Predator Hunting Gear Roundup: Thermal and IR…

Hunters who work the graveyard shift can rely on these top-shelf night-vision optics to turn night into day.

Trijicon IR-Hunter Thermal Riflescope.

Critters such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, racoons, wild hogs and others are most active at night, and for good reasons. Working the graveyard shift helps them avoid human encounters in heavily populated areas and seek shelter from blistering daytime temperatures in arid Southern environments. The prey species they seek as a source of needed protein are also more active under the cloak of darkness for these same reasons, which makes hunting for them at night more productive. In fact, most predators are biologically disposed to work the night shift, their large nocturnal eyes designed to gather enough available light to navigate the landscape and seek out food in the dark.

For the savvy predator hunter, this means waking up in the wee hours of the night to go out and deliver a convincing impression of prey species in a world of hurt — using those pitiful sounds of prey species in distress to appeal to these nighttime hunters, knowing that the predators they seek become emboldened at night, gaining confidence under a cloak of darkness — those reluctant to expose themselves during the day exhibiting their brave alter egos at night.

And there's good news for these vampire hunters. Hunters who work the graveyard shift can rely on a wide array of top-shelf night-vision optics that turn night into day and even the playing field by using the latest and greatest thermal and IR technologies — image intensification, near-infrared illumination and thermal imaging. Here's an assortment of makes and models to get you started. It's time to take back the night!

AGM Adder TS35-384

The Adder TS35-384 thermal imaging scope from AGM Global Vision was developed for hunters who prefer a traditional scope body design when using night vision optics. It comes with a 30mm American Defense MFG (ADM) AD Recon QD mount but can be attached to any firearm using standard 30mm scope rings. The traditional body style meets the needs of hunters who value a traditional form factor and technological superiority. The Adder TS35-384 is equipped with a unique dual power system — two built-in 18650 rechargeable batteries and one CR123A replaceable lithium battery that provide up to 15 hours of continuous operation. Other features include onboard video and audio recording, 64GB of storage, shot-activated recording, onboard Wi-Fi and more.

MSRP: $2,744

www.agmglobalvision.com

Armasight Contractor 640

Armasight's Contractor 640 series thermal optic sight brings cutting edge capability in a lightweight yet durable metal alloy housing. Built as a Mil-Std military-grade thermal scope, the Contractor 640 can be used in all environmental conditions to improve object detection. It features 60Hz 1024x768 AMOLED display resolution, USB and WiFi video streaming, shot-activated recording capabilities, four hours of onboard video recording, eight user-selectable reticles and six color palettes. The Contractor 640 also comes equipped with a digital compass, inclinometer and stadiametric reticles that help users calculate distance, direction and shot angles. The Contractor 640 ships with an integrated quick-detach mount that attaches to any standard 1913 Picatinny rail and comes in three models.

MSRP: $5,499/2.3-9.2x35mm; $5,799/3-12x50mm; $6,999/4.8-19.2x75mm

www.armasight.com

ATN ThOR 5 XD Series

ATN's ThOR Gen 5 series of thermal scopes uses cutting-edge technology to deliver better-than-ever quality in a smaller profile. With more power and more memory, the latest sensors and custom chips make the Gen 5 line a revolutionary leap forward in thermal optics — powered by a new Quad Core processor with enhanced sensors that produce stunning image quality in both night and day modes. A high-resolution OLED display offers rich colors and stark blacks, while the upgraded lenses, improved 12μm technology and enhanced algorithms provide sharp resolution. All models are available with a laser rangefinder that delivers unprecedented precision at up to 1,000 yards. ATN's exclusive Custom Reticle Builder lets the user create a reticle that suits specific shooting needs.

MSRP: Starts at $5,695

www.atncorp.com

Bering Optics Super Yoter LRF

The Super Yoter LRF 3-24x50mm compact thermal scope from Bering Optics features advanced 12µm vanadium oxide (VOx) 640x480 core resolution that makes it a great choice for predator hunting at medium- and long-range distances. Equipped with a QD mount (LaRue, ADM or Bering Optics), it has an integrated laser rangefinder with Constant Scan mode that has a range of 10 to 1,000 yards. It features an aluminum-magnesium alloy body, and it is powered by common AA-type batteries. The Super Yoter LRF also features a zeroing app with BDC function, magnetic external battery port with cable, built in 32MB memory to record videos and photos and built-in sound recording.

MSRP: $5,699.95

www.beringoptics.com

Black Diamond TH-38L

The next generation of thermal imaging devices from Black Diamond Optics is here. The TH-38L thermal riflescope features 1024x768 high-resolution image quality, germanium glass and 10 optional color palettes on its HD OLED display. With a detection reach out to 2,000 yards, it features sharp imagery while being able to range targets out to 1,100 yards. External video features PAL WiFi and 32GB of internal storage. Its 50mm objective lens harnesses a wide field of view and zoom capabilities of 2X/4X/10X/PIP. The TH-38L thermal riflescope weighs in at only 22 ounces.

