In the not-so-far past, night vision was considered cutting-edge technology that was only available to select groups of people including military personnel, law enforcement, and the rich. Devices with this technology were expensive, fragile, and difficult to use.
This has however changed within the last two decades, with many companies now making inexpensive night vision scopes available to the average person.
Military personnel continues to use the scopes in shooting both long and medium-range at night. The best night vision sniper scopes are specially designed with modified features that make them ideal for use in long-range shooting.
In this review, we discuss these scopes used by snipers at night.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Night Vision Sniper Scopes
Infrared (IR) Illuminator/Laser
An IR illuminator or laser is used to add more accuracy and reliability to your scope. It is invisible to the naked eye but, when used with night vision, can help illuminate the target eliminating the need for other light. It is ideal for hunting in thick bushes at night.
Generation
Night Vision Scopes are grouped into generations, from Gen 0 to Gen 3, depending on the quality of the images they produce. Gen 1 includes budget scopes that have poor-quality images. These scopes use older technology for light-gathering and hence work well when there is enough light to gather. Gen 2 scopes use a more advanced image intensifier with better resolution and increased brightness, while Gen 3 scopes are the best with the highest resolution and image.
Price
Depending on your budget, you will be able to choose the most suitable scope for your need. The price will greatly influence the Generation of scope you choose.
Best Night Vision Sniper Scopes Review
1) ATN Thor 4, Thermal Rifle Scope
The ATN Thor 4, Thermal Rifle Scope is designed to help you determine longer-distance targets, sending the data to the ballistics calculator via Bluetooth to make all POI adjustments for your reticle. It is a great addition to your ThOR 4, with an easy-detach mount that allows you to move it from platform to platform and still retain zero.
The scope has an Ultra Sensitive Next Gen Sensor that is capable of capturing crisp clear images at the furthest ranges with improved resolution, higher sensitivity, and smooth gradations even in total darkness. It has a ballistic calculator that ensures you capture your targets each and every time.
Key features
- It has Dual Stream Video Recording that streams to your mobile phone at HD resolution and can simultaneously Record to the SD card inside
- The scope has an ATN Battery Pack that offers 22 hrs of continuous use and is easy to recharge
- It features the ATN X-Trac Tactical Remote Access Control System that provides control over various features such as Ballistic Calculator, Rangefinder, and more
- It is easy to use and quick to learn
- Long eye relief:90 mm
- Zero Range 100 yds
- Ballistic Coefficient 0.371
2) Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 riflescope is a lightweight and extra-durable device featuring picture-in-Picture mode which allows you to add an extra frame to the display.
The frame is sized only 1/10 of the total display and shows an enlarged image of the target and reticle allowing you to see the enlarged image of the aiming area as well as the full field of view.
The Digisight Ultra Digital Night vision Riflescope has improved night vision technology making it suitable for taking down hogs, predators, and varmints both day and night. It has an added 1280×720 CMOS sensor bonded with a 1024×768 AMOLED display for a nighttime detection range of up to 600 yards.
Key features
- Lightweight
- It has a2x/4x digital zoom with continuous and stepped option
- It features Stream Vision App which connects the scope to your smart device for remote viewing and streaming
- It has a built-in recording with sound, without the use of cables or DVRs
- It has a rechargeable B-Pack power system that offers up to 8-hours of battery life
- It is fully waterproof
- It has an integrated video recorder with Updatable software
- It features a wide-angle eyepiece and has high-caliber recoil resistance
3) Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope
This NightOwl device is a low-cost, yet high-quality night vision rifle scope made for hunters and shooting enthusiasts who want to carry out their activities into the night. It offers an inexpensive, lightweight, polymer construction, easy-to-operate night vision solution, featuring a flat spot on one of the cross-bolts that can be reversed to work in different mounts.
It is optimized for guns with an approximate distance of 2.0 to 2.5 inches from the center line of the scope to the center line of the barrel. It is, therefore, suitable for use with rifles, shotguns, crossbows, paintballs, airsoft, and pellet guns.
