8 Best Thermal RifleScopes for the Money

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What are the Best Thermal Riflescopes? Read on as we go through the best on the market.

Thermal scopes are thermal imagers consisting of extra components such as an aiming reticle and range finders to help with easy targeting. They are part of the night vision category of products that have image intensifier night vision optics and digital night vision.

Unlike night vision optics, thermal scopes are passive. This means that they work by collecting the heat energy given off by objects and animals and translating it into thermal images.

Thermal scopes have objective lenses that capture infrared light, and sensors that scan the light and send a signal to a microprocessor. This in turn assigns different colors to different heat levels depending on the palette you are using, mainly black and white.

The scope repeats this process many times per second to give you a live view. Thermal imaging scopes also include a reticle system that displays crosshairs to ensure you make accurate and precise shots.

 

Best Thermal Scopes-Our Top Picks

 

1) ATN ThOR 4 384 1.25-5x Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope

ATN ThOR 4 384 1.25-5x Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope

 

 

 

Available in other different sizes

  • 384 2-8x
  • 384 4.5-18x
  • 384 7-28x

 

This ATN ThOR 4 Thermal Rifle Scope features an ultra-sensitive Next Gen Sensor that is capable of capturing crisp clear images at the furthest ranges with high thermal sensitivity, improved contrasts, near-silent shutter, and improved resolution.

I like that it is very easy to use and quick to learn.

This rifle scope also features an ATN ABL laser range finder that determines how far the targets are, sending the data to the ballistics calculator via Bluetooth to make all POI adjustments for your reticle.

The 20000mAh battery allows 22hrs of continuous use while the ATN X-Trac tactical remote access control system provides control over various features of your ATN Smart device.

Features

  • The ballistic calculator helps you determine exact ballistics for expert long-range shots
  • Has dual-stream video recording and RAV (Recoil Activated Video)
  • Ultra-low-power profile allows 18+hours of continuous operation
  • Standard mounting rings
  • Easy to pick up
  • Thermal signature of hidden targets and fast viewing
  • Long eye relief: 90 mm
  • Zero Range 100 yd.
  • Ballistic Coefficient 0.371

Specifications

  • Sensor- Gen 4 384×288, 60Hz; Gen 4 640×480, 60Hz
  • Field of view, degrees- 16×12.5; 12×9.5; 6×4.7; 5×3.8; 32×25; 24×19; 12.5×9.7; 8.3×6.2
  • Core- ATN Obsidian IV Dual Core T
  • Micro Display- 1280×720 HD Display
  • Eye relief- 90 mm
  • Video Record Resolution- 1280×960 @ 60 fps
  • Ballistic Calculator
  • Wi-Fi (Streaming, Gallery) iOS & Android
  • Bluetooth
  • Smart Range Finder
  • RAV (Recoil Activated Video)
  • Smooth Zoom
  • Reticles- Multiple Patterns & Color Options
  • Micro SD card 4 to 64 Gb
  • Mount 30 mm Standard Rings

 

2) ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x Day Night Hunting Rifle Scope

ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x Day Night Hunting Rifle Scope

 

 

 

The ATN X-Sight LTV rifle scope is powered by the new revolutionary ATN Obsidian LT Core that is optimized for low power consumption, in a small and ergonomic form factor.

Not only does it provide vivid and crisp clarity during the day, but also offers amazing nighttime performance, thanks to the new QHD+ sensor.

With a very reasonable price, you will be able to record HD Videos, get on target fast and also hunt all night powered by a 10+ hour battery life; the image quality is incredibly vivid and crisp both day and night.

It features standard 30mm rings that allow easy mounting on any platform.ATN has some of the best Thermal Riflescopes on the market.

