Does anybody have experience with gen 3 I can ask a few questions on a PM?

quote:

Originally posted by eny:
Does anybody have experience with gen 3 I can ask a few questions on a PM?

I don't know much about the PM, used to make the power supply circuits for starlight scopes back in the 1970s..

I know a bit -- but ask in the open forum, i'll be happy to let you know what i know, and happy to tell you where I don't

I'm involved in a project darting feral horses with birth control. I need to id the horses. Most have some white markings against darker colors. I am getting conflicting opinions as to how possible that would be at 50 yards or under.

Also getting conflicting info from retailers about why what seems to be the same scope is up to $2000+ difference in price depending on the retailer. Specifically the D730 superlite gen 3. How do I find out who the manufacturers are?

I am aware there all kinds of emotional opinions about feral horses, but hopefully we can leave that for another discussion.

Budget is in the $5000 or under range.

eny - There are now many mid range Gen 3+ tubes to choose from. The pricing differential you're seeing is based on the type of light gathering technology in the scope. There are basically two types of tubes 1. the cheaper ITT thin film Pinnacle tube which is suitable for .223 platforms and 2. the more expensive L3/Litton tube which is better suited for larger caliber platforms. For gas powered darting guns, the ITT tube should be more than sufficient. If you are using a shorter range spring dart gun then definitely go with the L3 tube as the "recoil" due to the spring can eat a scope much like an air powered pellet gun. (The Night Optics D730 uses the ITT thin film tube.)

Now as to being able to see a white stripe at 100 yards, you should have no problems as long as there is sufficient ambient light. I use an IR emitter which is basically a IR flashlight. Works very well out to 100 yards.

You might need to call several different folks who specialize in night vision technology to find what you are looking for. Also, ask about warranties some extend the basic one year period to two years or longer. Warranties are very important as tubes can die without warning and are $$$$$ to replace.

a gen3 will more than accomplish your goal - though I would prose that a digisight, given the close range, would be more cost effective -- say gen3 headset and a digisight rifle scope ....

or, better still, the digisight thermal - no questions ...

in a nutshell, gen3 is going to give you EASY 300 yards working with onboard illuminator or half or better moon ....

there's only like 3 gen 3 tube makers -

what darting platform will you be using? break open single shot?

Thanks guys. I am using the marlin 389. would like to be able to use it on 300 bko or 7x57 as well around the farm. As much total darkness capability as possible would be nice. Am I correct in understanding all I need for that is the proper illuminator? Ability to deal with urban lights is not an issue. Most durable and clear picture are priority, then weight. Unfilmed vs filmed? Resolution 64-72 vs 57-72?

Night vision for less D-730 64-72, unfilmed, 3 year warranty $4899

Mega night vision D-730, 57-72, thin filmed, two year warranty $3185

Any thoughts on these two?

If you are going to use it on anything larger than a .223 it is best to consider the un-filmed L3 tube. They are designed to handle recoil better than the thin film tubes - that's why you're paying a little more.

There are plenty of IR illuminators on the market. Always a good idea to have one along.

Thank you Opus1.

Please let me know how things work out...

I'll toss this idea out there. How about investing in a good pair of dual tube goggles and use an IR laser for aiming. That has been our hog technique for about 15 years and works great.

Hadn't thought of it that way, will check it out.