Best Night Vision Rifle Scope

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Elcan Digital Hunter Scope

Unfortunately, this scope has been discontinued. We have provided you with the best alternatives on the market today. You see our reviews on these below. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

While using the iron sights on your rifle may be an option, there is a reason that even the highly trained Special Forces equip themselves with digital scopes. When calibrated properly, a digital scope will prove to more reliable then the outdated method of the iron sights.

Practicing with iron sights can be fun, but when you approach the field, it is important to have the best view down range that is possible. When using iron sights, a portion of your rifle will cover your target and other areas that are important to have in your sights.


Digital scopes will allow you to see all of your target and the surrounding area well. But the questions may arise, “Is simply purchasing any digital scope good enough?” or “How do I go about looking for the right one?”

Another area of concern in using a rifle will begin to surface as well. This is due to the ever increasing popularity and market for night vision optics. Due to technological advances in the relatively recent years, night vision is now made available for civilian use on a grand scale.

However, approaching this domain can be harder for us to find the proper path to travel. As a result, this article is tailored toward answering questions concerning, “How do I choose a good night vision scope?”


Top Product reviews


1) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope 5-20x


This scope has just about everything you will need, plus its long hourglass shape creates a traditional look that is awesome. The technology on this piece of equipment is almost hard to believe.

The ATN X-Sight 4k comes with a ballistic technology that factors in the curvature of the earth’s surface, temperature, humidity, and more. As a result, this device will help you to aim at the proper location on your target and will do the math for you.

Pros

• Ballistic technology is cutting edge and will prove to be an asset
• Weather-resistant casing allows this device to be used at all times
• Can be used during both the day and the night

Cons
• This is one of the more expensive items on our list
• This item weighs slightly more than some of the other items on this list


 

This device is considerably cheaper than the ATN X-Sight 4K. Another great benefit of the Night Owl Optics is the ability to toggle through three different reticle options.

This device is also weatherproofed and will last in the field. The Night Owl Optics can be used in either the day or the night, and, as a result, extreme light conditions will not damage the scope. This scope is easy to mount and is durable.

Pros

• Relatively cheaper than some of its counterparts
• Can be used in both the day or the night
• Easy to mount and the company will provide help if you have problems

Cons
• Battery life is considerably lower than the ATN X-Sight 4k
• Range is anywhere from 100-200 yards at night; as a result, the long-distance hunter will be left in the dark



The ATN X-Sight II is another scope that comes equipped with ballistic technology. Along with the other ATN X product on this list, this device comes with video-recording capabilities.

Another great benefit of this product is that it comes equipped with a rangefinder. Simply click a button a couple of times on your scope while aiming at your target to get a reading. This scope can also be used during both the day and the night.

Pros
• The ballistic technology of this piece of equipment is amazing
• This device allows you to record and stream what you are seeing right onto your phone
• Weather resistant

Cons
• This device is one of the heavier devices on this list, which may prove to be a burden rather than an asset
• Price range for this device is higher than some of the other options on this list



Here is an extremely affordable option. The BESTSIGHT Night Vision Scope will cost you about $130 on Amazon. This scope is a little different than the rest on this list.

The BESTSIGHT Night Vision Scope attaches to your preexisting scope and uses a screen to project your target. It could be a fun and affordable option to enjoy the benefits of night vision and hunting in the dark.

Pros
• Extremely cheap and affordable
• It could be a fun alternative to hunting with a traditional scope
• Can switch between day and night

Cons
• Although the item is affordable, you still need a preexisting scope
• Is not weather resistant, and as a result its use would be limited
• This device will add more weight to your rifle than simply purchasing a scope with night vision built in



This is a great lightweight on this list. The Sightmark, while being relatively expensive, is also reasonably priced as a night vision optic piece of equipment due to its aluminum casing.

Another great benefit of this product is that it also has the ability to record while you are in the field. High levels of magnification can be achieved with this device topping out at 16x magnification.

The menu option on this device will be easy to figure out for beginners. Simply browse the menu with a click of a button.

Pros
• Powerful magnification capabilities of 16x magnification
• Extremely lightweight
• 10 different reticle options available

Cons
• While being reasonably priced, it is still a relatively expensive item at around $500
• Battery life is unimpressive at around 4.5 hours



Here is another great lightweight option on this list. At just two pounds, you will be hard pressed to find a lighter choice. Like the Sightmark Wraith, the casing is both lightweight and durable.

The weaver mount approach makes for both an easy assembly and detachment of this device. Another added benefit is that it comes with a carrying case, as well as a cloth to clean the lenses.

Finally, the 42mm lens allows it to gather in a significant amount of light to be able to display your target in the dead of night.