MSRP: $5,500

www.blackdiamondoptics.com

EOTech ClipNV-LR

Made from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum, the compact EOTech ClipNV-LR is a clip-on night-vision device developed to provide users with a rifle-mounted sighting solution with unrivaled target detection and identification capability. It is designed for use with medium to high (4-20X) magnification day sights to provide targeting at night while maintaining the day optic's ballistic zero and attaches quickly and simply to Picatinny (1913) rails. It also features an integral auxiliary Picatinny rail for installation of accessory equipment such as IR illuminators/designators. The ClipNV-LR's auto-gated power supply provides an automatic high light cut-off system to help protect the image intensifier tube for improved resolution in high light environments. Simple On/Off, Manual Gain Control and Focus knobs are ergonomically positioned.

MSRP: $10,125

www.eotechinc.com

InfiRay Outdoor MATE 640 Clip-On

The InfiRay Outdoor MATE 640 50mm clip-on thermal optic brings an all-new level of versatility to any existing day scope. With a high-performance 12μm detector, magnesium alloy housing, distortion-free display, removable control pad and a detection range of up to 2,400 yards, the MATE 640 ensures a precise and repeatable transition when day turns to night. It can be mounted directly to the objective of any day scope or can be attached via a Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rail. Additional accessories, including an external LRF module and monocular extension, provide improved flexibility on any hunt or trip to the range. Other features include distortion-free display, threaded eyepiece, manual focus, 32GB internal memory and much more.

MSRP: $5,999

www.irayusa.com

Pard TD5

The TD5 is the latest technological innovation from Pard — Dual Spectra Imaging technology that combines long distance thermal detection, high-definition night vision and a laser rangefinder into a single unit. Featuring a 384x288 resolution IR thermal sensor, 35mm lens, 2.4X optical magnification, 2X digital magnification, 12µm pixel pitch and ≤25mK Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD), users will enjoy rich contrast and bold resolution when acquiring (and accurately ranging) targets with the 1,200-yard integrated laser range finder that seamlessly feeds the data into the on-board ballistics calculator. IPS LCD thermal imaging and night vision can be displayed on the 800x800 IPS LCD display simultaneously with the picture-in-picture (PIP) function, providing a clear heat signature and night-vision depth perception.

MSRP: $4,099

www.pard.com

Pulsar Thermion Duo DXP50

Pulsar's Thermion Duo DXP50 combines high-tech thermal imaging with the clarity and vividness of a full-color daytime optic. Designed primarily for hunting, it has a detection range of 1,800 yards, and with its picture-in-picture feature, a hunter can simultaneously find an animal through dense fog or foliage with its 640x480 high-sensitivity thermal sensor while observing the area around it in full color 4K HD. The Thermion Duo DXP50 includes one-shot freeze zeroing, 1024x768 photo and video recording with audio, Wi-Fi integration with the Stream Vision 2 app and advanced image processing. With its solid aluminum alloy construction, it is both shockproof and waterproof, with an IPX7 rating, capable of withstanding the most rigorous hunting conditions.

MSRP: $6,499.97

www.pulsarnv.com

Sector Optics Fusion Bino T6b

The T6b Fusion binocular from Sector Optics offers a robust feature set, including a Starvis full HD sensor + LWIR or SWIR 640x480 core, on‐board image processing enhancement modes and IMU, GPS capability. It has a removable ocular and remote control and multiple fusion display views: single sensor, fusion, etc. The T6b Fusion features flexible mounting options — tripod, handle mount and more — and a field of view of 8.7 degrees. It has a focus range from 6 yards to infinity and two 1920x1080 color OLED displays. Optical characteristics with wide or narrow FOV systems are available for custom orders.

MSRP: $5,995

www.sectoroptics.com

Sig Sauer Electro-Optics Echo3

Designed for predator and wild hog hunters, the compact, lightweight Echo3 thermal reflex sight utilizes Sig Sauer BDX technology to capture images and record video in eight different color palettes. Available in 1-6X and 2-12X magnification options, the Echo3 can be used with multiple reticles that change with KILO rangefinder input. The Echo3 features a motion activated MOTAC display that powers up when it senses motion, and its two CR123 lithium batteries provide more than six hours of continuous runtime. It includes a quick disconnect mount, easy to adjust zoom lens with throw lever attachment and six brightness settings.

MSRP: $3,249.99/1-6X; $3,899.99/ 2-12X

www.sigsauer.com

Trijicon IR-Hunter

Trijicon's IR-Hunter thermal riflescope features improved system controls for faster system response and reduced lag time while a new manual focus adjustment for 60mm versions provides improved image quality at all distances. The main housing is constructed from forged 7075 aluminum and features an updated top-loading internal battery compartment for faster access, a slimmer profile and increased durability. Its quick release mounting system featuring Trijicon Q-LOC technology provides multiple mounting locations to affix a scope rapidly and reliably in the dark. This feature also decreases sight-in time and rounds fired with "return to zero" repeatability. The IR-Hunter has improved reticle choices, and all Trijicon Electro Optics thermal scopes feature 640x480 resolution and 12-micron thermal sensors with 60Hz frame rates.

MSRP: $6,694/24mm; $7,724/35mm; $9,269/60mm

www.trijicon.com