Looking for a thermal scope to use with AR-15 shooting either 5.56 or 300 blackout, for hog hunting (and now beaver hunting) at 50-250 yards.

I'd love to not spend more than $2500. I don't really care about being able to record video.

I've pretty much ruled out the Thor ATN because of reliability concerns.

Anyone familiar with the AGM Rattler?

What are some other brands I should be looking at on the less expensive end of the thermal scope range ?

I have an AGM Rattler TS25-256. I've only been out with it once shooting coons that have been tearing up our deer feeders. It is really easy to use/setup and can pair with your phone for pictures and video. I found that it is better to scan with the scope and watch on your phone. Looking through the scope for long periods of time really bothered my eye.

I mounted mine on a 300 blackout. You can spot things pretty easily up to 250 yards but chances are I won't be in a position to make that long of a shot in the places I hunt. Here is a coon climbing a feeder leg at a little less than 100 yards.

Following, also considering the rattler, but probably the TS35-384

Entry Pulsar is around that price. I would go that route or Hogster

The Bering Optics Hogster 25mm can be found for around $2,100.

I've got the Bering Hogster 35 and it has been great. I upgraded since but still use it as a scanning monocular. Lightweight and well built.

VegasAg98 said:

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I've got the Bering Hogster 35 and it has been great. I upgraded since but still use it as a scanning monocular. Lightweight and well built.

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I second the Hogster 35, gamechanger!! I can see the whiskers on a coon at 75-100yds.

At first look I thought you had the crosshairs on Bigfoot!

Hewey Calloway said:

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I have an AGM Rattler TS25-256. I've only been out with it once shooting coons that have been tearing up our deer feeders. It is really easy to use/setup and can pair with your phone for pictures and video. I found that it is better to scan with the scope and watch on your phone. Looking through the scope for long periods of time really bothered my eye.

I mounted mine on a 300 blackout. You can spot things pretty easily up to 250 yards but chances are I won't be in a position to make that long of a shot in the places I hunt. Here is a coon climbing a feeder leg at a little less than 100 yards.

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Frankly that's a great price for a thermal scope. Every thermal scope I have looked is much more expensive than that…. $4,500-$6,500.

If youre in the Houston area, I would consider making you a good deal on one of my Pulsar's that I just dont use anymore and since I would like to get another scanner, this would help me as well. Currently its sitting on an 17 HMR that I use a buddy rig. If interested, just email me at L1Company92 at geemail

My son saved up his money and bought an AGM RATTLER TS19-256. Coons at 130 yards under the feeder haven't been a problem (out of his upstairs bathroom window, nonetheless). He's also taken a few pigs. He has it mounted on a 7.62x39 upper.

For the money, it seems like a pretty decent thermal.

I have an AGM Rattler TS35-384. It is pretty good out to 150 yds. I got it last winter for $23-2500 delivered and have only been able to test it on a couple of coons and rabbits at 100 yds or less but has worked well. Mine came with a thermal monocular (lower resolution than the scope) that is very handy for scanning. I have no expiriece with others to compare, but seems decent for the price,

I've got the Rattler TS35 and it's a great coyote scope. Killed 2 coyotes Friday night. One at 90 yds and the other at about 200 yds. Get a second hand held or you will be exhausted swinging that rifle around for a couple of hours. My hand held is a AGM Taipan TM25.

Hewey Calloway said:

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I have an AGM Rattler TS25-256. I've only been out with it once shooting coons that have been tearing up our deer feeders. It is really easy to use/setup and can pair with your phone for pictures and video. I found that it is better to scan with the scope and watch on your phone. Looking through the scope for long periods of time really bothered my eye.

I mounted mine on a 300 blackout. You can spot things pretty easily up to 250 yards but chances are I won't be in a position to make that long of a shot in the places I hunt. Here is a coon climbing a feeder leg at a little less than 100 yards.

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Please tell me you shot that devil creature??

Turned out to be a cow. Lol

Absolutely.

