RIX thermal scopes are among the best in the industry and are loaded with features to support your hunt, regardless of your season and quarry. Two of the best of these are the STORM S3R and S6R LRF riflescopes.
This short post will shed some light on each of these models, as well as where they will really shine.
About the RIX STORM S3R LRF
The STORM S3R LRF is a RIX thermal scope that is a solid budget coyote scope, especially at close and intermediate ranges.
With a 384x288 sensor resolution and a 25mK (or better) NETD rating, this RIX thermal scope is ideal for heat signature detection and target identification even under adverse conditions, and has a 50Hz frame rate for a smooth viewing experience, especially of a moving target.
A user-friendly form factor also means that while this RIX thermal scope can easily be mounted to a rifle and used as a primary thermal riflescope, it can also be detached and used for scanning or scouting as a thermal monocular.
An integrated lens cover, comfortable eyepiece, and large, ergonomic buttons on the top of the unit further add value, as these are easy to use, even in the cold and with gloves - another thing that makes this one of the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting, at least on the budget end.
It offers 3.5x base magnification and detection up to 1969 yards, making it uniquely suitable for identifying heat signatures a long way off so you can effectively close the gap.
At the bottom of the day, while it might not be the single best thermal scope for coyote hunting, it’s definitely a big budget contender because of all the value it packs, along with the slightly higher base magnification.
The S6R LRF
While the S3R is one of the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting if budget is a primary concern, the S6R is another strong contender, although this one might be better suited to hog hunters, especially in hot, muggy conditions.
This is due in part to its higher sensitivity; unlike the S3R, the S6R boasts a sensor resolution of 640x512 and a NETD rating of 20mK or better, which ensures high image clarity and less noise, even in hot, muggy conditions, which are not particularly uncommon while hog hunting. It would also make a suitable coon hunting scope at close and intermediate ranges. Like the S3R, the S6R offers a frame rate of 50Hz for smooth image processing even of a moving target.
With a lower base magnification of 2x and up to 4x digital zoom, the S6R is further entrenched as a good hog hunting scope - although either of these could make pretty good all-around thermal scopes, given appropriate conditions and pairing with rifles with appropriate chamberings.
Some Selling Points They Both Offer
The RIX thermal scopes in the STORM series feature a unique PIP (picture in picture) feature that empower the user to independently adjust the magnification setting of each. They’re also both powered by removable, rechargeable 18650 batteries and sport a “quick-detach” battery design that minimizes downtimes and facilitates swaps.
Zeroing one of these RIX thermal scopes is also easier due to a “return to center” function that repositions the reticle after zeroing.
Both the RIX STORM S3R and S6R feature integrated LRFs, or laser rangefinders with detection ranges of up to 1312 yards, with an accuracy of +/- 1 meter, and also feature a free ballistic calculator, making it easier for you to place accurate shots.
Both of these RIX riflescopes also weigh only one pound, making them lightweight, compact, and easily portable, and they also both sport an IP67 rating against ingress protection, meaning they are built to withstand the rigors of exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
On the same note, they feature “rain modes” that help improve visual clarity not just in precipitation, but in wet conditions and high humidity. On the other end of the spectrum, the “sunny mode” improves image clarity and reduces noise even in bright conditions.
In addition, they are Wi-Fi integration, compatible with the RIX+ app, feature 32 reticle combinations with 8 reticle styles in 4 colors, and offer photo and video recording thanks to a built-in microphone.
These thermal riflescopes are also optimized for recoil resistance and can withstand 1000g of impact. This makes them ideal as thermal scopes for big bore rifles and large calibers such as .375 H&H, 9.3x64 and even 12 gauge slug guns.
Explore These and Other RIX Thermal Scopes Here
Interested in learning more about one of these, or some other RIX thermal scope? Take a closer look via the links in this article, and of course, feel free to get in touch with us.
Before investing in thermal optics, give our experts at Dark Night Outdoors a call at 309-781-8421. We have vast hunting experience with thermal scopes and have a satisfaction guarantee for products we recommend. We are available 7 days a week from 8am to 9pm and would be more than happy to help you find the right scope for your specific application.
