The sniper rifle is a kind of weaponry diamond. To play with all its facets, it needs a decent night vision scope. The sight must reveal all the possibilities of long-range shooting. That is, to have a sufficiently large detection range to make it possible to enlarge the target at a considerable distance without compromising the image quality. Be comfortable, durable, and reliable. Be able to function with third-party equipment. He will become your eyes at dusk and provide complete control over the situation.
How to choose NV scope for a sniper rifle
Before making your choice, there are several factors to consider. We will go over the essential parameters of a night vision rifle scope that you should consider.
Generation
For an efficient shooting, the generation of the night vision scope must be at least Gen3, and best of all, Gen3 +. Army snipers use this very standard. Scopes at this level provide the most transparent and most precise image possible. In addition, this generation will provide the highest resolution, which will allow the target to be detailed. They will be effective on a night with little and no infrared light. For covert observation and shooting, this is a critical condition. Devices of this generation have an auto-strobe system that protects against flashes of bright light. If the fighter has a position in the city, the lights will not interfere with the work. The scopes work great without flare and provide excellent visibility. In addition, they are designed for 10,000 hours of work, and the generation below Gen3 lives less than 3,000 hours.
Phosphor type
The most commonly used is green phosphor. But recently, there has been a steady trend towards an increase in the number of devices with white phosphor. Some shooters are very flattering about black and white images. They mark a more accessible target detection performance due to a more contrasting appearance. In addition, there is evidence of a decrease in eye strain during observation.
Zoom
It would be a mistake to choose the most powerful zoom in the hope of hitting the target at a considerable distance. It is necessary to consider the relationship between the degree of increase and the area available to attend. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the zoom, the smaller the field of view. Of course, the choice of magnification depends on the target size and distance. The zoom can change abruptly and smoothly. A smooth move is preferable, as it will allow you not to miss the target from the zone of attention.
Range
The detection range of the night vision scope should not be less than the range of your rifle. Otherwise, the whole idea loses all meaning. In theory, it should be an order of magnitude greater than the range of the gun. First, you register a goal, evaluate it, and then decide. The detection range is the distance at which it is possible to notice the general outline of an object. For example, to understand that this is a person, but age, details of clothing, etc., will not be visible. The detection range depends on the specific sight, the size of the target, and conditions. All details of the scene are visible within the effective range. The effective range is the distance at which it is possible to identify the target correctly. The specific length should be looked for in the instructions for the scope, and corrections should be made for visibility conditions.
Permission
This parameter allows you to understand how detailed the image you will get when zoomed in. All the little things in war, service, and hunting matter. The higher these parameters, the better. A suitable resolution will help you make the right decision.
Focusing
Focusing is the adjustment of the clarity of the image at a certain distance. It starts at a few meters for good scopes and goes to infinity. Convenient if focusing is done in manual mode.
Enhancing brightness
Boosting the brightness allows you to add light to dark pieces and see better is happening. Manual boost does this more delicately than automatic boost.
Viewing angle
The wide viewing angle allows you to cover a large viewing area. On average, it fluctuates around 5.7-10 degrees.
Strength
The night vision sight must withstand the recoil of the weapon impeccably. In addition, it must be protected from water, dust and be shockproof. Lenses must be fully multi-coated to repel dirt and prevent scratches. It is excellent if the body has a non-slippery surface and does not glare.
Sighting reticle
The reticle comes in different types and allows you to determine the distance to the target. In some cases, it helps to adjust the accuracy of the shot. It would be great if joint work with a ballistic calculator and a weather station is possible.
Weight and size
The sniper carries all equipment and ammunition on him. At the same time, he needs to remain hidden and mobile. The weight of the scope can significantly increase the importance of the weapon and cause some inconvenience. In addition, when shooting at long distances, shooters deal with large devices. Dimensions and weight should not interfere with movement.
Working hours
The sniper needs to be offline for as long as possible. There are two options: a high-capacity battery or multiple sets of batteries. It’s great if the scope can be recharged while operating from an external battery. It is clear that a large number of hours of operation without recharging will provide some advantages but will increase the scope’s weight. In areas with frigid climates, special batteries are worth looking at.
Before deciding to buy, it is worth getting the most detailed information about the subject of your attention. Ask professionals in the store, on specialized forums, and ask your colleagues’ opinions. Find a way to evaluate your night vision scope personally. A good night vision scope cannot be cheap. Typically, its cost can take up 50-100% of your sniper rifle budget. But its capabilities will allow you to realize the most difficult tasks, ensure your safety, and fully unleash the potential of your weapons.