- Best Affordable Thermal Rifle Scopes for night hunts
- Top 5 Thermal Rifle Scopes
- Number 1 ATN ThOr 4 384 1.25-5X Thermal Scope
- Number 2 the ATN Thor-HD 1.25-5X Thermal scope
- Number 3 ATN ThOr LT 4-8X
- Number 4 ATN X Thermal Rifle Sight
- Number 5 Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Riflescope
- Night Vision Versus Thermal Rifle Scopes
- Advantages of digital scopes
- Disadvantages of Digital Thermal Rifle Scopes
- Are Thermal Rifle Scopes legal to use?
- Are Thermal Rifle Scopes worth it?
Best Affordable Thermal Rifle Scopes for night hunts
Hunting hogs and other predators at night is a lot easier using a scope that can see in the dark. By using a thermal rifle scope you can easily see in the dark. For years, these kinds of scopes were reserved for the military and were mostly out of reach to the individual hunter. The early night vision scopes that were affordable were just hard to use and were really just out of date old military hardware.
Today thermal technology has come far enough that the price point of a night vision scope has come down to a point that they can be affordable. The thermal imaging scopes available today offer high-resolution viewers with a host of add on’s and they can be used day or night. Unlike night vision scopes.
In this article, we review the top 5 affordable choices for a thermal rifle scope. With any product, there can be numerous high-end choices. This article focus on high quality and affordable products for the average shooter. For the basis of affordable, I have used the comparable cost of a traditional optic. I also understand that “affordable” is not the same for all shooters.
Top 5 Thermal Rifle Scopes
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x Smart HD Day/Night Riflescope
- ATN OPMOD ThOR LT 4-8x Thermal Riflescope
- SightMark Wraith 2-16x28 Digital Riflescope SM18021
- ATN ThOR-HD 1.25-5x Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope w/WiFi
- ATN ThOR 4 384 1.25-5x Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
Prices correct at the time of publishing
ATN OPMOD ThOR LT 4-8x Thermal Riflescope, Black, TIWSTLT125OP Color: Black, Magnification: 4 - 8, Tube Diameter: 30, Sensor Resolution: 160x120, Display Resolution: 1280x720, Includes Mount when purchase at Optics Planet
Prices correct at the time of publishing
8x digital zoom 10 reticle options with 9 colors with 1080P HD digital imaging, Daytime color mode, and night vision mode with a flip of a switch, Fixed Picatinny mount type with an additional rail for accessories, Built-in HD video recording powered by 4 AA batteries with a runtime of 4.5 hours
Prices correct at the time of publishing
Thermal Smart HD Riflescope w/WiFi, GPS, 384x288 Sensor, Black, TIWSTH381A Color: Black, Magnification: 1.25 - 5, Objective Lens Diameter: 19, Night Vision Generation: Digital, Resolution: 384x288,
Prices correct at the time of publishing
Features;
Gen 4 384x288 Thermal Sensor, Record Video on to a MicroUSB, Smart Shooting Solution, Wifi / Bluetooth, Recoil Activated Video, Smart Range Finder, 750 yards detection range (Human), up to 18 hours battery life,
Prices correct at the time of publishing
Number 1 ATN ThOr 4 384 1.25-5X Thermal Scope
The ATN Thor 4 384 model scope is our top choice for an affordable Thermal imaging scope. Though at the upper end of the price limit it boasts a host of features that make it number one for the money.
Features of the ATN ThOr 4 384
- Ultra-sensitive Gen 4 384×288 Thermal Sensor
- Records Video onto a MicroSD card
- Smart Shooting Solution
- Wi-Fi (Streaming, Gallery & Controls) and Bluetooth 4.1 compatible with iOS and Android
- Recoil Activated Video
- Smart Range Finder
- Ballistic Calculator
- Profile Manager
- 3D GS7 Gyroscope
- 3 D Accelerometer
- 3D Magnetometer
- E-Compass
- Smooth Zoom
- GPS for geotagging and tracking elevation
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
The ATN ThOr 4 384 model is the entry-level into their upper scale scope range. It comes standard with almost all the options of its more expensive counterparts. The only sacrifice being in the amount of magnification being limited at 5X and the maximum human-size identification range of 750 yards.
Neither of these two items in my opinion would affect the serious Hog or coyote hunter.
The scope offers a long run time having an 18-hour battery life using a rechargeable internal li-Ion battery. It also has a built-in range finder and ballistic calculator removing the need for the shooter to make a range and holdover calculation. The built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth allows you to connect directly to the scope using your smartphone to feed in environmental conditions to the scope.
It also will record and display directly onto your phone or tablet. The record on recoil function allows you to record every shot without having to push a button.
