Otherwise referred to as Forward-Looking Infrared FLIR or IR scopes, thermal scopes use various heat signature imaging technologies to help you easily identify targets and take shots in low light conditions. Simply put, they measure heat radiation and often offer a great tactical advantage.
These scopes are as effective during daylight as they are after dark and have features such as digital internals, which can allow displays to include compass readings, distance as measured by a laser rangefinder, and heat images custom-tailored to your needs.
Thermal scopes are ideal for different applications and can be used by law enforcement officers for search and rescue operations or for engagements with hostile suspects. On the other hand, hunters will use them to get an upper hand in pursuit of predators and hogs.
Trijicon is a manufacturer of high-end optics including thermal imaging scopes and monoculars. Trijicon thermal scopes are highly reliable and are built to provide precision and repeatable accuracy.
Best Trijicon Thermal Scopes Reviews
1) Trijicon Electro Optics IR Patrol M250 19mm Thermal Imaging Monocular
At just 1.0 pounds, this Trijicon Electro-Thermal Imaging Monocular has been developed to cater to the tactical needs of both law enforcement and military personnel. It is made in a unique design that can be hand-held or mounted on the rifle when acquiring targets in low or zero-light areas.
The Trijicon IR-PATROL optics has a 640×480 12-micron thermal core that provides a surprisingly crisp image thus allowing for quick target acquisition. The scope is easily maneuverable, as it features rugged aluminum construction that is lightweight.
This Trijicon scope has a 60 Hz Frame Rate which allows for efficient target tracking. It also features a recessed thumb stick which is intuitive and which also makes it easy to control the unit with or without gloves. Its edge-detect mode cancels night-blindness risk by showing the edges of warm targets on a dark display.
If you are one to keep memories or records for future use, the scope will help you with the image capture feature which saves up to 60″images. You will get to enjoy up to two hours of battery life at 60 Hz and close to three hours at 30 Hz. The scope comes with a Wilcox Shoe interface that allows compatibility with Wilcox helmet mounts.
Pros
- It is affordable
- Durable materials are used
2) Trijicon Reap-IR, 60mm
Hunting requires maximum flexibility and this is what the Trijicon REAPIR mini thermal riflescope offers. It is made in a small design that is light yet so powerful. The thermal riflescope incorporates a technology that allows you to engage targets in any light.
It has been used, trusted, and approved by the most demanding shooters and hunters that require speed and accuracy for nighttime use.
The ReapIR scope also features reticle pattern levels of the white-hot black, hot rangefinder, standiametric ranging, and edge detect mode.
This 60mm model riflescope features an Easy Zero Function ruggedized top-loading vertical battery compartment that makes it easy to install the battery, as well as a Picatinny rail mount interface for easy mounting.
This riflescope comes with a lens pen, hard case, Trijicon logo sticker, shuttered eye guard, and two CR123 batteries.
Pros
- Light and easy to carry
- Easy to mount
3) Trijicon Teo IR-Hunter Thermal Teo IRMK3-60 IR-Hunter Thermal
The Trijicon Teo IR-Hunter Thermal Riflescope is made with a 60 mm lens and a 640×480 thermal sensor that enhances target recognition. For that same purpose, it features a digital contrast enhancement (DCE) stadiametric rangefinder as well as windage/elevation position readouts.
This Trijicon riflescope has 8x digital zoom as well as 12-micron technology that results in crisp, detailed images. It features multiple reticle options and has turret knobs for superior ergonomics and easy settings adjustment.
You will be able to record a full digital video with this scope that also features a throw lever mount for easy mounting.
Pros
- Battery extender included
- Long battery life
- Lightweight
4) Trijicon Electro Optics REAP-IR 35mm Thermal Weapon Sight w/8x E-Zoom
The Trijicon Electro Optics REAP-IR Thermal Weapon Sight is a compact yet powerful scope that enables easy target acquisition. The scope is constructed from 6061 Aircraft-grade aluminum which makes it extremely powerful and long-lasting.
The Trijicon Electro Optics REAP-IR 35mmscope is designed with a stadia metric rangefinder that ensures precise accuracy even in low light conditions. For a clear view, the scope offers a full 640×480 thermal imager and a GASIR objective lens which offers a wide field of view with clear, bright images.
The scope provides excellent speed and accuracy that will please even the most demanding shooters and hunters.
In addition, the thermal weapon sight is nitrogen-filled and sealed for waterproof and fog-proof performance. It has been tested on MIL-STD-810G methods and procedures. It is also easy to mount with multiple mounting options and can store multiple reticle positions for use across various rifles.
Pros
- It has an easy-to-use thumbstick control
- Has an included eye guard
- Several reticle options
Choosing the Best Trijicon Thermal Scopes
Thermal core
This is where thermal imaging begins. This is an image sensor that detects thermal energy rather than visible light. A higher-quality thermal core produces a higher-quality image when the rest of the components are up to the task. The thermal core sensitivity is measured in a temperature unit called a millikelvin.
Magnification
This refers to the number of times an image can be increased in size before it is displayed to you. Your shooting range determines your magnification, whereby a longer shooting range requires a higher magnification.
Detection Range
This refers to the distance from which a specific scope can detect heat. This distance differs from one thermal scope to another and will dictate the maximum effective range of the scope.
Display
Different scopes have different materials making up the display. This is where any visible representation of the thermal information gets delivered. There are different choices for display options and these offer different image quality.
Objective lens
There is great importance in choosing wisely the lens size and quality. For example, the amount of magnification a scope provides will have an effect. This is related to the objective lens as a scope with greater magnification will require a larger objective lens. Thermal riflescopes do not use glass objective lenses as glass does not transfer heat as would be germanium, which is the material used.
Refresh Rate
This can be described as how often the image displayed in the viewfinder is refreshed by the computer inside of the scope. It is always better to have a higher refresh rate, especially when targeting a moving subject. This, however, comes with the disadvantage of a shortened battery life, with all other things in the scope being held equal.
Best Trijicon Thermal Scopes FAQs
- Are Trijicon thermal scopes good?
Trijicon makes some of the best optics in the industry. Their advanced thermal imaging riflescopes are tested and trusted by the most demanding shooters. They provide undeniable accuracy and speed be it day or night.
- What is the longest range of a thermal scope?
A very high-quality thermal scope will have a thermal detection range of up to 4,000 yards. This means that you can positively identify the target at up to 4,000 yards. Other entry-level scopes can limit you to 1,000 yards or less.
- Can you use a thermal scope in daylight?
Unlike night-vision scopes that are only operational in darkness, thermal scopes can also be used during the day.
- Can thermal scopes see through walls?
Unfortunately, and contrary to what the movies show, thermal cameras cannot see through walls. Walls are thick and insulated to block any infrared radiation from passing through. Thermal scopes detect heat from a wall and not from what’s behind it.
Final Thoughts
Thermal scopes have changed the game when it comes to great hunting. Most animals are nocturnal and hence the need for hunters to use the extra night hours to locate their targets. For this reason, every hunter craves at least one good thermal rifle scope on their shelf.
This review is meant to offer you an easy time in making the best choice for the best thermal scopes. We have specifically looked at the best by Trijicon as this is a leading brand in the optics industry.