Anyone know of a good crossbow scope with built in rangefinder and night vision?
Crossbow scope with rangefinder and night vision
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- night vision rangefinder scope
Darrell Hanson
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I think you have a solid case.
Good luck!Here is a night video of a close encounter with Texas ferral hogs.
Here is the main link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIZYKT1mfyqehLL_V7eC6w?view_as=subscriber
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Dang, that is sooooo cool, wish I was there LOL!I think you have a solid case.
Here is a night video of a close encounter with Texas ferral hogs.
Here is the main link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIZYKT1mfyqehLL_V7eC6w?view_as=subscriber
The added illuminator makes it really pop.
The camera's CCD (or is it CMOS, I don't know) chip is fast enough to pick up the illuminated nook!
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The 4K sensor is a M265, 3864 (H) x 2218 (V). A pretty good unit and if you focus well and don't have big distance changes white filming, the quality is very good. I will say that on a moonlit night in an open area, the natural IR is enough to see and record animals out to 30 yards, possibly more with no illuminator.
I've been working on / testing illuminator options. The 850s that come with the 4K Pro are long distance devices and the emitter (center lamp) is way too bright and easily seen by animals (pigs, deer, coyotes, etc) and they will stay away. Even with dimmer control, they make too much light and are easily IDed.
One solution for close in hunting is to use a 920 nm lamp with a fully adjustable emitter (like a dial) vs one that is stepped (multi-setting) and keep it set as low as possible. Sniper Hog Lights offers a small lamp unit (38LXR) that will work on the 4K Pro.
The top mount extension is also a product from SHL and yes, the nice red color had to go.....
![Image]()
Ready to hunt.
![Image]()
The BEST solution I've found so far for ground blind hunting is the Slow Glow System.
https://slowglow.com/pages/videos
I chose the IRG and with the system mounted on a TPost. It does have a range limitation of 50' (the motion detector).
![Image]()
With a solar charger, it's hands off use for as long as you want to leave it out. IR is the 850 nm and it does make that red light BUT this system has three operating modes:
Training Mode - This is a low light mode used to "train" the animals or condition them so they feel the red emitter light they see is normal. I believe it's 10-20% lighting. A photo sensor in the head unit turns this mode on and off at dusk and dawn.
Motion Mode - This mode comes on with 60% lighting and is triggered by a motion sensor on the system. It stays on as long as it see's movement and goes off after 3 minutes of no motion detected.
Full Mode - This mode provides 100% lighting and it manually set by a hand held remote. It stays on until you set it back to "auto" mode which is a second button on the remote. Pretty simple.
The Lamp head also has a lens that can be simply flipped for beam type. One way is a 60 degree spot and flip it and it's a 120 flood. It's head unit also easily pans and tilts.
Watch their videos. They offer non-IR solutions as well. I'm too close to good neighbors to use visible lighting so the IR setup is ideal.
I have two systems in place and the pigs at the sport pictured above are so use to it they feed right up to it.
![Image]()
I've been working on / testing illuminator options. The 850s that come with the 4K Pro are long distance devices and the emitter (center lamp) is way too bright and easily seen by animals (pigs, deer, coyotes, etc) and they will stay away. Even with dimmer control, they make too much light and are easily IDed.
One solution for close in hunting is to use a 920 nm lamp with a fully adjustable emitter (like a dial) vs one that is stepped (multi-setting) and keep it set as low as possible. Sniper Hog Lights offers a small lamp unit (38LXR) that will work on the 4K Pro.
The top mount extension is also a product from SHL and yes, the nice red color had to go.....
Ready to hunt.
The BEST solution I've found so far for ground blind hunting is the Slow Glow System.
https://slowglow.com/pages/videos
I chose the IRG and with the system mounted on a TPost. It does have a range limitation of 50' (the motion detector).
With a solar charger, it's hands off use for as long as you want to leave it out. IR is the 850 nm and it does make that red light BUT this system has three operating modes:
Training Mode - This is a low light mode used to "train" the animals or condition them so they feel the red emitter light they see is normal. I believe it's 10-20% lighting. A photo sensor in the head unit turns this mode on and off at dusk and dawn.
Motion Mode - This mode comes on with 60% lighting and is triggered by a motion sensor on the system. It stays on as long as it see's movement and goes off after 3 minutes of no motion detected.
Full Mode - This mode provides 100% lighting and it manually set by a hand held remote. It stays on until you set it back to "auto" mode which is a second button on the remote. Pretty simple.
The Lamp head also has a lens that can be simply flipped for beam type. One way is a 60 degree spot and flip it and it's a 120 flood. It's head unit also easily pans and tilts.
Watch their videos. They offer non-IR solutions as well. I'm too close to good neighbors to use visible lighting so the IR setup is ideal.
I have two systems in place and the pigs at the sport pictured above are so use to it they feed right up to it.
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That is some excellent information, thanks so much for sharing with us.
Beautiful setup you have!
Tell you what, I better get off this PC and hide my darned Credit Card, too!
I just bought some new outerware online and I can't be dropping $3k+ on a Tenpoint Nitro on Easter Day without telling the Boss first.
Be well and TTY all soon.
We're going bunny hunting!
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Yup, got us some of both, TDRDXguy!LOL! Find that bunny and some eggs.
Go for the Vapor vs the Nitro...... It's got a much "Safer" cocking system. Your wife will sign off on that for sure.
I'll tell you what, the Vapor is some kinda hot lookin' just sittin' there!
Can't wait to give one a test drive!
https://www.tenpointcrossbows.com/product/vapor-rs470/
Closest dealer is in a Detroit suburb about 45 minutes drive on a "normal" day.
