Plus I figured I could use the thermal for any type of hunting. Scan the field during deer season and you cant see the deer sitting in the hedgerow,,,,well you can once you look through the thermal. Scan the field with thermal looking for chucks and know where they all are. Kill something, cant find it,,,,you can with the thermal.
So I bought some cheap digital Night Vision toys.
- Thread starter JamieZ
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Shoots100
.44 mag
Well, I don't want to rain on your parade, but the reason for having a spotter, is the bigger field of view for scanning.
A 4X base magnification has a very small field of view at closer ranges.
Most of the thermals being offered now a days, are made with the recommendations from the vast majority of hunters using them in the open fields of Texas and out west, so a base mag of 4X is better suited for their needs of ID'ing their prey at longer ranges, not the needs of a hunter using them in our types of terrain, hence you will only find a small amount of thermls offered in low base magnification.
My HD19a has a base mag of 1.1x and is perfect (in my opinion ) for the type of terrain we have in the northeast.
Still, It's still better than not having thermal and I'm sure you'll see a lot more with it than using NV.
SJC
A 4X base magnification has a very small field of view at closer ranges.
Most of the thermals being offered now a days, are made with the recommendations from the vast majority of hunters using them in the open fields of Texas and out west, so a base mag of 4X is better suited for their needs of ID'ing their prey at longer ranges, not the needs of a hunter using them in our types of terrain, hence you will only find a small amount of thermls offered in low base magnification.
My HD19a has a base mag of 1.1x and is perfect (in my opinion ) for the type of terrain we have in the northeast.
Still, It's still better than not having thermal and I'm sure you'll see a lot more with it than using NV.
SJC
Field of view is not diminished compared to the 2.5 magnification. Listen to this video,,,guy is pretty knowledgeable when it comes to spec of the two. Which is the XM30 and the XM30 Key
Plus the Sightmark mono I have now has a 4.5 starting magnification and I get great field of view and I can focus good starting at 10ft. So I dont see me having issues with the one I just purchased.
Shoots100
.44 mag
Travis is a great guy and has some very good prices on some quality NV that you'll get nowhere else.
I've bought a few NV scopes from him and would've purchased my thermion xp38 from him, but I ended up getting a good deal directly from pulsar because of my trail scope issues.
I didn't know about the ocular lens + screen differences in the axion series.
It does make a difference.
The newest spotter I've looked through was a helion xp38, as it took the same battery as my trail scope, but I nixed getting one because my trail scope was a dud.
That had a base mag of 2.5 and the fov was a lot more constricted than my HD19a.
Going by that, I expected a base mag of 4x to be more confined.
I do like that pulsar is giving you some feature options and the price difference reflects that.
If your used to a 4x base mag, then you'll be at home with your newest purchase.
Now all you need is a new 640 res thermal scope and you'll be all set !!!!!!
When does your axion arrive and who did you get it from ?
SJC
I've bought a few NV scopes from him and would've purchased my thermion xp38 from him, but I ended up getting a good deal directly from pulsar because of my trail scope issues.
I didn't know about the ocular lens + screen differences in the axion series.
It does make a difference.
The newest spotter I've looked through was a helion xp38, as it took the same battery as my trail scope, but I nixed getting one because my trail scope was a dud.
That had a base mag of 2.5 and the fov was a lot more constricted than my HD19a.
Going by that, I expected a base mag of 4x to be more confined.
I do like that pulsar is giving you some feature options and the price difference reflects that.
If your used to a 4x base mag, then you'll be at home with your newest purchase.
Now all you need is a new 640 res thermal scope and you'll be all set !!!!!!
When does your axion arrive and who did you get it from ?
SJC
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
You will be the first person I offer my mono to if I decide to sell it. It would be a great purchase for anyone being that it has a limited lifetime warranty. Fucked up thing about it was, is that I was perfectly happy with the mono,,,,it works much better than the scope. Thats why I havent decided if I'm going to sell it.
Ummmm,,,,,I couldn't take the nagging feeling any longer and its what I wanted before buying the NV mono. Sitting on this damn computer, reading so many reviews, watching so many damn videos and dreaming of coyote kills I just ordered a Pulsar Axion XM30. I believe its the same manufacturer that makes the Sightmark NV scope and mono I just bought.
