Overall Rating
4.5/5
Benefits
Drawbacks
Recommended For: Whether you're a rancher, homesteader, or just prepping for the inevitable, this thermal riflescope has all the features you need.
If you’re looking for an essential item for your home defense, then look no further than the FLIR RS64-35mm. This night vision riflescope relies upon thermal imaging that is vastly superior to conventional image intensified (I2) night vision scopes. I2 scopes rely upon illumination in order to present an image, making them useless on dark nights or to accurately see what lays waiting in the shadows.
Thermal engineering, on the other hand, relies upon heat, giving you a clear idea of just what’s out there -whether it’s a predator after your cattle or an intruder assaulting your compound. If after reading this FLIR RS64 review you still aren’t convinced, keep in mind that there is a bigger, badder FLIR RS64 60mm also available.
Specifications for the FLIR rs64-35mm
The RS 64 FLIR has a sleek design to fit seamlessly on your weapon and to not interfere with your mobility -a thoughtful feature where home defense is concerned. It measures 8 inches long by 3.3 inches high by 2.9 inches wide and weighs about a pound and a half. The lens caps are also attached so they can’t get lost and it’s matte black in color, helping not to give away your position. It has a lens focal length of 35mm, with a fixed focus and electric zoom of up to 8x.
The reticle comes in three different styles (Duplex, Fine Duplex, and German) and also has four different color settings (white, black, red, and green.) The FLIR RS 64 has an active matrix LCD with a resolution of 640 x 480 for a clearer image. The display will also show if the thermal riflescope is zoomed in, and how much, as well as if the scope needs to be charged.
All operation is completed with four simple buttons along the side of the scope that are deliberately large to allow for easy operation when wearing gloves. Zooming in, changing between reticle patterns, or even changing the polarity palette is possible in three clicks or less thanks to the intuitive and user-friendly setup.
The FLIR RS64-35mm is compatible with any MSR semi-automatic up to .308 caliber and features an internal shock reduction system that will ensure top performance even after hammering out a few rounds. It mounts via MIL-STD Picatinny Rail System, making it versatile and easy to install. It also features an internal lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable via a standard USB cord and wall charger, which are included.
An external battery pack can also be used, but is not included. One battery charge should last at least four hours, giving you plenty of time to take down those pesky coyotes bothering your herd or to patrol the perimeter of your property.
Unlike smaller models in the FLIR R series, the FLIR RS64-35mm is able to output video (see footage above) enabling you to capture memorable moments and back up those bragging rights when you relay the tale of how you finally took down that mountain lion that was taking down your calves. It also has a wide polarity palette to choose from (black, white, sepia, iron, red, and InstAlert™) that allows just the right amount of contrast to get a clear image of your target.
This thermal riflescope has a rugged construction, as well, with a water resistant housing that can be fully submerged up to three feet. This means that you can expect reliable performance regardless of what the weather is like. Torrential rains, white-out snow conditions, nothing will interfere with your FLIR RS64’s ability to perform when you need it most.
FLIR RS64 60mm
Like what you see with the FLIR R Series but need something a little beefier than the 35mm scope? Look no further than the FLIR RS64 60mm. This is the baddest of the bad when it comes to thermal night vision scopes. It has all the features that make the R series the best choice in thermal night vision riflescopes for taking care of predators and varmints, but with extra performance that gives you clearer views of what’s stalking about in the night.
Sitting low on the rail, it provides high accuracy and at double the lens size than the 35mm, it provides greater magnification and image quality. It has a manual focus with electronic zoom magnification up to 8x. So while that magnification range is the same as the 35mm, the larger lens focal length makes for an image that appears nearly twice as close.
Range test comparing the two [1] shows that at 100 yards, the image the 35mm produces at 4x is roughly the same as the image produced by the 65mm at 2x -yet without the sharp details that the FLIR RS64 60mm brings.
The FLIR RS64 60mm has all the ruggedness you’d expect. It’s able to be submerged up to three feet in water for as long as 30 minutes without damage -so you can use it even in the pouring rain and not have to worry about this riflescope being damaged or its performance being impacted. It can also operate at temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit or as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It has an internal shock reduction system that provides increased life expectancy and performance and also features a 3-inch eye relief for comfortable viewing.
It measures 8.5 inches by 3.3 inches by 2.9 inches and weighs just over 2 pounds. That makes the FLIR RS64 60mm just a touch larger than the 35mm -a difference that will be hardly noticeable and won’t affect your performance.
Conclusion: FLIR rs64-35mm Riflescope Review
When it comes to thermal night vision, the FLIR RS64-35mm offers the high-quality and reliable performance you need. Whether you’re a rancher, homesteader, or just prepping for the inevitable, this thermal riflescope has all the features you need. Of course, it is important to note that laws relating to hunting at night and the use of thermal imagery devices varies state by state -and sometimes dramatically so.
Be sure to check with local laws and regulations to be certain that your efforts to defend your home and property don’t land you in hot water with local authorities. Thermal imaging devices are also prohibited for export, so be sure to check with national and international laws if you plan on taking your FLIR RS 64 with you on that out of the country hunting trip.
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