A thermal scope or night vision scope is the perfect accessory to take your shooting or hunting to the next level. With a high-quality thermal scope see your target even perfect darkness. Fin Feather Fur Outfitters offers high-quality thermal scopes and night vision scopes for elite shooting even at night. Shop our selection of thermal scopes for sale with free shipping on most thermal and night vision scopes.
Thermal Scopes
What Are Thermal Scopes?
A thermal scope is a device that can detect heat signatures and creates a visualization of them through infrared radiation. Unlike how traditional scopes rely on light for visibility, thermal scopes work by sensing temperature differences making them extremely effective in low-light conditions, in smoke, complete darkness, and even can sense heat through foliage. This makes thermal scopes a great option for hunting.
How Thermal Scopes Work
Thermal scopes use a sensor to detect infrared radiation, which is given off by all objects with a temperature that is above absolute zero. The sensor converts the infrared radiation into an electrical signal that is displayed as an image on your scope. The images are typically shown in grayscale or in contrasting color shades.
Key Features & Applications For Thermal Scopes
There are a few features that make thermal scopes unique and cable during unique shooting situations including no light shooting, heat detection technology, versatility, and a wide range of uses.
No Light Shooting For Thermal Scopes :
Thermal scopes have the unique ability of shooting in complete darkness, unlike night vision scopes which require some light to gain a visual in the scope.Heat Detection Technology For Thermal Scopes :
Thermal scopes are elite when it comes to various shooting conditions where light is limited, blocked, or nonexistent. This means that if you are hunting or shooting in fog, dense vegetation, smoke, or the dead of night, consider a thermal scope from Fin Feather Fur Outfitters.Versatility of Thermal Scopes :
Thermal scopes can be used during the day or night. They can be used during the day because they detect heat, not light. They can generally be more effective at night; however, they will still work in daylight.Wide Range Of Uses For Thermal Scopes :
Thermal scopes have a wide range of uses and applications that are more than just civilian use. They are effective as hunting scopes, used in search & rescue, law enforcement, and even wildlife conservation.
Types of Thermal Scopes:
There are four main types of thermal scopes, categorized by design, intended use, refresh rate, lens size, and sensor resolutions.
Clip-On Thermal Scopes (Thermal Clip-Ons)
These thermal scopes mount in front of a traditional daytime rifle scopes allowing you to use your regular optic during the day and add thermal capabilities when needed.
Standalone Thermal Scopes
A standalone thermal scope is a fully self-contained scope with built in reticles and display that is used as your primary aiming system. They can include systems like video recording, range finding, and ballistic calculators.
Thermal Monoculars & Binoculars (Not Weapon Mounted)
These thermal sights are not rifle-mounted, rather handheld spotting devices that are used for scouting, surveillance, and target detection. Some do have the ability to be helmet or weapon mounted.
Smart Thermal Scopes
Smart Thermal Scopes are advanced scopes with rangefinders, ballistic software, built-in video recording, and even Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connections. These technical advancements make them a little unpractical for most shooters, but still can be useful for tactical users.
| Type | Mounts to Rifle? | Best For | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clip-On | Yes (front of day scope) | Dual-use shooting | Easy to switch, keeps zero |
| Standalone | Yes | Primary thermal targeting | Feature-rich, purpose-built |
| Thermal Monocular/Binocular | No | Scouting, surveillance | Great situational awareness |
| Smart Thermal | Yes | Advanced users | Tech features, great recordings |
Common Questions About Thermal Scopes
How does a thermal scope work?
- Thermal scopes detect infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects. They convert this heat into a visible image, allowing you to see heat signatures, even in total darkness or poor visibility.
Can thermal scopes see through walls, glass, or water?
- No, thermal scopes cannot see through solid walls or glass, they detect surface heat, but not what is behind it.
What’s the difference between thermal and night vision scopes?
- Thermal scopes detect heat, work in total darkness, and have a lower visual clarity while night vision scopes use light amplification, do not work in total darkness (they need some light to work), and have a higher detail image than thermal scopes.
How to Choose The Best Thermal Rifle Scope For Sale
The first step you will want to take is considering what the purpose your thermal scope will be used for. Many times, thermal scopes are used for hog or predator hunting, long range shooting, surveillance, and law enforcement. Next, you will want to choose your resolution. Know what resolutions are best for what before making your decision. Then you will want to consider your identification rate, this is how far you will be able to tell what something is. You will want to consider your lens size; larger lenses offer better long-distance clarity. Finally, you should make sure the thermal scope is durable and of high build-quality. There are thermal scopes of all price ranges, despite thermal scopes being a somewhat expensive accessory, there are thermal scopes anywhere from $800 to as high as $3000.