I was thinking about night hunting the other day. So I start browsing night vision gears online, and it dawned on me that I have no idea how you would aim at a rifle or a pistol while wearing them. The solution is balancing your NVGs with rifle scope and a lot of practice in the dark.
Yes. It is possible to aim at a target using night vision goggles, especially in a dark environment. NVGs make the beams of light emitted that cannot be seen with bare eyes at night more visible. Nevertheless, you should adjust both night vision goggles, and aiming lights well to hit the objects.
Using NVGs requires suitable training and enough knowledge on the best night vision device. Besides, there are several factors you should have in mind before you use night vision goggles. This will help you acquire the correct Night Vision Google and use them in the right way.
Some of the questions you should ask yourself include:
- How do I Shoot with Night Vision Goggles?
- Can I use NVGs with a scope?
- Does the Night Vision Optic Go in Front or Behind the Rifle Scope?
How Do I Shoot with Night Vision Goggles?
Possibly you must be aware that shooting lights and night vision goggle technology has advanced over the years since their invention. The earlier types of goggles were heavier and were not easy to wear for long hours.
But with the current generation, NVGs are light and more comfortable to use. Additionally, fixing and usage have been very simple.
These new models come with stable beams instead of stimulating beams. Their shooting range has been advanced from 170 meters to 350 meters.
Shooting Under Night Vision Goggles with IR Laser
Normally, NVGs firing is complete with a rifle fixed with an IR laser. With that, you need to glare at the top part of the optic then shoot at a given distance. IR laser also works with a night vision configured with a red hot view.
However, this is not the correct method, but it works well with decent firing points if you don’t consider using the targeting light.
Shooting with NVGs (Using Dual Tubes)
When shooting with a gun and double tubes night vision goggles, it is great than shooting using a monocular. Besides, you cannot fix it with the gun as you do in the monocular.
There is an alternative to use a piston and NVGs combined. Once you align the goggles properly, focus on the iron-sights with one eye and monitor the target with the other eye. When the two images are in line, direct the gun accurately on the object, and then fire it.
Shooting with Night Vision Goggles (Using Single Tubes)
You have only one alternative to fire using a single tube NVGs using a laser combined with the pistol or rifle. There is no alternative for this. Moreover, LUCIE and likes do not use this rule. They are constructed to shoot via sights such as the G36 HKV.
Can I Use Night Vision Goggles With a Scope?
If you are hunting during the day, you can use a regular rifle scope with glass lenses to add magnification and enhance your image. Regular scopes have a single tube with optics inside for magnification and to help you hit long distance targets.
It becomes a bit challenging if you are shooting during the night as most regular scopes work with unlimited lighting in the dark. They need light to bounce back from the surface and reach the scope. Some scopes also come with built-in red dot sights. You have to be extra careful using NVGs with red dot sights.
Modern devices have a preventive filter incorporated with the system. You have to set up your red dot sight with the device so your vision is in sync.
This implies that you should get a device that would work at night without interfering with your target. Therefore, a night vision monocular is the best solution since it makes it simple to watch your target easily.
How to Use a Night Vision Goggles With a Rifle Scope?
Before you think of using NVGs with a rifle scope, you should know how to properly fix the NVGs. You also need to prepare a working area and assemble the right tools for fixing the Night Vision Goggles.
Carefully read the NVGs instructions in the system manual before starting the process. You can use a torque wrench to make it easy. Make sure the rifle is not loaded as you attach the Night Vision Device system.
Detach the bolt and point the rifle in a safe direction. Using a degreaser, remove any grease traces and oil from the screw holes, the base, and rings.
Align the base of the scope with the mounting holes and tighten every bolt using the right-size bolts. Do not overtighten the screws or leave them loose.
Once everything is in place, adjust the Night Vision Device to have a clear and comfortable view of the eyes. Then, you are good to go.
Does the Night Vision Optic Go in Front or Behind the Rifle Scope?
Several hand-held night vision riflescopes that you can use to track and view objects at far places are available in the market. The most important is to have a monocular that can be fixed on a gun for more accurate firing at night.
Most night hunters and shooters prefer these scopes. The scopes make it easy to view and watch moving objects at a far distance even at night.
There are two alternatives you can employ to attach a night vision monocular to a rifle. You can opt to attach your night vision monocular in front of the scope or behind it.
Nevertheless, a night vision monocular works well when attached behind the scope, but clip-on NVDs work best when attached in front of the scope.
Having the Night Vision Device behind your scope provides a great range. This allows light to go through the monocular, making it easy to see far objects at night. Note that the scope should have an illuminated reticle that is made specifically for an NVD.
When the night vision device monocular is fixed in front of the rifle scope, there is no change in the location. You can use the same device change between night and day shooting by clipping the monocular off or on the scope.
For it to be effective, you should have about 2x magnifications for your scope. Otherwise, the image may appear too small to see the target.
Final Thought: Can You Aim Using Night Vision Goggles?
For effective shooting using NVGs, you should have the necessary skills. You must understand how to adjust both the Night Vision Goggles and the aiming light to accurately shoot the targets.
Night Vision Devices have improved much in their developments. This means you must be well equipped with different models of NVGs.
To this far, you have the required knowledge on how to shoot using NVGs. You can go ahead and try it out but remember to follow the guidelines we have highlighted above.
More Related Articles:
- Does Night Vision Work in Total Darkness
- How Far Can Night Vision Binoculars See
- Gen 2 vs. Gen 3 Night Vision
- How Does an Illuminated Reticle Work
- Red Dot vs Holographic vs Reflex Sights
- Night Vision vs. Thermal Scope
