Best thermal scope for ar15
The AR15 is a popular rifle for a variety of applications, but it is most commonly used for hunting. The quality of the scope you will use with the AR15, meanwhile, will determine whether you return home empty-handed or with meat from a successful hunt.
If you are a hunter who prefers thermal imaging scopes over plain night vision, this article will assist you in deciding on the best thermal scope to use with your AR15 rifle.
Top Picks |
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| ATN ThOR 4 4.5-18x50mm |  |
| Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X |  |
| Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro |  |
| ATN ThOR LT 3-6x50mm |
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| Accufire Technology Incendi Clip-On |  |
| SIG SAUER ECHO3 Thermal Reflex Sight |  |
The AR15 Rifle
This refers to any weapon that was built using the Colt AR15 design. The AR-15 is a weapon of choice for many shooters because, in addition to improving the shooter’s accuracy, it has the following attributes that make it likable;
- Lightweight construction– The AR-15 is made primarily of aluminum, making it relatively lightweight compared to other rifles.
- Modular design– The AR-15’s components can be easily swapped out, allowing for customization and repair.
- Adaptable– The AR15 can be configured for a variety of purposes, including hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications, It also easily pairs with a thermal scope.
- Popular Cartridge– The AR-15 uses the .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO cartridge, which is intermediate in size and power between a pistol and a full-sized rifle. The cartridge is also easily available
- Accessory compatibility– The AR-15 has a standardized mounting platform for accessories such as scopes, lights, and bipods.
- Semi-automatic action– The AR-15 fires one shot for each pull of the trigger, making it faster to fire multiple rounds compared to a bolt-action rifle.
The detailed reviews…
1. ATN ThOR 4 4.5-18x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
Few scopes could beat the performance and convenience that is offered by the ATN Thor line of scopes. Besides being easy to use these scopes come with numerous shooting aids that will give a shooter the best target acquisition capability.
One of the standout features of the ATN ThOR 4 is its 4.5-18x magnification, which allows for the detection of targets at distances up to 1800 yards away. This scope also features a 50mm objective lens, which provides a wide field of view and excellent light transmission.
Another key feature of the ATN ThOR 4 is its HD thermal imaging sensor, which provides crystal-clear images even in low-light conditions. The sensor has a resolution of 384×288, and it provides a thermal image in both black and white and color, depending on your preference. The scope also features a ballistically calibrated Smart HD reticle, allowing precise shots at any range.
The ATN ThOR 4 is packed with advanced features that make it easier and more convenient to use, in addition to its imaging capabilities. It has comfortable eye relief and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream live video to your smartphone or tablet. The ATN Obsidian app can also control the scope, adjust settings, and access tutorials and other resources.
The ATN ThOR 4 is also extremely tough, with a rugged and water-resistant design that can withstand the harshest conditions and the recoil from the most powerful weapons. It is powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 18 hours of continuous use and is simple to mount on most rifles using the included 30mm standard rings.
Features
- Magnification: 4.5 – 18 x
- 384×288 pixels Sensor Resolution
- 1280×720 pixels Display
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- 90 mm Eye Relief
- 6 degrees Field of View.
- Range of Detection: 1800 m
- 18 hours of Battery Life
- Dimensions: 351 x 76 x76 mm
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Excellent build quality
- Great customer service
- Easy to use
Cons
- Weighs on the heavier side
2. Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X Thermal Rifle Scope
This scope is highly rated because it combines a capable sensor with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels with excellent image processing capability to ensure the shooter is furnished with a clear image in all situations. The good sensor also gives the thermal scope a detection range of 932 meters which is pretty decent.
In addition to these capabilities, the image is displayed on a high-definition (1024×768 pixels) screen with a 60hz refresh rate. The image can either be in black and white or colored considering the numerous color palettes available.
The only disadvantage Is the small objective lens, measuring only 25mm, which does not allow much light inside the lens but compensates by making the scope portable due to its small dimensions.