They make a Key XM30 and a XM30. The non key version has a better display, more magnification and can record video and take pics. It also can wifi to a phone or a tablet just like my previous mono and scope can. Hopefully I will be ok with the magnification starting out at 4,,,,I would of rather had it start at 1.
Pulsar Axion XM30 Thermal Monocular
Shop Pulsar Axion XM30 Thermal Monocular | 5 Star Rating on 5 Reviews for Pulsar Axion XM30 Thermal Monocular + Free Shipping over $49.www.opticsplanet.com
It's times like these I'm happy to be poor, even if I get excited about new technology I know it's not in the cards.I was perfectly happy to look for a used gen1 for close range but thanks to you I'm going to get the Photon lol. Supposed to meet up with a guy buying my Encore this weekend then will be ordering the Photon, with the 3yr extended warranty.
If you decide to sell your other spotter, and i can get the cash, I'll definitely take you up on that
Opticsplanet,,,,took my money 3 days ago and still haven't shipped. Wouldn't of bought it through them but they discounted the tax which was a 158 bucks and already had a discount on mono. Came to 1979 shipped.
Last edited:
Are you buying the refurbed model off Amazon or a non refurbed model?
I was perfectly happy to look for a used gen1 for close range but thanks to you I'm going to get the Photon lol. Supposed to meet up with a guy buying my Encore this weekend then will be ordering the Photon, with the 3yr extended warranty.
If you decide to sell your other spotter, and i can get the cash, I'll definitely take you up on that
As soon as I get my new mono I will update you on the aftermarket IR light I purchased to use with the scope,,,,letting you know if its that much better than the included IR light with the scope. I remounted it to my gun and loosened the screws on the mount slightly so that I can shift the projection of the beam so that I can use the light in spotlight instead of flood. Loosening the screws on the mount lets me shift direction of the light because they used plastic spacers in the mount to make a 34mm mount 32mm. Now the mount makes the light directional.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
Buying the referbed model. Figure as long as I get the extended warranty I cant go wrong.
1075tech
.338 Win Mag
I've ordered from Optics Planet before and had the item a day after the shipping notice. Their sister company, Dvor, often gives 1-3 week shipping estimates and I usually have it in 4 or 5 days.
I agree,,,,Ive purchased many things in the past from them and received them or had them shipped in a timely manner. Not only have they not shipped my mono but they also have a BSF AR10 barrel (order processing) not shipped yet. They told me the barrel would take 7-15 days but now they have it after 20 days and they still havent shipped it,,,,,,,thats the whole "order processing" crap. Means they have it but need to stroke themselves before they ship.
I would of bought the refurbed model too if I didnt pay dealers cost. Its something I didnt come across until we started yapping in this post.
Good choice,,,,,hope you like it. I like mine but like I said it doesnt focus very well. Now you are going to have to post videos of kills on this thread. I expect a lot of them
Received my thermal this morning at around 915am. Went for a wheeler ride with a buddy around 11am and brought the thermal. First place we stopped was in a woods along Black Creek. Pulled out the thermal and looked through the woods and I was like holy shit there is 3 deer laying down over there. Buddy was like where. Let him look through the thermal and he was like holy shit. So huge bonus for the first time using it.
Went coyote hunting about a half hour ago and these are my thoughts. Ive got the NV scope setup perfect now with my aftermarket Infrared Light. Light works awesome focused as a spot and being able to point it where the scope is pointing. Have a video of me messing with it while watching what I think is a racoon or a skunk,,,,,more than likely it was a racoon.
Thermal,,,,,,wellllllllll its freaking awesome to use for hunting. I saw 3 animals and only one was within a 100yds and that was what I just previously discussed,,,,,,the racoon. Have video of that too. Problem with thermal is me. I'm to new with it and didnt have settings set right. Most of the time while I was out there I had it on 8 power without even knowing it. Tonight was a work in progress but I could tell that I'm going to love using it.
Saw no Coyotes!!!!!
Went coyote hunting about a half hour ago and these are my thoughts. Ive got the NV scope setup perfect now with my aftermarket Infrared Light. Light works awesome focused as a spot and being able to point it where the scope is pointing. Have a video of me messing with it while watching what I think is a racoon or a skunk,,,,,more than likely it was a racoon.
