Looking at getting into a thermal scope for killing coyotes, pigs, and other yard/pasture varmints. I have hunted with several different pulsars (owned by buddies) over the last couple years and although they are very nice scopes, I fear their current models are a bit out of my price range.

I’m currently looking at either the AGM Rattler TS25-384 or TS35-384. Anyone have experience with either of these or have any other suggestions? Trying to keep my budget right around $2k and under

Coosa getting serious about this SOA stuff.

I picked up a TS35-384 from eurooptic.com a few months back on sale for right at 2k (total price) I've only piddled with it so far, but i really like it, and it will suit "my needs" just fine...

I like James suggestion or the Bering Hogster.

i got a used atn and a used sightmark wraith (IR ). between the 2, i prefer the ir. got the thermal expecting something better bc that’s what everyone raves abt. sitting in a shooting house shooting pigs off a feeder within 200 yards is like hunting in daylight and 1/4th the price. just something to consider if u have never used one.

Post up the exact model of the Sightmark Wraith IR if you don't mind. I have never used one. The also make their Thermal Wraith around $2k and I have heard good things about that but have never used one.

I have used night vision quite a bit and it is another good option that people are too quick to dismiss.

I’ve hunted with both NV and thermal but I’m leaning towards the thermal side just for being able to find small critters in big fields easier

Super hogster has been great for me.

https://sightmark.com/products/wraith-hd-4-32x50-digital-riflescope.

forgot to mention, on 8x in daytime mode, it is crystal clean and gathers a lot of light. the higher the magnification (that jumps in big amounts) gets grainy and pixelated

I currently have 3 thermals, all ATN. Two are Thor LT 320 3-6x on suppressed 5.56 AR platforms and a Thor 4 384 2-8 on a suppressed 300blk AR. The LT series is much smaller and a good bit lighter (they're my "loaners") but the Thor 4 is worth the upgrade. Don't forget you'll probably want a handheld monocular for spotting. I have a couple AGM ASP Micros that get the job done. They are only 160 resolution so you just see the hot spots at distance but it's enough to know where to sweep with the ATN for identification. I would suggest looking at the ATN Refurbished Thor 4 series for a good value.

https://www.atncorp.com/refurbished

Is saving $150 bucks on a "refurbished" model really worth it? I mean, it's already proven it can fail 😁 But seriously they're showing that same model new for $579.99 on Amazon at the ATN store, and $559.99 on midway

Save for Bering, AGM, iRay, Pulsar, or other….before you grab the cheapest stuff you can find. There’s no skirting the expense of good thermal/night stuff. You can get good value for your money, but you can also get little to no value for your money….stuff that breaks and service sucks, stuff that sucks to use, and stuff that won’t do what it says…..fir a little less than ‘good value’ stuff, so not only are you still out big optics $, you have to put up with lost time/use and losing $ trying to roll it into the better stuff.

I ended up going with an AGM Rattler TS35-384 and so far I’m pleased with it. Haven’t gotten to take it out much other than in the yard but I have scored two possums with it so far

SOA hunting must be gettin tough!

Having half a brain might be getting tougher.

Give us a review I’m looking at getting one myself

Give us some feedback!

If you can afford a 640, get it!

I bought a Burris BTS35 refurb a little over a year ago to get my feet wet and I haven’t looked back since. I bought a AGM TS35-640 demo model and am absolutely hooked. I’m already planning on buying an upgrade to that soon.

I've been running these on AR style platforms but I think my next purchase will be a thermal that’s more of a traditional style scope with a 30mm tube so I can easily mount it on a bolt gun in place of a daytime scope.

The Burris has been turned into a handheld scanner now due to issues that arose from not maintaining zero when going above base magnification but it was fun while it was an only child. I wouldn’t buy another Burris though.

The AGM is pretty much your best bang for your buck as far as entry level 640 thermals go. There are other brands out there that offer more clarity but just like in the daytime optics game, clarity = $.

https://outdoorlegacygear.com/

https://feraltexasoutdoors.com/

These are the places you need to be looking for deals on thermals and NV.

Palmetto State had a good deal on the Sightmark Wraith Mini.
I got one a few month ago for $459 and it came with a battery pack that fits a rail, also come with rail mounted light.
I figured it would be a good starter. I’ve got it mounted on a Ruger 5.56 AR but haven’t got it sighted in yet.
They say it can be sighted with 2 or 3 shots.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/sightmark-wraith-hd-4-32x50mm-rifle-scope-sm18011.html