Modern Sporting Rifle Evolution

IR Illuminator? Optics and Other Accessories
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Moderator 900 posts Nomadic Moderator 900 posts
Nomadic
I decided this was probably a better place to post this question.

I have pretty much decided to buy the Photon RT 4.5x42 riflescope and a separate illuminator.

Now I need recommendations on the illuminator.
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crazysccrmd MSR Enthusiast 363 posts
crazysccrmd
https://www.amazon.com/SureFire-M951-KIT02-Millennium-Incandescent-WeaponLight/dp/B001V2Z9E8
I haven’t hunted stateside with NVGs and IR lights but have done it plenty elsewhere. These Surefires coupled with PVS-14s are awesome. I’ve had the light for years and it’s seen a ton of abuse without failing. I’ve changed batteries a lot but that’s it.
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kklatt450 MSR Enthusiast 202 posts
kklatt450
Nomadic this all you need i used one the the photon for two years worked fine longest shot was 125yds on a 8 lbs hog so it will work fine . https://www.amazon.com/Evolva-Technology-Flashlight-Battery-Charger/dp/B00TFCJNHK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520190234&sr=8-1&keywords=evolva+ir+flashlight
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Omega MSR Enthusiast 281 posts
Omega
If you already have a surefire, all you need is a filter like this, doesn't take much.  [F16_IR_filter_main]
"Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it." ~Pericles~
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GaSwamper First 50 528 posts
GaSwamper
The light posted by KK is pretty much the one I use in the 940nm wavelength. If you want to stay hidden as much as possible 940nm is the way to go, 850nm is a touch brighter but easily seen. 950nm is almost invisible. I just ordered the RT myself and should be here today, I chose the one that has 940nm onboard lighting so I may not need a secondary light now, can't wait to find out.
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kklatt450 MSR Enthusiast 202 posts
kklatt450
When I had the photon the external light was mounted at the end of the hand guard so it was out the window no washout and it will make the battery’s of the scope last a long time I only used energizer ultimate lithium
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GaSwamper First 50 528 posts
GaSwamper
kklatt450 wrote:
When I had the photon the external light was mounted at the end of the hand guard so it was out the window no washout and it will make the battery’s of the scope last a long time I only used energizer ultimate lithium
Same here, mounted as far forward as I can get it. To me lithium is the only choice for these type of toys, nothing else can hold up. Excited that the new RT model comes with quick change battery packs!
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Nomadic Moderator 900 posts
Nomadic
Excellent info everyone. I actually bought the light from KK. I was planning on gettin the Photon RT for my birthday next month since I won’t have the suppressor for a while. Might go ahead and buy the RT and set it up. Then when my stand is far enough from my buddy I will just hunt loud with my muffs on
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GaSwamper First 50 528 posts
GaSwamper
Got home a little early and mine was waiting on the porch, already like the day mode. As soon as night falls I'll be comparing my IR light to the new RT onboard light. Should be interesting
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Nomadic Moderator 900 posts
Nomadic
That’s awesome. Please post your thoughts when you hav had the chance to ply with it
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GaSwamper First 50 528 posts
GaSwamper
Ok....not a scope review since this is about illumination, but, it's nice. The onboard is Def. good to go, it has 9 diffrent power settings and is controlled direct from control knob on scope. While my torch I've been using is still the best for brightness and clarity of light, the new onboard which is 940nm as well is the best onboard I've seen yet, easily lights up over 100 yards just using the 4.5× magnification although my light was a clear winner when I went to 9 power. Hunting mounted on the rifle will be the better test but I can already say the onboard will be a perfect backup and fine for most people not as ticky as I tend to be lol.
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kydecoy MSR Enthusiast 395 posts
kydecoy
What independent illuminator did you try it with?
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kklatt450 MSR Enthusiast 202 posts
kklatt450
Pulsar is a great company they listen to their customers and don’t try to reinvent the wheel like other night vision companies year after year this new photon with better ir light onboard recording removable battery pack and better sensor should be a big hit . I was staying out from dusk to dawn hog hunting with my photon so I always used a separate ir light so the scope would for sure run all night long . I sold my photon and digital accessories and went thermal I’ll get my pulsar xq50 trail tomorrow cant wait hog hunting is surely addictive and costly
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GaSwamper First 50 528 posts
GaSwamper
kydecoy wrote:
What independent illuminator did you try it with?
I use the evolva t20 in 940nm.
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kydecoy MSR Enthusiast 395 posts
kydecoy
GaSwamper wrote:
I use the evolva t20 in 940nm.
Thanks
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muellerdeal Senior Member 84 posts
muellerdeal
i have the trail xq50 also and love it. i have been thinking about the new x-sight 4k for a 357ar build im working on. just waiting to hear some hands on field experience. 
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ussrangersm3 MSR Enthusiast 288 posts
ussrangersm3
I use the UNV 20-IR Long Range LED Infrared Illuminator, no complaints after 2 years and plenty of light
If you find yourself in a fair fight you didn't plan your mission properly!
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