Tips on Using a Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope for Hunting
Thermal hunting offers those who use it the interesting feeling of being the ultimate predator. With this technology, people can also hunt during the night and the prey will not be able to hide as it does during the day. This advantage makes the game more interesting and exciting, but which scope is the best thermal scope for hunting?
What Is a Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope?
The rifle scope is a great and useful instrument that helps the hunter to shoot from the distance by placing the prey in the crosshairs and simply pull the trigger. There are three known types of rifle scopes:
- Thermal / Infrared scopes
- Night Vision scopes
- Normal scopes
The Difference Between a Thermal Rifle Scope and a Night Vision One
Low visibility asks for the use of a thermal rifle scope, but many people are wondering exactly what is the difference between the thermal rifle scope and the night vision rifle scope. The thermal scope is used to provide imagery through the identification of infrared light while the night vision one can only amplify the light. In a place where there is a lot of fog or dust, the night vision scope can become useless, but the thermal rifle scope does its job properly, even in these conditions. The thermal scope for hunting can also be used in areas with bright light.
The hunter can also see through thin covers, like bush and grass, and camouflage with the help of an infrared rifle scope. A thermal scope is heavier than a normal one and functions with electricity for a limited time, so one or more batteries are needed. The hunter should also check if the law and the regulations of the area offers permission for the use of a thermal rifle. The punishment can be heavy if not.
A Hunter Can Choose from Two Types of Thermal Scope for Hunting
Clip-on thermal scope – this type can transform a normal scope into a thermal one by easily placing it at the front of the normal scope. In this case, the hunter can simply detach it to use the other scope.
Stand-alone thermal scope – it is similar to a normal scope, only it has infrared. To ensure that the weapon has accuracy, the scope and the rifle need to be calibrated. However, there is an inconvenience: the fast switch between the thermal and normal scope takes time. Each change needs a re-calibration for the weapon’s accuracy.
How to Choose the Best Thermal Scope for Hunting?
The best choice there is, if the hunter is not interested in buy a cheap thermal rifle scope, refers to the military grade thermal scope, more exactly a standalone one. These are effectively the best thermal scope for hunting because they are resistant and very rugged. The best idea is to have two weapons, one for day use and for night use. Of course, if the hunter wants to be faster in moves and wants to carry less equipment, there is always the other scope type, clip-on. This type is used more by the military because everything has to go faster than in a typical hunt.
The easiest way to choose the best thermal scope for hunting is based entirely on the purpose of it. If it will be used in a tough environment and it needs to resist, the stand-alone thermal scope will be the choice. However, if there is no time to change and calibrate again and again, the clip-on is surely the right one to take.
