Thread: What Brand/Model of Thermal Scope?

Hi All,
I am new to the forum and have some questions around what Thermal (or not?) scope to buy.
I want to use it mainly for rabbit pest control at night (using a .22)
Max range tends to be 150m as there are quite a few trees and bush around, and additionally with some other animals like horses etc, that I don't want running into a long range shot.

Questions:
What brand/model thermal scope? - I don't think I need any/much windage and elevation adjustment over such a short distance
Would a thermal work just as well during the day? or best just use it for dedicated night shooting?
Any thoughts on a night vision scope?

I have a reasonable budget, so my preference is to go for good quality.

Thanks in advance!

I would ring Ken at 55Six. 021 750 800 He's the Sytong agent but you can be sure of getting good advice. He knows all about this stuff - I didn't know anything about NV or thermals and he steered me in the right direction. And he dosn't seem to mind if you go off and buy another brand.

If most of your shooting is closer range inside 75m then look at a 35mm thermal. If most is stretching beyond that then look at 50mm with a higher base mag.
If it’s open unobstructed environment then night vision might be a good choice, and much more affordable.
Most thermal and nv products now feature range finder and ballistics, very useful for rimfire especially at night and if you shoot subs.

You’ve opened a can worms here, there’s a lot of people on here that have thermals and everyone has their favourite brand. Do your research as there’s a lot of quality units out there now, what ever brand you choose make sure you one with a range finder.
Thermal can work in the day but beware of the sun as it can cook your lens, it will be harder to identify animals due to the heat of other objects. Another option is you get a handheld thermal and a clip on night vision scope

Do yourself a massive favor, go to the sika show, and try them out. Pretty much all of the major brands will be there.

You're spending as much as some vehicles, and they can feel and work quite differently to each other. You'll likely get a big enough discount at the sika show that it'll offset the cost of going and you'll get the right scope for you.

I will do so, thank you.

Okay thank you.

Thanks - Max I tend to shoot is 100m (90% is 60-90m), yes I have rimfire and subs. Why a range finder at such short distances?

Originally Posted by gag-m

Thanks - Max I tend to shoot is 100m (90% is 60-90m), yes I have rimfire and subs. Why a range finder at such short distances?

At night you cant judge distances. At 100 yards the trajectory of a .22 is getting a bit curvy.

Move up to 223,better straighter shooter inside 140yds.

Maybe you are asking the wrong question "which thermal scope*.

A digital video sighting scope which works normally in colour during the day, and by night as black-n-white image intensifier scope with near-infrared (not heat) illuminating LEDs at night will do fine for pest control as the NIR reflects off rabbit and possum eyes without them knowing.