Looking to enhance your shooting experience? Consider upgrading to a thermal riflescope. In a video by Fieldsports Channel, Craig Miles from ATN Europe discusses the advantages of using a thermal riflescope, such as improved visibility in difficult weather conditions like rain or fog, and the ability to shoot day or night. The latest thermal scopes from ATN, the Mars range, offer a wide zoom range, starting at just over 1x, allowing for both spotting and zooming in for the perfect shot. With prices dropping to below £1,000, now may be the perfect time to make the switch. Fieldsports Channel promotes responsible shooting and the enjoyment of fieldsports and the countryside, and they uphold three guiding principles: shooting responsibly, respecting the quarry, and ensuring a humane, clean, and quick kill.
Advantages of a Thermal Riflescope
Thermal optics have revolutionized the way we hunt and shoot. With their advanced heat detection technology, thermal scopes offer numerous advantages over traditional night vision optics. If you’re considering upgrading to a thermal riflescope, here are some compelling reasons why it might be worth it:

Ability to Shoot in Any Weather Condition
One of the biggest advantages of a thermal riflescope is its ability to be used in any weather condition. Whether it’s pouring rain or heavy fog, thermal optics give you the ability to see through these challenging environments. Traditional night vision optics can be obstructed by rain or fog, limiting your visibility and effectiveness. However, with a thermal scope, you can maintain clear sight and continue shooting no matter the conditions.
Higher Heat Detection Range
Thermal scopes are known for their superior heat detection capabilities. With a top-end thermal riflescope, you can detect the heat emitted by objects and animals up to an impressive range of 3,500 meters. This extended heat detection range is particularly useful in wooded areas or locations with camouflage terrain, where animals or objects can easily hide. The thermal scope’s ability to detect hidden heat sources greatly improves your detection capabilities in various conditions.
Greater Magnification Capabilities
Another advantage of a thermal riflescope is its ability to provide greater magnification capabilities compared to night vision optics. Thermal scopes offer a wide range of magnification options, starting from 1.25x and going all the way up to 40x magnification. This far exceeds the capabilities of traditional night vision optics, allowing you to enhance the clarity and visibility of your target. By zooming in, you can scrutinize the target and make accurate shots even from a significant distance.
Clarity in Different Aerial Environments
Thermal scopes excel in providing clarity in different aerial environments. They can clearly indicate the heat emitted by an animal, regardless of the weather conditions. Whether it’s a sunny day or a bitterly cold winter morning, thermal optics allow you to identify the heat signature of the animal accurately. This enhanced identification of animal features can be particularly advantageous when hunting or conducting wildlife surveys. The thermal scope’s ability to adapt to changing weather conditions further adds to its versatility, especially in the ever-changing climate of the UK.
Helps Identify the Size and Gender of the Animal
One unique feature of thermal scopes is their ability to help identify the size and gender of the animal. By analyzing the heat patterns and signatures, thermal optics offer a clearer indication of the animal’s characteristics. This information can be invaluable for ethical hunting practices and ensures proper target selection. With a thermal riflescope, you can make informed decisions on which animals to hunt and which to leave untouched, promoting sustainability and conservation efforts.
Allows for Target Acquisition
Efficient target acquisition is crucial when hunting or engaging in shooting activities. Thermal scopes provide effective scanning for heat signatures, allowing you to quickly identify targets. With their efficient zoom capabilities, thermal optics maximize target visibility, especially in low-light or nighttime conditions. This eliminates the need for constant rifle movement, reducing the chances of spooking the target and ensuring a smoother shooting experience.
Field of View
Thermal scopes offer a wider field of view compared to night vision optics. This wider field of view enhances situational awareness, allowing you to observe the surrounding environment more effectively. With a broader perspective, you can track multiple heat signatures simultaneously, ensuring you don’t miss any potential targets. The improved field of view also reduces the need for constant rifle movement, minimizing the risk of detection by animals or other targets.
Photo and Video Capability
Some thermal scopes come equipped with photo and video capabilities, allowing you to capture your hunting or shooting experiences. These built-in features enable you to document memorable moments and share them with others. Whether you want to capture breathtaking wildlife footage or review your shooting techniques, the photo and video capabilities of thermal scopes provide you with the tools to do so.
