Any experience with night vision scopes ?
 

I'm interested in a night vision scope for an AR-15.

Willing to spend up to 12-1500 on one, any suggestions ?

......more I look, the more confused I get.

Would like one that uses AA batteries if possible.

Thanks !

Re: Any experience with night vision scopes ?
 

If you're using it for a scope, go with Generation 3 night vision.

Here is a tutorial on the differences:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/info/htb_nvd.shtml

This one is easier with example pics:
http://www.just-binoculars.com/nightvision-facts

Re: Any experience with night vision scopes ?
 

Andy.This is a loaded question.
you are going to get a lot of responses about how you get what you pay for,and you should only buy gen 3 or better.
my personal opinion is you buy what you can afford,and what ever you choose should last as long as possible without having to be replaced.
I have used everything from IR O generation,to 3rd gen night vision equipment.
I prefer the U.S. issue AN/PVS-4 for a weapon site for the AR platform,and other weapons.Some will say it is to bulky,or to old,But it is a tried and true piece of equipment that is capable of being upgraded at a later date to a 3rd or 4th gen tube if you really feel you must keep up with the joneses.
The AN/PVS-4 uses a lithium military battery or a AA battery adapter.It is capable of using either a 5.56mm reticle,or you can switch it out for a 7.62X51 for your .308 rifle.
The unit is water proof,shock proof etc.A complete milspec unit that weighs in around 4 pounds.
You could buy one of the civillian scopes,but,do not expect them to last as a milspec unit will.
You will have some tell you to buy the AN/PVS-14,it is useable as a rifle optic and a helmet mounted optic,but to use one you also have to buy a red dot site like the Aimpoint/or Holo site that has night vision settings,these will also need thier own mounts,and all do add up to a lot more than you want to spend.
Some will tell you to buy a Raptor or maybe even a thermal imaging unit,but you will need to re-finance your house to buy one.
I have given my long winded opinion,and i will only add,choose something with more than one applicable use,will mount to more than one type of weapon,camera tripod,etc,and one that is useable based on ballistic calibration for more than one caliber of weapon.

Re: Any experience with night vision scopes ?
 

Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabelas and a few more ...... best bet would be key word .

I do have a night vision mono that I bought about eight years ago, it amplifies the light 50,000 time and it was made in Russia, the ones I seen around only goes to 35,000...... I did make my own light by using a mini flash light and the cover I got it in the www for $35.00 but I can make three covers with it.

Power went out three ours ago, using now my 2,250 w Powermate with the B & S engine, noise but works great for my monitor and comp.

Re: Any experience with night vision scopes ?
 

Andy.
I have had 2 Gen III monoculars.

I just sold the MUM2 to a friend for $4000

I kept the ANVIS built of a the battery box from http://www.ABnightision.com

Both are VERY simliar to the PVS 14 and can be headmounted or weapon mounted. I can slap my ANVIS of my head and stick it on a Flattop AR right behind the Trijicon Relex II and still see the triangle.

I looked at them long and hard before ever buying. I looked through gen Is and found them to clunky, large and blurry for my wants. Gen IIs are better but I still found myself wanting to spend the extra grand for the Gen III. It's also more versatile in the mounting configs available.

A word of advice. Most of those 'digital' units for a few hundred buck are crap. We tried one out and I didn't like it beyond 20 yards.

The Gen III will pick up over 1000 yrds as has been my experience. Remind me to bring one when we next get together. Doh, I think I had it in the truck last March.....

These pics through the unit are grainy because I have to hold up the camera behind the mono and estimate the focus. THey are 100X more clear with the eye.

http://survivalmonkey.com/melbo9/DSC02759.JPG

http://survivalmonkey.com/melbo9/DSC02761.JPG

http://survivalmonkey.com/melbo9/ANVIS%20(Medium).JPG

http://survivalmonkey.com/melbo9/MUM2%20(Medium).JPG