Pros
• The titanium casing makes for a great lightweight and durable option
• Comes with a carrying case and lens cleaning cloth
• Weaver mount design makes for easy assembly

Cons
• 3x magnification is on the lower end of the magnification spectrum
• Does not come with range-finding capabilities



 The Bushnell 4.5X40 comes with a 40mm lens that will allow it to use available light well. This wide lens will also present its user with a great field of view down range.

Another great benefit of this device is its 2.2 pound weight. Can be used in distances of up to 750 feet. The Bushnell 4.5X40 comes with a carrying case for easy storage and travel.

This piece of equipment is able to be used during both the day and the night. Video capturing technology makes this product both fun and exciting.

Pros
• Video capturing technology
• Great visuals at a long range in both the day and the night
• Lightweight and durable

Cons
• Minimal magnification capabilities compared to other items on this list
• This device is not as popular as some of the other items on this list



This devices operates on the Gen 3 model for night vision scopes. Gen 3 is known as the newest, most advanced, and the best of the different generations.

Another great benefit of this scope is that it only uses one AA battery and will last a long time considering this fact. Simply bring a couple more AAs with you on your trip, and you should be good to go.

The lens on this product is larger than many of the others on the list and will allow for a great field of view while also soaking in as much of the light in your area as possible.

Pros
• Operates on a Gen 3 system that is the most recent and the best
• Comes with a carrying case and a remote control
• Weather and dust resistant

Cons
• Lack of customer feedback
• Item is currently not a popular choice



This scope, while being slightly heavier than some others on this list, is still a good lightweight option. The Sightmark Photon is easy to attach and detach by using the weaver mount.

Another great benefit of this device is that it comes with six different reticle options, which may outweigh the negatives of its lower magnification capabilities. It can be used in both the day and the night, and, as a result, bright lights will not damage this scope.

Pros
• Can be used in both the day and the night
• Long-distance capabilities of up to 280 yards
• Comes with built in sound and video recording options

Cons
• Magnification capabilities are lacking
• This product is lacking both customer feedback and popularity, which may prove to be a purchase that you would regret


Night Vision Rifle Scope Buyer’s guide

In purchasing a night vision scope, there are a number of factors that should be considered. While scopes have been around for many years, the night vision option is a relatively new one on the market. As time progresses, this product is becoming more and more affordable.

Unfortunately for many of us, the cost of a good night vision scope may be out of our reach. In the case of these products, you really do get what you pay for. If you choose to go cheap, the equipment will still work, but it will not measure up to the rest.

Therefore at the outset, determining what you can afford will be important, and expecting to get what you pay for will also be essential.

One of the great benefits of forking over a little more money on a scope is that it will come with ballistic technology, also sometimes referred to as angle compensation. Angle compensation is one element of ballistic technology that will prove to be a great benefit to those of you who can afford it.

Apart from having a scope with angle compensation and/or ballistic technology, at times you will need to aim your reticles off your target somewhere in the distance to actually hit your target. This can often be a guessing game that will cause you to shoot and miss and adjust your shot based on your last one.

This can prove to be costly as one shot is often all you have. With angle compensation built into a scope, all you need to do is aim your reticle on your target. The scope does all the hard work of figuring out how the earth’s surface and distance to your target will affect your shot.

Another huge factor that was highlighted in this article often is if your scope can be used in both the day and the night. This will be important to you for a couple of reasons. First of all, it will add to the diversity of your scope’s use, as most likely you will find yourself in the field during the day.

Second, scopes that are built to function during the day and the night will last longer and be able to withstand extreme light conditions. Normal night vision optics that are made to function solely at night will become damaged in severe light conditions.

Finally, the weight of a scope is going to be vitally important. It may seem at the outset that the weights of these devices are all very low and will not make too much of a difference.

However, every pound counts as you have your rifle nestled into your shoulder and, with everything you got, you are attempting to hold it steady as you move your target into your sights.

In closing

After considering these nine products and some of the essential elements of a good night vision scope, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope 5-20x rises to the surface as an elite choice in its field.

The ballistic technology within this piece of equipment, combined with its sleek traditional look, make it a must have for those of you seeking to purchase a great night vision scope. The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope 5-20x will prove to be a great lightweight option as well.

If you are in the market for a reliable night vision scope that is at the top of its class, look no further than the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope 5-20x.