Features

  • Ultra-low power consumption- has an internal lithium Ion battery
  • ATN Battery Pack provides 20+ hours of continuous use
  • Easy to mount and use
  • Features an extremely powerful, long-range 850 mW infrared illuminator that provides an illumination range up to 500 yards and ATN IR850 Supernova- an extremely powerful, long-range infrared illuminator with adjustable mount- that has an illumination range up to 700 yards
  • Weather-resistant
  • Quick detach mount: 30 mm Standard Rings
  • Lens: 30mm
  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Micro-Display: 1280×720 px
  • Eye relief: 90 mm
  • Multiple pattern reticles
  • Video Record Resolution: 1920×1080 px

Specifications

  • Sensor: ATN QHD+ M584 Sensor
  • Sensor Resolution: 2688×1944 @ 60 fps
  • 3D Gyroscope
  • 3D Accelerometer
  • Night Vision Mode
  • Dimesnsions-11.5 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches
  • Magnification: 3 – 9 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle: Multiple
  • Night Vision Generation: Digital
  • Eye Relief: 90 mm
  • Diopter Adjustment Range: -5 – 5 DPT
  • Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
  • Battery Life: 10 hours
  • Fabric/Material: Aluminum

 

3) IR Defense IR Hunter MKIII 640×480 Thermal Weapon Sight

IR Defense IR Hunter MKIII 640x480 Thermal Weapon Sight

 

 

IR Defense IR Hunter MKIII 640×480 Thermal Weapon Sights are as durable and robust as they come. The scope is made to be used on almost any outdoor adventure and provides the kind of improvement any shooter would want on their firearm.

The Thermal Weapon Sight offers an easy-to-use control system that can operate the system in any climate and environment, with great range and thermal functionality.

Features

  • Durable construction
  • Offers high-grade quality and optimal imaging technology
  • Easy to use
  • Weather-resistant
  • Magnification: 640 x
  • Resolution: 640 pixels

Specifications

  • Magnification: 640 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Resolution: 640×480 pixels
  • Included Accessories: 35mm Lens

 

4) ATN OPMOD ThOR LT 4-8x Thermal Rifle Scope

ATN OPMOD ThOR LT 4-8x Thermal Rifle Scope

 

 

 

ATN OPMOD ThOR LT 4-8x Thermal Rifle Scope wouldn’t miss in this Thermal Riflescopes review, the scope is designed for easy mounting and use. The riflescope features a black hot and a white-hot viewing mode that allows you to easily spot targets at a distance in low light, twilight, and no-light conditions.

The ATN OPMOD ThOR LT Custom Reticle Scope has a one-shot zero and thus quickly adjusts after every shot and every round fired. It is also recoil resistant and battery friendly, to withstand hours of rigorous or high caliber shooting.

Features

  • Comes a free QD mount and OPMOD on the body of the unit
  • Special custom reticle for hog hunting
  • Black Hot / White Hot viewing modes
  • Easy to use user interface
  • Easy to mount with 30mm standard rings
  • One-shot zero
  • Weather and recoil resistant
  • Lightweight construction can be mounted onto crossbows, air rifles, and other platforms
  • 3D Accelerometer
  • Multiple reticle patterns and colors

Specifications

  • Magnification: 4 – 8 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Sensor Resolution: 160×120 pixels
  • Display Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Eye Relief: 90 mm
  • Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
  • Battery Life: 10 hours
  • Operating Temperature: -20 – 120 Fahrenheit, -28 – 48 Celsius
  • Weight: 650 g, 1.4 lb
  • Magnification Type: Variable

 

5) Pulsar Thermion XP50 1.9-15×42 Thermal Riflescope

Pulsar Thermion XP50 1.9-15x42 Thermal Riflescope

 

 

 

The Pulsar Thermion XP50 1.9-15×42 Thermal Riflescope is styled after a traditional day scope featuring an all-metal (magnesium-alloy) body. The scope is easy to mount with standard 30mm rings and single-piece scope mounts.

It offers crisp 640×480 microbolometer resolution, 17μm pixel pitch, 8-color-pallette imaging on a full-color 1024×768 HD AMOLED display, and a 2,500-yard heat-signature detection range.

You will also enjoy features such as picture-in-picture, 15 reticles in up to 4 colors (black, red, white, and green), 50Hz frame rate for fluid motion imaging, integrated still image and video recording with audio on 16GB of internal storage, Wi-Fi with Pulsar’s Stream Vision app and an onboard rechargeable battery pack.