The Contractor 320 3-12X is also filled with numerous convenient features, for example, a digital compass, an inclinometer, and a range finder that accurately measures the distance to the target. It is easy to use with intuitive controls, in addition, it supports video recording, that can be streamed via Bluetooth or shared via wi-fi.
The scope mounts easily on a Picatinny rail and has a decent battery that will last for up to 4 hours. Overall, this thermal scope will be perfect for anyone who requires adequate performance, with little compromise.
Features
- Magnification: 3 – 12 x
- Sensor Resolution: 320×240 pixels
- Display Resolution: 1024×768 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
- Eye Relief: 45 mm
- 8 degrees Field of View.
- 932 m detection range
- Length: 7 x 7.7 x 3.4 in
- Weight: 1.71 lbs.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Built for durability
- 8 reticle types
- Lightweight
Cons
- Higher price point.
3. Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro 2x-16x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
The Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro 2x-16x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope is a high-performance thermal imaging scope that provides hunters and shooters with the ultimate advantage in the field. The scope features a 2x to 16x magnification system and a 50mm objective lens, providing a clear and detailed view of your target even in complete darkness or adverse weather conditions.
The Thermion 2 XP50 Pro is equipped with a 384x288px resolution thermal sensor that delivers a crisp and clear thermal image with excellent contrast and detail. The sensor gives the scope a detection range of up to 2000 yards. Moreover, you get an onboard video and still image recording capability, allowing you to capture and store your hunting experiences for later playback.
One of the standout features of the Thermion 2 XP50 Pro is its versatile reticle that can be tuned for different aspects like color and ballistics. it also incorporates a picture-in-picture display to aid in precise shot placement
Additionally, the scope is built to withstand harsh outdoor environments, with durable and shockproof reinforced aluminum housing that is both waterproof and fog-proof. The scope also features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows you to quickly and easily adjust settings, such as magnification and color palette, to suit your individual needs.
Features
- Magnification: 2 – 16 x
- Display Resolution: 1024×768 pixels
- Sensor: 640×480 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
- Eye Relief: 50 mm
- 4 degrees Field of View
- Range of Detection: 2000 yds
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- IPX-7 Water Resistance Level
- Length: 402 x 78 x 80 mm
- Weight: 1.9lbs
Pros
- Long detection range
- Multiple palettes and reticles
- Picture in Picture mode
- Wide field of view
- Wi-fi compatibility
Cons
- Image quality degrades with zoom
4. ATN ThOR LT 3-6x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
This is a budget option in the ATN lineup, with a few features stripped out to keep the price low for the buyer. Despite this, the thermal scope provides excellent value for money and will impress most hunters and shooters.
It has a 160 x 120 pixel sensor and, despite its small size, it provides a clear image over a short distance, with a detection range of 475 yards. The image is then displayed on a screen with a high resolution and a refresh rate of 60Hz.
The scope gives the shooter an option of two palettes which is quite helpful to recognize targets comfortably under different conditions. The reticle has a one-shot zeroing feature that allows the hunter to quickly adjust for the next shot.
The scope is easy to mount, using the 30mm standard rings, and easy to use due to the simple and intuitive controls. It is also lightweight and waterproof and consumes extra low power so the battery will last you at least 10 hours
Features
- Magnification: 3 – 6 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 160×120 pixels
- Display Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Eye Relief: 90 mm
- Battery Life: 10+ hours
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 2.2 x 1.4 in
- Weighs 1.4 lbs.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Lightweight
- Simple and easy to use
- Durable
Cons
- Limited (475 yards) detection range
5) Accufire Technology Incendi Clip-on
Assume you have previously invested in an expensive day scope and want to add night vision because you did not realize you would be using it to hunt at night. Then do not worry because there is an alternative that comes in the form of a clip-on.