Guide To Improving Your Rifle Sight Using a Rangefinder

Now that you own a brand-new rangefinder, it’s time to improve your sight. Whether you are targeting a clay pigeon or a beer can, isn’t it immensely satisfying when you hit the bullseye? With a rangefinder around, you now have more chances of hitting the target than just relying on your eye and shooting skills. Those who are ready to move on from being an amateur to pro should practice their rifle sight with a rangefinder. This helps prepare for tournaments where you meet veteran shooters from different parts of your country. Wondering how to use your rangefinder to im prove your rifle sight? Here are four things you can do

1. Plinking

Plinking is an age-old American technique to improve your rifle shooting aim. It’s as simple as lining a few beer bottles on a fence post and using your rangefinder to lock their targets. A rangefinder, while plinking, helps you figure out the estimated distance without measuring it manually. Apart from sighting targets, one of the reasons why people invest in a high-quality rangefinder is they want an approximate idea of the distance from their targets. This allows them to set up their shot accordingly. Start by lining up a few beer bottles on a fence post and make a mark from where you plan to
take aim. Measure the distance manually. This is to double-check whether your rangefinder provides an accurate estimate or not. Once you measure the distance, return to your shooting spot and put your eye on the rangefinder. What distance does it show? It will provide either an accurate figure or something close to the figure you just measured. Aim and pull the trigger. Plinking  helps you learn how to avoid misplaced shots because you have the rangefinder to estimate the distance from your target. Try to hit the beer bottle without the rangefinder, and you may need to hold your breath longer than you expect to hit the bullseye. That’s the difference a rangefinder can make.

2. Sighting-in

Sighting-in is a popular technique to improve your sight while using a rangefinder. Almost any veteran who uses a rangefinder will tell you to keep this technique in mind while aiming your target. It makes you more experienced when it comes to hunting. While plinking involves doublechecking the distance of your target using your rangefinder, sighting-in means you need to set up targets before they even arrive at your preferred spot. Suppose you want to kill a mature buck. You wait for it on your stand. The buck is still far away from your range. But it’s not moving in your direction. You can use a decoy to make it come to your spot where you can take aim and shoot it. How will you understand the range where you want to employ the decoy without getting down from your stand? This is where your rangefinder will come to your rescue. Most rangefinders come with a super-duper measuring range that allows you to keep an eye on your moving target and create a decoy if necessary. Many veteran hunters use rangefinders to create landmarks from their stands so that they can lure mature bucks to come near that spot. And once they do, there’s no going back for them.

3. Long-range

Want to practice long-range distance shooting with your rifle? You must use a rangefinder that can cover a distance of at least 600 yards or more. Again, you can use the rangefinder to measure the distance before taking aim. Imagine aiming at a target that is beyond 600 yards. Would you be able to see that target without a rangefinder? Probably not. Most importantly. you also need to consider other conditions like wind direction and wind speed before shooting. You may end up with a misplaced shot if you don’t consider the direction of the wind. Ideally, you should judge the wind movement and shift your aim slightly off the target so that the wind carries the bullet and hits the bullseye. This requires a lot of practice, but you can improve your sight with the rangefinder. Keep checking the wind direction before taking aim. Then use the rangefinder to figure out the distance before setting your target. Now keep practicing until you hit the target consistently. Long range shooting is an art says Samuel Ambrosino of Rangefinder Yard. “Its something that must be practiced over and over to hit targets at extreme ranges”

4. Military training

Military training is another excellent way to improve your rifle sight with your rangefinder. What if you find yourself in a life and death situation, and it becomes vital to know the distance of your target? High-end rangefinders come with advanced features like night-vision, binocular capabilities, and custom ballistic information. Laser rangefinder binoculars have all these benefits in one single unit. Considering weather conditions The above methods work successfully when you practice in dry weather. But if you really want to notch up your skills, you should practice shooting in various weather conditions. Suppose you never needed a rangefinder to shoot a target 100 yards away. But you did it on a bright, sunny day. Would you be able to hit the target consistently when there are clouds around, and it’s pouring heavily? You may as well want to pack your bag and leave for the day. Don’t. Instead, take out your rangefinder and use its in-built features to continue with your target shooting session. If you want to become a complete shooter, you shouldn’t just practice when it’s sunny. Anyone can hit the target when there is enough light. But it takes skill and patience to hit the same target when it’s raining. Some rangefinders come with automatic rain mode so that they can provide an accurate distance, irrespective of the weather condition. The device can distinguish the target and rain and provide an accurate estimate to know the reading before taking aim. Now that you know the various techniques to improve your rifle sight with a rangefinder start practicing right away. Practice makes you perfect. And make sure you practice in different weather conditions to become a veteran shooter soon.

25Dec/20

Rangefinders for beginners – tips for using while hunting.

