I have a PDF that lists all the different models, specs, and MAP pricing on each but can't seem to figure out how to post it here. If you would like to see it, shoot me an e-mail (shawn@kelsoarms.com) and I'll email it to you.
This is going to be long because I think the best way to attack you question is in pieces. The TL/DR version is I recommend APEX XQ50 with an external battery pack and QD mount or a TRAIl XQ50 w/ QD mount if you want a more sleek unit and can up your budget.
1) The Trail XQ50 is a great scope but outside your $3K budget you listed. the TRAIL XQ38 is within your budget but I personally would go with higher optical magnification over gadgetry. so I would go APEX XQ50 over TRAIl XQ38.
2) Since you originally asked about FLIR, I would stay away from the Armasight by FLIR products. Several here have purchased them after being advised not to and can chime in with their less than stellar experiences. The newer FLIR Thermosight line is decent. In my opinion the 12 micron core is overshadowed by the 320 X 256 core. Yes you will get smooth rendered edges on close targets but at long distance an animal the size of a pig or deer is going to be difficult to positive ID because of how few pixels it represents. The other issue I have is the PTS233 is a 1.5X optical magnification which is too low for good target definition and the PTS536, which is above your budget, is 4X optical which is great for long distances but FOV will suffer inside 100 - 150 yards.
3) Yes, as others have mentioned, I am partial to Pulsar. They are the brand I run on my own rifles. They are not the best scope on the market, but give the best bang for your buck. What you really have to decide is do you care about onboard recording and are you bothered by external cables. If the answer to both is no, look at the APEX line. If the answer to either is yes, look at the TRAIL line. The APEX is what I run, I refer to it as the "Hunter's" scope. It is great for detecting, identifying, and shooting targets. It has the ability to add on the bells and whistles aftermarket but there will be wires to connect them. The TRAIL is what I refer to as the "gadget geek" scope. It has all the bells and whistles built in but they come at a cost. I DO NOT LIKE NOR RECOMMEND THE TRAIL XP LINE! In my opinion, Pulsar pulled off a marketing genius move and the consumers bought it hook line and sinker, as evidenced by the months long back orders that are just being cleared. Consumers said "Man, we like Pulsar but really want a 640 core". Pulsar answered with a 640 core offering but staying true to their budget roots, they put a low magnification lens on it. They convinced people this was to give better FOV. The trade off is identification range. I won't bore you with the math but will tell you that a TRAIL XP50 zoomed in to an equal magnification as the TRAIL XQ50 at base magnification will have a lesser quality picture. It has to do with the fact that thermal scopes use digital magnification (like zooming in your cell phone) vs optical magnification (live zooming a traditional glass scope).
4) I am not a fan of ATN as a company. I will sell their products to someone who is dead set on them because if they are determined to buy them from someone it might as well be me... I never recommend them and often try to talk people out of them. There are plenty out there that have had no issue with their scope but read the horror stories from the folks who have had issues and it will make you think twice.
Hope this helps. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have follow up questions. Sorry again for the delay!
