Sightmark Photon RT Academy Deal

Thought this seemed like a really good deal. Only $299!

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/sightmark-photon-rt-45-x-42s-digital-night-vision-riflescope

Helluva deal!

That's waaaaaaay below normal dealer cost. It's a crazy good deal.

Hmmm...that's cheap enough I might finally give NV a try.

I would.

No offense intended towards anyone but even a poacher can afford that.

Well I took the plunge, finally have NV even if it is a low cost option. It will work to take some hogs and coyotes/bobcats. Since I want the predators and maybe a mountable bobcat I think I'll put it on a Noveske Rogue Hunter 5.56mm instead of my Springfield Armory Saint Victor 7.62x51. If you want one at Academy I'd get one before black Friday. The first store I went to was out. The next one I got the last one they had, a display model they put out 2 days ago. Since it was a display model they took another 10% off so $269. Now to find some good 30mm QD high rings for it. I know you can buy it online, but it appears the stores are only getting one or 2 in.

Earl

I have been happy with mine so far. Shot a hog with it just the other night. The biggest issue I had was the fact the scope has to be bore sighted really close to center before sighting in or you will not have enough adjustment range to zero it. I went through three variations of mounts before I got mine where I wanted it. I had to use the full 20 minute of tilt from a set of zee rings and a scope base factory shim kit from Marlin to get mine where it needed to be. But I am using an old school 375 winchester marlin as my night hog rifle. Hopefully you won't have any of those kind of problems on an AR platform, but I know some have still had to use adjustable rings to get the bore sight right on their ARs. Once I got the scope mounted and bore sighted with the right configuration for my rifle, I can honestly say this was then the easiest scope I have ever sighted it. One shot sight in, then two more to verify and it was done.

I have one. I could never get the zero to apply. I gave up and it’s sitting in the safe.

For those that have one and have used it with an AR platform, which rings/mounts have you used with good effect?

My eyes aren't the best (hence the scopes/optics I use). I will probably do the initial sighting in at a shorter indoor range.

Earl

[quote=Earl]For those that have one and have used it with an AR platform, which rings/mounts have you used with good effect?

Used a Burris QD Cantilever to mount mine on a 6.8 AR. I also had to lightly shim the rear to get the needed elevation. My shooting is less than 100 yds.

IMG_1157.jpeg

I used the herters 30mm one piece to mount the scope on my ar15. Worked great killed four hogs in February with this setup.

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-16562-...cope+rings&qid=1574891728&sr=8-7

I used these

Thanks. Keep posting up the ideas. I'm looking at them to see what I will get. Looking forward to getting out with this thing. Seeing as how I told my wife it's a Christmas gift I guess I won't be hunting with it for a bit though

If I were mounting on an AR, I would first try the Burris QD Cantilever. When I researched mounts that seemed to be one of the most popular ones used with this scope. It's a big scope and would be nice to have a QD mount to remove the scope for storage and travel.

Heck of a deal Used one for a couple of years before I went thermal. Have it on a backup gun that still sees action.

Does it work better with a different illuminator?

Yes. Also pop out the plug in the lens cover and close cover for better definition.

Do you have a recommendation for an upgraded illuminator?

Been hunting a few days with no net connection. I'll check later. I do remember mine was found on amazon - generic. Later.

I use an Evolva IR illuminator, seems a bit bright to me as looking through the Photon and getting it's feedback in the eye can really wear you out. That said I can clearly see animals past 150 yards. I mounted mine on a Weatherby Vanguard using a one piece mount and my sight in was very easy. Bore sighted, put the rifle on a bipod and fired one shot, bullet hit 4 inches left and 6 inches high. I set the rifle back with the dot in the center of the target and with the adjustments walked the dot over to the bullet hole. Fired another and almost dead center so I did the same thing again and perfection. This all said it is still pretty heavy and you really need to have the focus dialed in closely, don't expect to dial in for 100 yards and still have a clear picture at 40. Ok for watching feeders and bait piles.

Evola T20 is what I have. A lot depends on the distance you want and whether open field or wooded area. My area is wooded with 60-100 yards viewing/shooting area. There are several different sizes of IR illuminators. You will need to try different settings for brightness and contrast to get your desired view.