What’s the best “cheap” thermal scope. I know there’s no such thing as cheap thermal scopes but I’m not looking to spend 5k for one... Just want one to shoot hogs at night from about 100 yards in.

I bought the IR ATN for this. I have been very impressed so far. Cost is a lot less.

I think Pulsar makes a very good scope. The new Thermion version has had good reviews from what I've read and seen on YouTube. I think they start around $3,500 to $5,000. Quick detach mounts add a couple hundred. Pulsar been an industry leader and reviews are good customer service. They also update firmware from time to time.

Would like a thermal scope myself but I don’t hunt hogs enough to justify one, got Sightmark Wraith on the way to the house though, $499 a lot of good reviews on it.

Sbo, I’d love to hear about your own personal review of the Sightmark whenever you get to try it out. I’ve been checking them out and they seem awesome for the price, but just seems too good to be true. PM me when you try it!

IR is OK until there's fog or haze in the air. Then backscatter washes out the image. You can but an ATN Thor LT thermal around 1000-1200. You give up recording and color schemes in addition to resolution. Obviously the more you spend the better it gets.

For around $50 you can get a red or green led light around 1000-1200 lumens with either a picatinny mount or a mount that will clamp on your scope tube. Low budget close range but with a lot of limitations. I have a 1200 lumen green led that will easily shine 250 yards in good conditions. You'll kill some pigs but will eventually want thermal.

I just got it in the mail I’ll post a review of it on here.

Kbush, do you have an ATN Thor LT? That price is more in my budget range. Idc about all of the recording and fancy stuff... I just want one I can see good through and has some magnification. Does it fit in that category to you?

Yes. I have the 3-6x. Works better at 3X IMO. Might get 4x if doing over.

For the guys considering IR, buy a good illuminator. Sniper Hog lights makes a good one. I'd look at their XLR50 or smaller. I had the XLR66 and it adds a lot of weight.

I’ve had an ATN Thor 336 for several years and it’s nice. I would like to try the newer ATNs that are a lot less expensive to see how they compare.

Anybody used a thermal for predator hunting?

I haven't yet, but know others who have smoked some coyotes in pastures and around gut piles

I use the sightmark wraith.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oLs0BH_rhQ&t=54s

Its more of a night vision scope but uses a thermal illuminator etc.....

I've used it a couple times with mixed results.

Hard as hell to use from a tree stand in a pine thicket but mad easy out in the open.