I chose this scope was for several reasons. The first and biggest reason being its battery life. At 18 hours it is one of the best out there ensuring that the scope does not fail in the middle of your hunt. Also, the fact that the batteries are rechargeable is a big plus. When combined with all the other high-end functions included with this scope it makes number one on our list.
Specifications
Color Black
Magnification 1.25 – 5 x
Objective Lens Diameter 19 mm
Sensor Resolution 384×288 pixels
Display Resolution 1280×720 pixels
Video Record Resolution 1280×960 @ 30/60 fps
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Brightness Settings 5
Eye Relief 90 mm
Field of View, Angle 16 degrees
Diopter Adjustment Range -5 – 5 DPT
Focus Range 5 m to Infinity
Minimum Focus Distance 5 m
Range of Detection 750 m
Battery Type Internal Li-Ion battery
Battery Life 18 hours
Weather Resistance Yes
Length 13.1 in, 332 mm
Width 3 in, 76 mm
Height 3 in, 76 mm
Weight 0.88 kg, 1.93 lb
Finish Matte
Included Accessories Eyecup, Lens Tissue, USB-C Cable, Scope Cover,30mm Standard and L-Shaped Scope Rings
Magnification Type Variable
Number 2 the ATN Thor-HD 1.25-5X Thermal scope
Coming in as a close 2nd to our top thermal scope is the ATN ThOr-HD 1.25-5X. It features many of the same functions as the ATN ThOr-4 scope. However, this scope runs on 4 AA batteries and has a maximum expected battery life of 8 hours. The scope also comes with an integrated Picatinny mounting rail and is also one of the lightest scopes in our top 5 at 1.55 pounds.
Features of the ATN-ThOr – HD 1.25-5X digital scope
- Smart Shooting Solution
- Smart Range Finder
- Recoil Activated Video (RAV)
- Wi-Fi (Streaming, Gallery & Controls),iOS & Android compatible
- Bluetooth 4.1
- 3D GS7 Gyroscope
- 3 D Magnetometer
- 3D Accelerometer
- E-Barometer
- Smooth Zoom
- Profile Manager
- Electronic Compass
- GPS Geotagging, Elevation, etc.
- IP rating weather resistant
- Microphone
- Micro HDMI
- Multiple reticle patterns and color options available
- Mount Picatinny, Interchangeable
- 3-year warranty
This is still a great choice of thermal scope at a cheaper price point. The scope offers excellent clarity and range capabilities using the same Gen 4 384 x 288 Thermal sensor. It does have a slightly reduced field of view depending on the magnification setting, but all around a great scope.
Specifications
Color: Black
Magnification: 1.25 – 5 x
Objective Lens Diameter: 19 mm
Night Vision Generation: Digital
Resolution: 384×288 pixels
Eye Relief: 65 mm
Exit Pupil: 10 mm
Field of View, Angle: 12.5 – 16 degrees
Diopter Adjustment Range: -5 – 5 DPT
Focus Range: 5 m to Infinity
Adapter: No
Digital: Yes
Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
Battery Type: AA
Battery Life: 8+ Hours
Operating Temperature: -40 – 55 Celsius
Weather Resistance: Yes
Length: 6.85 in
Width: 3.16 in
Height: 3.15 in
Weight: 1.55 lb
Finish: Matte
Additional Features: One-Shot Zero, Smooth Zoom, Smart Shooting Solution, GPS
Included Accessories: Quick Reference Guide, Batteries 4xAA, Soft Carrying Case / Batteries / Quick Reference Guide
Battery Quantity: 4
Magnification Type: Variable 1.25 – 5 X
Number 3 ATN ThOr LT 4-8X
Number three on our list is the ThOr LT 4-8 thermal rifle scope. This package includes a quick-release cantilever scope mount. Perfect for use on a AR 15 or AR 10 rifle. The scope is designed to be used with higher caliber rounds which are more suited when Hog hunting. The scope uses rechargeable Li-Ion batteries and has a continuous run time of approximately 10 hours. One of the other advantages of this scope is that it is one of the lightest in its class coming in at 1.4 pounds.
Features of the ATN ThOR-LT 4-8x
- Black hot/white hot viewing modes
- One-shot zero
- Weather-resistant
- Recoil resistant
- Can be mounted onto crossbows, air rifles, and other platforms due to lightweight construction
- ATN Obsidian Core LT
- 3 D Accelerometer
- Multiple reticle patterns
One of the drawbacks to this scope is that its thermal sensor resolution is not as high as our top 2 scopes. Coming at 160 x 12 pixels. This reduces its maximum detection range to 625 yards and is only truly clear to about 210 yards at night.
