Suppose you would like to extend the duration of your hunting period to include low light and nighttime conditions but do not want to spend too much money on a night vision scope device. At the same time, you already own an excellent regular scope on your rifle. In that case, they consider the option of attaching a night vision monocular to your rifle scope to improve the device significantly.

Let us study what the night vision monocular is precisely and how it operates, how you can attach it to the scope, and what benefits you can expect from doing it.

First and foremost, let us dwell on what kind of night vision monocular device is and why it is a good option for installation.

What Is Night Vision Monocular

If you compare this device to the binocular, it is more compact and lightweight. It also comprises only one tube and one eyepiece compared to a binocular.
The device operates by gathering and intensifying the infrared light reflected from heated objects and then transforming it into the part of the light spectrum visible to the human eye.

Nowadays, there are night vision monoculars which can be additionally improved by a digital display that can operate both in daylight and in low- or no-light conditions, providing you with an excellent multicolor picture during the day and with black and a monochrome image at night by just switching from one operational mode to the other.

The device features a battery or a set of batteries, their capacity limiting the operational time of the device. Some models will also allow you to charge your device from the external power source.

Another possible option is the built-in infrared lamp. It is a good addition, but if your device does not feature this lamp, it can be purchased or supplied as separate light and mounted on the rifle or a rifle scope by a special attachment fitting. This IR-lamp will considerably improve your nighttime hunting in no-light conditions. Moreover, sometimes, you can adjust the brightness and the range of light rays on it, which is also very contributive.

Can You Use A Night Vision Monocular With A Rifle Scope

The aspects mentioned above make the night vision monocular ideal for installation on your rifle scope. The device is usually available with the already-existing set of attachment fittings which also highly facilitates the process of its structure.

Why not install the night vision scope instead of a regular rifle scope?

The answer lies in the fact that a good rifle scope provides a perfect targeting option and a good magnification. At the same time, the night vision monocular allows you to see in low- or no-light conditions. So combined, they will make a perfect match, each performing their primary functions. And again – they will cost you considerably less compared to the option of buying a high-quality all-in-one night vision scope. Moreover, this way, you will be able to hunt both in the day and at night time by simply detaching the night vision monocular from your rifle scope or re-attaching it, respectively.

Steps to Attach a Night Vision Monocular to a Scope

Now let us study the simple steps to install the night vision monocular on your rifle scope.
First, you should ensure that the night vision monocular you intend to buy is compatible with the rifle scope you have. So, check the manufacturer and the monocular characteristic features and measurements. Or you should think of purchasing the right set of attachment fittings. The best option is when the manufacturer of the monocular supplies the device already with the proper attachment rings or installation adaptor or converter unit. Otherwise, you should study in advance the method of the monocular attachment and should probably consider changing your rifle scope’s fitting base for an extended one – to house both the scope and the monocular.

Another critical issue to be thought about in advance is where you will intend to attach the monocular, as there are two possible options: you can either mount it in front of the rifle scope or behind it.

On the one hand, it is very convenient as it allows you to attach and detach the monocular very quickly from the scope. Furthermore, there is a lot of space on your rifle in front of the scope, so you will not have much trouble fitting the monocular there. But on the other hand, you will have to be very careful and patient at aligning your monocular with the scope. This is important as some monoculars featuring a clip-on are pre-designed to be mounted at the scope’s front.
If, alternatively, you intend to buy a device that will be installed behind your rifle scope, then you should take into consideration the measurements of the monocular and the allowable space aft of the scope. Moreover, you should also consider the issue of your rifle’s back-blow not to hurt yourself when you start shooting. On the other hand, you will expect more minor difficulties with your scope and monocular’s alignment.
After purchasing the monocular and the matching attachment fittings, ensure that you have the right tools for installing the device. You should also check that your rifle is unloaded.

You should also ensure that your working area is clean and clear of potential debris.

You should also check that the lenses of both the scope and the monocular are clean and clear of any dust or debris, remove all possible rust and then degrease all the attachment fittings and mounting points.

Then you should carefully follow the installation instruction.

If your attachment fitting implies attaching the monocular to the base with the attachment rings, you should first mount the base and the lower halves of attachment rings with the screws. Then you should install the monocular onto these half-rings and take the rifle in your hands and look through your rifle scope, and you're monocular to ensure their proper alignment. When you are satisfied with the result, you can screw the upper halves of the rings.
Make sure the screws are not overtightened or, on the opposite, remain loose, as both these conditions may negatively affect your monocular’s operation.
If you have a special adapter or converter, the assembly procedure will be much easier to conduct.

And the final instruction: try to protect your night vision monocular from daylight and store it with protective lens covers in a padded casing when you do not use it. This will extend the lifetime of the device.