Opinion on surplus night vision scopes?

[H Wally]

Was thinking about modding out my 858 and thought it could be fun to put NV on it... just because...

What're the opinions on older russian NV systems like the 1PN34 and 1PN58?
I know they're built to last, but is there a problem with them simply aging?

I can expect batteries to wear down and bulbs to wear out, but I'm worried about replacing parts that're harder to get or repair, especially since the technology was so young when these were being produced. Is this a factor, or are these meant to just keep on running like the rest of russian stuff?

 

[Harry Potter]

if you expect any kind of performance you will be disapointed. Russian NV was never known to be good during the cold war, and if it was still any good, it wouldn't be surplussed.

However, if you want to set it up as a representative example, then sure, go ahead, but then spares should not be an issue.

 

[H Wally]

I'm not talking about it as a heavy use scope, but I would like it to work. Same idea as buying an old gun. I'm not going to make it into a truck gun and abuse the crud out of it, but I'd like to to function and last all the same.

 

[Harry Potter]

Wally,
The photosensitive detectors have an operational life, and sensitivity will decrease with use. If you get it brand new in box, you will get some use out of it. If it has been used before, i would guess that a surplus russian NV will not have a whole lot of life left into it by the time you get your hands on it. Also, these things weren't build with auto-gating circuits and if exposed to light, the detector would lose all sensitivity real fast, or have blind spots on the screen. If it has aged on a shelf without use, i would think that it will still be good. The question is how can you know for sure without testing it yourself.

Generaly speaking, after you have been exposed to a good quality gen 3 or better NVG, you get really disapointed with russian surplus optics.