I was looking at maybe buying one and I just saw that IR defense is discontinuing the IR Defense Reap thermal scope. Does anyone know why

On optics plant web site

Reap

OpticsPlanet has many items listed as discontinued that are still obtainable from other vendors. I suspect it may be because they have discontinued handling the item, who knows.  Several times I changed a search criteria for an item and then the item is listed as being for sale yet with them. Weird.

I think Vic is correct.

Not discontinued but now is a Trijicon Reap-IR not an IR Defense Reap-IR.  Same exact thing as before but just different labeling and such.

Thanks alot guys I see now whereThey are just switching the branding from IR Defense to Trijicon EO. I should have caught that.

I see they did go up about 395.00 in price though

The leftover units are a good deal.  The Trijicon units are 7995 and the IRD units are here and there for 7495.  I could be wrong but I think maybe the Trijicon unit comes with a slightly better warranty but don't quote me on that.

Are these the best in the price range? Do you recommend anything else in place of?

See I tried to tell you the Trijicon branded units had better warranty

Does that warranty apply to the ones sold by IRD also since I guess they will be handling the warranty on them now. It's the same scope just a different name

Hard to say.  I could see Trijicon saying only their branded units apply to their lifetime warranty since they had no control over QC before the acquisition.  Or they could take care of everybody.  The odds of having a housing issue are pretty slim though.  The sensor and guts still carry a 3 year.

I had the Armasight 75mm and that was just to much magnification for me. Not enough field of view. Another member here in another post told me it would be. So ditto on his I told you so. But I also had an Armasight 42mm 640 unit.

So I returned the 75mm and got a great deal on the very last IR HUNTER MK2 35mm Opticsplanet had in stock. Did an exchange. Got the MK2 for 5700 and some change shipped after discounts. Just got it today. I wish I'd known it did not come with a front lens cover though. I know it takes a #45 butler creek cap now. Oh well I'll order it. From Joe Bob if they have it on my next order from them

After using an Armasight it will take some getting use to operating the MK2 the digital focus throws me off a little. It seems easier just to reach up and turn the objective. I'll play with it more tonight. Going shooting right now. Just got in 4 new suppressors last week I want to try out