Note: This article is updated constantly. Last update: 13 March 2023.
1. Introduction
The hunting market has been completely transformed by NV and thermal riflescopes. Before these devices came into play, hunting had been confined mostly to daylight and dusk, not to mention that only the best daytime optics provided a bright-enough image to identify the game once the sun began to set. Police, the military, and professionals in other fields have also benefited from these devices over the past years. EU countries are still divided on the legality of the use of NV and thermal optics for hunting purposes. Since night vision and thermal optics make it simpler to manage the wild boar population, many countries in the EU have changed their legislation after the outbreak of African swine fever.
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The history of night vision optics
- 3. Technology in night vision riflescopes
- 4. NV riflescope mounting standards
- 5. Mounting of night vision riflescopes on various mounting platforms
- 6. Night vision riflescopes vs night vision clip-ons
- 7. Night vision riflescope mounting standards
- 8. Conclusion
2. The history of night vision optics
Nearly a century has passed since infrared light technology began to develop. Thermal imaging and night vision technology was first used by the military. The assets of these devices have gradually gained recognition in various industries. Hunters began to realize that some species, like red deer, wild boars, and most predators, do not go out into the open until it is dark, making daytime optics ineffective. This prompted the development of night vision and thermal hunting equipment, which fundamentally altered the hunting business. Dedal, Pulsar, and Dipol were the first businesses to create NV and heat devices for the civilian market. The effectiveness of these gadgets has increased significantly over time.
3. Technology in night vision riflescopes
3.1 Analog night vision
Analog night vision devices feature a component known as a photocathode which is basically a light-sensitive surface. The basic units of light, photons, transform into electrons when they come into contact with this surface. When electrons pass through a photomultiplier and strike a phosphor screen, they produce brief flashes of light that are visible to the human eye. Analog night vision devices are categorized into generations 1 through 3 based on their capacity for light enhancement. Gadgets from generations 2, 2+, 3, and 3+ are powerful but expensive, whereas first-generation devices are inexpensive but outdated. Illuminators that emit light with a wavelength of around 850 nm are usually the most effective when paired with analog night vision systems (the most expensive ones are an exception as they even work with illuminators that emit light with a wavelength above 900 nm).
3.2 Digital night vision
Different principles apply to digital night vision systems. They contain a sensor that transforms light into electrical impulses. The impulse passes through various converters and reaches the screen, where it is turned into light that can be seen by the human eye. Image quality improves with higher sensor sensitivity and resolution. Illuminators that emit light with a wavelength of 915–940 nm are ideal for these devices.
4. NV riflescope mounting standards
A NV riflescope is either equipped with a specific mounting standard or uses the tube as a means of mounting.
4.1 Screw hole mounting standards
NV riflescopes that do not feature a mounting tube come with a specific mounting standard which is located at the bottom of the device. The mounting standard consists of screw holes; there are several mounting standards on the market that differ in the size of the screw holes and their placement on the mounting surface.
4.2 Tube mounting standards
Tube mounting has been gaining in popularity in the last few years as a result of the manufacturers’ attempts to make NV riflescopes look similar to the standard riflescopes. Devices with such looks are especially favored among hunters. The tube measures 30 mm in diameter, so 30mm rings are required.
5. Mounting of night vision riflescopes on various mounting platforms
5.1 Picatinny rails
The Picatinny standard is the most popular system for attaching optics to rifles – night vision scopes are no exception. This mounting system's practicality has contributed to its widespread use; many new rifles are pre-attached with Picatinny rails, and some even have a built-in Picatinny surface. If you have a rifle with drilled bores and want to mount a night vision riflescope, a Picatinny rail is a sensible option.
5.2 Pivot mounts
Pivot mounts are a preferred option for mounting shooting optics on a rifle due to their ease of use. These mounts can be easily detached and reattached to the firearm within seconds, eliminating the need to re-zero after each attachment. Several manufacturers offer such mounting solutions for night vision riflescopes, with the most popular options being produced by INNOmount, MAK, Rusan, and Contessa.
5.3 Blaser mounting surface
Most Blaser rifles are fitted with a four-notch Blaser mounting system that is well-known for its reliability and user-friendliness. As a result of the popularity of Blaser rifles, several mount manufacturers offer mounting solutions for night vision riflescopes that can be directly attached to the Blaser mounting system.
5.4 Sauer SUM
Sauer has incorporated a unique mounting surface on their renowned 404 models, referred to as Sauer Universal Mount or SUM. Since 2019, this mounting system has also been featured on Sauer 303 rifles. If you have any of these rifles, choosing a night vision riflescope mount that fits directly onto Sauer's SUM is the most practical option for a low-profile setup.
