Best Thermal scope for 300 yards
Many people choose thermal scopes because they are effective at finding objects hidden in the vegetation, which makes them particularly popular for hunting.
Although thermal scopes come in a variety of ranges, the more powerful options are those that can achieve more than 300 yards and are ideal if you want to avoid detection.
In addition to providing a buyers’ guide for thermal scopes, this article will provide a comprehensive analysis of the top thermal scopes for 300 yards.
6 Best Thermal Scope for 300 Yards
| Product | Image | How To Buy |
| ATN ThOR 4 2.5-25x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope |  |
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| AGM Global Vision Rattler Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope |  |
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| SIG SAUER ECHO3 1-6x23mm Thermal Reflex Sight |  |
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| Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X Thermal Rifle Scope |  |
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| Burris BTS 50 3.3-13.2x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope |  |
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| ATN ThOR LT 4-8x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope |  |
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Thermal scope vs Night vision scopes
it’s obvious that every hunter has had to make a decision between a thermal scope and a night vision one.
Night vision
Night vision is useful under low light but greatly loses its ability to spot targets when the surrounding turns pitch-dark. This is because night vision relies on ambient lighting that surrounds an object to be able to identify it.
Ambient lighting is the dim light that may come from discreet sources like the stars, moonlight, or even fireflies as they pass by your target. Night vision works by amplifying this light using an intensifier tube to give a more detailed image of the target. But a lack of ambient lighting means that there is nothing to amplify.
Modern night vision scopes have however found a way to get around this flaw, through the use of an IR illuminator. The illuminator works like a flashlight emitting Infrared which is invisible to the naked eye but brightens up the image for night vision scope.
Advantages of night vision
- Night vision devices are cheaper compared to the thermal imagers
- It’s easy to identify targets because night vision displays the actual image, unlike a thermal imager that displays a thermogram.
Thermal Imaging
Instead of relying on light, this option identifies an object by detecting the heat or thermal radiation emitted. All living and non-living objects including ice emit some form of thermal radiation. Thermal radiation, however, is more pronounced on warmer objects. The thermal radiation differences between a target and its surroundings is what helps to define the target.
The thermal radiation is detected by a microbolometer which is a sensor present in thermal devices. The user is then shown various heat radiation levels in the form of a thermogram, with different colors representing different levels.
Advantages of Thermal Imaging
- It will identify objects hidden behind shrubs and dense vegetation.
- A thermogram image easily defines multiple targets.
- Works well in extreme situations like dense fog, pitch-darkness, and smoke.
- Doesn’t require an extra accessory like an IR illuminator for use in the dark
See also: Night Vision vs Thermal imaging explained
Detailed reviews….
1. ATN ThOR 4 2.5-25x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
This is one of the best scopes if you need one that checks off all the boxes. In addition to having one of the highest magnifications, this thermal scope maintains the image quality even at the enlarged image size.
It has a large image sensor with 640 x 480 pixels that produces a clear image and has a great detection range of 1,950 meters. A micro-SD card can also be used to record and store the targets’ images and videos.
The maker didn’t compromise on the marksman aids either; the scope offers functions like a ballistic calculator, a smart rangefinder, a smart mil-dot reticle, and one-shot zeroing to help you take an ethical and precise shot at your target.
Moreover, the scope carries portable dimensions and an excellent best battery life of more than 16 hours. However, the scope weighs a substantial 1kg.
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 640×480 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Resolution: 640×480 pixels
- Eye Relief: 90 mm
- Field of View, Angle: 12.5 degrees
- Range of Detection: 1950 m
- Battery Type: Internal Li-Ion battery
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 76 x 76mm
- Weight: 1 kg
2. AGM Global Vision Rattler Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope
The AGM Global Vision Rattler is the best option if you require a robust scope that can deliver exceptional performance.
This scope produces sharp images on a 1024 x 768-pixel OLED display using a high-performance image sensor with a resolution of 384 x 288 pixels. it can accomplish this, even under the most demanding environments, such as complete darkness, heavy rain, fog, and smoke.
