Using Thermal in a Night Vision Match (Moons Out 2026)

Published on March 28, 2026
Duration: 10:42

This video details the experience of using a thermal scope, specifically the AGM Rattler 640, in the Moons Out 2026 night rifle match. The presenter, Ian McCollum, highlights the effectiveness of thermal in challenging low-light and adverse weather conditions but points out significant limitations for competition, primarily due to high minimum magnification and poor NVG integration. He suggests future thermal scopes for tactical applications should offer 1x magnification and a dimmable display.

Quick Summary

Hunting-oriented thermal scopes often have high minimum magnifications (e.g., 2x) and bright displays that interfere with night vision goggles, making them challenging for dynamic competition shooting. For tactical use, scopes with 1x magnification and dimmable screens are preferred.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Moons Out 2026 Match
  2. 00:48Rifle and Thermal Scope Setup
  3. 01:09Ambient Arms Flow-Through Suppressor
  4. 01:40Rifle Performance and Issues
  5. 02:19Thermal Sighting in Competition
  6. 02:33Target Heating Challenges
  7. 03:15Hand Warmers for Target ID
  8. 03:38Adverse Weather Conditions
  9. 04:19Thermal Scope Application Issues
  10. 04:56Magnification Limitations
  11. 06:04NVG Compatibility Issues
  12. 07:35Dynamic Shooting Challenges
  13. 07:38Future Thermal Scope Desires
  14. 08:42Interface and Button Issues
  15. 09:17Accidental Zoom Incident
  16. 09:30Hunting vs. Match Application
  17. 09:51Match Results and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main challenges of using a hunting thermal scope in a night rifle competition?

The primary challenges include high minimum magnification (e.g., 2x) hindering close-range moving targets and the thermal display's brightness interfering with night vision goggles, forcing a compromise between navigation and shooting.

How can targets be identified when using thermal optics in a competition like Moons Out?

While heating targets is impractical for large events, hand warmers placed at the base of targets can serve as an identification aid, helping thermal shooters locate the target area and then scan for the target itself.

What features should a thermal scope have for better tactical or competition performance?

Ideal features include a 1x magnification option for close-range engagements, a display that can be dimmed for use with night vision goggles, and a more intuitive interface with fewer buttons.

Can thermal scopes be used effectively in adverse weather conditions like fog and rain?

Yes, thermal scopes excel in adverse weather conditions like fog and rain, allowing shooters to see targets that would be obscured to passive aiming systems, even when targets are not heated.

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