As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out numerous optics over the years. Today, I’m excited to share my in-depth review of the Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope. This affordable piece of gear has been making waves in the hunting community, and I was eager to see if it lives up to the hype. After spending countless hours in the field with this scope, I’m ready to give you the full scoop on its performance, features, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.
Design and Construction
The first thing that struck me about the Firefield NVRS 3×42 is its robust construction. The scope is built with a titanium alloy body, which gives it an impressive level of durability without adding excessive weight. At just over 24 ounces, it’s not the lightest scope on the market, but it’s certainly manageable for extended use in the field.
The overall design is well thought out, with ergonomic placement of controls and a comfortable rubberized eyepiece. The scope has a unique shape that makes it easy to handle and mount, even in low-light conditions. One of the standout features is the quick-detach weaver mount, which allows for rapid switching between daytime optics and this night vision scope without losing zero.
The scope is also designed to be water-resistant, which is a crucial feature for those of us who often find ourselves hunting in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The lens is protected by a flip-up cover, adding an extra layer of durability to this already robust piece of equipment.
Optical Performance
Now, let’s talk about what really matters – the optical performance. The Firefield NVRS 3×42 offers a 3x magnification with a 42mm objective lens. This combination provides a good balance between magnification and light-gathering capability, which is crucial for a Gen 1 night vision device.
The scope uses GEN-I technology, which, while not as advanced as later generations, still offers decent performance at an affordable price point. The resolution is rated at 30 line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm), which translates to a clear and usable image in most nighttime hunting scenarios.
One of the key features of this scope is the built-in high-power infrared illuminator. This illuminator, which operates at a wavelength of 805nm, significantly enhances the scope’s performance in complete darkness. I found that with the IR illuminator on, I could easily spot targets at distances of 75-100 yards, even on moonless nights.
The scope features an illuminated red duplex reticle, which I found to be a game-changer for accurate target acquisition in low-light conditions. The brightness of the reticle is adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune it based on ambient light conditions and personal preference.
Field of View and Range
The Firefield NVRS 3×42 offers a field of view of 100 yards, which is quite generous for a scope in this price range. This wide field of view makes it easier to track moving targets, a crucial feature when hunting agile prey like coyotes or wild hogs.
In terms of effective range, I found the scope to be most useful within 100 yards. While it’s possible to spot larger targets beyond this distance, especially with good ambient light or additional IR illumination, the clarity begins to degrade. For most nighttime hunting scenarios, however, this range is more than adequate.
Mounting and Usability
One of the standout features of this scope is its quick-detach weaver mount. This system allows you to quickly switch between your daytime optics and the night vision scope without losing zero. It’s a feature that I’ve come to appreciate greatly, especially on hunts that start before sunset and continue into the night.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported issues with the mount coming loose under recoil. In my experience, this can be mitigated by properly adjusting the mount tension. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when mounting the scope.
The controls on the scope are well-placed and easy to use, even when wearing gloves. The power switch, reticle brightness adjustment, and focus ring are all within easy reach and operate smoothly. The eyepiece has a comfortable rubber coating that helps to eliminate stray light and provides a comfortable viewing experience even during extended use.
Battery Life and Power
The Firefield NVRS 3×42 runs on two AA batteries, which is a big plus in my book. AA batteries are readily available, and it’s easy to carry spares in the field. The battery life is impressive, especially for a Gen 1 device. Without using the IR illuminator, you can expect up to 50 hours of continuous use. Even with heavy use of the IR illuminator, I’ve consistently gotten 15-20 hours out of a single set of batteries.
This excellent battery life means you can confidently head out for an all-night hunt without worrying about your optics dying at a crucial moment. Just remember to carry a spare set of batteries as a precaution.
Image Quality and Clarity
For a Gen 1 night vision device, the image quality of the Firefield NVRS 3×42 is impressive. In passive mode (without the IR illuminator), the scope performs well on moonlit nights or in areas with some ambient light. You can expect to see about 10-15% better than with the naked eye in these conditions.
Where this scope really shines is when you activate the IR illuminator. The image becomes much clearer and brighter, allowing you to easily distinguish between different objects and identify targets. The green phosphor display is easy on the eyes and provides good contrast.
It’s important to note that like all Gen 1 devices, this scope can sometimes produce some image distortion, particularly around the edges of the field of view. However, this is minimal and doesn’t significantly impact the scope’s usability for most hunting applications.
Pros and Cons
After extensive use, here are what I consider to be the main pros and cons of the Firefield NVRS 3×42:
Pros:
– Affordable price point for a night vision riflescope
– Durable titanium alloy construction
– Quick-detach mount for easy switching between optics
– Built-in powerful IR illuminator
– Adjustable illuminated reticle
– Good battery life
– Water-resistant design
Cons:
– Heavier than some competing models
– Limited effective range beyond 100 yards
– Some users report issues with mount stability (though this can be mitigated with proper adjustment)
– As a Gen 1 device, it doesn’t perform as well as more expensive Gen 2 or Gen 3 optics
Real-World Performance
I’ve used this scope extensively for hog and coyote hunting, and it’s proven to be a reliable tool. On one memorable hunt, I was able to take down a large boar at about 80 yards in near-total darkness. The IR illuminator made the target stand out clearly against the background, and the adjustable reticle allowed for a precise shot placement.
For predator hunting, the scope’s wide field of view has been particularly useful. It allows me to quickly scan large areas and pick up on any movement. The clarity of the image, especially with the IR illuminator, makes it easy to distinguish between a coyote and other nighttime critters.
Final Thoughts
The Firefield NVRS 3×42 Gen 1 Night Vision Riflescope represents excellent value for money. While it can’t compete with high-end Gen 3 optics in terms of image quality and range, it provides more than enough performance for most nighttime hunting scenarios, especially considering its affordable price point.
This scope is an excellent choice for hunters looking to get into night vision without breaking the bank. It’s also a great option for those who only occasionally hunt at night and can’t justify the expense of a more advanced system.
The durability, ease of use, and decent optical performance make it a solid choice for beginners and experienced hunters alike. Just remember to familiarize yourself with the scope’s operation and limitations before heading out into the field.
If you’re on the fence about night vision hunting, the Firefield NVRS 3×42 offers an accessible entry point into this exciting world. It’s opened up a whole new dimension of hunting for me, allowing me to extend my time in the field and experience the thrill of stalking prey under the cover of darkness.
While it may not be the most advanced night vision scope on the market, the Firefield NVRS 3×42 delivers where it counts. It’s a reliable, functional, and affordable tool that can significantly enhance your nighttime hunting capabilities. Give it a try – you might just find yourself addicted to the nocturnal hunting experience!