Suggestions for a sight to shoot during the night.

[Clay45]

Your rifle & scope are fine. Its your light. Brinkmann Q-Beam Blue Max Marine 12V Spotlight

 

[CCWKen]

Just the other night the dogs were going crazy outside so I grabbed the M1 and my spotlight. Turned out to be a well feed rattle snake about 15' from the front porch. I dispatched the threat but holding a spot light and trying to use iron sites convinced me to start looking for something better for use at night. I thought about a tac light and laser or red dot. I think the red dot would provide more utility as it can be used during the day too. Both can be had for less than $50. I just need to look for a tactical light mount that will fit the M1 barrel. It's time to dump the iron sites.

Look for tactical lights with at least 1000 lumens. Some go 1200+. The new LEDs are outrageously bright and can provide sighting light out to 100yrds or more. And the red dot sight gives fast target acquisition. You could spend $400 or more on just the sight but the $30 units work just as well. Read the reviews. Your AR gives you lots of options for sights and lights. An AR may be in my future but I just spent my mad money on a S&W 9mm Shield with a green laser.

 

[dirt ditch]

For $200 or less I'd look at a Streamlight or Surefire Rail mounted light. They are built for a lifetime of use. I know our State Highway Patrol has them mounted on their AR's, they are amazingly bright. For around $500 the digital night scopes are very capable out to 150 yards or so with the built in illuminator.

Weapon Mounted Light & Flashlight Products | Streamlight

SureFire WeaponLights

 

[Sigarms]

Photon XT 4.6x42S Digital Night Vision Riflescope | Sightmark

You could get for under $500

I have the older model and love it for use at night. With the built in illuminator, 100 yards is no problem. In pitch darkness you can see how many fingers someone is holding up. I have a IR light and seeing out past 300 yards isn't a issue at all.

Only one yote with it, at about 120 yards (one of the primary reasons why I got it).

But then... you have your scope mount to go with it, and quick detachable "decent mounts" are cheap either.

With a Streamlight smaller flashlight, 100 yards is no problem. Thing is, when you have a light, if you're also giving yourself away when you're looking for something. That however is the easiest way to go about it without breaking the bank. Just need to get a light mount, put it on the rail, and place it where your finger can easily activate it.

Thing to consider with a night device is muzzle flash in darkness and how the scope picks it up.

Something to think about with using a light on the rifle with a scope is how quick you can pick up your target using the rectical. Using a light at night, personally prefer using a red dot as it's much easier to pick up.

 

[EarPlug]

Wicked Hunting Lights

 

[adventure bob]

I think the only problem with lights is that when your hunting with one, your telegraphing to the thing your hunting that your looking for them. Cayotes, dogs, cats, raccoons, criminals... whatever will hide from the light. If your on a night scope or NVGs the prey don't know your looking for them as long as your on the correct side of the wind.

 

[sdef]

For $200 or less I'd look at a Streamlight or Surefire Rail mounted light. They are built for a lifetime of use. I know our State Highway Patrol has them mounted on their AR's, they are amazingly bright. For around $500 the digital night scopes are very capable out to 150 yards or so with the built in illuminator.

Weapon Mounted Light & Flashlight Products | Streamlight

SureFire WeaponLights

+1. I have a Streamlight TLR-1 HL Long Gun light kit on my primary 556 AR and on my primary BCM/CMMG conversion AR .22LR. 800 lumens at night is a lot of light. They are controlled with a pad switch on the hand guard where I grip it. I also have picatinney rail mounts and pad switch on other long guns so I can simply swap the light as required for the moment. I use Leupold 2-7x33 scopes and Meprolight Tru Dot red dots.

So it depends on what you want. Either G2+ NV setup (expensive) for close up, stealth work or a strong weapon mounted light (<$200).

 

[Boeing]

Would you take a minute to educate an old guy? I have lots of coyotes on and around my property. They even keep me awake barking and howling. I'd like to take a few out...well, may all of them. I have a nice Vortex scope on a 30.06 but at dusk it's pretty much over.
I've researched IR scopes but they seem to have short range....UNLESS...you add an IR "Illuminator"....???? waz that...an IR flashlight?The cost can really add up fast..... If I just used a really bright white light the critters will take off....no shot. Ideas?

 

[RNeumann]

Skip the light. This is a better approach.

http://www.defensereview.com/us-nig...-acog-into-a-night-vision-weapon-sight-video/

Or google ACOG PVN-14 adaptor. You will need rail that continues into the fore end but makes for a nice setup that's a lot safer for everyone. It should work with or could be adapted to your scope as well.

Edit: or this if you want the NV in front of the scope-

BLACK OPTEX - ZERO LENS

 

[Argonne]

...I've researched IR scopes but they seem to have short range....UNLESS...you add an IR "Illuminator"....???? waz that...an IR flashlight?The cost can really add up fast..... If I just used a really bright white light the critters will take off....no shot. Ideas?

I don't know about other offerings, but the ATN X-Sight comes with an IR illuminator that will get you out to 100yds. Many people do get a better (more expensive) illuminator to work with the sight.

Without an illuminator, the video based units like the X-Sight do work significantly better than your unaided eyes, but not good enough to shoot at anything IMO, so I always use an illuminator if I'm going to pull the trigger.

In my experience (which is limited), spotlighting with visible light only freezes them up for few seconds before they take off.