Can a thermal be a primary pistol sight? Infitac FMP13 review

Published on October 21, 2025
Duration: 7:03

This review examines the Infitac FMP13, a compact thermal sight designed for pistols or as an offset on rifles. While offering thermal imaging capabilities at a more accessible price point (around $700), it presents significant drawbacks for pistol use, including a high mounting profile, limited battery life (3-4 hours), and a dedicated thermal-only operation that precludes standard target shooting. The reviewer highlights its potential as a budget thermal for AR-15s or suppressed .22LR varmint rifles, noting its 4 oz weight did not impede pistol cycling and it held zero over 250 rounds.

Quick Summary

The Infitac FMP13 is a budget-friendly thermal sight around $700, significantly cheaper than typical $2,000-$5,000 thermal scopes. While it can be mounted on a pistol, its thermal-only operation, high profile, and short 3-4 hour battery life make it unsuitable as a primary optic for general use, though it performs well as an offset on rifles for varmint hunting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Infitac FMP13 Pistol Thermal
  2. 00:13Reviewer's Experience with Thermals
  3. 00:36Thermal Optics: Cost vs. Capability
  4. 01:09Mounting the FMP13 on a Pistol
  5. 01:37FMP13: Thermal Only, Not Multispectral
  6. 01:52Drawbacks of Thermal as Primary Pistol Sight
  7. 02:10Cycling Test: FMP13 on Compensated Pistol
  8. 02:38Durability Test: 250 Rounds
  9. 03:01Battery Life: CR2 Batteries and Run Time
  10. 03:25FMP13 Features: Touchscreen and Zeroing
  11. 04:05Thermal Modes: Black Hot, White Hot, etc.
  12. 04:22Zoom Functionality
  13. 04:43Best Use Cases: AR-15 Offset, Varmint Rifle
  14. 05:14General Downsides of Thermals on Pistols
  15. 05:37Size and Height of the Sight
  16. 05:52Visual Differences: Red Dot vs. Thermal Sight
  17. 06:24Overall Assessment: FMP13 Value and Performance
  18. 06:41Manual Clarity and Final Thoughts
  19. 06:52Recommended Thermal Scope Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Infitac FMP13 thermal sight be used as a primary optic on a pistol?

While the Infitac FMP13 can be mounted on a pistol, it's generally not recommended as a primary optic. Its thermal-only operation, high mounting profile, and limited battery life make it impractical for standard target shooting and everyday carry. It's better suited as an offset sight on a rifle or for specialized applications like night hunting.

What are the main drawbacks of using a thermal sight like the Infitac FMP13 on a pistol?

Key drawbacks include the thermal-only functionality (no daylight use), a high mounting position that affects ergonomics, and very short battery life (3-4 hours). It also requires thermal targets for zeroing and practice, limiting its versatility for general shooting.

What is the typical price range for thermal optics compared to the Infitac FMP13?

Traditional thermal scopes often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. The Infitac FMP13 offers a more budget-friendly entry into thermal technology, costing around $700, making it significantly more accessible for those seeking thermal capabilities.

How does the Infitac FMP13 perform in terms of durability and reliability on a pistol?

The Infitac FMP13 demonstrated good durability during testing, maintaining zero after approximately 250 rounds fired from a pistol. Its 4 oz weight did not cause cycling issues on a compensated firearm, though it did alter the recoil impulse.

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