What is the Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scope? Read on to discover the best-rated scopes, features, pros, and more.
Third-generation Night Vision scopes are high-tech scopes ideal for both hunting and tactical operations. These scopes produce clear and brighter images, have a longer range, and are more stable than the Gen 1 and Gen 2 predecessors.
The Gen 3 Night Vision scopes, however, they are quite rare to find and more expensive with most of them going for thousands of dollars.
If you are having a hard time trying to find the best Gen 3 night vision scope, then you are in the right place. We have taken our time and compiled a detailed list of the top-rated third-generation scopes, they are well-built scopes that will improve your range when hunting and help you see clearly in total darkness.
Let’s take a look.
Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes
Quick List
- Armasight CO-MINI Gen 3
- ATN NVM-14 Gen.3
- AGM Global Vision Comanche-22
- Armasight CO-LR Gen 3
- TRYBE Optics GEN 3 PVS-14
1. Armasight CO-MINI Gen 3
The Armasight CO-MINI Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision is one of the most compact night vision equipment available on the market today. Though compact, it is a high-powered optic that adds a lot of flexibility to your firearm.
It mounts directly on any daytime scope or aiming optics and transforms them into a powerful night vision scope with Gen 3 night vision capabilities.
The optic has 1x magnification for increased situational awareness. It offers a wide viewing angle of 20-degrees for easy target identification and a focus range from 20m to infinity.
Moreover, it has a lightweight design so it won’t interfere with the accuracy of your firearm or add extra weight to your day optic.
Furthermore, this product features a remote control for quick wireless activation and a Weaver-style quick-release mount that makes it easy to mount and remove. It also comes with a removable extra-long range IR illuminator that increases your range when shooting at night.
Features
- Lightweight and compact in size
- Wireless remote control
- Field of View, Angle: 20 degrees
- Compatible with rifle scopes and aiming optics
- Detachable extra-long range IR illuminator
- 20-degrees field of view
- Magnification: 1 x
- Focus Range: 20 m to Infinity
- Eye Relief: 20 mm
- Exit Pupil: 27 mm
- Variable gain control
- Bright light cut off system
- 1x magnification
- Weaver-style quick-release mount
2. ATN NVM-14 Gen.3
ATN is one of the most trusted brands in the field of night vision. It makes high-quality and precise night vision equipment and the NVM-14 Gen.3 Night Vision Monocular is no different.
This monocular is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. It is designed to be hand-held, head/helmet/weapon-mounted. It is highly versatile and offers great clarity even in total darkness.
This night vision monocular is ruggedly built to provide unbeatable durability. It has a shockproof construction that enhances its durability and recoil resistance to stand heavy recoil calibers.
And since water is the main optic’s enemy, this monocular is fully waterproof to prevent moisture damage.
Another good thing about this optic is that it has both day and night capabilities. You can also use it for night-time photography with an optional camera adapter bought separately.
To add to everything else, the monocular boasts a generous eye relief that reduces eye strain and fatigue, especially during long glassing sessions.
Features
- Lightweight and compact size
- Multi-purpose unit
- FOV: 40 degrees
- Power Life: 40 hours
- Great image clarity
- 1x magnification
- Day and night capability
- Waterproof construction
- f-Number: 1.2
- IR Illumination Range: 20 m
- Eyepiece Diopter Adj.: -6 to +2
- Focusing Range: .25 to infinity
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Hand-held or head/helmet/weapon-mounted
- Nighttime photography
- 25mm eye relief
- Wide field of view
3. AGM Global Vision Comanche-22
If you are on the hunt for a night vision clip-on system that is compact in size and lightweight, the AGM Global Vision Comanche-22 suits you.
With this product, you will be able to convert your daylight scope to a state-of-the-art night vision optic with third-generation capabilities.
This aftermarket accessory is built to handle any beating that comes it’s way. It is crafted from aircraft-quality aluminum which makes it durable yet lightweight. It is fully waterproof for all-weather performance and has a shockproof design that enhances its durability.