Nm

marleyrox said:

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If youre in the Houston area, I would consider making you a good deal on one of my Pulsar's that I just dont use anymore and since I would like to get another scanner, this would help me as well. Currently its sitting on an 17 HMR that I use a buddy rig. If interested, just email me at L1Company92 at geemail

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Someone buys this and I'll make him buy a 10mm ar pistol

Where is the best place to buy a Super Hogster?

Check out outdoor legacy. They have very competitive prices https://outdoorlegacygear.com/collections/thermal-rifle-scopes-under-3-000

What are current 2023 thoughts on Super Hogster vs Rattler vs iRay?

Pulsar talion xq38 $2500

CrocsAg20 said:

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Check out outdoor legacy. They have very competitive prices https://outdoorlegacygear.com/collections/thermal-rifle-scopes-under-3-000

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+1. Also Jason can give you great advice within your budget, as he has tested everything they carry.

In general, in the $2500 range, which is about the point where the decent stuff starts, look at AGM, Bering Optics, and (some) Pulsar @ 384 core resolution, as has been mentioned thus far. I personally would not go below 384 resolution. The next tier up from there will generally cost another grand minimum.

How is that Talion? That is the one I'm about to pull the trigger on

shalackin said:

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What are current 2023 thoughts on Super Hogster vs Rattler vs iRay?

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I think Bering Super Hogster and IRay Rico have a little better resolution than AGM Rattler, but there's nothing wrong with AGM.

Bering Optics scopes use InfiRay/ IRay cores in fact.

I picked up an AGM TS35-384 for $1650 off the street recently. Great optic for the price. There are deals to be had

CrocsAg20 said:

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How is that Talion? That is the one I'm about to pull the trigger on

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It's a good scope, as are all Pulsar products, backed by a good warranty and customer service.

However Super Hogster and IRay has a little better image quality due to 12 micron pixel pitch vs 17 micron for the Pulsar.

But a lot comes down to which form factor, controls, reticles, etc you prefer.

There are several very helpful Thermal and night hunting Facebook groups that will get you up to speed. Lots of stuff to consider and the gurus (or self proclaimed gurus), are constantly addressing the interest. IRay has become a formidable leader in the thermal industry.

CrocsAg20 said:

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How is that Talion? That is the one I'm about to pull the trigger on

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2.5 base magnification, very easy to operate menu, good field of view, wide range of options. Outdoor legacy picks it as best entry level thermal. European made instead of assembled from Chinese components. Not the same level as nvision and trijicon USA scopes but they start at about 7k and go up from there.

I have killed hogs at 250 yds with mine mounted on an AR-15, once you use it a little and get used to what animals look like through a thermal you can id out to 400 yds and detect large animals at a mile plus.

what about a budget under $1500? anybody try the Rattler TS19-256?

i won't have the occasion to use a thermal all that frequently (once or twice a year), so was looking at the less expensive models.

i have a friend that has one and has been happy with it for an economic option. its good if you're hunting over feeders - it will be challenged to look long distances if scanning big properties


if you're hunting feeders though, a low dollar optic works just fine

jackie childs said:

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what about a budget under $1500? anybody try the Rattler TS19-256?

i won't have the occasion to use a thermal all that frequently (once or twice a year), so was looking at the less expensive models.

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Literally just got mine in the mail from EyeGuy this past Friday. I've only turned it on for a bit, but I'm very impressed. It's my first thermal.

get you a sling from tx strap co now!

www.txstrapco.com - code Dk will save you a few bucks

That's about the only one at that price point that I am currently recommending. The burris scopes that I had a deal on were better but those are over with.

Only thing about those is the low power in conjuction with the low resolution. They are absolutely usable and good product, just not a ton of detail.

TheEyeGuy said:

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That's about the only one at that price point that I am currently recommending. The burris scopes that I had a deal on were better but those are over with.

Only thing about those is the low power in conjuction with the low resolution. They are absolutely usable and good product, just not a ton of detail.

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which burris scope was that?

Thanks!