Why don’t we recommend these?
There are a few issues with using this type of device on a normal hunting rifle setup. All thermal clip-ons have to go in FRONT of your day scope as they cannot see through the glass of the scope.
- Alignment – they need to be fitted carefully to ensure proper alignment with your day scope POI, remember tiny amounts add up to larger movements in POI at a distance
- They are mounted with a clamp to your scope
- Your Day scope was NOT designed to have that weight hanging off the objective
- Imagine the forces involved when you swing the rifle around, or bumps while moving
- You generally don’t have a forward rail to mount the clip on to
- Your scope is looking into a TV Screen, if you over zoom or have a higher base magnification you will be looking at the pixels
- The weight and balance of your rifle is quite different
While the Military use this style of Night Vision device; they also do so differently which hunters typically can’t. The tend to use high end clip on scopes designed for rough treatment; they are mounted to a forward rail so the weight is not on their scopes and they have a consistent mounting mount. Plus they are less concerned (non snipers etc) about accuracy as they are concerned about military operations not hunting.
Clips On’s are a compromise scope and they have their place; but must be done properly!
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED SOLUTION?
Remove your day scope and replace it with a dedicated thermal scope. You can simply do this by using proper Quick Detach and Return to Zero mounts. This removes all the issues and is easy to do – we have personally used this style of mount on Day and Night scopes for over 10 years without issues in the commercial hunting field
Thermal Clip On’s aren’t a good way to achieve the flexibility with a thermal scope under hunting conditions
PS yes we do have access to clip on thermals
Please Subscribe to our You Tube Channel to discover more Tech Info, How to Use and Actual Hunting