Another notable thing about this product is that it is made with ease of use in mind. First, it has an easy-to-control panel with electronic accuracy correction.
It then mounts easily on any daytime scope with no re-zeroing needed. Besides, it brings to the table a high-resolution OLED display that provides bright and clear sight pictures in any lighting condition and coated optics that maximize light transmission for high-quality image views.
Features
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- 1x fixed magnification
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Lightweight and compact in size
- Black matte finish
- Field of View, Angle: 12 degrees
- Operating Temperature: -40 – 122 Fahrenheit
- User-friendly control panel
- Wi-Fi data transmission
- Quick conversion of daytime optics to thermal imaging scope
- Electronic accuracy correction
- Focus Range: 10 m to Infinity
- High-resolution OLED display
- Coated optics
- Battery Life: 60 hours
4. Armasight CO-LR Gen 3
Logn-range shooting at night can be difficult. But with the Armasight CO-LR Gen 3 Clip-On, you will be able to shoot at different targets accurately regardless of the lighting conditions or how distant the targets are.
The best way to convert your day optic into a powerful night vision riflescope is to use a high-quality clip-in system like the Armasight CO-LR. This is a Gen 3 night vision monocular that offers extreme long-range accuracy. It mounts easily in front of a daytime scope with no special tools needed
This night vision device is designed to be mounted in front of a day scope. Once mounted, it converts the day scope into a powerful long-range night vision scope with the ability to identify targets that are as far as 1000 yards away. It is recommended for use with any day scope with up to 10x magnification.
the mounting process is quick and straightforward with no tools needed. Furthermore, it comes with a quick-release Picatinny mount for precise rail positioning. It is built well to provide unbeatable durability and it is IP67 water-resistant for all-weather reliability.
Other notable features found in this night vision device are a low battery indicator, an IR850-XLR long-range IR illuminator, wireless control, and a limited three-year warranty.
Features
- Easy and quick conversion to sight, binoculars, or daytime scope
- Low Battery Indicator
- Bright Light Cut-off System
- Easily mounts in front of rifle scopes with re-zeroing free
- Wireless Remote Control
- IP67 water-resistant
- 20mm eye relief
- IR850-XLR long-range IR illuminator
- Fixed 1x magnification
- Lightweight design
- Bright light cut-off system
- Manual Gain Control
- Quick Release Mount
- Mil-Standard Compliant
5. TRYBE Optics GEN 3 PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular
This is one of those versatile monocular that can also be used as a night vision scope. The monocular can be attached to a firearm and used to target shoot. Besides, it can be mounted on a helmet or directly on the head of a shooter
The night vision monocular is very sturdy, with the ability to withstand the recoil of the most powerful rifles.
The image quality is excellent, with a wide field of view, which is ideal for monitoring moving objects. Another remarkable feature is a good battery life of more than 50 hours, which is more than enough for most shooters.
Features
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 27 mm
- Field of View: 40 degrees
- Battery Type: AA
- Eye Relief: 25 mm
- Exit Pupil: 14 mm
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.5 x 2.75 in
- Battery Life: 50 hours
- Power Supply: Autogated
- Compliant with MIL-STD-810
- IP67 Waterproof rating
- Waterproof up to 66′ (20m)
- Multifunctional Design: Helmet-Mounted, Head-Mounted, Handheld
Types of Night Vision Scopes
Over the past years, night vision scopes have continuously evolved. Today, there are four types of night vision scopes generations. Let’s take a deeper look at each generation.
Generation 1
The first night vision scopes to be invented are the first-generation scopes. They use the oldest technology which makes them less expensive. Among the 4 generations, they have the poorest image quality. They use anodes and cathodes to create the image. Since they are less expensive, they are commonly used for hunting and predator control.
Generation 2
Second-generation night vision scopes are an improvement of the Gen 1 scopes. They utilize higher technology so they produce better quality images. Some Gen 2 scopes have dual functionality.
