet, either.

[Steve1968LS2]

EXPENSE, but they don't have a lotta magnification to 'em yet, either.

These are under $1200... so the expense part isn't part of the equation realistically ..

They do have higher power ones, but was thinking it would be nice to have something that works at night.

[General]

Seem good but big n heavy

[mr goodguy]

Sweet!

[Steve1968LS2]

22 onces is about the same weight as a Votex Razor 1-6x .. just sayin'

[1savage99]

I thought there was a law in CA that says you can't mount a thermal scope to a gun.. off a gun is fine.

The general rule I use for CA is "If it seems fun or makes sense it's most likely illegal in CA"

[brando]

Friends don't let friends buy ATN.

[mooner760HD]

Where are you getting that language? That doesn't match the breakdown I have read previously.

[Steve1968LS2]

Friends don't let friends buy ATN.

That's not very helpful..

Reviews were good.. so why?

[BigBamBoo]

Do some basic searching on ATN....they are not highly regarded.


.

[Mute]

[diveRN]

Here's one big downside.

With a scope like an ATN mounted to the gun and a roving target like a pig, which we shoot a lot of at night here in NTX, you have to move the gun (and gun barrel) in the direction you want to see in. If you don't have an immediate fix on your intended target, you'll need to sweep a large area to find what you're looking for, which can be dangerous if you have to move much to get to where your quarry is. Sure, the problem can be solved by putting out a feeder and shooting from a fixed location, but that's not always doable.

To solve the issue, I found a used gen2 monocular for sale, bought a head mount, and fixed a green laser to a rail on my AR. That way, when I spot a pig through the monocular, I can light it up with the laser without potentially sweeping unintended targets.

It definitely costs more, but it's MUCH more efficient and a lot safer.