ATN ThOR LTV 4-12x Thermal Scope Review: Best Thermal Scope?

How often have you considered going after nighttime-active predators but couldn’t because you don’t see so well at night?

There have been times and situations where a night-imaging thermal scope would’ve come in handy.

I live in the boonies, and I also have chickens in addition to cats. We have lost a lot of chickens to nighttime nasties, possums, and raccoons. It would’ve been handy to spot the varmint as it tried to wiggle under the fence.

That’s where a thermal-imaging scope comes in handy.

Today, we will look at a top-of-the-line model from ATN – the ThOR LTV 4-12x Thermal Scope. We’ll review the specs, look at the pros and cons, and decide if this model is worth the case.

So, keep reading!

ATN ThOR LTV 4-12x Specs & Features

Specs

• Dimensions: 11.5″ x 2.2″ x 2.2″
• Resolution: 320×240
• Video Recording: 1280p
• Magnification: 4-12x
• Weight: 1.4 lb
• Eye Relief: 3 inches
• Month: Standard 30mm
• Color Modes: Black Hot/White Hot with 8 color schemes
• Reticles: Multiple patterns and crosshairs
• Warranty: 3 Years
• In the Box: Collapsible, soft-rubber eyecup; cloth zip up scope storage bag; USB charging cable; flip-up lens cap; standard 30mm rings
• MSRP: $1,795

Features

• Easy adjustments
• USB-C charging (cable included)
• Sharp imaging
• Micro-SD card ready

Source: ATN

Background

ATN Corp has been making optics of wide varieties since 1995 when it appeared on the global stage. The company produces several products, from monoculars and goggles to scopes. They sell to civilian buyers and also to the military.

The company makes 42 different thermal scopes ranging in price from $600 to $7,200. They also make 23 monoculars and eight binoculars. Bear in mind, these are simply their thermal imaging products…they make actual night vision items, as well.

The scope I tested is a Gen-4 version. It outclasses its 160-px cousin, with double the resolution at 320-px and video-recording capabilities. Each generation of optics improves on the previous one…advances in digital technology have helped. Others in the series go to 640-px (and higher) resolution.

Who Is It For?

This scope is for hunters or other shooters who desire or need to shoot at night. Although it is very usable during daylight, it truly shines after dark.

What Works (and What Doesn’t)?

Let’s suffice to say that the scope is not light at 1.4 pounds but, once mounted on a rifle, tends not to be noticed.

In terms of ergonomics and controls, they are handy and effective. A press of the center “O” button brings up a menu in the viewfinder that gets you to all the settings needed to make the scope more effective for your uses. Controls are nicely laid out, and it comes with a front lens flip-up cover.

One feature I liked was the “One-Shot Zero.” This menu option is a way to sight your rifle in with one shot. To activate this mode, press the center button and arrow key over to “One-Shot Zero.” Press the button again, and two superimposed reticles appear in different colors.

You simply use the arrow keys to move the top reticle over the hole your sighting shot made, and viola! You’re zeroed. I set mine at 25 yards since I wanted it sighted in for up-close uses but you could locate your zero wherever you like.

I almost downrated the scope a half-point for not having WiFi, a rangefinder, or a ballistic calculator, but I figured those features would be offered at some price point in the ATN line.

The only thing I could remotely label a “miss” is if you are in a hurry to remove the SD card to view video or stills, you’d better have a pair of tweezers handy. That card slot is tiny!

Performance: Does It Help You Shoot Better?

My good friend Ed teaches an automotive class, among other things, at the local high school. He is a former deputy and avid shooter, so he knows all about night vision and related topics.

He came over with a fancy Sig AR set-up… expensive red dot and magnifier, powerful light mounted low, etc. He wanted to see how his set-up compared to my lowly, personally camouflaged 10/22 with mounted ATN thermal scope.

He “aimed” at our outside-roosted, sleeping chickens with his AR from across the yard, about 25 yards. It was well after dark. He lit a couple of chickens up with his light but could barely find them with the dot. I handed him the 10/22, and he proceeded to “see” each chicken (well, their thermal signature, at least). He was blown away, in a good way!

He found a “dark blob” closer in the yard – it turned out to be a rock that was still warm from the sun. Of course, we couldn’t see it with our eyeballs…

The scope not only allowed him to find the target but also enabled him to break it up with one shot.

By the Numbers

Reliability: 5/5

The scope held its charge as claimed and worked.

Ergonomics: 5/5

Hard to rate. The scope was not unusually heavy.

Accuracy: 5/5

Very repeatable held zero well.

Customization: 2/5

Not that many accessories out there, but it doesn’t need many.

Value: 5/5

The scope’s feature set was top-notch.

Overall: 4.5/5

I think you could do worse for your dollar.

Final Verdict

Overall, I like the ATN ThOR LT. I’ve had three shooters give me the “want to swap me something for it” face while out testing. It has boosted my popularity locally, for sure.

There’s a reason for that – it works. Whether you’re pretend-popping chickens or are after one of the dozens of coyotes that infest our area, it works.

What do you think of the ATN ThOR LT? Let us know in the comments below! For more nighttime fun, check out our round-up of the Best Thermal Scopes and Best Night Vision Optics.