Before tackling the subject of Rangefinders, we must first look at the significant ways in which a Rangefinder is needed. Firstly, A Rangefinder is most used for hunting, which is generally defined as capturing or killing wildlife or other feral animals for recreation or to harvest the animal’s meat for consumption. This is done with or without a permit, depending on where in the world the hunt is being done. Secondly, rangefinders are also used in sports like golf, where a need to see across long distances is paramount. But for this article were going to focus on the Rangefinder as it relates to hunting. So, you decided you want to start the sport of hunting? That’s great, but now you’re probably wondering what to do and where to start. Well, why not start at finding the right Rangefinder? Most people who don’t hunt or practice individual sports may be asking themselves what the heck even is a rangefinder. In contrast, a Rangefinder is an essential tool for a seasonal hunter that they cannot do without.

What is a Rangefinder?

A Rangefinder is a device used to measure certain distances from where the person using the Rangefinder is positioned to the target’s observation point. This process is widely known as ranging.

How does a Rangefinder Work?

Rangefinders utilize different methods of focusing, called rangefinders. Unlike looking directly through the lens of a camera or a mirror, a rangefinder’s viewfinder works by using another visual apparatus mounted near to the lens. As a result of this unique method, Rangefinders can display two different overlapping images of a subject. The Rangefinder then aligns the images and range of a subject by calculating its overall distance with pinpoint accuracy. This is done through a phenomenon known as the similar effect.

The History of Rangefinders

The first type of Rangefinders was known as mirrorless cameras, which were used a lot in street photography. This was due to their better range and compatibility over the—at the time, more bulky DSLR cameras. The Rangefinders at the time utilized a 35mm film, which was the same as DSLRs but used a unique method of focusing method that didn’t even require a lens or mirror. Mirrorless cameras, in a sense, are the successors to rangefinders. They have the same advantages, such as weight and size over DSLRs with none of the drawbacks of rangefinders.

Why are Rangefinders Important?

Now that you have a comprehensive history of the Rangefinder, you need to know why it’s an essential tool to have, especially for hunters. Hunters often carry hunting rifles that can shoot rounds at high velocities at a long distance, which, if not handles correctly, can lead to an accident that can be potentially fatal for those who may be unexpectedly around. Picture this for a moment, you and your buddy are out hunting one day when you think you see a voluminous deer in the far distance. You aim at the deer without using a Rangefinder to calculate the distance of the deer and then fire a round. The round misses the deer and but instead struck your buddy in the shoulder. You rush him to the hospital to be treated, and the doctors say he’ll make a full recovery. Sounds good, right? But ask yourself, what if the round had struck him elsewhere? The situation could have ended much worse. Sadly this scenario is an all too common occurrence when hunting. Do you know see why having a Rangefinder is essential?

Types of Rangefinders

Military Rangefinders – This type of Rangefinder is mostly utilized in the military to pursue targets and objectives over a long distance. This type is usually incorporated with a firearm, which is more commonly used with a laser Rangefinder. During the detection of a target, a bright dot is displayed to show the mark. These Rangefinders usually can see up to 2000 yards and are often used to measure distances and release projectiles such as missiles. Sport Rangefinders – As previously stated, rangefinders are often used in sports—mostly golf—to measure a particular target’s distance. There are two types of Rangefinders used in sports, namely GPS and laser types. The GPS Type requires the handler to download the golf course map to achieve the distances, while the laser type measures the distance of a more specific target. While these types of Rangefinders are not as precise as the ballistic type, they still offer exact measurements to a lesser extent.

Hunting/Forestry Rangefinders – Hunting can be dangerous, which is why it often hunters requiring the latest technological gear to combat the wilderness’s wild and unpredictable nature. Hunters hunt with several different weapons, such a hunting riffles or even bow, which require other Range finders.A rangefinder used along with rifles usually covers up to 8x the magnification of a target and is the most popular Rangefinder type. In contrast, rangefinders used with bows are usually used to compensate for the bow’s curvature and angle to give similar results as a rifle. Moreover, these are usually more lightweight as opposed to the Military Rangefinders.

What to consider when buying Rangefinders?

Buying a Rangefinder is an easy task IF you know exactly what you are looking for. For instance, if you hunt with a rifle, you’ll most likely want a Laser Rangefinder, explicitly hunting. Other things you might want to consider as a hunter are target reflectivity, range, environment sensor, tripod support, water resistance, durability, weight, and battery life. Many distributors of Rangefinders will often let you test them before purchase, which will enable one to know precisely if a particular range finder suits them.

Recommended Rangefinders

Some Rangefinder I would recommend is the Nikon Monarch 3000 Stabilized available at nikonsportoptics.com and Vortex Optics Fury HD 10 x 42 single on vortex optics.com. Inclusion, I hope that you would-be hunters gained a lot of knowledge and experience about Rangefinders from this article. I also hope that you know see why Rangefinder is such a significant factor and essential to hunting as a whole.