Night Vision Pulsar Thermion
- Thread starter Sykes
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Very limited FOV. This would not be my first choice even for wide open plains style coyote hunting with a 4.4° Field Of View. I sent you a PM with my contact information if you wish to discuss various thermal options for coyote hunting.
In this price range, there is nothing as versatile, cost effective, dependable, with as good of an image or warranty as the Hogster series from Bering Optics.
Super Hogster:
However, keep in mind this is your weapon's sight. To be really effective, you should have a thermal scanner as well.
Super Hogster:
However, keep in mind this is your weapon's sight. To be really effective, you should have a thermal scanner as well.
you might look at the the XP38. 640x480 and have been seeing them for $4,100 off and on so a little more than the XM50 but a much better scope. Also 1.2 mag so wide field of view. Personally I think a 2x native view is about perfect. I have no experience with the Hogster but people seem to like them. I’ve had pulsar Apex XQ38 (great bang for the buck) Apex XQ50 FOV too narrow, trail XQ38 (Current scope) and a Trijicon Hunter MK2.
I worked on setting up a friend's 50 this weekend (not sure if the XM or the other) and the scope was super sensitive to focus. I run a Hogster 35 and it is far more forgiving. But the 50 was definitely higher resolution - not that it translated to better rounds on target or better target identification, but it was a sharper image.
Given the options - as I was - I'd choose the Hogster again, then it would just come down to 35 vs super. Also, the capacity to run an external battery on the Hogster is a big plus for me. The Thermion has an internal battery and a secondary battery, but I'm not sure it can run a straight external battery.
If you are firmly capped at $3k, hogster 35, no question.
Given the options - as I was - I'd choose the Hogster again, then it would just come down to 35 vs super. Also, the capacity to run an external battery on the Hogster is a big plus for me. The Thermion has an internal battery and a secondary battery, but I'm not sure it can run a straight external battery.
If you are firmly capped at $3k, hogster 35, no question.
One option is to order the Super Hogster with a special base/mount designed for a bolt action rifle. There is an image of what this looks like here.
Another option is to try to find a rail that will extend far enough back to get the eye relief right without too much elevation.
Sykes, start with a picatinny mount then you can get a Bobro if you want the qd option and claimed return to zero. Otherwise you can just add a riser designed for an AR installed backwards. Sounds messy but actually works well.
I just switched to a Bobro and actually prefer the backwards riser method at this point.
(Good call on the Hogster vs the Thermion)
Good luck
I just switched to a Bobro and actually prefer the backwards riser method at this point.
(Good call on the Hogster vs the Thermion)
Good luck
This. I mistakenly thought just using my scope would work, not so much. In my opinion the scope would almost be secondary to a scanner before I embarked on coyotes at night. Also, not sure where you live, but a rangefinder slaved to your thermal is also key. I shot at quite a few coyotes last year and probably missed them by miles because I literally had no clue how far they were. I live in the west and the coyotes here frequently "hang up" around 3-400 yards when you call them and the shots can be longish.
I've been using a wicked hunting light mounted on my scope and you are correct on judging distance at night, very difficult. Coyotes learn real quick when that red or green light turns on that means one less in the pack and they dont stick around.
My night hunting consists of sitting over dead cows mainly so I feel for now I'll be able to get away without a scanner but I'm sure like most things it will evolve and I will pick up a scanner in the future. I can see its usefulness when calling.
My night hunting consists of sitting over dead cows mainly so I feel for now I'll be able to get away without a scanner but I'm sure like most things it will evolve and I will pick up a scanner in the future. I can see its usefulness when calling.
Thermal is passive. It's the "only" way. A scanner is so much lighter than the thermal on your rifle.
I've been using and evaluating the Pulsar XQ38 and XQ38 LRF scanners for about two-three months now.
The LRF cannot record, but has the LRF which is better for hunters.
The XM30S is not as powerful, but not bad either and really pocket friendly.
Nice to have combos:
XQ38 LRF + Thermion
or
XQ38 + Trail 2 with LRF
I've been using and evaluating the Pulsar XQ38 and XQ38 LRF scanners for about two-three months now.
The LRF cannot record, but has the LRF which is better for hunters.
The XM30S is not as powerful, but not bad either and really pocket friendly.
Nice to have combos:
XQ38 LRF + Thermion
or
XQ38 + Trail 2 with LRF
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