Night hunting is always interesting and exciting. Humankind survived with the help of it. And now, all fears of darkness have been dispelled. Now a human has become a predator, not prey. Thanks to modern night vision technologies, you can find targets in the dark forest, watch them, and hit them.
Night vision sights occupy an essential place among such devices primarily due to their compactness and high technology.
The night vision device market was estimated at more than $ 5 billion seven years ago. As of 2020, that amount has reached about $ 8 billion. In 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the market was affected by some: the pace of production and demand changed, a longer supply chain emerged, and the market shifted. However, a global adaptation of the economy led to its gradual growth by an average of 3-4%.
The production of night vision devices in the United States is estimated at $ 3 billion as of 2021. Several plants - 23, employment in the industry - 6337 people. The four largest companies account for 42% of the night vision device market.
Night vision sights are divided by type:
- Single tube infrared night vision scope Double tube
- Type 3
- Type 4
By application:
- Security
- Search and rescue
- Outdoor activities
Most military use night scopes on rifles and other weapons to fight in the dark. They use a wide range of night vision technologies: infrared vision in glasses, airplanes, ships, tanks, heavy equipment.
Some night vision scopes have special interchangeable lenses, which allow you to change the sight from day mode to night mode with a change of lens. And thermal scopes use infrared technology to isolate heated objects. These sights are available in different sizes and should only be used in the dark. It is not possible to use the night vision scopes for rifles during the day because the sight is too bright to see. These scopes must be converted to a standard sight before being used in daylight.
Day and night sights enable owners to use a single scope for day and night shooting. Some night vision scopes for rifles include special interchangeable lenses. This allows you to change the sight from day to night with a slight lens change.
Most night vision rifle scopes use infrared lenses to help shooters see in the dark. Thanks to this particular lens, the images radiate with a glow effect. The thermal energy of humans and animals makes them glow when viewed through this type of sight.
Thermal sights use infrared technology to isolate heated objects.
Laser devices can also be attached to night vision sights. This laser pointer is usually available in the green or red light spectrum. It places a red mark on the target, which will glow if you look through the sight.
As for the direct mounting of the night vision sight to the weapon, these are straight mounting brackets (usually made of metal or polymer strips) on the receiver, barrel, or butt of the weapon to allow sliding/removable mounting of optical sights and accessories such as tactical lights, laser sights, vertical/angular front handles, and bipods. The advantages of rail systems are reliability and durability. There will be no backlash in the mounts, even with a powerful recoil. It is also known as a rail interface system or rail integration system [RIS or RAS]. This is a standardized rail system for attaching accessories to pistols, rifles, and light machine guns.
The most well-known rail interface system is the Picatinny Rail (MIL-STD-1913 or STANAG 2324 rail), which is a standard military interface rail system that provides a mounting platform for firearms accessories (laser sighting modules, night vision devices, reflector sights, holographic sights, front handles, bipods, slings, and bayonets).
Best night vision scopes under $ 1000
There is a direct interdependence between the product's price and its characteristics. Because the manufacturer spends more resources on a better model and naturally asks for more money for their work. But in the market of offers of night vision scopes, there are pretty successful models worth up to $ 1,000. Let's briefly look at what you can buy with this money.
Firefield NVRS 3 × 42
Laser devices can also be attached to night vision sights. This laser pointer is usually available in the green or red light spectrum. It places a red mark on the target, which will glow if you look through the sight.
As for the direct mounting of the night vision sight to the weapon, these are straight mounting brackets (usually made of metal or polymer strips) on the receiver, barrel, or butt of the weapon to allow sliding/removable mounting of optical sights and accessories such as tactical lights, laser sights, vertical/angular front handles, and bipods. The advantages of rail systems are reliability and durability. There will be no backlash in the mounts, even with a powerful recoil. It is also known as a rail interface system or rail integration system [RIS or RAS]. This is a standardized rail system for attaching accessories to pistols, rifles, and light machine guns.
The most well-known rail interface system is the Picatinny Rail (MIL-STD-1913 or STANAG 2324 rail), which is a standard military interface rail system that provides a mounting platform for firearms accessories (laser sighting modules, night vision devices, reflector sights, holographic sights, front handles, bipods, slings, and bayonets).
Firefield NVRS 3 × 42
Technical characteristics: material - plastic, magnification 3x, viewing angle 5.6 degrees, sensor size 640x480, waterproof, power supply type - 4 AA batteries (active use for 3 hours).
Weight - 0.635 kg.
Pros: low price, effective over short distances, six sighting parameters, lightweight design, good image resolution, good battery life.
Cons: not very suitable for long-range shots, problematic use with rifles above 30 calibers, works at a distance of up to 70 meters in complete darkness, average build quality.
ATN X-Sight-4k Night Sight
Technical characteristics: material - plastic, magnification 3x, viewing angle 5.6 degrees, sensor size 640x480, waterproof, power supply type - 4 AA batteries (active use for 3 hours).
Weight - 0.635 kg.
Pros: low price, effective over short distances, six sighting parameters, lightweight design, good image resolution, good battery life.
Cons: not very suitable for long-range shots, problematic use with rifles above 30 calibers, works at a distance of up to 70 meters in complete darkness, average build quality.