Specifications
Color Black
Magnification 4 – 8 x
Tube Diameter 30 mm
Sensor Resolution 160×120 pixels
Display Resolution 1280×720 pixels
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Reticle Multiple
Eye Relief 90 mm
Attachment/Mount Type Ring
Battery Life 10+ hours
Operating Temperature -28 – 48 Celsius, -20 – 120 Fahrenheit
Weather Resistance Yes
Length 11.5 in, 292 mm
Width 2.2 in, 56 mm
Height 2.2 in, 55 mm
Weight 1.4 lb, 650 g
Additional Features 3D Accelerometer, ATN Obsidian Core LT, White Hot/Black Hot Color Modes
Included Accessories ATN OPMOD ThOR LT 4-8x Thermal Riflescope, Black, TIWSTLT125OP, FREE QD Mount and Custom Hog Hunting Reticle
Magnification Type Variable
Number 4 ATN X Thermal Rifle Sight
This is one of the cheaper scopes offered by ATN, coming in at $799.00, this is a feature-packed thermal sight. It offers 18 + hours of continuous use and also boasts an impressive magnification range of 5-20 X. Designed as a complete color digital rifle scope, it is just as comfortable during the day as it as night. Using a rechargeable Li-Ion battery that saves on having to replace batteries constantly. This scope also has one of the highest display and record resolutions.
Features of the ATN X Sight
- Ultra-High Definition 4K Sensor
- Record Video in 1080P 30/60/120 fps
- Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
- Recoil Activated Video
- Up to 18 Hours Battery Life
- Night Vision
- One-Shot Zero
- Ultra-Low Power Consumption
- Ballistic Calculator
- Smart Range Finder
- Recoil Resistance
- Streamline Design
Some of the drawbacks of this sight are the increased weight it adds to the rifle. Coming at 2.2 pounds it is one of the heaviest scopes on our list.
Specifications
Color Black
Magnification 5 – 20 x
Objective Lens Diameter 70 mm
Tube Diameter 30 mm
Reticle Multiple
Illumination Color None
Image Intensifier Color Green Phosphor
System/Lens Resolution 600 lp/mm
Display Resolution 1280×720 pixels
Video Record Resolution 1920×1080 pixels
Refresh Rate 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 120 Hz
Resolution 3864×2218 pixels
Eye Relief 90 mm
Field of View, Linear 240 ft at 1000 yds
Focus Range 10 m to Infinity
Minimum Focus Distance 10 m
Range of Detection 10 m
Diopter Adjustment Range -5 – 5 DPT
Lens Material Glass
Operating Temperature -40 – 55 Celsius
Battery Life 18 + Hours
Weather Resistance Yes
Water Resistance Level Water Resistant
Shockproof Yes
Fog proof Yes
Length 13.8 in, 14.9 in
Width 3 in
Height 3 in
Weight 2.2 lb
Fabric/Material Aluminum
Included Accessories 2 x Standard Rings, Eyecup, L-Shaped Ring, Lens Tissue, Ring w/Picatinny Rail, Scope Cover, Sunshade, USB-C Cable
Battery Quantity 1
Package Type Box
Memory Up to 64GB SD card
Magnification Type Variable
Dimensions 13.8x3x3 in
Number 5 Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Riflescope
Last on our list is the Wraith HD 4-32 Digital Thermal by Sightmark. This is new to the marketplace for 2020 and so far, has enjoyed mostly good reviews from its users. This is not a true thermal scope in that it requires the use of an IR attachment to project an infrared beam onto the target. This limits the range of the scopes use at night to around the 200-yard mark. It also does not come with all the ballistic integrations of the more expensive ATN thermal rifle scopes. However, at a price point between $529 to $599 depending on the vendor, it is still worth considering.