5.5 Sauer ISI
The ISI mounting standard looks similar to the Picatinny mounting standard, particularly because of the inclusion of notches functioning as recoil stoppers. This mounting system is present on all Sauer 303 rifles produced before 2019, as well as some Sauer 202 models. Some mount manufacturers provide mounting solutions for night vision optics that can be attached directly to the ISI rail.
5.6 Tikka T3
The Tikka T3 is a widely used hunting rifle, known for its dependability, precision, and affordability. Its mounting platform features a 16.5mm dovetail with a recoil socket on the front mounting surface. Given the prevalence of Tikka T3 rifles, numerous manufacturers provide mounting solutions for night vision riflescopes that clamp directly onto the 16.5mm Tikka dovetail.
5.7 CZ 527
The CZ 527 rifle has a 16.5mm dovetail on its receiver similar to the Tikka T3, but one-piece mounts specifically made for the CZ 527 cannot be interchanged with those designed for the T3 due to the recoil notch location. However, specific night vision riflescope mounts are made by certain mount manufacturers that fit directly onto the CZ 527's mounting surface.
5.8 Leupold QR
Leupold's QR mounting solution is a frequently used option, and as a result, some mount manufacturers have created night vision riflescope mounting solutions for it. One such example is the MAKflex mount produced by MAK, which can be installed on Leupold QR bases. The mount is adjustable and can fit various night vision riflescope mounting standards as well as 30mm tubes.
5.9 CZ 550
The CZ 550 rifle has a 19.5mm dovetail on its receiver, with a recoil socket located on the left side of the rear mounting surface. Given the rifle's popularity and unique mounting platform, some mount manufacturers have developed mounting solutions that enable users to mount their night vision riflescopes directly onto the CZ 550's dovetail.
5.10 Merkel mounting surface
Certain Merkel rifles and a few Fabarm rifle models are equipped with a unique, four-notch mounting surface that includes a recoil stopper located on the front mounting surface, perpendicular to the front two notches. If you own one of these rifles and desire a low-profile night vision riflescope setup, you can buy a mount that fits directly onto the Merkel mounting surface.
5.11 12mm dovetail
The 12mm dovetail is a standard feature for break-barrel rifles. Due to the widespread use of break-barrel rifles, it is logical for mount manufacturers to produce night vision riflescope mounts that fit directly onto the 12mm dovetail.
5.11.1 Contessa 12 mm
Contessa manufactures a set of rails that can transform the mounting surface of a particular rifle into a 12mm dovetail base. Once installed, any mount suitable for a 12mm dovetail can be attached to the base, though it is ideally paired with Contessa's QR mount series. The QR mount series includes various mounts, including those intended for night vision riflescope mounting.
6. Night vision riflescopes vs night vision clip-ons
6.1 Pros of night vision riflescopes
Weight
When using a clip-on device for shooting, it must be mounted on a standard riflescope, which results in a bulky and heavy setup compared to using a night vision riflescope by itself. Additionally, mounting a clip-on shifts the center of gravity towards the front, which may take the shooter a while to get used to. Therefore, if you want to minimize weight, a night vision riflescope is the better choice.
Resolution
Usually, night vision clip-on devices have a lower sensor resolution than night vision riflescopes, resulting in inferior optical performance and fewer image details.
Controls
The buttons on a thermal riflescope are easier to reach than those on a clip-on mounted in front of a daytime optic. Rear-mounted clip-ons are an exception to this.
Cost
In terms of cost, purchasing a thermal riflescope is generally more economical than buying both a daytime riflescope and a clip-on device, particularly if you do not own any shooting optics yet.
6.2 Cons of night vision riflescopes
Eye relief
Night vision riflescopes often have shorter eye relief than standard riflescopes, which may require some adjustment time. Attaching a clip-on device to the objective of your riflescope avoids changes to your shooting position as the eye relief remains the same. Rear-mounted clip-ons are an exception to this as they have an even shorter eye relief than night vision riflescopes.
Versatility
Clip-on devices can be quickly removed, allowing for an easy transition from dusk and nighttime hunting to daytime hunting with a standard riflescope. In contrast, night vision riflescopes lack this versatility.
Legality of use
While many countries prohibit the use of night vision riflescopes for hunting, regulations on clip-on devices are generally less strict as they do not feature a reticle and are often marketed as monoculars. Nonetheless, some countries have legalized night vision riflescopes for wild boar hunting due to the spread of African swine fever.
