ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x Review

The ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x Made a Bold First Impression

The ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x arrived, and my initial reaction was a mix of excitement and anticipation. Having used thermal scopes for years, I was eager to see how ATN’s latest offering stacked up against the competition. Its promised clarity and advanced features suggested a new level of performance in the field.

I’ve spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, and thermal imaging has always fascinated me. I needed a reliable thermal scope for nocturnal predator control on my property, specifically one that could offer clear imaging at longer ranges without breaking the bank. The Thor 5’s magnification range and sensor resolution seemed like a good fit.

Unboxing the ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x was a positive experience. The scope felt solid and well-built, with a reassuring heft. The 30mm standard rings included were a welcome addition, saving me the immediate hassle of sourcing mounts.

I considered the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro and the Trijicon REAP-IR before settling on the ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x. While the Pulsar offered excellent image quality, the ATN’s integrated ballistic calculator and recording capabilities swayed my decision. The Trijicon, while a top performer, was significantly more expensive, making the Thor 5 a more appealing value proposition. My first thought was “This is impressive, but let’s see how it performs in the real world.”

Real-World Testing: Putting ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x on my ranch during a nighttime coyote hunt. The ambient temperature was around 35°F, with a light drizzle, typical of late fall in Texas. The scope was mounted on my AR-15 platform in .223 caliber.

The Thor 5’s performance in the low-light and wet conditions was impressive. The thermal image was clear and crisp, even in the drizzle, and the 4-16x magnification allowed me to easily identify targets at varying distances. The controls were intuitive, though adjusting the focus required a bit of practice in the dark.

The most surprising thing was the speed with which I was able to acquire targets. The clarity of the thermal image made it easier to differentiate between coyotes and other wildlife, even at a distance. There were no major issues encountered during the first use, and my initial impressions were definitely validated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x has proven to be a reliable and durable optic. It has been exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, dust, and temperature extremes, without any noticeable degradation in performance. The finish has held up well, showing only minor signs of wear around the mounting points.

Maintaining the Thor 5 is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth after each use is usually sufficient to keep the lens clean. The battery life is excellent, easily providing the advertised 10 hours of continuous use.

Compared to my previous experience with older thermal scopes, the ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x is a significant upgrade. The image quality is superior, and the additional features, like the ballistic calculator and video recording, have greatly enhanced my hunting experience. This scope has certainly exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x

Specifications

• Sensor: 320×240 60 fps 12 um. This high-resolution sensor provides a clear and detailed thermal image, even at longer ranges.
• Magnification: 4-16x. The adjustable magnification allows for both wide-field viewing and close-up target identification.
• Micro Display: OLED display 1024×768. The OLED display provides a crisp and bright image, even in low-light conditions.
• Eye Relief: 90 mm. Generous eye relief ensures comfortable viewing, even for users who wear glasses.
• Video Record Resolution: 1280 @ 60 fps. High-resolution video recording allows you to capture your hunts in detail.
• Ballistic Calculator: Yes. The integrated ballistic calculator simplifies long-range shooting by providing accurate holdover adjustments.
• WiFi & Bluetooth: iOS & Android Compatible. Wireless connectivity allows you to stream video, control the scope remotely, and share your hunts with others.
• Human Detection Range: 960 m. The human detection range allows you to identify potential targets at a significant distance.
• Battery Life: 10 hrs. The long battery life allows for extended use in the field.
• Weight: 1.93 lb / 0.88 kg. The relatively lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry for extended periods.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the scope’s performance in the field. The sensor resolution determines image clarity, while the magnification range dictates versatility. The ballistic calculator enhances accuracy, and the recording capabilities allow for documentation of hunts.

Performance & Functionality

The ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The thermal imaging is clear, crisp, and highly detailed, allowing for easy identification of targets at various distances. The ballistic calculator is accurate and easy to use, simplifying long-range shooting.

The scope’s strengths lie in its image quality, ease of use, and comprehensive feature set. One area for improvement would be the focus adjustment ring, which can be slightly stiff. Overall, the ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations for a thermal scope in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x features a robust and ergonomic design. The materials used feel high-quality, and the scope is well-balanced. The buttons are easy to access and operate, even with gloved hands.

The user interface is intuitive, though it may take some time to fully explore all of the scope’s features. The learning curve is relatively gentle, and the included manual provides clear instructions.

Durability & Maintenance

The ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x appears to be built to last. The housing is made from a durable polymer, and the lens is coated to resist scratches and abrasions. With proper care, this scope should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens and exterior surfaces. ATN’s 3-year warranty provides additional peace of mind.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x comes with standard 30mm mounting rings. This allows for easy mounting on a variety of rifles. The scope is compatible with external power banks via the USB type C port, extending battery life for extended hunts.

While the scope itself does not offer extensive customization options, its compatibility with standard mounting rings opens the door to a variety of aftermarket accessories. Users can also customize their reticle patterns and colors within the scope’s menu, further tailoring the scope to their individual needs.

Pros and Cons of ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x

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Who Should Buy ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x?

The ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x is perfect for hunters, ranchers, and landowners who need a reliable thermal scope for nighttime predator control or wildlife observation. It is also suitable for law enforcement or security personnel who require thermal imaging capabilities for surveillance or search and rescue operations.

This scope might not be the best choice for users who require extreme waterproofing or those who prioritize the absolute highest image resolution above all else. Someone on a very tight budget might want to consider a less feature-rich option.

A must-have accessory for the ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x is a high-capacity microSD card to take advantage of the video recording capabilities. An external battery pack can also be useful for extending battery life on extended hunts.

Conclusion on ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x

The ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x is a well-rounded thermal optic that offers excellent performance and a comprehensive feature set at a reasonable price. Its clear thermal imaging, integrated ballistic calculator, and video recording capabilities make it a valuable tool for hunters, ranchers, and law enforcement professionals.

The price of $2,195.00 is justified by the scope’s performance and features. While there are certainly more expensive and higher-end thermal scopes on the market, the ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x provides an excellent balance of performance and value.

I would highly recommend the ATN Thor 5 Thermal Rifle Scope 4-16x to anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich thermal optic. If you’re serious about night hunting or wildlife observation, this scope will give you a significant edge. Step into the darkness with confidence and experience the power of thermal vision.

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