Thermal,,,,,,wellllllllll its freaking awesome to use for hunting. I saw 3 animals and only one was within a 100yds and that was what I just previously discussed,,,,,,the racoon. Have video of that too. Problem with thermal is me. I'm to new with it and didnt have settings set right. Most of the time while I was out there I had it on 8 power without even knowing it. Tonight was a work in progress but I could tell that I'm going to love using it.
Saw no Coyotes!!!!!
GOYABEAN
.950 JDJ
A PA forum member has this one F/S you guys think it's worth the $ or quality !
I just bought a new house, so won't be pig hunting for awhile. So up for sale is my Gen II PVS-4 night vision scope.These are the ones that were used by our military in Desert Storm. It is a big scope, with a Hugh objective lense for Light gathering. It has the ability to quick change out reticles which are available on eBay. Mine runs on cheap and commonly available CR-123 battery's, comes with nylon case and daylight filter. And I'll throw in a IR illuminator to sweeten the deal. (But the new ones on the market will really boost the scope's capability!). I bought this one several years ago, it is a factory referbished unit, that I bought from Sportsmans guide. I used it on one pig hunt, and a few hours in the back yard. This is a real military might vision scope, not a cheap Chinese Toy! Comes with the Picatinny rail mount, daylight filter, M-14/M-16 reticle, and M-16 reticle..... (If I can find it!)
PRICE DROP........ $750 (Firm!)
I just bought a new house, so won't be pig hunting for awhile. So up for sale is my Gen II PVS-4 night vision scope.These are the ones that were used by our military in Desert Storm. It is a big scope, with a Hugh objective lense for Light gathering. It has the ability to quick change out reticles which are available on eBay. Mine runs on cheap and commonly available CR-123 battery's, comes with nylon case and daylight filter. And I'll throw in a IR illuminator to sweeten the deal. (But the new ones on the market will really boost the scope's capability!). I bought this one several years ago, it is a factory referbished unit, that I bought from Sportsmans guide. I used it on one pig hunt, and a few hours in the back yard. This is a real military might vision scope, not a cheap Chinese Toy! Comes with the Picatinny rail mount, daylight filter, M-14/M-16 reticle, and M-16 reticle..... (If I can find it!)
PRICE DROP........ $750 (Firm!)
Shoots100
.44 mag
Like any new pc of gear, you need to read the manual and play with it before going into the field.
I know, easier said than done !
It has a nice wide FOV and image.
You'll get the hang of it and it'll become second nature getting it set up in different weather conditions.
For viewing, You want to keep the pic as dark as you can, while still being able to see heat signatures.
That'll help to keep you from straining your eyes while using it for extended periods and it's easier for your eyes to transition from the thermal to NV scope after spotting a target to shoot.
I'm getting my thermion xp38 tomorrow.
I might just have to quarantine myself and hunt coyote for the next two weeks !
Shoots100
.44 mag
It's a very nice scope, but before spending any money on a used night scope, you need to look through it first to see if it has any damage spots, not buy it sight unseen.
Traditional NV tubes have a lifespan and your taking a chance on where that refurbished tube is in it's lifespan.
It could last for years, or shit the bed in two weeks and your left with a nice looking paperweight.
While it's a good price, It's better to buy a newer used scope with a warranty.
SJC
Shoots100
.44 mag
First kill with the Thermion.
Thermal rules.
Thermal rules.
This one?
Pulsar Thermion XP38 Thermal Rifle Scope PL76542
Shop Pulsar Thermion XP38 Thermal Rifle Scope | 5 Star Rating on 2 Reviews for Pulsar Thermion XP38 Thermal Rifle Scope + Free Shipping over $49.
www.opticsplanet.com
Shoots100
.44 mag
Yes.This one?
Pulsar Thermion XP38 Thermal Rifle Scope PL76542
Shop Pulsar Thermion XP38 Thermal Rifle Scope | 5 Star Rating on 2 Reviews for Pulsar Thermion XP38 Thermal Rifle Scope + Free Shipping over $49.
Awesome scope.
Waited a month to get it , but it was worth it.
I need to upload the latest firmware and it should make it even better.
640 resolution is in comparison to looking at a hi def TV picture.
So much better than the 384 res scopes I'm used to.
The video doesn't do it justice.
I chose the XP38 because of it's lower base magnification.
Perfect for my hunting terrain and with the PIP, I can take a more precision shot at further ranges.
You need one.
