Being electronic devices, thermal rifle scopes are a little more temperamental than conventional glass optics.

Though they operate according to some of the same principles, there are conditions that will affect them disproportionately, and some that are entirely unique to them.

For instance, ghost images and other other visual artifacts sometimes manifest on the displays of thermal scopes, counteracting their efficacy.

Here are some of the causes of these issues.

High Humidity

High humidity can degrade the performance of a thermal scope because the water in the air not only absorbs but scatters infrared radiation.

Humidity can decrease detection range and make it more difficult to detect thermal signatures, especially at extended ranges.

Unfortunately, this is not an issue with the scope and there is not much you can do with it. It’s just a condition you need to be aware of.

Rain or Fog

Rain and fog are even worse than humidity. In the case of rain, the physical raindrops will obstruct infrared radiation and will significantly counteract the scope’s detection range as well as acuity, even at close ranges.

Fog does the same thing; even when it is easy to see through light fog at intermediate ranges, the water droplets suspended in the air absorb and scatter infrared, which will lower the detection range as well as the clarity of the image on the display.

Falling Snow

Ordinarily, cold temperatures and a backdrop of snow or ice will increase a thermal rifle scope’s viability because the cold background produces sharper contrast with your target’s thermal signature.

However, if snow is actually coming down, the opposite occurs; the snow in the air will scatter and absorb infrared on the way to the scope, lowering the detection range and potentially reducing visual clarity as well.

Barrel Heat

This one’s a potentially common one for those of you who do a lot of shooting, especially in warmer conditions.

As your barrel heats up, it can produce a flare at the base of the thermal image on the display because the scope’s sensor will be detecting heat radiating from the barrel.

This will look like a fuzzy, arc-shaped “hot” image or flare at the base of the display. The best way to counteract this is to give your barrel time to cool between shots.

Improper Calibration

Ghost images can also be produced on your thermal rifle scope’s display because it is improperly calibrated. The best thing you can do to prevent this is ensure that your scope is properly calibrated at the range before you take it in the field. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Time for a New Thermal Rifle Scope?

Often, you can address the mild issues mentioned in this article just by being aware of your conditions and your scope’s limitations.

On the other hand, if you are here for a new thermal rifle scope, visit Dark Night Outdoors. They represent the top brands in the industry, such as Nocpix, iRay, and PULSAR thermal scopes, and if you contact them at 309-781-8421, they’ll even assist you with personalized recommendations.

For more information about Iray Usa and Thermal Binoculars Please visit: Dark Night Outdoors LLC.