Hik Thunder 2.0 TQ50 v Hik Thunder Clip On

[fordy1967]

Hello, I have 2 x Hik Thunder 2.0 TQ50, which are great out in the field. One is on a 17HMR, and one is on a .223. Now, when I go to the range, I take off the thermal and put on a glass scope, bit of a faff, especially checking zero when I put the thermal back on.

Anyway, was thinking I’ll sell my two TQ50 and buy one clip on, put glass scopes on both rifles and use the clip on for both. So, the question is, will I notice much difference in quality of my dedicated Thunder 2.0 TQ50 v the new Hik Thunder 3.0 clip on? Also, is it a doddle to swap the clip on between two rifles, any faffing with zeroing etc.?

Thank you in advance!

 

[mealiejimmy]

Go ahead and try it but be prepared to be very disappointed
A thermal front add-on fitted to a glass scope is not going to give anything like as good an image as a dedicated thermal scope with the same lens and sensor

Cheers

Bruce

 

[fordy1967]

Cheers Bruce, I shall heed your advice.

Any tips on a mount that will help keep zero for my TQ50 when I take it off my 223 please?

 

[mealiejimmy]

You could try this quick release mount for the Thunder that might improve the return to zero

Ex-Demo HIKMICRO Thunder Quick Release Picatinny Mount - EXD417

The HIKMICRO Weaver/Picatinny QR Mount is your ultimate solution for swift and seamless attachment of Thunder, Panther, or Cheetah devices to a Weaver/Picatinny rail.

www.opticswarehouse.co.uk

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Ttocs]

I fitted Leupold QR bases to my Sako 75 and made a mount for my Thunder with a pair of cut down QR rings and some aluminium bar. I also have a ZEISS day scope and a TD70 in QR rings. I can swap scopes in seconds with no loss of zero (tested at the range by removing, refitting, firing 2 shots and repeating several times - same raggy hole < 1/2”). I also have Leupold bases on my other Sako 75 so I can swap the 3 scopes onto that rifle two - the 2 digital scopes are the easiest as I have the zero profile already programmed in - the dayscope needs dialling.
The Thunder mount was easy to make with basic metalworking skills (I uses a wood router as I don’t have a mill); it also has the advantage that the scope sits a little lower too.

 

[scotch_egg]

I fitted Leupold QR bases to my Sako 75 and made a mount for my Thunder with a pair of cut down QR rings and some aluminium bar. I also have a ZEISS day scope and a TD70 in QR rings. I can swap scopes in seconds with no loss of zero (tested at the range by removing, refitting, firing 2 shots and repeating several times - same raggy hole < 1/2”). I also have Leupold bases on my other Sako 75 so I can swap the 3 scopes onto that rifle two - the 2 digital scopes are the easiest as I have the zero profile already programmed in - the dayscope needs dialling.
The Thunder mount was easy to make with basic metalworking skills (I uses a wood router as I don’t have a mill); it also has the advantage that the scope sits a little lower too.

That’s some nice work. Using the router is a great idea.

 

[thomas]

I have a Thermion 2 XG50, I have compared this directly against the new HIK addon fitted to my PMII 3-12x50, the HIK is superior by an absolute mile. At every step of magnification in various weather conditions the HIK wins. I accept the XG is not a top end dedicated unit but clarity, detail, etc etc is way short of the HIK.

 

[fordy1967]

I fitted Leupold QR bases to my Sako 75 and made a mount for my Thunder with a pair of cut down QR rings and some aluminium bar. I also have a ZEISS day scope and a TD70 in QR rings. I can swap scopes in seconds with no loss of zero (tested at the range by removing, refitting, firing 2 shots and repeating several times - same raggy hole < 1/2”). I also have Leupold bases on my other Sako 75 so I can swap the 3 scopes onto that rifle two - the 2 digital scopes are the easiest as I have the zero profile already programmed in - the dayscope needs dialling.
The Thunder mount was easy to make with basic metalworking skills (I uses a wood router as I don’t have a mill); it also has the advantage that the scope sits a little lower too.

Wow, very impressive skills; some way above mine though!

 

[fordy1967]

Has anyone compared the two side by side, or know of a review available, I have looked. I accept Bruce’s comments as he is an expert, just wanted another opinion before I confine this idea to the gash bin, and save my pennies for another purchase?

 

[Dari]

I am swapping diferrent thermal clip-ons on my daytime scopes.
I can confirm that dedicated scope is better, but how much better we really need for the job to be done.
I am using Delta Titanium 2,5-15×50 SF, which is more than decent daytime scope, excellent with rear add ons and has small enough magnification for using front add ons.
I am also lucky to have a lot of opportunities for testing different types of NV and thermal.
Keeping Delta Titanium on QR mounts, allows me to test diferrent types of add ons, and when testing dedicated optics, I can remove Delta without fear of losing zero, after returning it to the rifle.
Currently I am testing Guide TB630 mounted on Rusan modular adapter and with Rusan 2.5x monocular it is very close to dual use device, for approximately 2000€ all together.

If you will go to the front add on route, make sure you use decent addapters. Smartclip and Rusan are top models.

Cheers

 

[Tazz]

I am swapping diferrent thermal clip-ons on my daytime scopes.
I can confirm that dedicated scope is better, but how much better we really need for the job to be done.
I am using Delta Titanium 2,5-15×50 SF, which is more than decent daytime scope, excellent with rear add ons and has small enough magnification for using front add ons.
I am also lucky to have a lot of opportunities for testing different types of NV and thermal.
Keeping Delta Titanium on QR mounts, allows me to test diferrent types of add ons, and when testing dedicated optics, I can remove Delta without fear of losing zero, after returning it to the rifle.
Currently I am testing Guide TB630 mounted on Rusan modular adapter and with Rusan 2.5x monocular it is very close to dual use device, for approximately 2000€ all together.

If you will go to the front add on route, make sure you use decent addapters. Smartclip and Rusan are top models.

Cheers

I have a Pulsar Krypton XG35 series 1 front clip on I bought the Smartclip adaptor in 56mm it’s a much neater and better engineered solution than the Pulsar clip kit that is supplied by Pulsar

 

[fordy1967]

You could try this quick release mount for the Thunder that might improve the return to zero

Ex-Demo HIKMICRO Thunder Quick Release Picatinny Mount - EXD417

The HIKMICRO Weaver/Picatinny QR Mount is your ultimate solution for swift and seamless attachment of Thunder, Panther, or Cheetah devices to a Weaver/Picatinny rail.

www.opticswarehouse.co.uk

Cheers

Bruce

Sold out, some available at full price, £180 though. Going to try using my torque wrench, set at 5 Nm, see if that helps with holding zero….. At least it gives me an excuse to go to the range for some testing….