Features

  • Zeroing profiles management
  • 8x digital zoom continuous zoom and 2x, 4x, 8x stepped zoom
  • Built-in recording with recoil activation
  • 13 variable electronic reticles and one-shot zeroing with freeze function
  • Waterproof
  • 1,975 yd. detection range with 640×480 resolution, 17um pixel pitch core
  • High definition image
  • Customizable reticle options
  • Full-Color HD AMOLED display
  • Weight: 31.7 ounces

Specifications

  • Magnification: 1.9 – 15.2 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Sensor Resolution: 340×240 pixels
  • Video Record Resolution: 640×480 pixels
  • Reticle: Variable Electronic
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Eye Relief: 50 mm
  • Adjustment Type: MOA, Click Value: 1 MOA,Range: 193 MOA
  • Field of View, Linear: 65 ft at 100 yds
  • Diopter Adjustment Range: -4 – 3 dpt
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 16 ft
  • Range of Detection: 1800 m
  • Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny, Weaver
  • Operating Temperature: -25 – 50 Celsius
  • Weight: 31.75 oz
  • Dimensions-15.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches
  • Magnification Type: Variable

 

6) ATN ThOR-HD 1.5-15x 25 mm Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope

ATN ThOR-HD 1.5-15x 25 mm Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope

 

 

This ATN Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope features the ATN ThOR-HD, 640×480 Sensor that helps to detect, recognize and identify targets in all light conditions. It has advanced recording capabilities that easily capture shots even without physical operations.

The Recoil Activated Video (RAV) feature constantly buffers what your scope sees until your weapon is fired, then the scope creates footage before the shot, during the shot, and after the shot.

This Hunting Scope can be used on multiple rifles with ease thanks to the profile manager feature that saves all the ballistic and zeroing-in data for each weapon used.

Features

  • Thermal Vision
  • Smart Rangefinder
  • Video Recording
  • Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Capabilities
  • Obsidian Core & UI
  • Ballistic Calculator
  • Recoil Activated Video (RAV)
  • Profile Manager
  • Smart HD Channel
  • E-Barometer
  • Gyroscope
  • E-Compass

Specifications

  • Magnification: 1.5 – 15 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
  • Night Vision Generation: Digital
  • Display Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
  • Video Record Resolution: 1280×960 @ 30/60 fps
  • Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
  • Reticle: Multiple
  • Eye Relief: 65 mm
  • Exit Pupil: 10 mm
  • Field of View, Angle: 19 – 24 degrees
  • Diopter Adjustment Range: -5 – 5 dpt
  • Focus Range: 8 m to Infinity
  • Range of Detection: 800 m
  • Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
  • Battery Life: 8+ Hours
  • Operating Temperature: -40 – 55 Celsius
  • Magnification Type: Variable

 

7) Trijicon Electro Optics IR PATROL M300W 19mm Thermal Imaging Monocular

Trijicon Electro Optics IR PATROL M300W 19mm Thermal Imaging Monocular

 

 

Trijicon Electro Optics IR PATROL M300W 19mm Thermal Imaging Monocular is a compact but powerful scope designed specifically for tactical situations. It is made from 6061 Aircraft-grade aluminum and is nitrogen purged for waterproofing.

The scope has intuitive, ergonomic controls that give you full control over the advanced IR technology.

With the high detail imagery, the scope has an advanced ability to process images with brilliantly sharp detail combined with a user-friendly, icon-based menu system for intuitive navigation.

It also features an edge-detect tactical mode that projects a fraction of the brightness of other modes to protect against night blindness caused by light from the screen. The included clip-on mode weapon mount allows fast attachment and detachment to any Picatinny rail.

Features

  • 6061 Aircraft-grade aluminum material
  • Digital contrast enhancement
  • Thermal Sensitivity
  • Easy start-up
  • Manual user focus control
  • Waterproof to 1 meter fully ruggedized, weatherproof, multidirectional thumbstick control is large and easy to find in complete darkness
  • Maxpol Polarity easy to control polarity mode lets you switch between 3 levels of white-hot and 3 levels of black hot displays
  • Nitrogen filled
  • Uncooled VOx (Vanadium Oxide) Sensor Type
  • Monochrome Digital OLED Display Type
  • Video Output Analog RS-170 (with Optional Cable)
  • Storage Temperature Range -45 to +75 C
  • Full 640×480 thermal imager
  • 12-micron pixel pitch
  • 30 Hz and 60 Hz frame rates
  • GASIR objective lens
  • Tested to MIL-STD-810G methods and procedures
  • Eye guard Included
  • Handheld or rifle-mounted use

