Thermal front add ons

[Foxyboy43]

Hmmm.
This piqued my interest as I thought that an front add-on would be as simple in use as a rear one such as the Pard 007. However it seems that there is an element of additional adjustment on some models at least so I Googled it - “Zeroing Errors” may suggest otherwise but real world experiences would be interesting to hear…
Factors That Can Cause Point of Impact (POI) Shift
While the goal is a consistent zero, some factors can introduce minor shifts:

• Improper Mounting: A loose or inconsistent mount is the primary cause of POI shifts. Ensure the adapter is the correct size for your scope's objective bell and is secured firmly without overtightening.
• Inconsistent Attachment/Detachment: While some premium systems are designed for quick, repeatable attachment, variations in how the unit is mounted can affect alignment.
• Zeroing Errors: The initial alignment (sometimes called "micro-zeroing") of the clip-on is crucial. This process aligns the clip-on's display with the daytime optic's reticle.
• Barrel/System Heat: Thermal drift caused by a hot barrel can slightly affect the point of impact of the rifle system itself, regardless of the optic used.

In summary, a well-made thermal clip-on, used with a quality mount and properly aligned, should not require you to re-zero your daytime scope, offering versatility for both day and night use.

 

[Keith Edmunds]

Hmmm.
This piqued my interest as I thought that an front add-on would be as simple in use as a rear one such as the Pard 007. However it seems that there is an element of additional adjustment on some models at least so I Googled it - “Zeroing Errors” may suggest otherwise but real world experiences would be interesting to hear…
Factors That Can Cause Point of Impact (POI) Shift
While the goal is a consistent zero, some factors can introduce minor shifts:

• Improper Mounting: A loose or inconsistent mount is the primary cause of POI shifts. Ensure the adapter is the correct size for your scope's objective bell and is secured firmly without overtightening.
• Inconsistent Attachment/Detachment: While some premium systems are designed for quick, repeatable attachment, variations in how the unit is mounted can affect alignment.
• Zeroing Errors: The initial alignment (sometimes called "micro-zeroing") of the clip-on is crucial. This process aligns the clip-on's display with the daytime optic's reticle.
• Barrel/System Heat: Thermal drift caused by a hot barrel can slightly affect the point of impact of the rifle system itself, regardless of the optic used.

In summary, a well-made thermal clip-on, used with a quality mount and properly aligned, should not require you to re-zero your daytime scope, offering versatility for both day and night use.

I would personally prefer it if the Smart Clip could only be positioned in one place on the scope bell - every time. In practice it can be positioned anywhere around the circumference of the objective bell. I've marked my scope and Smart Clip with permanent marker but once I am 100% certain of accuracy/position I will put a blob of tamper-evident paint on each.

 

[bbell]

On the ThermTec HuntPro you can zero on the unit itself leaving your glass scope zeroed as normal. My understanding of the Swaro TM35+ is that you do not/cannot adjust zero on the unit.

That makes sense. Thanks for the response.

 

[wytonpjs]

I would personally prefer it if the Smart Clip could only be positioned in one place on the scope bell - every time. In practice it can be positioned anywhere around the circumference of the objective bell. I've marked my scope and Smart Clip with permanent marker but once I am 100% certain of accuracy/position I will put a blob of tamper-evident paint on each.

I leave the scope portion of the clip-on adapter (Rusan) permanently mounted to the scope - I have these fitted to 3 scopes. As I carry muzzle down, removing the Swaro lens cap hasn’t produced any issues. I find the Rusan adapters return-to- zero perfect

Thread 'Hik Micro Thunder 3.0 Rusan Adapter Instructions'

Jul 25, 2025

Having lost a Rusan adapter 2 nights ago from my 50mm Swaro scope (I carry muzzle down) and I thought it was tight, I could not locate any instructions from Rusan on how to tighten their adapter. I quick email yielded the following:



I don't want to loose another and equally, I don't want to damage the scope, hence the need to understand what the OEM recommends.

Unsightly as it will be, I think I may add a layer of rubber self-amalgamating electrician's tape to the rear to add further security. Does any other user have any good tips to prevent loss please?

• wytonpjs
• Replies: 21
• Forum: Equipment & Accessories

• 

 

[scotch_egg]

Do any of these front clip on units come with a pocatinny mount for a forend rail? That would ensure perfect or near to re-attachment.

 

[hairlesshunter]

whats your youtube name/ link to your vids?

cheers
Paul

Hi Paul here’s the link

Hairlesshunter

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

youtube.com

They should be the most recent ones
But feel free to view them all lol

Cheers
Craig

 

[hairlesshunter]

Do any of these front clip on units come with a pocatinny mount for a forend rail? That would ensure perfect or near to re-attachment.