Ballistic Calculator
One of the most useful features of thermal scopes is the built-in ballistic calculator. This tool assists in making accurate long-range shots by calculating the trajectory of the projectile based on various factors such as distance, wind speed, and angle. By inputting the necessary data, you can make precise adjustments to your aim, greatly increasing the chances of a successful shot. The ballistic calculator is a valuable asset for both experienced shooters and beginners looking to improve their accuracy.
Affordability
Thermal scopes used to be considered expensive and inaccessible to many shooters. However, with advancements in technology and increased competition in the market, thermal optics have become more affordable. The Mars RT thermal riflescope, for example, offers competitive prices starting at under £1,000. This accessibility makes it possible for shooters to experience the benefits of thermal optics without breaking the bank. The affordability of thermal scopes has made them a viable option for a wider audience, opening up new opportunities for shooting and hunting enthusiasts.
Features of the Mars RT Thermal Riflescope
The Mars RT thermal riflescope is a top-notch thermal optic designed to enhance your shooting experience. Manufactured in the UK, it combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features:
Changeable Color Palettes
The Mars RT thermal riflescope offers the flexibility of changeable color palettes. This feature allows you to customize the display according to your preference and shooting conditions. Whether you prefer a traditional black-hot or white-hot display, or you want to experiment with different color schemes, the changeable color palettes give you the freedom to optimize your shooting experience.
Zoom Capabilities
Zoom capabilities are essential for precise target identification and shooting. The Mars RT thermal riflescope delivers exceptional zoom capabilities, allowing you to zoom in and out as needed. This versatility enables you to spot targets from a distance and then zoom in to take the perfect shot. Whether you’re scanning the landscape or focusing on a specific target, the zoom capabilities of the Mars RT ensure maximum clarity and accuracy.
Inbuilt Battery
The Mars RT thermal riflescope is equipped with an inbuilt battery for convenience and ease of use. This eliminates the need for external power sources or constant battery changes during your shooting sessions. With an impressive battery life of at least 12 hours, you can rely on the Mars RT to perform reliably in the field, without worrying about running out of power. This feature ensures uninterrupted shooting and allows you to make the most of your time outdoors.
No Photo or Video Capability
Unlike some other thermal scopes, the Mars RT does not have photo or video capabilities. While capturing photos and videos can be desirable for certain shooting scenarios, the focus of the Mars RT is primarily on providing exceptional thermal imaging performance. If photo and video capability are not essential to your shooting requirements, the Mars RT offers a streamlined and efficient solution.
No Ballistic Calculator
Another feature that sets the Mars RT apart is the absence of a built-in ballistic calculator. While the ballistic calculator can be a valuable tool for making precise long-range shots, its exclusion in the Mars RT contributes to its competitive price point. Shooters who have alternative methods of calculating ballistics or prefer to rely on their expertise for aim adjustments may find the Mars RT to be a cost-effective and efficient thermal riflescope.
Competitive Price
The Mars RT thermal riflescope is known for its competitive price point. With prices starting at less than £1,000, it offers exceptional value for those looking to enter the thermal optics market or upgrade their existing equipment. Despite its affordability, the Mars RT does not compromise on performance, making it an attractive choice for shooters on a budget.
Manufactured in the UK
The Mars RT thermal riflescope is proudly manufactured in the UK. This ensures that the product meets stringent quality control standards and reflects the craftsmanship and expertise of British manufacturing. By supporting UK-made products, you can have confidence in the reliability and durability of the thermal riflescope, knowing that it goes through rigorous testing and adheres to high-quality standards.
In conclusion, thermal scopes offer a range of advantages over traditional night vision optics. Their ability to shoot in any weather condition, higher heat detection range, greater magnification capabilities, clarity in different aerial environments, and assistance in target identification and acquisition make them a compelling choice for shooters and hunters. The Mars RT thermal riflescope, with its changeable color palettes, zoom capabilities, inbuilt battery, and competitive price, provides shooters with a reliable and affordable option. Consider upgrading to a thermal riflescope to elevate your shooting experience and unlock new possibilities in the field.
