I got a Paladin MK390 "free" with a Bushmaster 24" Upper I traded for. I put new batteries in it and the Illuminator, but it seems to have very little range...I can't see past about 15 yards worth a crap. I bought a bigger illuminator (relatively cheap one off of Amazon) and that didn't help. The image seems to be cloudy in spots....cloudy meaning the brightness varies and is splotchy, it's not just bad focus.

I'm assuming it got left on in the daytime without the filter on, but I don't know.

Anyone have any experience with these? Worth fixing, or throw in the trash and save for a Thermal? I haven't called ATN at this point, but will if it's worth repairing.

The Upper is worth what I traded for, so no loss if it hits the trash can....maybe someone on here could use a good deal on the illuminator.

Gen 1 is very low grade but you should be able to see over 50 yards, somewhat clearly, with a good illuminator if it has decent lenses.

The cloudiness is likely bloom caused by light burns, or manufacturing issues in the tube. It generally can't be fixed, you just replace the tube.

skelso said:

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Gen 1 is very low grade but you should be able to see over 50 yards, somewhat clearly, with a good illuminator if it has decent lenses.

The cloudiness is likely bloom caused by light burns, or manufacturing issues in the tube. It generally can't be fixed, you just replace the tube.

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Is the tube worth fixing in your opinion? A quick search didn't yield any parts for that scope, so I'm assuming it's a factory item and would be expensive. If it's 1/2 the cost of the scope, I'd just assume get a real NV scope.

Thanks for the info. Very much appreciated.

magnumtmp said:

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skelso said:

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Gen 1 is very low grade but you should be able to see over 50 yards, somewhat clearly, with a good illuminator if it has decent lenses.

The cloudiness is likely bloom caused by light burns, or manufacturing issues in the tube. It generally can't be fixed, you just replace the tube.

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Is the tube worth fixing in your opinion? A quick search didn't yield any parts for that scope, so I'm assuming it's a factory item and would be expensive. If it's 1/2 the cost of the scope, I'd just assume get a real NV scope.

Thanks for the info. Very much appreciated.

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Generally, the biggest cost on a NV unit is the image tube. For what is roughly a $600 unit, I'd save the money and use it towards either a thermal or a gen2 unit. Difference between them is huge and the prices have come down significantly. Gen 2s are now about the same price as higher end digital units, now. Low end thermals are around the same price but are very low resolution. I don't really like using a thermal weapon sight to begin with, but going below and 320 to 384 core unit would not be something that I'd do myself, at all.

TheEyeGuy said:

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magnumtmp said:

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skelso said:

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Gen 1 is very low grade but you should be able to see over 50 yards, somewhat clearly, with a good illuminator if it has decent lenses.

The cloudiness is likely bloom caused by light burns, or manufacturing issues in the tube. It generally can't be fixed, you just replace the tube.

---

Is the tube worth fixing in your opinion? A quick search didn't yield any parts for that scope, so I'm assuming it's a factory item and would be expensive. If it's 1/2 the cost of the scope, I'd just assume get a real NV scope.

Thanks for the info. Very much appreciated.

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Generally, the biggest cost on a NV unit is the image tube. For what is roughly a $600 unit, I'd save the money and use it towards either a thermal or a gen2 unit. Difference between them is huge and the prices have come down significantly. Gen 2s are now about the same price as higher end digital units, now. Low end thermals are around the same price but are very low resolution. I don't really like using a thermal weapon sight to begin with, but going below and 320 to 384 core unit would not be something that I'd do myself, at all.

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Thanks for the input. If I give a $1000 max price point, what would you recommend? I have a 9 year old that likes to shoot pigs and we have some exterminating to do.... I don't want to go $3500 for a flir, but if the gen 2 scopes are that much of an upgrade, I'd just assume do that.

To get into a gen 2 unit, you'll be looking at 1500-1900. At $1000, either the x sight or the photon. The x sight is better during the day with the photon being better at night. Both end up close to the same price after you factor in needing a mount for the photon. I tend to go with the x sight, as most of the people wanting to go more budget tend to want better all around use, which it has. Plus a ton more features. If making a dedicated night rifle, the photon is the better bet.

TheEyeGuy said:

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To get into a gen 2 unit, you'll be looking at 1500-1900. At $1000, either the x sight or the photon. The x sight is better during the day with the photon being better at night. Both end up close to the same price after you factor in needing a mount for the photon. I tend to go with the x sight, as most of the people wanting to go more budget tend to want better all around use, which it has. Plus a ton more features. If making a dedicated night rifle, the photon is the better bet.

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Thanks for the input, sounds like the ATN X Site would be best for me. You may see an order here in the next few days to Big Sandy TX. Don't you have a Texags discount?

Call in and I can do it over the phone. Don't have a way to discount through the website, but definitely a hookup for Texags.

TheEyeGuy said:

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Call in and I can do it over the phone. Don't have a way to discount through the website, but definitely a hookup for Texags.

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. Sounds good. Thanks again.

magnumtmp said:

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TheEyeGuy said:

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Call in and I can do it over the phone. Don't have a way to discount through the website, but definitely a hookup for Texags.

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. Sounds good. Thanks again.

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No prob!