Ownership of a premium standard riflescope
For those who already own a high-quality daytime riflescope from a renowned brand like Swarovski, Kahles, Zeiss, Leica, or Blaser, a clip-on device may be more appealing since they can continue to use their premium riflescope for both daytime and nighttime hunting.
7. Night vision riflescope mounting standards
7.1 Screw hole mounting standards
7.1.1 Pulsar Trail mounting standard
This is a mounting standard that Pulsar has been using on their night vision and thermal riflescopes for the longest time. There are four screw holes on the mounting surface, each with a thread size of M6.
The distances are in mm.
Night vision riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Pulsar Digisight N960
- Pulsar Digisight N970
- Pulsar Digisight LRF N960
- Pulsar Digisight LRF N970
- Pulsar Digisight N550
- Pulsar Digisight N750
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N355*
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N450*
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455*
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N450 LRF*
- Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 LRF*
- Yukon Sightline N450
- Yukon Sightline N455
- Yukon Sightline N470
- Yukon Sightline N475
- Yukon Sightline N450S
- Yukon Sightline N455S
- Yukon Sightline N470S
- Yukon Sightline N475S
*Even though this riflescope features the Pulsar Trail mounting standard, its eye relief is different from that of other devices on the list, therefore mount manufacturers usually offer different mounting solutions for it.
Thermal riflescopes that feature the Pulsar Trail mounting standard
- Pulsar Apex XQ38
- Pulsar Apex XQ38 LRF
- Pulsar Apex XQ50
- Pulsar Apex XQ50 LRF
- Pulsar Trail XQ38
- Pulsar Trail LRF XQ38
- Pulsar Trail XQ50
- Pulsar Trail LRF XQ50
- Pulsar Trail XP38
- Pulsar Trail LRF XP38
- Pulsar Trail XP50
- Pulsar Trail LRF XP50
- Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XQ50*
- Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50*
*Even though this riflescope features the Pulsar Trail mounting standard, its eye relief is different from that of other devices on the list, therefore mount manufacturers usually offer different mounting solutions for it.
7.1.2 ATN ThOR mounting standard
Digital night vision riflescopes that share the ATN ThOR mounting standard
- ATN X-Sight HD 3-12x
- ATN X-Sight HD 5-18x
- ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14x
- ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20x
Thermal riflescopes that feature the ATN ThOR mounting standard
- ATN ThOR 2 B&W
- ATN ThOR 2 Color
- ATN ThOR 3 B&W
- ATN ThOR 3 Color
- ATN ThOR 320
- ATN ThOR-336 1-4x
- ATN ThOR-336 1.5-6x
- ATN ThOR-336 3-12x
- ATN ThOR-336 4-16x
- ATN ThOR-336 4.5-18x
- ATN ThOR-336 9-36x
- ATN ThOR-640 1-8x
- ATN ThOR-640 1.5-12x
- ATN ThOR-640 2.25-18x
- ATN ThOR-640 2.5-20x
- ATN ThOR-640 5-40x
- ATN ThOR-HD 384 1.25-5x
- ATN ThOR-HD 384 2-8x
- ATN ThOR-HD 384 4.5-18x
- ATN ThOR-HD 384 9-36x
- ATN ThOR-HD 640 1-10x
- ATN ThOR-HD 640 1.5-15x
- ATN ThOR-HD 640 2.5-25x
- ATN ThOR-HD 640 5-50x
7.1.3 Pard NV008 mounting standard
Night vision riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Pard NV008
- Pard NV008P
- Pard NV008P LRF
- Sytong HT60
Thermal riflescopes that feature the Pard NV008 mounting standard
7.1.4 Pard NV008S mounting standard
Night vision riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Pard NV008S
- Pard NV008S LRF
7.1.5 Hikmicro Thunder mounting standard
Hikmicro uses this standard on all their thermal riflescopes. It is also featured on their clip-ons. It consists of a pair of screw holes that are 29 mm apart from center to center. The thread size is 1/4" - 20.
All distances are in mm.
Night vision riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-S
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-SN
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-SL
- Hikmicro Cheetah C32F-SNL
Thermal riflescopes that feature the Hikmicro Thunder mounting standard
- Hikmicro Thunder TH25
- Hikmicro Thunder TH35
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TE19
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TE25
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TQ35
- Hikmicro Thunder Pro TQ50
- Hikmicro Panther LRF PH35L
- Hikmicro Panther LRF PH50L
- Hikmicro Panther LRF PQ35L
- Hikmicro Panther LRF PQ50L
Clip-ons that feature the Hikmicro Thunder mounting standard
7.1.6 Infiray Saim mounting standard
The Saim mounting standard consists of two screw holes with a thread size of M5. The distance between the centers of the two screw holes is 30 mm.
