Early Night Vision: Vietnam Era AN/PVS-2 Starlight Scope

Published on September 20, 2017
Duration: 7:31

This guide details the operation of the Vietnam-era AN/PVS-2 Starlight Scope, a passive night vision device. It covers essential steps like engaging the internal gate, focusing, and power activation. The guide also highlights crucial safety considerations due to the scope's unique mounting and potential for scope bite, emphasizing its historical significance as groundbreaking technology for its time.

Quick Summary

The AN/PVS-2 is a Vietnam-era passive night vision scope that amplifies ambient light, weighing 6 pounds with 4x magnification. It requires ambient light to function and has mechanical zeroing that can lead to inaccuracies. Safety is crucial due to the risk of 'scope bite' from its offset mounting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Vietnam Era Starlight Scope
  2. 00:39AN/PVS-2 First Generation Night Vision
  3. 01:12Passive Starlight Scope Operation
  4. 01:23Scope Features: Eyecup and Gate
  5. 01:45Battery Pack and Modifications
  6. 02:04Mounting System and Mechanical Zero
  7. 02:48Weight and Comparison
  8. 03:18Controls and Filter
  9. 03:44Israeli Markings and Magnification
  10. 04:16Vietnam Use and Accuracy
  11. 05:03Shooting Results and Improvements
  12. 05:44Sighting Method and Scope Bite
  13. 06:12Historical Context and Evolution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AN/PVS-2 Starlight Scope?

The AN/PVS-2 is a first-generation passive night vision scope from the Vietnam era (1967-1969). It amplifies ambient light from stars and the moon, weighing about 6 pounds and offering 4x magnification.

How does the AN/PVS-2 Starlight Scope operate?

It's a passive system requiring ambient light. Users push in the eyecup to open an internal gate, adjust a focus ring, and use a simple on/off switch. It won't work in complete darkness.

What were the accuracy limitations of the AN/PVS-2?

The AN/PVS-2 featured mechanical zeroing that moved the entire scope, leading to inaccuracies. Even at 20 meters, it was prone to losing zero, and testing showed milk-jug sized groups with non-match ammo.

What are the safety considerations when using the AN/PVS-2?

Due to its offset mounting, a proper cheek weld is impossible, increasing the risk of 'scope bite.' Users must maintain a safe distance from the eyepiece to avoid injury.

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