I found a guy on craigslist selling one. I am meetig him up on Monday. How do I know if its legit? What do I look for? Do they have serial numbers? How do I know what gen? Please let me know anything you guys can think of.
Night Vision Buying a used pvs-14
- Thread starter Deerhunter
- Start date
I'd be concerned that it was "acquired" from the military, the fact that it was advertised on craigslist would cause some flags to go up for me. There have been some stings set up around Camp Pendleton in the last few years...
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
I had a bunch of shit written but figured I could sum it up this way:
Call sheriff, ask desk sgt. to run SN through all federal databases. If not reported yet, won't show up. That means it had to be stolen within a week most likely.
Call maker, be it ITT or L3 and ask them to check the SN and see who bought that set initially. If a dealer, GTG, if Army, leave it alone without proper documentation from DRMS (or whoever) that shows they released it out of inventory.
That's about all you can do. As far as function, the 6015's had two batteries I was first issued those in 2000-01. Newer ones have one battery. They could look new but be old as shit and you may not be able to tell how much use they've had.
I got mine through TNVC, hand select ITT NE, built on OMNI7 contract (which is tighter than 8) is warranted, has the build sheet and you can set the min. specs, a receipt and they don't act like used car salesmen.
If they are real cheap, you need to ask yourself why. And if you aren't familiar with NODs, how do you know he didn't swap tubes on you? It might not be gen. 3. Unless you've seen the difference yourself, it's really hard to explain.
Personally, these are one of the items I don't buy used. And if I did buy a mil set, then not sight unseen and not without documentation that I can vet.
Call sheriff, ask desk sgt. to run SN through all federal databases. If not reported yet, won't show up. That means it had to be stolen within a week most likely.
Call maker, be it ITT or L3 and ask them to check the SN and see who bought that set initially. If a dealer, GTG, if Army, leave it alone without proper documentation from DRMS (or whoever) that shows they released it out of inventory.
That's about all you can do. As far as function, the 6015's had two batteries I was first issued those in 2000-01. Newer ones have one battery. They could look new but be old as shit and you may not be able to tell how much use they've had.
I got mine through TNVC, hand select ITT NE, built on OMNI7 contract (which is tighter than 8) is warranted, has the build sheet and you can set the min. specs, a receipt and they don't act like used car salesmen.
If they are real cheap, you need to ask yourself why. And if you aren't familiar with NODs, how do you know he didn't swap tubes on you? It might not be gen. 3. Unless you've seen the difference yourself, it's really hard to explain.
Personally, these are one of the items I don't buy used. And if I did buy a mil set, then not sight unseen and not without documentation that I can vet.
So many people build their own now and you only save a small fraction and if it goes bad it's your baby. I would look real hard at it and consult with people in the know about those things. You can buy used and get a great deal or you could get the other end of the stick. As easy as a PVS-14 is to get these days. You deff don;t have to jump on it. Take your time and buy what you know is a good one.
Good luck buddy. I'm in the market for one right now. I'm going BNIB from a reputable dealer myself.
Good luck buddy. I'm in the market for one right now. I'm going BNIB from a reputable dealer myself.
I'd find a dark room to test them out in. If they meet your standards, who cares what gen it is. Do as much research as you can. Vic from TNVC writes the best damn reviews and explanations out there so his publishings is where I would start. Start with the generations explained document. It's written in laymans terms, and is by far the best explanation out there. As far as stolen product goes, just ask for the dudes id and write all that info down. That way you can cover your ass if you decide to sell it and it is indeed hot. If you ask for his id and he says no then no deal. Do not tell him before hand that you want to see it. Tell him when you meet for the transaction.
Stolen DOD equipment isn't what you want to own. A few years ago you would see some pretty obvious signs of a stolen monocular. Now, you have several instances of unsanctioned, questionable looking (but legal) PVS-14 kits that were sold by more than a few companies and even the big manufacturers in the commercial world. This makes it harder to determine the origin of a used monocular. If I see a LIF filter on a 14 and 'Property of US Government' lasered into the upper monocular housing I would look very close at the rest of the system. This doesn't mean its stolen but there is only a couple ways that got out (and they were probably never intended to get into civilian hands, really- the LIF isn't for sure.) Federal 1033 Grant equipment loaned out from DLA/DOD to LE is mistakenly sold to civilians every year and it can even have a receipt with it but the Feds will still take from you because the LE agency wasn't supposed to sell something loaned to them in the first place.
Even if you don't buy a stolen one you still have the quality or tube performance/life expectancy to consider. Its tough for a new NV buyer to get the stars to line up for them on a used purchase. If the guy will work with you (write you a receipt give you a DL, give you an inspection period of a week, etc,) then you have a chance of finding a used system that might be less expensive than a new purchase. If you find a mono you think you like you can call us or I2 on here. We both have a significant amount of image tube test equipment and experience and possibly give some additional advice on your purchase.
Ident
Even if you don't buy a stolen one you still have the quality or tube performance/life expectancy to consider. Its tough for a new NV buyer to get the stars to line up for them on a used purchase. If the guy will work with you (write you a receipt give you a DL, give you an inspection period of a week, etc,) then you have a chance of finding a used system that might be less expensive than a new purchase. If you find a mono you think you like you can call us or I2 on here. We both have a significant amount of image tube test equipment and experience and possibly give some additional advice on your purchase.
Ident
So these are legal to own right?
Thanks for all the advice. So If it is stolen, and I buy it and hes willing to give me his drivers license and a receipt, I'm in the clear but will probably get it confiscated and lose out on the cash?
If its not, it could be ragged out and about to die but can be refurbished or just a hunk of metal?? im getting it for a good deal and he seems like a stand up guy, sent me a bunch of pictures and answers my texts on his phone. Anyway a layman can identify a legit one, or the condition of one?
Also wheres the serial number on these?
Thanks for all the advice. So If it is stolen, and I buy it and hes willing to give me his drivers license and a receipt, I'm in the clear but will probably get it confiscated and lose out on the cash?
If its not, it could be ragged out and about to die but can be refurbished or just a hunk of metal?? im getting it for a good deal and he seems like a stand up guy, sent me a bunch of pictures and answers my texts on his phone. Anyway a layman can identify a legit one, or the condition of one?
Also wheres the serial number on these?
Sorry guys just read the sticky right above my thread that says Pvs-14 buyers guide, DOH!! lol should have read that before I asked a bunch of questions.
