If you’re into tactical gear or night hunting, you might be wondering: can you use night vision goggles with a scope? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as just holding one in front of the other. Combining these two optical devices requires specific equipment and setup to work effectively and safely. This guide will walk you through the how, why, and what you need to know.
Can You Use Night Vision Goggles With a Scope
Successfully using night vision goggles with a scope depends on the type of gear you have. The most common and effective method is called “night vision bridging.” This involves using a special mount to physically connect your night vision goggles to your day scope, allowing you to look through both simultaneously. It’s a popular setup for shooters who need to maintain situational awareness while aiming.
How Night Vision Bridging Works
Bridging uses a mount that attaches to your helmet or headgear. Your night vision goggles are fixed on one side of this mount. On the other side, an adapter holds your riflescope or a dedicated night vision monocular. When you look through your goggles, you can see the magnified image from the scope in one eye, while the other eye sees the unmagnified, wide field of view from the goggles. Your brain merges these two images, giving you an aiming point in the dark.
- Dual-Tube Goggles: These are ideal for bridging because they have two separate image intensifier tubes, one for each eye.
- The Bridge Mount: This is the critical hardware that holds both devices in perfect alignment infront of your eyes.
- Scope Choice: You typically need a scope with good “eye relief” (the distance your eye needs to be from the lens) to make this work comfortably.
Alternative Method: Clip-On Systems
If bridging sounds complex, there’s another excellent option. Night vision or thermal clip-on devices attach directly to the front of your existing daytime scope. They turn your regular scope into a night vision scope without needing to change your zero or hold your head in a special position. You simply mount the unit, turn it on, and look through your scope as you normally would.
- Pros: Faster to use, maintains your natural shooting posture, and often works with your scope’s existing magnification.
- Cons: Usually more expensive than a bridging setup and adds weight to the front of your rifle.
What About Just Holding Them Up?
You might think you could just hold your night vision goggles up to the eyepiece of your scope. In practice, this is very difficult and ineffective. The alignment is nearly impossible to maintain, the image will be shaky, and you risk damaging the lenses of both devices by hitting them together. It’s not a recommended or reliable technique for actual use.
Key Equipment You’ll Need
To build a functional system, you’ll need to gather the right components. Skipping on quality here can lead to poor performance or even safty issues.
- Night Vision Goggles/Binoculars: Dual-tube devices (like AN/PVS-15 or -31 styles) are best for bridging.
- Bridge Mount: Brands like Wilcox, Norotos, and Unity Tactical make popular models. Ensure it’s compatible with your goggle and helmet shroud.
- Helmet and Shroud: A ballistic or bump helmet with a standardized night vision shroud (often a “Wilcox” style) is essential for hands-free use.
- Monocular or Scope Adapter: This part holds your magnified optic in the bridge. Some bridges are designed for specific monoculars.
- IR Laser/Illuminator: For aiming without visible light, an infrared laser aiming module is almost always used in conjunction with night vision.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Getting your system ready requires careful assembly and adjustment. Follow these steps to ensure everything works in harmony.
- Mount the Shroud: Securely attach the night vision shroud to your helmet according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Attach the Bridge: Connect the bridge mount to the shroud. You should hear a firm “click” when it’s locked in place.
- Install the Goggles: Mount your night vision goggles onto one side of the bridge. Make sure they are snug and won’t wobble.
- Add the Magnified Optic: Place your night vision monocular or dedicated scope into the other side of the bridge mount and tighten all screws.
- Adjust for Eye Relief: This is the most critical step. Slide the bridge forward or backward on the shroud until you can see a full, clear image through both the goggles and the scope without vignetting (black rings).
- Zero Your Laser: Since you likely won’t be looking directly down your rifle’s scope, zero an infrared laser to your rifle at a desired distance (e.g., 50 yards).
Important Considerations and Limitations
Even with the right gear, there are some trade-offs and things to keep in mind. Night vision technology has it’s limits.
- Depth Perception: Bridging can sometimes cause minor depth perception issues because each eye is seeing a different image. Training helps your brain adapt.
- Weight and Balance: A full helmet setup is heavy. Neck strain is a real concern during long periods of use.
- Cost: High-quality night vision is a significant investment. The bridge, mount, and helmet add hundreds more to the total.
- Battery Life: Always carry spare batteries. Night vision devices can drain power quickly, especially in cold weather.
- Light Discipline: Remember, night vision is amplified light. A sudden bright light (like a muzzle flash or car headlight) can damage the tubes or temporarily blind you.
Is It Worth It For You?
Deciding to combine night vision goggles with a scope depends on your activities. For military, law enforcement, or serious night hunters, the advantages in situational awareness and target identification are unbeatable. For a casual user who only needs occasional night shooting, a dedicated night vision scope or a clip-on system might be a simpler and more cost-effective solution. Think about how often you’ll actually use the system in low-light conditions.
FAQ Section
Can you use any night vision goggles with a rifle scope?
Not directly. You need a specific bridging setup or a clip-on system. Standard night vision goggles are designed for handheld or helmet-mounted viewing, not for direct attachment to a scope’s eyepiece.
What is the best way to use night vision with a scope?
For active shooting, professionals prefer either a bridged goggle system for mobility or a front-mounted clip-on device for a more traditional shooting feel. The “best” way depends on your budget and intended use.
Do you need a special scope for night vision?
For bridging, you often use a dedicated night vision monocular. For clip-on systems, many modern daytime scopes work well, but scopes with illuminated reticles and first focal plane designs often perform better. Some older scopes may have coatings that block infrared light, making them incompatible.
Can I add night vision to my existing scope?
Yes, this is exactly what a clip-on night vision or thermal device does. It attaches to the objective lens (front) of your existing scope, allowing you to use your scope’s magnification and reticle at night without changing your daytime zero.
Is it hard to shoot with night vision goggles?
There is a learning curve. Shooting with a bridged system requires practice to get used to the dual-image view and aiming with an IR laser. It’s not inherently hard, but proficiency requires dedicated training under low-light conditions to become effective and safe.