The thermal imaging rifle also gives you decent battery life using two CR123 batteries complemented by a 5V external power bank that can easily be connected via USB.
More value comes from the fact that it comes with an in-built rangefinder, that allows you to measure the distance to the target. Moreover, it has recording capabilities that allow you to record videos while simultaneously streaming live via Wi-Fi.
Features
- 384 x 288 thermal resolution, high-sensitivity detector
- 1024 x 768 resolution 0.39-inch OLED display
- 8x digital zoom
- Video recording and snapshot, built-in EMMC (16 GB)
- Supports distance measurement
- Adjustable color palettes
- Wi-Fi data transmission
- Waterproof, shockproof
- Up to 4.5 hours of battery life
- supports an external battery pack
- Limited 3-year warranty
3. SIG SAUER ECHO3 1-6x23mm Thermal Reflex Sight
Look no further than this if you need a cost-effective substitute that nevertheless performs well. This thermal scope is portable, simple to mount on your AR, and made for hog and predator hunting.
It bears a unique appearance resembling a red dot and features a healthy sensor measuring 320 x 240 pixels. The Sig Sauer is also compatible with BDX devices via wi-fi or Bluetooth from where you can alter the appearance of the fixed reticles.
The scope holds well under challenging use while giving you an option of 11 color palettes to choose from depending on your surrounding conditions. Along with the motion-activated display that turns on when it detects activity, this scope also enables you to make quick adjustments. The battery is not a slouch either; it will last up to 6 hours when used continuously.
Features
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 23 mm
- Refresh Rate: 30 Hz
- Resolution: 320×240 pixels
- multiple reticles
- BDX Enabled Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- Levelplex Anti-Cant System with Scope Cant Sensitivity down to 0.5 degrees
- MOTAC (Motion Activated Display) Powers up when it Senses Motion
- Aspheric Lens (10 degrees FOV) with up to 6X Digital Magnification
- CR123 battery
- 6 hours of battery life
- IPX-4 Water Resistance Level
- Dimensions: 4.33 x 2.6 x 3.3 in
- Weight: 14.3 oz
4. Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X Thermal Rifle Scope
The Armasight contractor is a popular thermal option that is conceptualized and made in the USA. It features a high-quality sensor measuring 320 x 240 pixels and superb image processing, that provides the user with clear thermal images.
Although it is pricey, this thermal scope offers nearly all the capabilities you could possibly want in a thermal scope.
A lot of the features are tools that facilitate acquiring the target. There are more than 8 different reticles to choose from, image detail improvements, an inclinometer, a level meter, a graphic compass, and a rangefinder that tells you exactly how far away the target is.
Lastly, the scope is robust and will be reliably used under difficult conditions, while also giving out a substantial battery life of 4+ hours from the 2 CR123 batteries.
Features
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Magnification 6.4 x
- eye relief: 45mm
- Detection range: 1,865m
- Field of view: 4.40° x 3.30°
- Multiple color palettes
- Intuitive menus with turret controls
- 8+ Reticle Types
- Image Detail Enhancement
- 1/2MOA Boresight
- Standard Picatinny Mount Included
- Video Recording & Image Capture
- Shot-Activated Video Recording
- USB and Wi-Fi Video Stream
- Includes an Inclinometer, Levelometer, Graphic Compass, Angle Cosine Indicator and Integrated Stadiametric Rangefinder
- 2x CR123 batteries with 4 hours runtime at 20° C
- Weights 0.92kg
5. Burris BTS 50 3.3-13.2x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
This thermal scope attaches quickly to your rifle and is simple to use with only one hand. It also significantly increases flexibility, which is very helpful for hunting.
You get a hot track technology that enables the scope to track the area with the most heat energy, which is incredibly useful while scouting moving animals. The versatility also comes in the form of seven color palettes and ten reticle variations.
The scope has a large 400 x 300-pixel sensor that can produce clear images and is extremely sensitive to hot spots.
