I don’t normally get very excited about new gear. This thermal weapons sight changed that, not because it is better than anything else out there but because it brings a useful thermal sight into working man’s prices.
It is still not cheap ($2,199.00 on the www.usnightvision.com web page), but it puts it at a price point that is cheaper than good glass for a precision rifle.
Use coupon code ‘AMTAC’ to get $50 0ff the FLIR Thermosight Pro PTS233 at www.usnightvision.com.
Setup
The scope comes with a hard case with a QD mount, a USB cable, two battery sleeves and instructions. Mounting the thermal is easy with the included QD mount. I mounted the scope on a 16 in carbine. Just aft of the scope I mounted an Aimpoint T1 on a Larue 45 degree offset mount.
Zeroing
Zeroing was simple and is pretty intuitive on the menu. A cool side note is that you can pick multiple guns out a sub-menu and zero for each individual rifle.
When I started zeroing I used a can of spray paint to make a dot over my target, this was enough of a temperature differential to have an aiming point and get on paper at 25 yards. A few days later I had time to do a proper zero at 100 yards by pouring water on a normal paper target and then shooting at the top of the temperature differential.
Other ways to get a temperature differential include stapling hand warmers to the bulls eye of your target or heating a piece of steel up with a torch.
Capability
For the test I had access to a little over 500 yards. At that distance I was able to tell the pick up movement and distinguish between a person and a dog. Closer in I was able to identify a rifle at 100 yards and identify gear/ clothing at 25 yards. I had no problem hitting B/C steel at 250 yards with Blackhills 77 Gr. OTM.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Price point. I always say that logistics are important and this scope allows for more people to own a serious piece of equipment.
- Ease of use. The menus are very intuitive and it is simple to scroll through the different reticle and color options.
- It uses 3v lithium batteries. This is a very common battery that also does well in the cold.
- Everything you need is in the box, no need to buy separate mounts or cables.
- Size. I would not call it small, but it is manageable.
- Picture and video ability with internal memory.
Cons:
- Price point. At a little over $2k it is still expensive.
- 30 Hz refresh rate. This means there is a slight lag time as you are panning.
- No focus ring.
- No drop down reticle.
Summery
This FLIR Thermosight Pro PTS233 thermal is a game changer. Way to many “gun guys” have a safe full of rifle and pistols and have zero night vision or thermal capability. Sell a couple of those “safe queens” that are just collecting dust and improve your capability with NVG’s/ Thermals and quality training!
At 50 Yards
At 100 Yards
Around 200 Yards
And 250 Yards