Specifications and Features of the Sightmark Wraith Scope
Type of Sensor CMOS sensor
Sensor resolution, pixels 1920×1080
Display Type FLCOS
Display Resolution, pix. 1280×720
Built-in Video Recorder Availability Yes
Maximum memory card supported, Gb 64
Format of video clip AVI
Resolution of video clip 1080/720
Format of photo files JPEG
Resolution of photo files 1080/720
Memory capacity Approximately 7 hours video with 64Gb SD card
Magnification 4 – 32 x
Diameter, Lens, mm 50
Digital Zoom 1-8x
Lens Focus, mm 80
Relative aperture, D/f’ 2.5
Field of view, m@100m 7
Field of view, ft@100yd 21
Minimum focusing distance, ft/m 12/3.6
Eye Relief 2.4 / 60 in / mm
Diopter Adjustment -6 to +3
Emitter LED
Equivalent IR Power, 1060 on high, ~540 on medium, ~400 on low
Night Vision Detection Range 200 / 183 yd / m
Power Supply 6 v
Battery life, hours 3.5 video mode / 4.5 preview mode
External Power Supply 5V via micro USB
Number of Preloaded Reticles 10
Reticle Colors Black, white, red, blue, green, cyan, orange, yellow, magenta
Body Material Aluminum
Accessory rail mount Picatinny
Operating Temperature 5 to 122 / – 15 to + 50 F / C
Waterproof Rating IP55 water-resistant
Nitrogen Purged No
Shockproof Yes, 3ft
Maximum Recoil .308
Tube size, in/mm N/A
Length 10.5 / 266 in / mm
Width 1.875 / 63 in / mm
Height 3 / 75 in / mm
Weight, oz 36.3 (with batteries)
Elevation Range of Adjustment 70 MOA
Windage Range of Adjustment 170 MOA
Windage & Elevation click value 1/5 MOA
Battery Type 4xAA
Battery Life (with IR) 2 hours on high (2x CR123A Battery Type for IR)
Field of View 4 (horizontal) degrees
IR Wavelength 850nm
Night Vision Versus Thermal Rifle Scopes
Thermal Rifles scopes differ from night vision scopes. In some ways, they are more usable as they detect thermal radiation. They can also be used in all light conditions, unlike night vision scopes. The drawbacks of thermal rifle scopes are that you can see animals and humans well. However, the plants and terrain will only appear in a greyscale and can be hard to judge.
Advantages of digital scopes
The vast selection of digital scopes on the market today is growing. In this list, I have touched on only the top 5 in the affordable price range that is comparable to a regular optic scope. However, there are currently 13 major manufacturers offering Thermal digital rifle scopes. Prices of these scopes range from $499 to over $10,000 for a scope.
The features being offered in these scopes are taking a lot of the work out of shooting for the shooter. Almost all the scopes being offered on the market today have built-in range finders and ballistic calculators. These will calculate the range to target and formulate a firing solution for you. It will even automatically adjust the reticle to reflect the desired Point of impact.
This means that even an average shooter can hit the intended target with a lot more accuracy.
They also offer a slew of different options from reticle type and color selection, video shot recording, and GPS tracking, just to name a few. Though none of these options are truly needed, they do increase the enjoyment of using the scope.
Disadvantages of Digital Thermal Rifle Scopes
The biggest downfall of anything that relies on batteries to operate is the batteries. Sooner or later, that digital optic sitting on top of the rifle is going to become a paperweight. If you are out on a 7-day hunt trip and you forget your spare batteries, you are done as soon as the power goes.
The other issue I can see with these types of scopes is that a new shooter just getting into the sport may never learn how to use a true optic scope. Or understand the ballistics behind the bullet performance. This will eventually lead to the loss of skill among shooters. (Not any time soon, but still a point to keep in mind).
Another point to keep in mind is that you are looking at a video screen when using a digital scope. It is not the same as looking through an optic-type scope.
Are Thermal Rifle Scopes legal to use?
As far as I could find the digital thermal rifle scopes are legal to own in all states. However, here in Arizona, they are not legal to hunt. Arizona law “R12-4-303” section 2 paragraph D states the following items are not legal for taking wildlife.
“ Electronic night vision equipment, electronically enhanced light-gathering devices, thermal imaging devices or laser sights projecting a visible light; except for devices such as laser range finders projecting a non-visible light, scopes with self-illuminating reticles, and fiber optic sights with self-illuminating sights or pins that do not project a visible light onto an animal.”
Section 2 Paragraph “d” of Arizona Law R12-4-303
The Arizona Game And Fish regulations also prohibit the use of electronic digital sighting systems that give the hunter an unfair advantage. So, it is important to check your local and state laws before bolting on that new thermal sight and heading out into the dark.
A great reference for the state laws is at this website: https://www.coyotehunting101.com/coyote-hunting-regulations/
They have compiled a list by state of the laws regarding predator hunting. It is still wise to check with your local game and fish department. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and if you get caught doing something illegal in your state, there is a good chance you lose not only the sight but also be looking at a hefty fine.
Are Thermal Rifle Scopes worth it?
The answer to this can only be determined by the end-user. They are a great tool for taking out predators. Especially if you are a farmer that is having your livelihood threatened by mostly nocturnal predators. Wild hogs can tear up farming land and are not naturally found here in the USA.
I do see them as the future of sighting devices going forward. Like all things that are battery operated, it is all about the power. And in my opinion, power is the biggest hurdle. Once they figure out how to make these devices recharge themselves, then I believe they will become the mainstream sighting system.
Stay Safe and shoot often