For decades, after-dark shooting sports and field observation was a game of high-powered flashlights and limited visibility. However, the landscape is shifting. In a recent hands-on review, Chris Rhodes took a closer look at how INFITAC brings accessible, high-performance thermal optics to handgun and rifle shooters.
A New Tier of Versatility
While the market is currently saturated with standard rifle scopes, INFITAC has carved out a unique space. Rhodes highlights two specific models that offer more than just a clear image: the FML19 Handgun Thermal and the IOL25 Rifle Thermal.
What sets these apart? It’s the flexibility. Whether you need a dedicated pistol optic or a rifle scope that transitions from a standalone unit to a clip-on, INFITAC provides a professional-grade solution without the "social media-flagging" price tags typically associated with thermal gear.
Thermal Pistol Sights Fast Mini FML19
Real-World Detection: From Town to the Trail
Rhodes’ testing began with a "dash outside" to test the sensor's clarity. Even in a town environment, the results were immediate:
- Long-Range Clarity: Identification of window frames, light poles, and vehicles at distances exceeding 1/4 mile.
- Critique Detection: Mule deer were easily located and identified at 200+ yards with a clean image.
- Small Target Tracking: The optics proved sensitive enough to identify house-cat-sized animals at a distance, proving their worth for vermin and predator control.
The FML19: Rugged Engineering for Handguns
Handgun shooting places serious demands on optics, and Rhodes was particularly interested in the FML19. To test its durability, he mounted it on a semi-auto STP SWAT 9mm 2011.
"A semi-auto handgun actually abuses an optic a whole lot more [than a revolver]," Rhodes noted. "With the slide slamming back and forth, it applies forces to the optic that no revolver can match."
Key Takeaways for the FML19:
- Mounting: FML19 is designed for RMR footprints. It is also compatible with a wide range of modern slides and adapter plates.
- User Interface: Features an intuitive touchscreen for simple zeroing—a rare and welcome feature for those who want to spend less time in menus and more time on target.
- Reliability: Despite being larger than a standard red dot, the FML19 had no negative impact on the firearm's cycling.
The IOL25: The Ultimate Hybrid Rifle Optic
For rifle shooters, the IOL25 offers a dual-threat capability. It can function as a Standalone thermal scope with its own reticles or as a Clip-On unit mounted in front of a traditional day scope.
The Advantage of Choice:
- Standalone Mode: Perfect for dedicated night rigs where the thermal is the primary aiming solution.
- Clip-On Mode: Rhodes mounted the IOL25 in front of an EOTECH Vudu 3-9 on a Steyr AUG. This setup allows shooting enthusiast to keep their traditional zero and simply "add" thermal capability when the sun goes down.
- Ease of Use: The quick-release mount attaches to any standard Picatinny rail, and the ocular adjustment allows for clear focus even when paired with magnified day optics.
Performance in the Field: While thermal screens can be challenging in direct, overhead Wyoming sunlight, Rhodes found that the optics truly shine in their intended environment: early mornings, late evenings, and total darkness.
Zeroing & Customization: Rhodes successfully utilized both "hand warmer" and "foil tape" methods for zeroing. Furthermore, both the FML19 and IOL25 allow users to toggle between multiple heat signatures, including White Hot, Black Hot, and Red Hot, ensuring the target stands out against any background.
The Final Verdict
Whether you are tracking hogs in the brush, managing coyotes on the plains, or looking to upgrade your single-shot handgun rig, INFITAC’s latest offerings provide a clear path forward. As Chris Rhodes concluded, these optics offer a "great deal of promise" through their ease of mounting, clear imaging, and rugged reliability.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.