give me your thoughs folks... please be as blunt as you like. If you have one, i wanna know how you've used it, and whether it was worth the investment.

Also, is the beam visible at night, or just the spot?

I've only hunted with it once but I liked it. Beam is visible and the spot lights the scope area pretty nicely. Whether the animals get spooky on it, I can't tell yet, that's what matters the most.

I got one after my treaspass problem. Havn't had a chance to put it on a critter or a bi-pod but this is what I can say. Yes, you can see the beam all the way to target( my pond is 140 yds from patio) with adjustable beam approx 6" to 12' it's really cool to see.

Thanks for the info folks... Anyone else? I just bought traded a NV scope for one, and i'm wondering how it will compare.

The reason i traded is that i wanted something that i could move from gun to gun without re-zero. I really liked the NV scope, but i think the ND3 will be much more practical and about 2# lighter.

The only thing i'm worried about is pigs getting spooked by it. Do they tend to get jumpy when you point it at em?

Also, at 100 yards, what's the spot spread on maximum divergence?

i'm also very curious as how animals react to this light!

I want the ND3 as well for the range and clarity it provides... but I think I can offer some insight about spooking hogs. I've used spotlights with filters to light them up before without spooking them. Usually if they're eating, they don't care what's going on. I've used regular white light as well and they keep on keepin on most of the time. The red and green filters never spooked them any time I've used them, but I'm sure others may have other experiences.

bump for more info?

I wasn't going to comment on this thread, but you asked. I looked into getting this item for night time hog hunting. After doing some research I learned that the ND3 has cold temp issues and the manufacturer is aware of them. Some have wrapped hand warmers around the unit to keep them functioning while hunting during the fall/winter. Other than that, they seem to function as advertised.

I've peronally handled the ND3 & ND5 and they are every bit as bright at the distances advertised. However, the individual who had the these units is an owner/operator of a guide service that only offers night-time hog hunts. His experience in using them to illuminate hogs was not good.

I don't want to speak for him, but my understanding is that in the particular areas he hunts, the hogs were spooked by these units. Having said that, I think each situation is different and so is each population of hogs. What spooks one group may have no effect on another.

i really appreciate the info sir. Mine will be here today, so i'll have some more info of my own to post this weekend (i hope)

I have heard more bad than good. Im waiting for someone else other than BSA to come out with its competition

I bought the ND3 yesterday. Couldn't wait for it to get dark. I read all the threads about the cold issues and some of the heat issues. This was supposed to be the new and improved model. Got it out after dark and it worked fine for the first 5 minutes. Then it wouldn't stay lit longer than 10 seconds. Got it out this morning inside the house and it stayed on for an hour. Called customer support and they told me they weren't aware of any heat issues (80 degrees) only that when they get cold and the voltage drops they don't work. This unit is also the latest produced unit that was supposed to not have any of the issues of the previous models. They did tell me only that the ND3X40 or the ND3X50 are much better units and to try them, but of course these units cost significantly more money. I think I will return this unit and wait until they get all the bugs worked out of them before I buy another.

got it in the mail and got it mounted to my gun... very interesting. I'll post some impressions after dark

how do you like it?

Let us know what you think. I was going to order one of these tomorrow but I think I'll wait to see what you have to say.