This tiny clip-on adds little weight to your rifle while increasing capabilities through its 384×288 pixel thermal sensor. This clip-on is simple to install and operate and uses different heat display colors to make sure the image is well-defined to the shooter.
Features
- Sensor: 384×288 pixels
- Magnification: 1x,2x,4x
- Focus adjustable objective Lens
- 4hour battery life
- Weight 1.8Lb.
Pros
- Clip-On Design
- Clear thermal images
- Multiple color palettes
- User-Friendly Operation
Cons
- The battery could be better.
6) SIG SAUER ECHO3 Thermal Reflex Sight
The SIG SAUER Echo3 is a compact thermal reflex sight designed for rapid target acquisition in various conditions. One of its standout features is the use of a 320×240 thermal sensor, which offers clear thermal imagery even in challenging environments such as darkness, fog, or smoke.
The red dot comes with a 1-6x digital zoom, which provides flexibility for close- to mid-range engagements. In addition, It includes a motion-activated display (MOTAC) that ensures that the scope powers up when it senses movement and goes into standby mode when it’s not in use, preserving battery life.
The Echo3 stands out for its incredibly compact and lightweight design, weighing less than most full-sized thermal scopes. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to keep their rifle setup as light as possible without sacrificing the benefits of thermal imaging.
Features
- Sensor: 320×240
- Magnification: 1-6x or 2-12x
- 8 color palettes
- Weight: 14.5 oz. – 16.6 oz.
- Waterproofing: IPX6
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use
- Fast Target Acquisition
- Multiple color palettes
Cons
- Limited long-range capability
Best thermal scope for ar15-Buying Guide
Magnification
The magnification of a thermal scope determines how big the target will appear through the crosshairs. A lower magnification is better for short-range shooting, while a higher magnification is better for long-range shooting. Make sure to choose a magnification that is appropriate for the range you’ll be shooting at, taking into account the magnification of your rifle scope and the distance you’ll be shooting from.
Refresh rate
This is the rate at which the image on the screen is regenerated per second. The higher the refresh rate, the faster the regeneration, resulting in a smooth image, even with moving targets.
Sensor Resolution
The resolution of the thermal imaging sensor will impact the clarity of the thermal image. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and clear the image will be. Consider the maximum range you’ll be shooting at, and choose a resolution that is sufficient for that distance.
Field of View
The field of view refers to the width of the area you can see through the scope. A wider field of view can be beneficial for target acquisition and situational awareness, as it allows you to see more of your surroundings. Make sure to choose a field of view that is wide enough for your needs, while still providing the magnification you need for long-range shooting.
Battery Life
Thermal scopes typically use rechargeable batteries. Make sure to choose a scope with a battery life that is long enough for your needs, taking into account the time you’ll be spending in the field. Consider purchasing additional batteries or a charging system, so that you can continue to use your scope even if the battery runs out.
Reticle
The reticle is the crosshairs that you use to aim the scope. Some thermal scopes offer ballistically calibrated reticles that can be adjusted for different ranges and bullet drops. This can be particularly useful for long-range shooting, as it can help you to make more accurate shots.
Connectivity
Some thermal scopes offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream live video to your smartphone or tablet. This can be a useful feature for recording your shots or sharing your experiences with others.
Durability
Thermal scopes can be exposed to harsh conditions, such as rain, snow, and dust. Make sure to choose a scope with a rugged and water-resistant design, to ensure that it will hold up to the demands of your shooting and hunting activities.
Price
Thermal scopes can be expensive, so make sure to choose one that fits your budget while still providing the features and performance you need. Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality thermal scope can save you money in the long run, as it will provide you with better performance and last longer than a cheaper, lower-quality scope.
CONCLUSION
We are confident that after reading this in-depth review of the best thermal scope for the AR15, you will be able to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the best scope for the job. You can make it simple by selecting one from our list, but if you prefer, you can use the buying guide to examine the many different options currently available on the market.
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