Best Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope Under $1000 in 2024?

You know it is true:

The price of thermal imaging scope is generally coming down over the years, but buying such hunting gear remains a challenge for people with tight budget constraint.

Following our previous post on ‘3 Affordable Thermal Rifle Scopes Under $2000‘, one question that we received from reader is:

How about the best thermal rifle scope under $1000? Any recommendation?

Interesting…

Let’s start by asking this instead:

Can You Buy a Thermal Rifle Scope for Under $1000?

As of this point of writing:

While you can get a thermal monocular for less than $1000 as reviewed >> here –

Unfortunately, based on our extensive research, all the thermal imaging rifle scopes on the market today are above $1000.

The good news is:

If your budget allows to spend a bit more, there is a popular entry level thermal rifle scope that is available for slightly over $1000 – in which you can seriously consider:
 

ATN ThOR LT 160 3-6x Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope

As a leading manufacturer of optics and thermal imaging scopes, American Technologies Network (ATN) is a well-known brand in hunting world.

While ATN products have been gaining popularity over the years, the company knows there are hunters who source for the lowest cost thermal rifle scope option for varying reasons:

Some people are restricted by budget, some are totally new to thermal imaging and thus just want to get their first entry level thermal scope to try out, whilst some people simply look for a basic scope that can serve as backup gear or loan unit to friend during hunting trip.

So ATN has decided to develop the low cost ATN ThOR LT Series Ultra Light thermal rifle scope, without any bells and whistles.

And this smart move is proven to be a success.

You don’t need to take our words on this:

Check out these >> user reviews and the user feedback >> here to see what they say.
 

ATN ThOR LT Thermal Scope Overview

Made from hardened Aluminum Alloy, this is a light weight (1.4 lb / 650 g) thermal scope designed to mount with 30mm standard rings.

If you are wondering whether ATN ThOR LT 160 3-6x thermal rifle scope can get the job done, check out some of its key specifications and features below:
 
 
1. 60 Hz Frame Rate / Refresh Rate

Surprised? Yes, indeed.

Frame rate, also known as refresh rate, refers to frames per second (FPS) or the frequency at which the thermal scope provides the consecutive images. Higher frame rate leads to better visual experience with smoother motion transition.

This is an important factor to consider when choosing a thermal rifle scope, because most targets do not stand still for a long time, so there is a need for thermal device to refresh in line with the movement of target – especially when the preys are on the run and we need to get a clear and accurate shot to bring them down.

For reference, the video below compares the image of thermal camera at 30Hz vs 9Hz:

In order to enjoy a wonderful hunting experience, it’s necessary to choose a thermal scope that has a refresh rate of at least 30Hz. This will help to ensure that the image gets refreshed faster immediately when the target starts to move or go on the run.

Most of the mid-range thermal rifle scopes on the market today come with 30 Hz refresh rate.

So when we see the entry level ATN ThOR LT scope is equipped with 60 Hz frame rate, we are impressed, so thus the users based on actual experience.
 
 
2. Battery Life of 10+ Hours

A drawback of some budget thermal scopes, such as Pulsar Core RXQ30V and Armasight Predator 336, is their 4+ hours battery life that is found to be too short for some hunters.

The 10+ hours battery life of ATN ThOR LT is generally sufficient for most hunting trips.
 
 
3. HD 1280 x 720 Display

If we compare two thermal scopes with identical thermal sensor, the device with higher display resolution will generally show clearer thermal image with more details to user.

The 1280 x 720 HD display (921,600 pixels) of ATN ThOR LT is commendable, especially when compared to some of the other mid-range thermal scopes that come with display resolution of 640 x 480 (307,200 pixels).

Watch the brief video below to see ATN ThOR LT thermal rifle scope in hog hunting action:

 
 
But of course, since ATN ThOR LT is meant to be a basic low cost thermal rifle scope, it has shortfalls as well.

As covered in the comprehensive ATN ThOR LT vs ThOR 4 and ThOR HD review –

the base model of ATN ThOR LT 160 3-6x does not have many advanced features and configurations that the other top-notch / mid-range ATN thermal scopes are offering.

Here is the summary of their key differences:

For instance:

4. 160 x 120 Thermal Sensor

Higher thermal sensor resolution provides more pixels and data points, that lead to more accurate thermal interpretation and better thermal image quality with higher picture resolution.

Higher thermal sensor resolution is particularly important when it comes to identification of small objects, with higher resolution provide more detailed and sharper image quality.

In this aspect, ATN ThOR LT 160’s thermal sensor resolution of 160 x 120 (19,200 pixels) is lower than the other more expensive thermal rifle scopes.
 
 
5. Detection Range of 475m (519 yards)

Depending on individual needs and usage, each hunter has their own preference and requirement of the scope’ detection distance capability.

For examples, this detection range of ATN ThOR LT is fine for hunters who will be using the thermal scope in wooded area that most of the shots are gonna be within hundred yards, however hunters who often hunt for hogs / coyotes in open fields may opt for thermal rifle scope with longer detection range of over thousand yards.
 
 
6. No Video Recording, No Bells and Whistles.

Here is the biggest deal breaker:

If you are looking for a thermal rifle scope with video recording function, then the ATN ThOR LT 3-6x is not for you.

As shown above, ATN ThOR LT is a basic thermal imaging scope that do NOT have all the advanced features like video recording, Recoil Activated Video, Streaming, WiFi, etc.

This entry level recoil-resistant scope with 90 mm eye relief is equipped with basic features like 3-6x magnification, white hot and black hot color mode, and one shot zero.

 

The Verdict

If you are looking for the best thermal imaging rifle scope below $1000, we hope this post will help to save your time.

It is highly recommended to consider the ATN ThOR LT 160 3-6x mentioned above, compare its specifications vs your needs and preferences, check out the user reviews and latest price, then make an educated purchase decision.

ATN ThOR LT 160 3-6x is hands-down the best available option for those who want to get a thermal rifle scope around $1000, and it represents excellent value at this price point.

Just be realistic on the expectations, as we get what we pay for.