ATN Aries Night Vision

[Bimmer]

This may be a dumb question, but it's an earnest one, so go easy on me...

The ATN "Aries 350 Guardian" night vision rifle scopes are selling for $400, complete with a Picatinny mount, shipped.

They're 1st gen NV, but they come with an illuminator. They're only 2.5x magnification, but that means a big FOV, nd I can't see myself shooting long range in the dark, anyway.
There are several reviews on the errornet from people who have used these for hunting, and they all seem quite satisfied.

I don't jump out of airplanes or kick in doors or get shot at for a living, so I don't need something that can be driven over by a truck and still work.
I think something like this would be great for personal defense — shooting at 50-75yds, tops — provided it worked.

Of course, if these are just junk, then I'll just go buy $400 worth of carrots.

I assume that these are too cheap for anybody here to have bought one, but do any of you have any experience with these? Anybody know anything about ATN?

Bimmer

[Iraqgunz]

My company bought 20 ATN Gen II Goggles for use by our TCN guards. 3 of them have quit working for no obvious reason. Since it is almost impossible to get the items back to the U.S once they are in country we are now out almost 6K. I have not been too happy with their stuff and I would spent the money on a good scope with an illuminated reticle.

[Bimmer]

Thanks, Iraqgunz, this confirms what I've seen over at TOS.

Off topic: what's the significance of your avatar?

Bimmer