What should you consider before buying a night vision scope?

Night vision scopes make hunting at night as easy as hunting during the day. The basic necessity of a night vision scope is to be able to differentiate between what is permissible to shoot and what is not. There are a number of factors that differentiate one type of night vision scope from another.

• Check its weight and size: Most night vision scopes are larger than an average rifle scope. As a general rule of thumb, the wider the lens, the better the image produced. Also, the weight of a night vision scope depends on the material from which it is made. Some of the lightest scopes are made using titanium. A light scope makes it easier to balance on the rifle.

• Check the battery life: The battery life of a night vision scope determines the length of time it can be used. Some scopes are available with rechargeable batteries that make them more economical. Night vision scope batteries can be lithium-ion or alkaline.

• Check the magnification: At night, you not only need your target to be lit, you also need the image magnified. The magnification capability of your lens indicates how much the object will be magnified by your night vision scope.

After a careful consideration of all these aspects, pick a night vision scope that suits your needs.