Key features
- It features a built-in infrared illuminator
- The scope is sealed for weatherproof performance
- It has a battery life of 4.5 to 17.5 hours per set of batteries
- It is easy to use and sight
- It has a high-resolution, 640X480 display
4) Pulsar Phantom 4×60 MD WPT Night Vision Riflescope
The Pulsar Phantom Night Vision Riflescope is ideal for operation in heavy precipitation conditions, featuring a nitrogen-purged design, which prevents moisture from forming on the lenses and inner surfaces causing fogging.
It has a protective lens cap that is permanently attached to the body of the unit, preventing it from getting lost. The scope can be powered with a single AA (1.5V) or CR123A (3V) battery and has a voltage stabilization system that eliminates reticle shift and drop in reticle brightness, guaranteeing proper operation of the tube and IR illuminator, even with a low battery.
The scope’s batteries are positioned vertically, for enhanced reliability of energy supply during heavy recoil.
Key features
- It is constructed of a white phosphorus tube and Modular IR illuminator with Ultra durable housing
- The riflescope features a mil-style design that offers maximum functionality and reliability
- Its bodyshell design and high-grade intensifier tubes ensure shock-proofing to heavy calibers
- It is nitrogen-filled for fully weatherproof performance
- It has a large 60mm objective lens with a high 4x magnification
- It has an internal focusing knob for easy operation
5) FLIR CO-LR LRF Long Range Night Vision Gen 2+ Clip On Riflescope
FLIR CO-LR LRF Long Range Night Vision Gen 2+ Clip Riflescope is designed for long-range target detection and engagement. It uses an existing ballistic reticle for shot placement and immediate precision.
The riflescope has a variable gain control and included an XLR IR illuminator that further enhances image clarity in low light conditions.
Key features
- It has a durable construction
- It has a consistent Ballistic reticle that eliminates the need to Re-zero and maintains a familiar shooting position
- It has a 108 mm lens and Gen 2+ intensifier tubes
- It is equipped with wireless remote control for easy use
- It has a variable gain control
- Powered by a single alkaline 1.5V AA or 3V CR123A lithium battery with a low battery indicator
- It features a quick-release mount
- It has a bright light cut-off system
Types of Night Vision Scopes
Night Vision technology works by utilizing all available light to create clear and visible images in low-light environments. Some night vision scopes use an image intensifier tube (IIT) to transmit images to the viewer and are classified into generations, from Gen 0 to Gen 3 Plus, while others use a camera sensor.
Gen 0- these night vision devices need an active infrared light to produce a viewable image. They are bulky, fragile, and offer low-quality images.
Gen 1- the Gen 1 devices use an improved photocathode to increase image resolution and reduce distortion. The images in this technology have blurry edges and lower resolution compared to the most recent technologies.
Gen 2- these devices produce much clearer images. The technology has an added micro-channel plate that improves light gain and image resolution.
Gen 3- they use a similar technology to Gen 2 but have added gallium arsenide for increased sensitivity. They have the brightest, clearest images.
Digital Night Vision- these scopes convert ambient light into a digital image that can be viewed on a screen. The image quality is almost similar to Gen 2 night vision technology.
Thermal Imaging- instead of light, this technology uses heat to produce a viewable image. These scopes produce high-contrast black-and-white images and detect small differences in heat down to 0.01 Centigrade.
See also: 7 Best Cheap Night Vision Riflescopes Review
Final Thoughts
As a military personnel or long-range shooter, you will be more than glad to see your target drop from the other end. Aiming long distances is difficult unless you have the best optics attached to your rifle. They help with improved accuracy and precision.
As we have discussed in this review, different scopes come with different features that are specified to help you achieve your desired shots. The five scopes discussed are affordable, easy to use, and reliable for low-light conditions. They are a great addition to any shooter’s shelf.