I have seen one but for the life in me can’t remember which

 

[soapywatson]

I use an Infriray Mate MAH50 with one of these adapters on each of my rifles and it stays on the scope permanently so when I clip on to the scope it is always in the exact same spot relative to the scope and holds zero without any issues .Add on itself was a bit of a pig to get zeroed but once set up it works flawlessly regardless of how many times I take it on and off, only complaint would be you obviously cannot run scope caps on the front so have to use a neoprene sleeve.

Note, you will need the male part of the Rusan adapter too. I can get you a picture of the set up later this evening.

I went down the front clip on route just to be 'cheap' and not need a monocular as well as a thermal scope.

 

[bbell]

I use an Infriray Mate MAH50 with one of these adapters on each of my rifles and it stays on the scope permanently so when I clip on to the scope it is always in the exact same spot relative to the scope and holds zero without any issues .Add on itself was a bit of a pig to get zeroed but once set up it works flawlessly regardless of how many times I take it on and off, only complaint would be you obviously cannot run scope caps on the front so have to use a neoprene sleeve.

Note, you will need the male part of the Rusan adapter too. I can get you a picture of the set up later this evening.

I went down the front clip on route just to be 'cheap' and not need a monocular as well as a thermal scope.

View attachment 455398

Using the pulsar linked above as a handheld as well is making me think it could be a good option. Also been thinking about the pard 007 but would still like to have a thermal at some point.

 

[Andyquadra]

I leave the scope portion of the clip-on adapter (Rusan) permanently mounted to the scope - I have these fitted to 3 scopes. As I carry muzzle down, removing the Swaro lens cap hasn’t produced any issues. I find the Rusan adapters return-to- zero perfect

Thread 'Hik Micro Thunder 3.0 Rusan Adapter Instructions'

Jul 25, 2025

Having lost a Rusan adapter 2 nights ago from my 50mm Swaro scope (I carry muzzle down) and I thought it was tight, I could not locate any instructions from Rusan on how to tighten their adapter. I quick email yielded the following:



I don't want to loose another and equally, I don't want to damage the scope, hence the need to understand what the OEM recommends.

Unsightly as it will be, I think I may add a layer of rubber self-amalgamating electrician's tape to the rear to add further security. Does any other user have any good tips to prevent loss please?

• wytonpjs
• Replies: 21
• Forum: Equipment & Accessories

• 

Do you have different zero profiles saved on the clip on for the 3 scopes?

 

[Keith Edmunds]

Do any of these front clip on units come with a pocatinny mount for a forend rail? That would ensure perfect or near to re-attachment.

A friend on mine has an older Steiner clip-on that has picatinny mount but that is a bit of a brick in comparison to the Therm Tec.

 

[wytonpjs]

Do you have different zero profiles saved on the clip on for the 3 scopes?

Yes. Each profile holds not just alignment info but screen display scaling, etc.

 

[hairlesshunter]

I would personally prefer it if the Smart Clip could only be positioned in one place on the scope bell - every time. In practice it can be positioned anywhere around the circumference of the objective bell. I've marked my scope and Smart Clip with permanent marker but once I am 100% certain of accuracy/position I will put a blob of tamper-evident paint on each.

I used a similar method to Keith lined up the clip on the retention clip and mount to middle of the object end of the scope which seem to work too
The video I did showed if you if you don’t replace the clip-on in the same place the poi moves even though it retains zero

 

[Tim1989]

I use rusan mar adapter with thunder 3.0 on 4 different rifles , have a adapter on each scope and never take them off , always returns to zero

 

[Keith Edmunds]

I use rusan mar adapter with thunder 3.0 on 4 different rifles , have a adapter on each scope and never take them off , always returns to zero

That looks like an excellent solution - The MAR FX adapter looks spot-on.

 

[Tim1989]

rusan have now just brought out flip up lens covers for mar adapters

 

[nightcrow]

rusan have now just brought out flip up lens covers for mar adapters

Do you need a 50mm objective scope on extra high mounts for the micro to clear the barrel please?

 

[BLUEROLL]

Do you need a 50mm objective scope on extra high mounts for the micro to clear the barrel please?

It all depends on the barrel contour, length of the rifle scope, height of the pic rail etc.
I can get away with Tier One low rings on my Z8i.

 

[nightcrow]

It all depends on the barrel contour, length of the rifle scope, height of the pic rail etc.
I can get away with Tier One low rings on my Z8i.

I only have Warne high dovetail mounts on a Tikka T3 lite and a CZ550, I think I am going to have a problem.

 

[Tim1989]

Do you need a 50mm objective scope on extra high mounts for the micro to clear the barrel please?

medium height should be fine with most hunting rifles