A built-in rangefinder will serve many hunters who want to know the precise distance to their target so they may add it to all the other parameters to perform an accurate shot. The scope offers a recording feature that enables you to capture all activities that are performed.
Features
- Magnification: 3 – 13.2 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Display Resolution: 1024×768 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
- Resolution: 400×300 pixels
- Eye Relief: 48 mm
- Multiple reticles
- Manual focus
- Adjustable contrast and brightness
- Picatinny mount type
- Battery Type: 18650
- Battery Life: 3 – 5 hours
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 3.5 x 2.9 in
- Weight: 720 g
6. ATN ThOR LT 4-8x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
If you want a scope that’s straightforward, affordable, and will last a whole of your hunting duration, then the ATN ThOR LT 4-8×50 is a perfect choice. The scope itself is lightweight and simple to use, and the battery lasts for more than 10 hours. The scope is likewise sturdily built from durable aluminum and is weather-resistant.
Despite the modest sensor size of 160×120 pixels, you will receive one of the clearest images because it is combined with a display screen with a high-definition resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.
This scope also makes it simple to get an accurate shot with features like one-shot zeroing and an ergonomic design that doesn’t obstruct your view.
Overall, most reviews indicate that this thermal scope performs admirably over a distance of 300 yards, which is a testament to ATN’s ingenious ways of designing these devices.
Features
- Magnification: 4 – 8 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Field of view: 8.3 x 6.2 degrees
- Sensor Resolution: 160×120 pixels
- Display Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- 3 different reticle patterns
- Eye Relief: 90 mm
- Easy to mount and easy to use
- Operating Temperature: -20 – 120 Fahrenheit
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery with 10+ hours
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 2.2 x 1.4 in
- Weights 1.4 lbs.
Best Thermal Scope for 300 Yards-Buying Guide
Sensor Resolution
The microbolometer comes in different resolutions denoted by the number of pixels, for example, 160 x 120, and 384 x 288. The highest resolution is good for more sensitivity, higher quality images, and a better detection distance.
A thermal scope that is best for 300 yards should at least carry a mid range resolution. Higher pixels however mean that the thermal device will carry a hefty price-tag
Field of view
A field of view is measured in degrees and is the total area that can be viewed by a thermal device at once. A wide field of view is extremely helpful when tracking moving targets.
Refresh rate
The refresh rate is represented in Hz, and it represents how many times the image displayed from the target object is regenerated per second. A higher refresh rate results in sharper images and less lag when tracking moving targets.
Magnification
Higher magnification brings the target closer but using too much magnification results in less defined images and a smaller field of view. while it’s a good thing when trying to identify targets, a very high magnification isn’t always necessary.
Battery Life
Different thermal imaging devices carry different battery life. The battery life is a great deal because it determines how long the thermal scope will be useful out in the wilderness. A good thermal scope should have at least 4 hours of juice with continuous use.
Durability
These things are costly and you do not want them to break. The build quality is determined by characteristics like the construction material, and the ability of the scope to be able to resist harsh elements.
Best Thermal Scope-FAQs
What does the thermal scope not see?
Basically, you are invincible to anything that is able to block your temperature from reaching the thermal device. These are things like, thick wall, and glass which has really proven effective against thermal imagers.
Are thermal scopes legal?
Thermal scopes are illegal in many parts of the world, but not in the United States, at least not to a large extent. The use of thermal scopes and other night vision equipment is governed by state laws in places such as California.
What is the disadvantage of a thermal scope?
On a hot day when the ambient temperature is the same as the temperature of the animals, visibility through the thermal scope is poor, especially over 300 yards, because the images are not well-defined.
Thermal scopes are also more expensive than their night vision counterparts, especially those that use digital night vision.
CONCLUSION
This article does an in-depth review of the best thermal scope that you can use for 300 yards or more. The scopes we have listed will give you the best bang for your buck. The finest explanation of the distinction between thermal imaging and night vision can also be found in this article. So that you can choose your scope with greater knowledge. Overall, the ATN ThOR LT 4-8x50mm stands out for its ease of use and excellent performance at a low cost.