Clip on Thermal Advice

[DIRKCW]

After using a friends thermal scope for a weekend in south TX I am looking to get one soon. I like the idea of a clip on so I wouldn't need a dedicated rifle. I was looking at the below and can't decide on one. From reading specs it looks like the detectors are on par with each other and in my price range. I did notice the Iray appears to have the best display resolution but is the heaviest. I am curious to know if anyone has any experience/advice with either of these or similar ones. I am trying to avoid being disappointed after spending $4-5k. I will mainly use this on an AR platform with a Zeiss V8 LPVO if that makes a difference.

InfiRay Outdoor Rico Hybrid 50 640 Thermal
AGM RATTLER-C V2 50-640 CLIP ON
PULSAR KRYPTON 2 FXG50

 

[waspocrew]

The Rico Hybrid is a great scope, but super long if trying to use as a clip on. It'll work, but you'll be reaching out there to reach the controls on the scope.

 

[bdcoon]

I own the Pulsar Krypton 2 fxg50 with the Pulsar 3x20 B eye piece that can be used to convert it into a monucular.

I use it primarily for my bolt rifle, and typically have it coupled with a scope that has low magnification capability, in this case it's generally one of my Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50s.

My bolt rifles, as is customary, don't have extended picatinny rails to mount additional appendages beyond the scope. Therefore the clip on was definitely the best choice for me.

After being introduced to the Hikmicro clip on (which I felt was relatively heavy) in Africa, I was intrigued and started researching the various options when I returned home. I personally liked the lightweight nature of this unit, and the ability to "upsize" battery units for even longer run times.

Personally, I prefer the lighter, smaller models over the heavier, longer ones for my application (i.e. varmint hunting). The visual performance of this unit is also very impressive, and it never ceases to amaze me what it allows one to see.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[snox801]

I own clip ons and scopes. If you are spending the cash get a thermal scope. You can index which section of rail it goes on and you zero.

They are done with axis pints so you can write down different ones for different scopes.
Just my two cents. Clips ons work but the scope is better.

 

[bdcoon]

As a side note, the other clip on that I'm currently intrigued by and may have to give a try is the Infiray Mate MAH50. This unit also fits my personal preference of smaller and lightweight.

 

[bdcoon]

If you have a rifle that you want to use as a dedicated night rifle, then a thermal scope is probably the better option. But, if you don't, then I prefer the clip on method, and that is why I settled on that choice.

I suppose you could use a quick detach system for a traditional scope, and a thermal scope and switch between the two, but again, I preferred the clip on option and it has been a great choice for me.

 

[DIRKCW]

Thank you all for the advice.