Thermal image scope...what do I need to know about them?

[MAJK]

No problem...and I do appreciate the input. I'm getting it for 1200 dollars and they are not stolen. I get a letter with the unit SN and model # that states the seller. Also, a statement that I wont sell outside the US. The only thing that is missing is the battery and battery cover. I was told that the battery can be found in most battery stores and a cover can be made.

[a0cake]

No problem...and I do appreciate the input. I'm getting it for 1200 dollars and they are not stolen. I get a letter with the unit SN and model # that states the seller. Also, a statement that I wont sell outside the US.

That price seems pretty reasonable, and definitely cheaper than I was thinking. Have you seen this thread on ARFCOM after Googling? The ad has some very good model specific info that may prove useful when you get hands on the unit for evaluation.

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.ht...&f=23&t=796522

[maddawg5777]

thanks for the reply but I'm still not sure if its worth buying. The price is less than 3rd gen NV and its an actual scope. However, I dont know if its wornout or still good. So, how can I tell if it still has life left in it? If the image is clear? Its an Airforce trade in if that matters. Cant imagine that the AF does much with any of its weapon mounted sights...and most likely isnt used much.

Unless it was used by AF cops, then it probably broke...... we break everything we touch.

[MAJK]

That price seems pretty reasonable, and definitely cheaper than I was thinking. Have you seen this thread on ARFCOM after Googling? The ad has some very good model specific info that may prove useful when you get hands on the unit for evaluation.

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.ht...&f=23&t=796522

yes, I have seen this post...I dont go on AR15.com much because I dont llike the mods.


Anyone know who can fix them or work on them?

[JSantoro]

this thread on ARFCOM after Googling?

Nice find, particularly the part where the dude says Hurley still works on these things in the 4th sentence. That's pretty key info for a device like this.

MAJK, that'd still bear investigation, given the date of that thread. There's maintenace aspects like calibrations and nitrogen purges that are important and independent of outright breakage: http://www.hurleyir.com/aboutus.html

[MAJK]

ah...got it and thanks for everyones help

[j-dubya]

Thoughts on a handheld optic like the FLIR PS24 or the L-3 ThermalEye X-50?

Worth the $2,000 - $3,000? (vs. Gen 3 Night Vision for the same kind of money, i.e. AN/PVS 14)

I have handled both models. I was not impressed, since I had CNVD-T's, PAS-13C's, and PAS-28's in my inventory, and am accustomed to their resolution and clarity. The ThermalEye's usable clarity, which is not much to begin with, goes away after 75-100 yards. All you get is heat blobs. Can you tell if something is there? Yes, but no real identification. The FLIR is only marginally better, in my opinion. Again, I am used to the images of the PAS-28 and others mentioned above. For the money, put it towards a PVS-14 and laser, unless you have a unique use requiring thermal or already have NOD's. Wait another few years and current thermal capabilities will be cheaper and more available.

Jeremy

[MAJK]

I have handled both models. I was not impressed, since I had CNVD-T's, PAS-13C's, and PAS-28's in my inventory, and am accustomed to their resolution and clarity. The ThermalEye's usable clarity, which is not much to begin with, goes away after 75-100 yards. All you get is heat blobs. Can you tell if something is there? Yes, but no real identification. The FLIR is only marginally better, in my opinion. Again, I am used to the images of the PAS-28 and others mentioned above. For the money, put it towards a PVS-14 and laser, unless you have a unique use requiring thermal or already have NOD's. Wait another few years and current thermal capabilities will be cheaper and more available.

Jeremy

so do you ting the 19s are any good? can you ID a person at 200 or 300 yards

[j-dubya]

so do you ting the 19s are any good? can you ID a person at 200 or 300 yards

I have had no time on the 19. Having not looked through one, I have no advice to give. The only time I have used weapon-mounted thermals, was with the FLIR a long time ago, PAS-13C's (which would never really be mounted, just an easier optic to carry and use than the PAS-22's/25's at that point in time), and the CNVD-T. The CNVD-T is a good one for a weapon, primarily the Elcan Specter DR or any variable-power scope that has 1x magnification. Now when the PAS-28 came around, that was my primary night observation optic. Light, used 4 AA batteries and would last for 4-6 hours, and had many useful reticle features. If we were not having to carry it very far, the Long Range Thermal Video (LRTV) was another awesome unit. That thing ate batteries quick but they were rechargable. As I said, all my time has been spent on those systems, therefore I know how inferior the older system's clarity and resolution are. Please take my opinions along with the other guy's here - I do not want to turn you off to the system you are looking at, just because it is old and does not compare well to today's units. Especially if you can get it for a good price. A thermal is better than no thermal, but I agree hole-heartedly with those that mentioned it above: do your best to know what you are buying, and have a way to service it if it goes down. However, keep in mind technology improves every day, and if you can wait another year or so, you never know what might be available then...

Jeremy

[SMETNA]

I hope the manufacturers bring prices down due to gov orders dropping off now that OIF and OEF are winding down. The civilian market might heat up if good units start selling for 25% off.