Pulsar xp38 or xp50 with or without LRF?

[Marine]

I'm ready to pull the trigger and buy a Thermal scope. I've decided I want a Pulsar, but can't decide between the xp38 or xp50. Im also trying to decide if it's worth the extra $1000 for the Laser Range Finder. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Mounting on AR-15 for now.

[yotethumper]

What is your average shot distance?

[Marine]

I have access to hunt crop fields with unlimited distances. Not much experience with thermal so I'm not sure of the scopes limits.

[yotethumper]

Personally, I'd get a XQ50 and a handheld scanner. Would put you in the same price range as the XP50. Scanning with a thermal mounted on a rifle gets old fast. If you already have a scanner get the XP50. You're hunting fields so you'll end up liking the 50 more. I personally can't justify the extra expense for the LRF but if you're hunting alot of areas that you aren't familiar with then it may be useful. I hunt places that I know well and the LRF isnt needed.

[theblakester03]

Pulsar xp38 or xp50 with or without LRF?

Wait until June. Pulsar will be releasing their new line of thermals. 10 micron 320 resolution scopes will replace the XQ line. the 10 micron core vs 17 micron core will result in a better image even with a 320 resolution vs a 384 resolution . The 640 scopes will still have a 17 micron core. All will have more base magnification. All will have trail features. All will look a lot more like day scopes. And the price points will be better.
So unless you want a super low base magnification thermal, wait until June for the new line.
I think most hunters prefer somewhere around 2.5x-4x native optical zoom. Gives you a good balance for still having a wide field of view to see at night and also gives you enough magnification to get better detail and identify targets and make fairly precise shots. I would say most night hunters don’t shoot beyond 250-300 yards and 90% of their shots are under 200 yds. I’m talking about hunting hogs, coyotes , and bobcats mostly along with other occasional varmints.

I don’t think the range finder is worth an extra $1000. But ymmv. Also depends on what you are hunting, what distances, what caliber/load/barrel length you are shooting.

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[Hunteraudit]

Seeing detail a long ways is nice if you’re hunting some big fields. You may not shoot em that far, but you’ll know they’re there and can decide your approach for a shot. Advice on hand held vs scope is solid. As posted, consider pulsar’s upcoming offerings. Talk to Jason, outdoor legacy, he’ll get you some solid advice.

[Marine]

Wait until June. Pulsar will be releasing their new line of thermals. 10 micron 320 resolution scopes will replace the XQ line. the 10 micron core vs 17 micron core will result in a better image even with a 320 resolution vs a 384 resolution . The 640 scopes will still have a 17 micron core. All will have more base magnification. All will have trail features. All will look a lot more like day scopes. And the price points will be better.
So unless you want a super low base magnification thermal, wait until June for the new line.
I think most hunters prefer somewhere around 2.5x-4x native optical zoom. Gives you a good balance for still having a wide field of view to see at night and also gives you enough magnification to get better detail and identify targets and make fairly precise shots. I would say most night hunters don’t shoot beyond 250-300 yards and 90% of their shots are under 200 yds. I’m talking about hunting hogs, coyotes , and bobcats mostly along with other occasional varmints.

I don’t think the range finder is worth an extra $1000. But ymmv. Also depends on what you are hunting, what distances, what caliber/load/barrel length you are shooting.

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Good advice. Thanks!

[Electrican]

Give Jason a call at Outdoor Legacy he will more than help choose, very knowledgeable. He’s a site sponsor as well.