However, I don't think they'd let me across the border right now so I'll give the closest CAD dealer a buzz tomorrow.
They are about 4 hrs drive away, just past Toronto, ON.
I can handle that drive no probs.
Thanks TX_RDXguy for all of the great info!!!
P.S. I will shoot the Ravin 20-29 and Excalibur Assassin/Bulldogs as well, for giggles but I'm thinking the Ravins will be too "short" (I have long-ish arms for standing 5'10") and the Excaliburs will be too heavy/bulky.
.
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Keep doing your home work. Check your dealers to see if they have the Viper, Vengent or Vapor. Many of them in the US are just getting their 2020 orders. The big box stores will follow. Not sure about the CA distribution process.
I hope the borders open up soon. I have plans to be in ON in June for Spring bear season. I'm keeping my fingers cro9ssed.
The R20 or 29 are not too small but given the option, it's yesterdays technology. I feel the Excals have a place if you're going off-grid otherwise you concede too much good technology. And I agree that their size is an issue compared to the xbows you are looking at.
Good luck on those test drives! Part of the fun of this sport is finding the right xbow.
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Ya, I hope they open the borders up soon as well, TX_RDXguy.
We have many relatives in the US.
I used to live in Michigan but moved back to Ontario as my Parents are getting on in years (92 and 87) so I spend a lot of my day taking care of them as well as my own Family.
No way they want to live in a home so my Sister and I respect their wishes but she doesn't drive any more so that leaves me to do the shopping, banking, take them to Dr, etc.
Anyway, somewhat back on topic, the reason I like the Excaliburs is the ability for an average guy to replace strings and limbs without special equipment.
Besides, it is the X-Bow I have shot the most so there's a little nostalgia there.
But, as you say, I do appreciate the improvements in technology by others, most notably Tenpoint and Ravin.
I am also interested in Max FPS and safety.
I showed the Vapor video to my Wife yesterday and she said "wow, that looks like a rifle"!
I said "yup, and you know what? Even you could easily cock it at 3.5 lbs and shoot it".
Then she brought up the time (over 20 years ago, funny how she remembers certain stuff, right???) I persuaded her to shoot my Winchester 2200 12GA pump, which proceeded to knock her on her butt!
Now the funny part its when I use the Dealer locator on the TenPoint site, Cabelas doesn't even come up, although they do sell TenPoint products?
Hmmm, gonna be making quite a few phone calls today, even to my local Gunsmith/Dealer but I'm getting this feeling that I may be waiting a while for a Vapor.
We have many relatives in the US.
I used to live in Michigan but moved back to Ontario as my Parents are getting on in years (92 and 87) so I spend a lot of my day taking care of them as well as my own Family.
No way they want to live in a home so my Sister and I respect their wishes but she doesn't drive any more so that leaves me to do the shopping, banking, take them to Dr, etc.
Anyway, somewhat back on topic, the reason I like the Excaliburs is the ability for an average guy to replace strings and limbs without special equipment.
Besides, it is the X-Bow I have shot the most so there's a little nostalgia there.
But, as you say, I do appreciate the improvements in technology by others, most notably Tenpoint and Ravin.
I am also interested in Max FPS and safety.
I showed the Vapor video to my Wife yesterday and she said "wow, that looks like a rifle"!
I said "yup, and you know what? Even you could easily cock it at 3.5 lbs and shoot it".
Then she brought up the time (over 20 years ago, funny how she remembers certain stuff, right???) I persuaded her to shoot my Winchester 2200 12GA pump, which proceeded to knock her on her butt!
Now the funny part its when I use the Dealer locator on the TenPoint site, Cabelas doesn't even come up, although they do sell TenPoint products?
Hmmm, gonna be making quite a few phone calls today, even to my local Gunsmith/Dealer but I'm getting this feeling that I may be waiting a while for a Vapor.
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9,963 Posts
It's a waiting game right now. I cancelled a trip to MO later this month and will cross my fingers that this Pandemic somehow runs it's course and gets under control.
That bit of Tom Foolery with the scatter gun left an impression! My wife it not so different. They do remember well.
Cabellas is one of TenPoint's larger distributors but they also seem to be one of the last stores to get the newest products. At least since Bass Pro became the controlling element for product. An independent dealer is your best bet right now. Good luck with the search and keep us posted!
That bit of Tom Foolery with the scatter gun left an impression!
My wife it not so different. They do remember well.Cabellas is one of TenPoint's larger distributors but they also seem to be one of the last stores to get the newest products. At least since Bass Pro became the controlling element for product. An independent dealer is your best bet right now. Good luck with the search and keep us posted!
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We're you coming to Mo. to turkey hunt? Where?It's a waiting game right now. I cancelled a trip to MO later this month and will cross my fingers that this Pandemic somehow runs it's course and gets under control.
That bit of Tom Foolery with the scatter gun left an impression!
Cabellas is one of TenPoint's larger distributors but they also seem to be one of the last stores to get the newest products. At least since Bass Pro became the controlling element for product. An independent dealer is your best bet right now. Good luck with the search and keep us posted!
Joined
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9,963 Posts
Yes I was and I'm disappointed it's not going to happen.
Some friends of mine and I were going up to hunt in Harrison county. We'll try to do it again next year.
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Was at lake in hickory county this weekend crappie fishing. Saw several turkey. Almost ran 2 toms over. Caught bunch of crappie!Yes I was and I'm disappointed it's not going to happen.
Some friends of mine and I were going up to hunt in Harrison county. We'll try to do it again next year.
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Nice! I believe you have my mailing address for those extra crappie fillets, right?
Man, if i splurged on a set up like that I just know I would trip on the first rock I encountered and break all that stuff to pieces. Then my wife would beat me to death with my own crossbow.
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