Need some opinions on this piece of gear...

[MAB32]

I am considering purchasing one of these for nocturnal bird watching. What do you all think about this:

AN/PVS-4 Night Vision Scope

And can find one here under "Optics & Night Vision":

www.whatacountry.com

By the way, that is about as much as I can currently spend.

Thanks Guys!

[Team Sergeant]

Mab,

You will not get the sorta definition you’re looking for with those night vision optics, not unless you plan to watch ostriches or emus.
Before you drop the big bucks go and find a set of PVS-4’s and take a gander. Unless it’s sporting Gen III (Generation image intensifiers) tubes forget it.

TS

[whit]

The AN-PVS 4 is a really good choice. Although it is
Gen II (and thus snooted by some), it is unquestionably one
of the most robust NV Weaponsights extant. It will withstand
abuse on the Ma Deuce; something which cannot be said of
many "later" weaponsights. We have one currently mounted on our MAG 58 (M240).
Ours works quite well on this area fire weapon; double-taps on steel
LaRue at 200 yds. not a problem.

For the better definition/resolution TS mentioned, a really good
Gen III is in order such as the NVEC 6X Raptor. We have one of these mounted on a Wraith Rifle System (supressed). It is "Good to Go" to about 800 yds. for
a torso shot on a Larue...BUT...
a. They cost somewhere in the $6-7,000 range.
b. There's a War on, and they are Unobtanium from NVEC. Occasionally they
show up used, but not often. Everybody knows they are hard to get.
c. I've already broken this sight once (I am not a gentile person), although to their great credit, NVEC repaired and returned it promptly, and even changed the reticle to the current issue illum. mil-dot for me.
whit