Thermal optic Varminting

[The Raven]

Hey I wish Camel. Next years project. Though I’m going to murica in nov and might try to show Kerriet the amazing bargains


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If so, check on the import/export rules. Knowing the US they'd probably categorise that sort of stuff.

I remember some Russian (allegedly a spy) trying to export a bunch of high end scopes from the US back to Russia. US Customs was not impressed.

[Tony Z]

Barry it's taken a while but i finally got the ATN thermal. After a bit of research i opted for the older Thor in 1.5 - 6 and not the later 2-8. I will quickly tell you why. The earlier microbolometer is a little more sensitive and generally have better detection, also the earlier Thor uses OLED screens as opposed to LED of the latter models. Overall the earlier Thor gives a better image, something noted by users posting comments on US forums.

Things i like about the ATN
OK first impressions are of how compact it is compared to my Pulsar Apex 75. It is bloody small.
It is ready to use in well under 3 seconds.
Choice of reticles and 4 reticle color options.
Easy eye piece focus and objective focus. Both better than the Pulsar.
The QD mount is very good and can be quickly reset to fit any rail. Battery life is very good.
No knobs or buttons sticking out to accidentally knock which is the biggest gripe i have with the Pulsar which would be OK if you have an M4, not so good with a RH bolt gun. The ATN is really well thought out in this regard where a 90 degree bolt throw is not an issue as it is with my Apex.

Things not so good.
Even at the most rearward position on the rail, my eye is too far from the scope and i have to crawl the stock to get a full image. Not a deal breaker but a bit of a pain where you can see straight away this scope was really made for M4s or similar.
Menu could be a bit simpler for zeroing. Once you work it out, because the instruction manual is a joke, it's fine but the Pulsar is streets ahead in this area where any dumbo could use it.
Zoom is 2x then 4x. Nothing in between like the Pulsar which is graduated.
No automatic calibration and to do it manually you have to go through the menu. A real pain. The Pulsar is optioned with both manual or auto and is very easy to access in manual mode with a dedicated button.
The reticle, in any color has no brightness control and in either red or green are a little on the dull side, but are still very usable.
There is 6 brightness controls but no contrast control for the screen image. While this may be a bit nitpicky, this option on the Pulsar is what greatly contributes to the 1600 meter detection range. If the ATN had it it could further its range considerably and yes it is the lower end of the scope range, but all the models share the same basic electronics so i believe they would all benefit.

As far as overall impressions, i think it is a very compact unit that was designed externally to be grunt proof. This is the older model milspec scope. The electronics are workable but different to the Pulsar and not as easy to learn. The Pulsar is brilliant in everything except in size and fucken knobs that can be easily knocked out of adjustment for contrast or brightness etc just by careless operation of the rifles bolt. The important thing is that the ATN is very good at producing an image that is clear and sharp where anything warm blooded sticks out like a beacon. I have not had it in the field for a hunt yet but see no reason why it can't hit hogs out to 300 meters plus if you chose to and were zeroed to do so. While it clearly has not got the detection range or resolution of the Apex, i prefer the ATN because it is robust and compact.

[crackers17]

Hey tony can i ask what pulsar model you have

[barryb]

Tony - thanks for that info, appreciated. Just about to head off for a few days to chase some foxes so will give you a note & feedback on a bit of equipment I'll be trying out this weekend with a couple of fellows.
Barry