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AR15.COM
5/28/2008 10:02:23 AM EDT
Do any of you have any thoughts about night vision from a Preparedness point of view.  Most comments that I've read about night vision equipment seem more geared to military or swat team uses.

From a preparedness perspective, I'm wondering if any of you have any thoughts about the need for night vision equipment?

What do most here think, or do???

Jerry.
5/28/2008 10:07:56 AM EDT
[#1]
Negative, it is not just for SWAT or military. I have some. It has come in handy when the power is out. Or when I hear strange critters moving about.

It comes in the bottom of needed purchases if you have extra cash.
5/28/2008 10:08:07 AM EDT
[#2]
If you can afford it, I fail to see how the ability to see in the dark could ever be a disadvantage.
5/28/2008 10:26:39 AM EDT
[#3]
It is worth it.

You can get some really good stuff, for 2 or 3 thousand, especially in the equipment exchange from Victor.

In the mean time, I bought a Yukon 1st generation 3x scope, cost around 175 dollars new.  It is not nearly as good as 2nd or 3rd gen stuff, but is way cheaper.  It is OK for looking outside and seeing what went "bump" in the night.  And certainly better than nothing.  And you can always resell it on Ebay and take a small loss on it later.

5/28/2008 11:52:53 AM EDT
[#4]
If the power goes off, it would be invaluable in the city.
5/28/2008 12:24:01 PM EDT
[#5]
I have a friend that bought an ITT hand select Third Gen + and it is AMAZING!!!! All I can say is

WOW when I think about it. It's basically like daylight except you're seeing green.

I'm starting to save for one right now. $3700 will take a while though.

ETA: This is the guy I'm going to buy from when I can finally afford one.
5/28/2008 1:56:17 PM EDT
[#6]
I have a pvs14 and it is amazing - crisp clear image. Mounts easily to a rail system, works great with an IR Light and laser. Alot of fun. I'd also add a +1 for Victors, no hassel service, and high quality units. It's where I got mine and I've been pleased with the quality of the device. Note: I paid a premium for a no  BS transaction.

That said, it is a nice to have. Unless you've got the ground to really use a NV device, the cool factor will wear off quickly - wandering around the backyard will get boring fast.
It's not the first thing I reach for when I hear a bump in the night. A quality light and laser used properly will be quicker to access and more intimidating for the typical home invasion.

I would highly recommend that you have your "shtf list of things to get" pretty much filled before getting a device, that includes being out of debt and able to support yourself for 6mths plus - we're more likely to have shtf be a economic event these days than a zombie attack.

As things get tougher economically, there will be some deals out there on equipment, you just need to know what you are looking for - the NV group here may be able to help with that.

my 2cents worth
5/28/2008 2:04:40 PM EDT
[#7]
I agree with whats said above. I have a nice Pinnacle tubed MUM. Its cool but the wow factor does wear off.

Additionally, to truly use it requires additional gear and investment. If you use it on a weapon you need a compatible sight or laser device. If you use it helmet mounted you need a compatible laser.

Sometimes I think I would have been just as well served to get a Gen 2 unit with an IR flashlight. However, the best of the best is DAMN impressive. Everybody who has looked through it has been amazed. I let an older hippie I know look through it, hes really not into "Military stuff". Even he was wandering around his farm for a bit. My grandfather was blown away and walked all around his house. "That works. That sucker WORKS!". He was amazed.

As said above, its a nice addition to the "oh shit" list but its a long ways down the list to get there.
5/28/2008 3:09:42 PM EDT
[#8]
Think of it as a "force multiplier"- instead of needing more folks to do some tasks, you can use NV to improve your situation over those without it in terms of your ability to conduct/provide security, travel discretely at night, etc etc.