Are you thinking about getting a thermal imaging rifle scope? If you haven’t used one before, check them out and you will see what all the fuss is about. They are just downright cool. AGM Global Vision packed so many features into the Rattler TS that it will be hard to cover it all in one article. It not only works great on your favorite rifle but also as a handheld thermal monocular. AGM makes great products, and the Rattler is one of the lightest and most compact thermal imaging rifle scopes on the market. From thermal imaging to photos and videos, the Rattler does it all. I won’t waste a lot of time on the introduction because I want to cover as much as possible. So, let’s jump right into it and see what cool features this thing has.
Overview
Before getting into each feature separately, here are some basics about the Rattler TS Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope. The Rattler has a quick-release mount. As I mentioned above, the AGM works great for a riflescope or as a handheld monocular. A quick-release attachment makes it easy to switch back and forth. Thermal detection is 384×288 with 1024×768 OLED monitor which helps provide clear images in various conditions.
An on-screen menu has options that include:
- Brightness (5 levels to choose from)
- Trajectory (one shot zero correction)
- Contrast (5 levels to choose from)
- Scene mode (recognition and jungle)
- Reticle (5 to choose from)
- Color (white or green and red)
- Hot tracking (highest temperature mark)
Operating the Rattler
There are six buttons on the top of the Rattler, and the way they are laid out makes them simple to use. The power button is by itself above the rest of the buttons. The other five remind you of a TV remote with one larger button in the middle and one small button on all four sides. To turn the scope on or off, simply press and hold the power button. The function buttons have logos making it easy to see what they do.
The larger center button will bring up the menu when held for several seconds. Otherwise, it enables and disables the on-screen display (OSD). On the right of the menu button is a shutter button which corrects the non-uniformity of display on the screen. To the left is the mode button, which cycles through the palettes. With this setting, you can change the screen effects between red hot, white hot, black hot, and fusion.
I See Red People
“I see red people” isn’t the exact words whispered to Bruce Willis in the movie “The Sixth Sense,” but when using the Rattler as a Thermal Imaging Monocular, red people are exactly what you see. The obvious way to test out a device like this is to go somewhere so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face. Recruiting some of my kids for help, we headed outside in the dark for a test run.
It also helps you identify any other living things around your target. The images are so clear on the scope that hunting wild Bore, Coyotes, or Deer would be a blast. And because the Rattler can be removed from a rifle so easily, it would also work great for hiking and camping trips.
Zeroing and Trajectory Correction
When it comes to zeroing the Rattler on the range, the process is extremely easy. The reticles can be removed when using the system as a monocular by pressing the zoom button and holding it for four seconds. Repeat this step to bring the reticles back up. Before starting the zeroing process, you can also select the reticle type you want. There are five reticles to choose from.
Hold the menu button for several seconds until the menu comes up and then select the reticle logo. Press the button to the right and left of the menu button to scroll through the options. When you are ready to sight in the scope, go back to the reticle menu and use the four buttons that surround the menu button to move the on-screen reticle.
There’s also a trajectory correction mode that allows you to mark the spot your bullet hit with a small crosshair. The larger crosshairs stay on your intended target. You can repeat this process for several different distances. Now the Rattler will auto-correct depending on the distance you input for a shot. Up to five distances can be programmed in the Rattler.
Mingling Optics and Digital Technology
I think the app and photo/record features are one of my favorite things about Rattler. How many times have you told someone about that perfect shot you made when out hunting by yourself? You describe how cool it was and your buddy looks at you with that fake “I believe you” look. Not to start a sports argument on here, but football commercials are among the funniest. One of my favorites is the red flag replay commercials.
If you are using the app, you don’t even have to download them from Rattler. All photos and videos taken while using the app are stored in a section on the app for review. If you want to place the photos on the camera roll of your phone, just hit the download icon. The streaming feature on the app is real-time and I didn’t experience any lagging.
Final Thoughts
You don’t realize how handy thermal imaging riflescopes are until you use one for a while. Being able to hunt in complete darkness is so much more fun than in the daylight. Cost is one thing to consider when deciding what type of optic or scope to place on your rifle. Thermal imaging scopes will cost more than most standard optics or scopes. But the benefits and features could make it worth the extra cash. Like anything, it all depends on how much you plan to use it. The AGM Rattler comes with a three-year warranty. Inside the box, you get a nice carrying bag that protects the Rattler when you’re not using it. A computer cable is provided as well. Spending this much money on a riflescope is a big decision. But if you are going to buy one, this is one of the best deals you can get for the money.