This way, you can use them during the day and at night as well. To add on that, they are more lightweight, compact in size, and portable. But they are more expensive compared with Gen 1 counterparts.
Generation 3
Third-generation night vision scopes are an improvement of the Gen 1 and Gen 2 scopes. They provide high-quality images even in complete darkness. These scopes are suitable for tactical operations and are mostly used by the military, law enforcement officers and other professionals.
They boast a gallium arsenide photocathode material on the inside of the image intensifier. It created more electrons which in turn produces high image resolution. Additionally, these scopes have adjustable light systems for use in different light settings. However, they are hard to find quite a few and also costly.
Generation 4
Generation 4 scopes are the newest and most high-tech scopes. They produce the brightest, clearest and most stable images. They are built with an automatic power supply that allow you to make adjustments effortlessly. Gen 4 scopes are reserved for the military and professionals.
How to Choose the Best Gen 3 Night Vision Scope
Construction and Durability
Gen 3 night vision scopes are expensive. Therefore, it is important that you get a unit that is well-built to last long. Ensure that the scope you buy has an IPX4 waterproof rating or more.
In addition, go for night vision devices that are made from high-quality materials preferably aluminum. If you plan to primarily use the scope for hunting, make sure that it is both shockproof and recoil-resistant.
Battery Life
Night vision scopes are powered by batteries. The only difference is how long the battery lasts. Ideally, you’ll want your scope to be able to last you through the whole hunting session.
High-capacity batteries will give you more hours in the field compared with shoddy models. Look for a scope that has a battery life of at least 8 hours.
Range
The maximum range of Gen 3 night vision scopes varies from one scope to the other. If the scope has dual functionality, you will get a good range during the day, but the effective range decreases when the sun goes down.
Check the maximum range of each and every scope and see it suits your needs.
Weight
Another important factor you should consider is how heavy the night vision scope weighs. Majority of Gen 3 night vision scopes are mounted on a daytime scope.
Therefore, it is important to get the lightest scope possible. The rifle and the daytime scope are already heavy so you wouldn’t want to add any extra weight. Besides, featherlight scopes are simpler to mount and easier to aim and maneuver.
Price
The cost of Gen 3 night vision scopes varies greatly. However, they are all expensive so you should be able to pay more. Some models fall under the $2000 category while the high-end models cost as much as $5000. All you need to do is to find a model that meets both your needs and budget.
FAQs
Can night vision see through smoke?
No. A night vision scope cannot see through smoke. For a night vision scope to identify a target, there must be a small amount of light available. Smoke on the other hand blocks the light from getting into the scope. As a result, the night vision device won’t function properly.
What do targets look like through night vision scope?
At night, images viewed through night vision scopes are either classic green or black-and-white in color. If the scope has dual functionality, it will produce full-color views during the day.
Can night vision scope be used during the day?
If the scope has a dual function, then you can use it during the day. The majority of Gen 3 night vision scopes have a light cut-off feature that makes them usable both during the day and night.
Read Also: Best Day and Night Vision Scopes
Is Gen3 Night Vision Legal?
Yes, Gen3 night vision is allowed in the United States—at least in most states. However, certain states impose limits on their usage. Most countries outside of the United States have complicated restrictions on night vision, but to fully comprehend these restrictions both inside and outside the country, read the legislation or hire a legal professional to interpret.
Why is Gen 3 Night Vision expensive?
Gen3 Night Vision Devices are analog devices that use physical components and minerals to provide a realistic night vision image. These differ from digital versions, which use a CMOS sensor. Because the majority of Gen 3 devices are intended to be utilized in demanding conditions, such as the military and law enforcement, they are also tuned to provide a significant improvement in image quality and durability which makes them expensive
CONCLUSION
By the end of this article, you should be familiar with the best Gen 3 night vision scope. Gen 3 represents a significant advancement from when Night Vision was first invented.
Gen 3 scopes use better analog technology to produce bright, stable, and vivid images. Use our guide above and choose a scope that will transform the way you shoot for the better.