I've been thinking about getting a night vision scope. I would probably only want to spend enough for a 1st generation. Would a 1st generation be worth getting at all? How well can you see with a 1st? How far and does it have to be a clear night with star and/or moon light? Can you see in total darkness with a 1st generation? I've read somewhere about limited life span of a night vision scope. (I guess they might wear out after so much use.) Any problems with certain models or suggestions?

 

Yes, first generation night vision is worth the money but, buy new and make shure you get one with dual IR illuminators. Total darkness, they will give you from 150-250 yards worth.

Try these guys... http://www.mikadox.com/cgi-bin/kowstore.cgi

Good stuff for a good price.

 

Raffica, Thanks for the response.

 

I hav night hawk it's a hand held. It works vary well. I use it in the fall just before deer season to see where the deer runs are or feed or bed. I use it for camping, night fishihg. I got it out of bass pro back in th early 90's still works good! I think I paid $500. But now they got some realy nice one's but they cost some $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Any ways hope this helps[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I'm sorry it's made buy moonlight [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img] It go's 3 feet from infront of me to infinity so they say. But like I said I'v never had a problem with it YET!!! And I like the job it dose for me.

 

CrazyJoe, How far do you think you can see across a field at night? The field that I'm thinking of is about a 1/4 of a mile long. (More or less) Thanks for responding. Also, do animals appear clear or fuzzy? Thanks.

 

Are you looking for a scope or a monocular... headset?

I have a current issue set of ANPVS 7's (headset) that will focus at inches in total darkness and lets you see as good as the helecopter pilots do on night manuvers. But, you could buy a good quad for the price of them.

Monoculars are cheap and a good one will run you under a grand.

Scopes are also cheap, Eastern block that is. US stuff demands a pretty penny. The reason I say buy new is that alot of the older imports will set off a geiger counter... Yes they throw off radioactivity.

I have several Soviet Gen II rifle scopes and they work great.

Its all in what you want, A cheap mono will run you under $200 in some stores.

 

I was thinking about getting a generation 1 in a mono. It seems like the 2 and 3 generations are over a 1000. I just want something to watch the bear's when they gather to eat this fall. But it is about a 1/4 of a mile across a field. Do any of the new scopes throw off radioactivity?

 

Across afield 1/4 mile? Yes ( I've never had to look that far) but you'll need a spot light with an IR lens that can go on and off. If you want to see more at a farther dis look in Bass Pro or Cabela's. They hav 100,000 watts. Everything I see is clear and sharp. Remember I hav a hand held one I've never looked through a scope or the head gear. Mine has just one eye lens. Need any more info let me know be glad to help.

 

Usually, I just use a spotlight to view the bear in the fall. But then it announces the bears presence to every passing car. Also you aren't supposed to spotlight past a certain time. I just think it would be good to view the bear if it would work at a fair distance.