Night Vision recommendations?

[B1web]

Tried to search but may have missed it.....

When I was in the service (got out in 95) I had a chance to use NVG a lot. I am wondering if anything on the commercial market matches what we had in the Army back then?

Anyone with experience in the commercialy available stuff? I would love to know how good and for how much anything might be out there.

TIA
B1Web

 

[WARPIG [USMC]]

Tried to search but may have missed it.....

When I was in the service (got out in 95) I had a chance to use NVG a lot. I am wondering if anything on the commercial market matches what we had in the Army back then?

Anyone with experience in the commercialy available stuff? I would love to know how good and for how much anything might be out there.

TIA
B1Web

There are plenty of options available, although a majority of the commercially available stuff is Gen 1 optics. It really depends on how much you're willing to spend. You can buy ATN PVS-7/PVS-14s on eBay, but they can run anywhere from $1500-4000. Of course, they are Gen 2-3, which "open up the night" a lot better than Gen 1s. My only real experience with NVGs was in the Marine Corps, and we used the PVS-7s and 14s.

Just depends on how deep your pockets go. If you think you'll be satisfied with Gen 1s, you can get a decent pair for a few hundred dollars.

 

[B1web]

Warpig, any idea what Gen would have been in the Army in the early to mid 90's? I have no idea what model we were issued. Just that they were an amazing tactical advantage in the right conditions.

 

[WARPIG [USMC]]

Warpig, any idea what Gen would have been in the Army in the early to mid 90's? I have no idea what model we were issued. Just that they were an amazing tactical advantage in the right conditions.

Im assuming they'd be Gen 2-3....they used Gen 1 in the Vietnam era, so Im sure they were probably using Gen 3's by Desert Storm.

If you can spare the money (and have patience lurking eBay for a bit), definitely get the Gen 3's.

 

[Meditator]

I used gen 2 PVS7 NV (Goggle) while in mid '90 Army. It gave me headache everytime. Gen 3 PVS 14 is a lot better- more clarity and versatility, which can be used w/ helmet or head mount, as well as on your weapon.

If you are getting a commercial ones, make sure that is has at least ITT 2/3rd gen tube, w/ plenty of warranty, either PVS7 or 14. Plan on spending around $2000-3300 for one. Gen 2 is OK, but Gen 3 mades a huge difference. Some NV was built entirely by ITT. Some built by other companies using ITT components. Some even built w/ imitated components w/ fake spec. A mil-spec NV has to meet certain standard, but doesn't mean the one made by ITT w/ a blemish (dot on NV lenses) for commercial purpose is not just as good.

I was in the same situation, while looking for a NV Gen3. I just plainly avoided anything ATN or e-bay. I would actually consider a pre-owned one: if it has good warranty left (up to five years, some 2 years), spec sheet w/ matching serial number, low hours, of course the overall conditions. And, make sure the seller is reputable and will allow 3 days money back. I got mine brand new for less than $3000 w/ 5 years warranty earlier this year.

Do a search at AR15.com under NV subjects and FS optics section.

 

[Inigoes]

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=28508