First experience with thermal weapon sight - Armasight Predator 336 2-8x25mm Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope

I am a senior citizen, retired military and experiences with firearms and normal optics, but this was my first thermal imaging weapon sight.

I have mixed feelings with my new optic. The first thing that I noticed was that operating such a piece of hardware is not intuitive and takes careful study of the manual. It comes with a good manual with almost too much information, tough to completely read through in one setting.

I mounted the sight on an AR10 style weapon and fired at only near targets. I was very pleased with the ease and reliability of the mounting system attached to a picatinny rail. I did not find the combination to be excessively heavy but utilized a bipod anyhow.

Used to Leupold and Vortex Scopes, I was a bit disappointed in how far one 'click' moved the impact point, but in fairness to the Predator this is not a long range optic. I took the suggestion of the manual and covered a plastic coffee can cover with foil and fixed that over a larger piece of cardboard. This combination proved to be extremely visible in black hot palette and I was able to sight in the rifle.

We live in a rural setting with large game often found in our fields so I took the opportunity to 'scope out' the game both in daylight and dark. I have a Gen 3 NVD which is vastly superior to the Predator in recognition but CANNOT SEE behind a bright farm light. The Predator, however, shows the light as just another small heat source and for the first time I was able to see game BEHIND the light. But the recognition proved to be an initial problem, since at extreme distance (200 yds+), all animals on four legs appear similar. I see now why experienced hunters combine a good NVD with thermals.

Maybe it's my inexperience, but I find so many palettes to be unnecessary. I have used only three: black hot, white hot and fire/ice. Maybe there are uses for the others but I have yet to discover them.

Finally the most important thing is how useful will this scope be in acquiring game in various weather conditions? I was pleased at how well it functions UP TO 250 YDS in the dark and fog. I think that I might have a chance at a coyote at 150 yds in the fog.

But I was disappointed in using the optic in heavy rain, all too common in Western Washington State. As you might guess the rain COOLS most things to a more even temp cutting down on the differences in the landscape. I can still see my farm light at night in the heavy rain but much of the picture appeared white, initially making my think that I had a problem. Large game is still visible but not as clear on the landscape.

Overall I would recommend this to anyone interested in a less expensive thermal imaging weapons sight.