The distances are in mm.
Night vision riflescopes that share this mounting standard
Thermal riflescopes that feature the Infiray Saim mounting standard
- Infiray Geni GL35R
- Infiray Geni GL35R LRF
- Infiray Saim SCT35
- Infiray Saim SCL35
- Infiray Saim SCT35 V2
- Infiray Saim SCH50
- Infiray Saim SCP19
- Liemke Sperber 19
- Liemke Sperber 25
- Liemke Sperber 35
- Night Pearl Fox 35 Elite II
- Night Pearl Fox 19 Hunt
- Night Pearl Fox 35 Hunt
7.2 Tube mounting standard (30 mm)
These night vision riflescopes use a 30mm tube as a means of mounting. The mounting surface is typically divided by the turret section, just like with regular riflescopes. In order to attach these riflescopes to a rifle, 30mm rings are needed.
Night vision riflescopes that share this mounting standard
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
- ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x
- ATN X-Sight LTV 5-15x
- ATN X-Sight 4K INT 3-14x
- ATN X-Sight 4K INT 5-20x
- Guide DU50
- Hikmicro Alpex A50T
- Hikmicro Alpex A50TN
- Infiray Tube TD50L
- Pard DS35
- Pulsar Digex C50
- Pulsar Digex N450
- Pulsar Digex N455
- Yukon Photon RT 4.5x42S
- Yukon Photon XT 6.5x50S
Thermal riflescopes that feature the tube mounting standard
- ATN ThOR 4 384 1-25-5x*
- ATN ThOR 4 384 2-8x*
- ATN ThOR 4 384 4.5-18x*
- ATN ThOR 4 384 7-28x*
- ATN ThOR 4 640 1-10x*
- ATN ThOR 4 640 1.5-15x*
- ATN ThOR 4 640 2.5-25x*
- ATN ThOR 4 640 4-40x*
- ATN ThOR LT 160 3-6x*
- ATN ThOR LT 160 4-8x*
- ATN ThOR LT 160 5-10x*
- ATN ThOR LT 320 2-4x*
- ATN ThOR LT 320 3-6x*
- ATN ThOR LT 320 4-8x*
- ATN ThOR LT 320 5-10x*
- Conotech Night Arrow 335
- Conotech Night Arrow 350
- Conotech Night Arrow 635
- Conotech Night Arrow 650
- Guide TU420
- Guide TU430
- Guide TU450
- Guide TU620
- Guide TU630
- Guide TU650
- Hikmicro Stellar SH35
- Hikmicro Stellar SH50
- Hikmicro Stellar SQ35
- Hikmicro Stellar SQ50
- Hikmicro Stellar Pro SQ35
- Hikmicro Stellar Pro SQ50
- Infiray Tube TD50 L
- Infiray Tube TL35
- Infiray Tube TL35 V2
- Infiray Tube TH35
- Infiray Tube TH35 V2
- Infiray Tube TL50
- Infiray Tube TH50
- Lahoux Sight 25
- Lahoux Sight 35
- Lahoux Sight Elite 25
- Lahoux Sight Elite 50
- Liemke Sperber 1
- Night Pearl Marten 420
- Night Pearl Marten 430
- Night Pearl Marten 450
- Night Pearl Marten 620
- Night Pearl Marten 630
- Night Pearl Marten 650
- Pulsar Thermion Duo DXP50
- Pulsar Thermion Duo DXP55
- Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG50
- Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro
- Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XQ50 Pro
- Pulsar Thermion XM30
- Pulsar Thermion XM38
- Pulsar Thermion XM50
- Pulsar Thermion XP38
- Pulsar Thermion XP50
- Pulsar Thermion XQ38
- Pulsar Thermion XQ50
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro
- Thermtec Ares335
- Thermtec Ares360
- Thermtec Ares660
*named Mars instead of ThOR in the EU.
8. Conclusion
If you have a night vision riflescope that is not listed in this article, or if you have found any error, please send an e-mail to andraz.gradisnik@optics-trade.eu – help us expand our database. We greatly appreciate everyone’s help!
This article is regularly updated with new information and user contributions. We aim to create a collection of useful data that will be of great help to users and potential buyers of thermal riflescopes, and those who are looking for a mount for their night vision riflescopes.
List of all thermal riflescopes
This section is still in the making.