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 19 mm
  • Resolution: 640 – 480 pixels
  • Battery Life: 1.5 – 3.5 hours, 1 – 3.5 hours
  • Battery Type: CR123
  • Operating Temperature: 0 – 55 Celsius, -40 – 55 Celsius
  • Length: 5.95 in
  • Height: 2 in
  • Width: 2.95 in
  • Weight: 16 oz
  • Diopter Adjustment Range: -6 – 2 dpt
  • Eye Relief: 27 mm

 

8) Pulsar Trail LRF XQ50 2.7-10.8×42 Thermal Riflescope

Pulsar Trail LRF XQ50 2.7-10.8x42 Thermal Riflescope

 

 

 

Pulsar Trail LRF XQ50 Thermal Riflescope is developed with the ability of heat signature detection up to a 2,000-yard range.

It features an integrated laser rangefinder that can deliver pinpoint accurate reads up to 1,100 yards and comes with a customizable, user-friendly interface to offer you 13 different digital reticle choices of varying colors, patterns, and brightness to best suit your preferences and target background.

The scope’s picture-in-picture feature allows you to aim your reticle without losing your entire field of view. The scope also has an AMOLED display and high-frequency refresh rate that displays rapidly moving targets without delay, making sure you hit your target on time.

This thermal imaging allows you to store three different zeroing profiles, record and share your hunts via the integrated 8 GB memory and Wi-Fi. You can also live-stream your hunts with the free Stream Vision app.

Features

  • Easy-to-read, icon-driven status bar
  • Built-in accelerator and Gyroscope
  • Heat signature detection range up to 2,000 yards
  • Integrated laser rangefinder accurate up to 1,100 yards
  • Smooth and incremental digital zoom
  • Temperature sensor stabilization for reduced temperature and noise sensitivity
  • Defective pixel repair
  • Recoil-operated video and audio recording
  • 8-hour rechargeable lithium battery
  • 7-10.8 variable magnification
  • 640×480 AMOLED display
  • 384×288 microbolometer resolution
  • IPX7 waterproof rated, submersible to 3m up to 30 minutes

Specifications

  • Magnification: 2.7 – 10.8 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
  • Sensor Resolution: 384×288 pixels
  • Display Resolution: 640×480 pixels
  • Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
  • Reticle: Variable Electronic
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Eye Relief: 2 in
  • Adjustment Type: MOA, Click Value: 1 MOA
  • Field of View, Linear: 39.3 – 29.4 ft at 100 yds
  • Field of View, Angle: 7.5 degrees
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 16 ft
  • Range of Detection: 2000 yds
  • Attachment/Mount Type: Weaver
  • Battery Life: 8 hours
  • Operating Temperature: -13 – 122 Fahrenheit

What Should I Look for When Buying a Thermal scope?

  • Magnification
  • Sensor Resolution
  • Display Resolution
  • Video Record Resolution
  • Refresh Rate
  • Reticle and Reticle Focal Plane
  • Eye Relief
  • Adjustment Type and Click Value
  • Field of View
  • Focus Distance
  • Range of Detection
  • Attachment/Mount Type: Weaver
  • Battery Type and life
  • Operating Temperature
  • Fabric or Material used
  • Weight and Dimensions
  • Included Accessories
  • Warranty

FAQs

  • Can you use thermal scope during the day?

Thermal scopes are well known for the overnight vision that works the same during the day as it does in complete darkness.  This includes when the temperatures are high.

  • Who makes the best thermal rifle scope?

Many top brands are producing Thermal scopes. In this review, we focused on Trijicon, ATN, and Pulsar.

  • How long do thermal scopes last?

The best quality thermal scopes will offer power for nearly 8 hours without the need for a recharge. They provide quality for money through a long-lived performance.

  • What’s better thermal or night vision?

Thermal vision is best used to detect the desired game object whereas night vision is for recognizing, identifying, and harvesting the game when facial recognition is required or for deer depredation. Thermal vision is the best option for continued day and night use.

Conclusion

There are more advantages to using thermal scopes than there are disadvantages. This review has the best thermal rifle scopes you will find on the market. They are well equipped with features to assist you with precision shooting regardless of the lighting conditions.

See Also : 7 Best Night Vision Rifles Scopes