I have no experience whatsoever with NODS, so I am looking for advice from those that have in-the-field experience.
I do not like to buy cheap gear. If I buy something, I buy high quality, but in my efforts to research NV, I usually find that company ______ is advertising their product as Military Grade, when it is not actually up to spec.
I want a good quality optic, that I can mount on my rifle (which happens to be a Daniel Defense), and if possible, I would also like to be able to mount that same optic on a helmet. If I cannot get one optic that will do both, that is alright, but I would prefer having the two options for mounting the NOD.
Next up is deciding which type of optic to put in front of the NV…
I hate batteries, so if there is an option that does not use batteries, all the better (Mepro-Light 21 is advertised as being NV compatible, but I would like to hear from someone that has actually used one in this role.)
Also, if you have any advice as to a good place to buy NV from, that would be greatly appreciated.
PVS-14 is most common NV device that moves from gun to helmet. You will not be able to get state-of-the-art Tubr though, they are only available under military contract. You can still get a really good tube though.
Of course it is going to need batteries. NV compatible means it has a very low light setting and will not burn out the NV tube.
I use a CompM4 in front of mine. i tried an EOTech, but did not like it.
Pick up a PVS-14. Either someone that has contract overrun AN/PVS-14’s or the ITT Night Enforcer models. They’re essentially the same thing but the NE models haven’t been through the mil-spec tests. Behind an Aimpoint they’re awesome. Head mounted with a PEQ they’re even more awesomer. If you’re going with a precision rig, a PVS-22 is the tits, although not as utilitarian as a PVS-14. As far as weapon mounting a -14, look for a tube with a halo value higher than 1.0 and it will be better equipped to deal with recoil.
Give us a call if we can be of assistance. We’ve outfitted many around here. We also carry a Mil Spec AN/PVS-14 as well as the Night Enforcer 14’s, both from ITT.
The PVS-14 as you’re probably aware is the most versatile system out there for head, weapon and hand holding. We recommend and so does ITT no more that a 5.56 for weapon mounting a PVS.
Using a IR laser on your weapon while the 14 mounted on ones melon is the most effective way to shoot with the 14 in most cases. Shooting with your head up while letting your laser do all the talking is a very effective way to get effective and very accurate fire on target. The new Laser Devices Class 1 IR line of Lasers are also now available for full civilian sales which has really been a big hit vs. all the years of IR laser restrictions. Granted these are short range 125 yards systems vs. their restricted counterparts of 400+. http://www.tnvc.com/shop/category/laser-systems/
We also make a nifty PVS-14 weapons mount called the TM-14 that uses the Aimpoint twist base that allows well under 10 second transition time from head to weapon/weapon to head. http://www.tnvc.com/shop/tnvc-tm14-pvs-14-weapon-mount/
Be happy to talk you through what your specific requirements may be.
Not trying to thread jack, but I have been thinking about PMing one of the TNVC guys about this as well.
My number one priority is to have a NOD with the ability to switch from gun to head mount…I like the looks of that TM-14
Size/weight…something reasonable, but the smaller the better
Ability to see about 100 yds…I don’t really NEED the ability to see further, although it would def be a plus.
Durability
Everything else falls behind these top 4.
My question is, is there a cheaper alternative to the PVS-14 that will fill the top 4 requirements? Maybe a Gen 2 optic? Or would it be more beneficial to me to just save up X amount more and go with the PVS-14?
Also, I believe I heard something about TNVC offering a cheaper PVS-14 with a 2nd grade tube (don’t know if that’s the right term) during certain times of the year. Is this a viable alternative?
I don’t mind spending the money if the PVS-14 is really the only one that will fit the bill, but I would just like to know if there’s another, cheaper option that will do the job just fine.
I’d take Vic up on that offer. You might pay a tiny bit more, but TNVC will point you to the correct thing to buy, and get you top end stuff, instead of going through the usual process of very expensive learning (buying the wrong thing). Give them a call, learn a LOT, and see what their recommendation is.
I should add, I’ve been very happy with TNVC and have been able to take the easy road with all of this because of their fantastic CS. In fact, I just ordered a new INVG and dovetail mount from Vic tonight. You may save a buck here and there, but knowing that I can call them with any questions or any concerns (often outside of normal business hours) is definitely worthwhile. I can work my way around an AR, but when it comes to night vision I might as well be in kindergarten. They’ve always been straight shooters with me and I appreciate the candid nature of our discussions. It’s worth it to me to go with the best service. I’m no expert by any means, but the education I’ve gotten has definitely been worth it.
One quick note:
There are very few NV devices that are fit to be placed in front of an optic, and they are very expensive.
14s and the like should be placed behind the optic to eliminate/ minimize zero-shift.
IR lasers are great, if the threat doesn’t have NV capability, though as long as you practice laser discipline it isn’t any more damning than a visible laser.
Thanks Brother, I forgot to mention this about PVS-14’s or any monocular are not designed to go out in front of your day optics. Plenty of POA/POI issues with doing this setup. These kinds of setups are reserved for the true clip-on style of optics such at the PVS-22 line ups.
Forward mounted NVG or Thermal devices (PVS-22, or Knight Vision hardware) are better off for a static weapon such as a precision gun, or something.
It wouldn’t make sense on a DD gun.
I’ve decided to forego the NVGs, and stick with my OTAL-A, and I’m going to save up for a FLIR Handheld Thermal Camera. (I’ve seen them for a similar price to NVGs.)
Buy once, cry once. Def go PVS 14 and def buy from TNVC. I have a Gen2 D300MS and it’s adequete but I wish I would have did it right the first time :o Minimum I would go is the GT 14 gen 2+
Still, I was able to throw it behind my TA33 and get hits on 8" steel at 100 and 200 yards, no moon, no illumination, just ambient light which is about nill at my range, using Wolf, LMT 16", Gripod from the bench.
Very bright as it’s a new optic. I just tried it for shits and giggles. And as you can imagine with Wolf at 200 yards my hit ratio was probably 50-60% where as at 100 was closer to 99%. I suppose you could pick an older Acog that has a dim reticle due to old tritium cheap on ebay… A TA33 wouldn’t my pick for this application, the optic is very narrow and gave kind of a fisheye effect. TA 31 or 11 would be better but that’s still far from ideal.
DON’T put an ACOG in front of a PVS-14. It’ll burn your tube. If you can see the dot, it’s too bright. Get an NV compatible Aimpoint or EoTech and run that. If you notice, the NV settings are MAYBE barely visible on the highest NV setting.
Any recommendations for someone on a budget? I don’t think I can afford 3,000.00 for a pair of NVGs. Someone recommended Yukon but I’m unsure of the quality. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.
