Night Vision What to look for in buying a used PVS-30?

[RWSGunsmithing]

I know the FOM is something to look at but what else should I be looking at or asking about?

 

[TheHorta]

Blemishes. Collimation issues (how much POI shift). Electrical issues. Get a clear photo inside the battery compartment to see if any batteries leaked. Condition of glass (obviously). Does the mount lock-up tight. Etc.

 

[jbuck88]

This is a good thread. I'm watching as well. Seen a couple recently, but feel like a kid jumping into the deep-end of the swimming pool.

 

[pucker]

Note for noobs (though a PVS-30 probably shouldn’t be your first NV purchase)....

Blemishes (dark spots) refers to view through the unit when in use. Small spots can be from manufacturing process... large ones are burns from improper use.

 

[SkyScrapin]

Note for noobs (though a PVS-30 probably shouldn’t be your first NV purchase)....

Blemishes (dark spots) refers to view through the unit when in use. Small spots can be from manufacturing process... large ones are burns from improper use.

I disagree, but just for the sake of conversation, I’ll partially agree.

Blemishes do exist on the manufacturing process and they can be super tiny to the naked eye but visible when you magnify them with a day scope. They’re perfectly acceptable and it will happen.

Blemishes from abuse are rare on a 30 unless you have a bad unit or your shooting on something larger than 50 cal. However, a scar can and will mess up a clipon in a heart beat, so avoid using it on one. Oh, and avoid using it like a hammer. Otherwise, if you’re abusing a 30, there’s probably bigger problems in your life bc it’s extremely hard to mess them up.

 

[pucker]

I disagree, but just for the sake of conversation, I’ll partially agree.

Blemishes do exist on the manufacturing process and they can be super tiny to the naked eye but visible when you magnify them with a day scope. They’re perfectly acceptable and it will happen.

Blemishes from abuse are rare on a 30 unless you have a bad unit or your shooting on something larger than 50 cal. However, a scar can and will mess up a clipon in a heart beat, so avoid using it on one. Oh, and avoid using it like a hammer. Otherwise, if you’re abusing a 30, there’s probably bigger problems in your life bc it’s extremely hard to mess them up.

Sounds like we agree, you're just describing the smaller spots better than I did. Not passing subjective judgement on them, was just trying to describe what they are.

Regarding the 'improper use' blemishes, was referring specifically to burns...vice physical abuse. The 30 is physically tough, but it'll burn just like any other i2. ...which anyone looking at a PVS-30 probably understands, but maybe not.

I was looking back on my first several weeks after jumping into this NV/Thermal world...was like learning a whole new language.

 

[LibertyArms]

Personally.. I would look at the image and the electronics over the other items. I've seen a number of units with fom #s all over. They all looked really close to me in image quality regardless of FOM numbers in clip ons. I've seen some pretty bad objective lenses with marks/scratches that did not seem to show up on the image.

 

[SierraLima]

Does the newer single battery PVS30 show the FOM anywhere like the older pvs30s refurbs?

 

[TheHorta]

Does the newer single battery PVS30 show the FOM anywhere like the older pvs30s refurbs?

Commercial units typically show FOM. Non-refurb decommissioned .MIL units will not.

 

[SierraLima]

10-4 Thanks.

 

[Pwoens]

Watching this thread as well. Wish I had good info to add but I’m a newb and only have the 14 right now as my entry drug to this horrible addiction.

 

[TheHorta]

Watching this thread as well. Wish I had good info to add but I’m a newb and only have the 14 right now as my entry drug to this horrible addiction.

Misery loves company, brother. Welcome aboard the Crazy Train!

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Request at least 3 day inspection period...Drops microphone.