Worst part about you saying I need one? I feel like the money I just spent on the Mono didnt effect me enough not to justify buying the thermal scope.
What does justify me not buying the scope is being able to see at least 800yds through my Night Vision scope with my aftermarket IR.
So I can honestly say that I'm content with what I have. Thermal mono and a really long range night vision scope.
My biggest problem now is not getting off my ass and asking permission to hunt different fields. If wind blows from the NW,,,I hunt this property. If wind blows from the SE,,,I hunt the other property. Only have 2 places that are easily hunt-able. Have other places but they arent easy to get to.
Shoots100
.44 mag
The seasons almost over and you have a good set up, so you don't really need one now.
You know what a difference having a thermal spotter makes, it's the same with a thermal scope.
A plus for you, is that the thermion scopes use the same batteries as your axion.
I uploaded the newest firmware this afternoon and the image boost feature is awesome.
It's always good to have multiple places to hunt.
If I can't set up a pop up blind, I use a scent free treated coverall.
While coyote are wary, in NY most are used to human scent and as long as you know which way the wind is blowing, you can keep an eye down wind for them and get a shot before they spook.
They get a lot closer at night, because they think you can't see them.
They can't hide from the thermal spotter.
Go Get Em !
You know what a difference having a thermal spotter makes, it's the same with a thermal scope.
A plus for you, is that the thermion scopes use the same batteries as your axion.
I uploaded the newest firmware this afternoon and the image boost feature is awesome.
It's always good to have multiple places to hunt.
If I can't set up a pop up blind, I use a scent free treated coverall.
While coyote are wary, in NY most are used to human scent and as long as you know which way the wind is blowing, you can keep an eye down wind for them and get a shot before they spook.
They get a lot closer at night, because they think you can't see them.
They can't hide from the thermal spotter.
Go Get Em !
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
So I'm looking at the Photon on Amazon right now trying to decide if I want the 3yr warranty with it. Issue I'm having is I've had insurance for our phones through the same place, Asurion, it was shit. They seemed to always have an excuse why they wouldn't cover problems. Is it worth the $34 to try them again, or say the hell with it and place the order without?
Kind of a catch 22. I dont think you will have any problems with it but there is a chance you could. That,,,and I dont think any insurance off of amazon is worth a crap. Though it is only 34 bucks. Ummmm I would say fuck it and get it. If you lose 34 bucks, you lose 34 bucks. Not the end of the world. Besides Trump is giving us all paychecks. Which I think is a stupid idea.
Shoots100
.44 mag
A new sightmark photon has a 3 year factory warranty, so buying another warranty is useless.
Of course you need to register for the warranty to become valid.
Your Sightmark product is warranted free of defects in materials and workmanship with the Sightmark Limited Lifetime Warranty. For night vision products, the image intensifier tube and the digital imaging sensor that enables night vision capability is warranted to be free from defects for a period of 3 years, as are other light emitting devices such as laser diodes and LED's. Batteries are not covered under warranty.
Shoots100
.44 mag
Spend the $34 towards some good powerX 2700 MaH rechargeable batteries and a charger.
The scope will eat std AA batteries, especially if you use the onboard IR illuminator.
SJC
The scope will eat std AA batteries, especially if you use the onboard IR illuminator.
SJC
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
This is a refurbished Photon, but not 3rd party refurbished. Done by Sightmark. They only come with 90 days I think.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
I'm just shy enough of the insurance. I was kinda skeptical of the Asurion insurance thanks to past experiences with them. Same stuff Verizon offers.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
Fuckit....gonna roll the dice. What's the worst that can go wrong 
Not going to have many days left to the season, if it even makes it here soon enough.
Not going to have many days left to the season, if it even makes it here soon enough.
Funny thing,,,,now I say save your money. This is my feeling now that I feel broke. Just got laid off,,,,dont know for how long. So unemployment and my savings hopefully will pay for my house. Least I can hunt the last 10 days of coyote more often.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
Welp....too late, placed the order lol. Sorry to hear about your situation though. That sucks! I've been disabled since '06 from a MVA so always scraping money. Back is fucked up, I can get out and walk some but really limited on how long and what I can do. Hell, holding my arms out to do dishes i can only get by 5 minutes before my back is screaming. But thankfully I don't have a mortgage, just normal bills like electric, internet etc. Well, taxes too but they are low.