Thermal scope recommendations?

[davet]

So, I'm in the market for a Thermal scope (not an IR Night Visions) that can be had for under $2-K that holds up to the rigors of hunting. I know that these new scopes have delicate electronics, so I guess I'm looking for "cheap and good". A guy who often shoots at the range I go to has one....I forget the model...but he paid over $5-K for it. I've looked through it and....WOW.....any coyote in the dark is simply in trouble.....and 300 yard shots are a "chip shot".

Anyway...I sold my long range shooting rifle (I sold it in components....receiver, stock, barrel, and 25X Leupold scope) as it was just sitting in my gun safe for 5 years. I have no plans to get back into 1,000 yard shooting. The summer heat kills me.

So....I have some "toy money" to play with and I know where those coyotes are!!!

I'm hoping Ridge (or anyone else) can provide any guidance as to what may fit my objectives. Where I hunt...a 300 yard shot would likely be the longest.

[davet]

I've been "educating" myself on these Thermal Scopes. Looking at reviews and also Warranties.

Now...I find this interesting at best. This is part of the warranty for a "Thor LT" Thermal scope:

This warranty does not cover a product (a) used in other than its normal and customary manner; (b) subjected to misuse; (c) subjected to alterations, modifications or repairs by the Customer or by any party other than ATN without prior written consent of ATN; (d) special order or “close-out” merchandise or merchandise sold “as-is” by either ATN or the ATN dealer; or (e) merchandise that has been discontinued by the manufacturer and either parts or replacement units are not available due to reasons beyond the control of ATN. ATN shall not be responsible for any defects or damage that in ATN’s opinion is a result from the mishandling, abuse, misuse, improper storage or improper operation, including use in conjunction with equipment which is electrically or mechanically incompatible with or of inferior quality to the product, as well as failure to maintain the environmental conditions specified by the manufacturer. This warranty is extended only to the original purchaser.

Ok....so if I buy this specific scope....and they decide to no longer "make it" (which could be as simple as changing the name from say..."model 1X" to model 2X" they have now just relieved themselves of any future warranty claims....especially on a product that is giving them a bunch of warranty claims.

What a crock!!!

[davet]

Where is the input from Ridge when you need it??.....