Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight Review

First Impressions of Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight

In a world saturated with tactical gear, the Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight emerges as a serious contender. This thermal weapon sight from Armasight promises cutting-edge thermal imaging technology in a robust, user-friendly package. Boasting a 640×480 resolution sensor, intuitive turret controls, and a rugged MIL-STD compliant design, it aims to provide unparalleled situational awareness in any environment.

My quest for a thermal weapon sight started with a specific need: effective hog hunting at night on my property. Daytime hunting is fine, but the real damage happens under the cloak of darkness. Other devices I’d tried lacked the clarity and range needed to positively identify targets at a safe distance.

Upon unboxing the Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight, the immediate impression was one of solid construction. The aluminum housing felt incredibly durable, and the unit, while substantial at 1.93 lbs, didn’t feel overly bulky. Compared to a Pulsar Thermion I considered, the Contractor felt more robust and less like a delicate piece of technology.

Initially, I was impressed; the controls seemed straightforward, and the image on the display was noticeably crisp. It sparked excitement and a high expectation to see what the scope could do in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight was during a nighttime hog hunt in central Texas. The conditions were cool and slightly damp, typical for a late fall evening. Mounting the scope was easy thanks to the included KDG Sidelok Mount, and zeroing, though a bit time-consuming, ultimately proved accurate.

The intuitive turret controls immediately stood out. Navigating through the various color palettes and digital zoom levels was simple, even with gloved hands. The thermal image cut through the darkness with impressive clarity, revealing several hogs rooting around a feeder at approximately 200 yards.

After the first outing, I was impressed with the clarity of the thermal image and ease of use, although the battery life seemed shorter than advertised. It was also somewhat difficult to get the perfect focus in the dark.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight has proven to be a reliable tool. Despite a few bumps and scrapes, the durable aluminum housing shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The scope consistently holds zero, even after being removed and reattached to the rifle.

Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with the included lens cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to my previous experience with lower-resolution thermal optics, the Contractor offers a significantly improved image quality and detection range, making it a valuable asset for nighttime hunting. The Contractor continues to meet and even slightly exceed initial performance expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight

Specifications

• The Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight boasts a 640×480 pixel sensor resolution, providing a high-definition thermal image. This high resolution allows for greater detail and clarity in target identification.
• It features a 3-12x magnification, allowing for both close-range and long-range engagements. The variable magnification offers versatility in different hunting scenarios.
• The scope has a 50mm objective lens diameter, which captures ample thermal radiation for enhanced image quality. This larger lens contributes to a brighter and more detailed thermal image.
• It operates at a 60 Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and real-time thermal view. The fast refresh rate minimizes image lag and provides a more fluid viewing experience.
• The Contractor uses two CR123A batteries, offering a run time of approximately 4 hours. While the battery life is adequate, it could be better considering the price point.
• The sight is water-resistant to IP67 standards, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This rating ensures reliability in wet and challenging environments.
• The scope weighs 1.93 lbs and has dimensions of 8.2″ x 3.4″, making it relatively compact and lightweight. Its size and weight contribute to comfortable handling on various firearms platforms.
• It comes with several accessories, including a USB Cable, Lens Cloth, Quick Detach Mount, 2 x CR123A Battery, USB-C Cable, Product Manual, and Thermal Zeroing Target. The inclusion of these accessories makes the scope ready to use out of the box.
• The sight includes a KDG Sidelock Mount, providing a secure and stable attachment to the weapon. This mount is designed for quick and easy installation and removal.

Performance & Functionality

The Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight performs exceptionally well, delivering a clear and detailed thermal image. The high resolution and fast refresh rate make target detection and identification easy, even in complete darkness.

The turret controls are intuitive and easy to use, allowing for quick adjustments to settings in the field. One potential improvement would be longer battery life.

Overall, the Contractor meets and exceeds expectations for a high-end thermal weapon sight. Its performance and functionality justify its price tag.

Design & Ergonomics

The Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight is built with high-quality materials, resulting in a rugged and durable design. The aluminum housing provides excellent protection against impacts and the elements.

The scope is relatively comfortable to handle, with well-placed controls and a user-friendly interface. There is a slight learning curve to master all of the features, but the intuitive menus make it relatively easy to navigate.

Durability & Maintenance

The Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight is built to last, thanks to its robust aluminum housing and MIL-STD compliance. With proper care, the scope should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with the included lens cloth. The durable construction and easy maintenance make it a practical choice for demanding environments.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight comes with a range of useful accessories, including a quick-detach mount, USB cables, and a lens cloth. The scope is compatible with various aftermarket mounts, allowing for customization to fit different weapon platforms.

While there are limited options for internal customization, the scope’s versatile features and included accessories make it adaptable to different shooting scenarios. The KDG Sidelock Mount is a particularly valuable addition, providing a secure and easy-to-use attachment system.

Pros and Cons of Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight

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Who Should Buy Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight?

The Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight is perfect for serious hunters, ranchers needing predator control, and tactical professionals who require reliable thermal imaging in challenging environments. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who values high-quality optics and intuitive controls.

This product may not be ideal for casual users or those on a tight budget, as more affordable options are available. A must-have accessory would be rechargeable CR123A batteries, and possibly an external battery pack for extended use.

Conclusion on Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight

The Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight is a top-tier thermal optic that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. The high-resolution thermal image, intuitive controls, and durable construction make it a valuable asset for any serious shooter.

While the price is steep, the features and performance justify the investment for those who demand the best. I wholeheartedly recommend the Armasight Contractor 640 3-12x50mm Thermal Weapon Sight to anyone looking for a high-quality thermal weapon sight. If you need a thermal scope that can stand up to harsh conditions and deliver crystal clear images, look no further.