Today it’s time to analyze another combat scope . It is usually mounted on AR and AK rifles, both on practice platforms (airsoft) and on rifles for military use. We are talking of course about the VO Thanator 1-8×24.
Due to the great popularity of this telescopic sight, we are going to be tough in the analysis. We want to see if this product is as good as its fans rave about and of course, if it is worth it for the price.
Without further ado, let’s see what this piece has to offer us. Let’s go!
Índice del artículo
Features Vector Optics Thanator 1-8×24
First things first, let’s look at the datasheet to get a general idea of the scope.
- Magnification : Low, for short distances. From 1X to 8X.
- Lens Diameter : Closed. 24 mm not compromising the scope weight.
- Focal plane: Second focal plane. The size of the reticle does NOT change with zoom.
- Turrets : Capped or protected, like the ones you usually use in hunting riflescopes .
- Turret adjustment : Decent. Total internal adjustment of 12 MIL. Click value 1/10 MIL.
- Eye relief : Excellent. 91-111 mm of eye relief, to withstand recoil from automatic rifles.
- Tube diameter : 30mm monotube. Suitable for .223, .308, 30-06, .300 and .338.
- Protection : Shockproof (750g), waterproof and fully nitrogen purged.
- Parallax adjustment : Does not have. Fixed at 100 yards.
- illumination: Lateral, 11 levels in red.
- Dimensions : Small and lightweight. Length 260 mm. Weight 500 gr.
- Reticle : VTC-2 MIL combat reticle for CQB or CQC.
Purpose of the scope
As we have been anticipating, this is clearly a scope for CQC (close combat). They took away anything that could compromise speed in target acquisition.
We have 1X (no magnification) for very short distances and 8X for medium distances. The zoom selector favors quick adjustment and the design is simple but effective.
Regarding the platforms on which the scope can be mounted , it is specially designed to withstand the recoil of AR and AK type rifles (ex: .223, .308, 30-06, .300 and .338, etc). Of course it can also be used for airsoft and other practice platforms.
Is it worth buying? Pros and cons
Now let’s get down to it. Let’s see the advantages and disadvantages that we found:
Advantages
✅ Effective.
✅ X8 zoom.
✅ 5-year warranty.
Disadvantages
⛔ Exclusive.
⛔ Regular illumination.
⛔ Poor presentation.
Advantages in detail
The scope is focused on giving the best possible experience in close combat and mounted on automatic and semi-automatic platforms. For those looking for this type of sight, it is an ideal alternative.
Although this scope is not one of the most economical that Vector Optics offers for CQB (Compared to the VO Arbiter 1-4 × 24 , for example), we do can say that the optical quality is very good and it also offers us 8 levels of variable magnification, when most riflescopes of this type only offer 4.
It has a 5-year guarantee. It is always a peace of mind to have a guarantee and if it is more than one year better. Scope without warranty, be suspicious.
Disadvantages in detail
We believe that the downside of specialization is exclusivity, meaning this scope only serves a single purpose and that rigidity is a clear disadvantage for shooters interested in multiple disciplines.
The illumination of the scope could be better. In this sense, perhaps Vector Optics did not choose to equip it with a better illumination system so as not to compromise the price of the product.
The scope simply comes with a cardboard box, rings, and a cloth to clean the lens. I personally believe that packaging is something that plays against Vector Optics in this case. They could have worked on it a bit more.
Unboxing the Vector Optics Thanator 1-8×24 IR CQB
As we had anticipated above , the content of the box is as follows :
- Vector Optics Thanator 1-8×24
- Scope box
- 30 mm rings
- Cloth to clean the lens
- User’s manual
- Certificate of guarantee
General opinions Vector Optics Thanator 1-8×24
In general this is a very popular scope in Russia where the use of AK rifles requires an optic of these characteristics. Users highlight the scope ‘s value for money as its greatest virtue.
We investigated some negative feedback and the cause of their dissatisfaction was product shipping issues. We found nothing which could compromise the quality of the product.
Personal opinion Vector Optics Thanator 1-8×24
I think it’s a notch above what a typical CQB product would be for 2 reasons: The zoom and the reticle .
Normally a scope of these characteristics reaches magnification X4, but the Thanator grants twice the powers, extending the effective range of the scope considerably.
Added to that, the reticle is a bit more sophisticated than the rest of the riflescopes that are seen on the market. It allows a fast target acquisition and also gives us the ability to make finer shots if necessary.
In short, I feel comfortable recommending this scope for short distances, especially CQB or CQC.
Good shots!
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