PVS-7B Gen3 L3 Auto-Gated (M963) Goggle, or PVS-14 Gen3 PINNACLE Night Enforcer monocular

I'm cleared to spend up to $4000 on NV.

I want Gen 3 with all the tube protection features available.

I need help deciding whether to get the PVS-7B Gen3 L3 Auto-Gated (M963) goggles or PVS-14 Gen3 PINNACLE Night Enforcer monocular.

I want to be cool and get the monocular so I can mount it on a rifle, but the other 99.9% of the time I'd be using it, I'd rather be able to see where I'm going......I think.

Can the goggle be used to sight and fire an AR-15 with an EoTech 552 mounted on the rifle? as far as line-of-sight goes, I think I know the goggle isn't nearly as efficient as the weapon-mounted monocular would be, but can the goggle be used to fire an AR once in a blue moon?

I'm trying to make a wise decision. I scared to death that I'll get one and then 15 minutes after getting it, realizing I should have gotten the other one. ://

I looked for a thread that compares the civilian's, day-to-day usability differences between the monocular and goggle, but I didn't see it––if there is one.

I've seen NV life expectancy quoted. Do NV devices have a life of X-years of use, or X-years whether much or little actual use?

Who should I call to talk to? I'm very serious about getting this done before my better half changes her mind!

HALP!

Thanks.

TNVC

.....And ask to speak to.....

Thanks.

Me Vic, Chip or Kyle... Any of us will be happy, to assist.

Vic

The PVS-14 is definitely going to be more versatile. We use them mainly helmet mounted but occasionally we'll weapon mount them. We can also mount them in front of cameras or behind day scopes. The PVS-7 is only used by either observers without weapons or by the driver when they're driving. We could use the PVS-7 to run weapons with using the PEQ to aim but we never do but getting an IR laser to mount to the weapon to shoot in your case might be something that you would want to do.

It's definitely a lot nicer using the PVS-7 since you can use both eyes and it's a little more natural but it also blacks out your natural night vision in both eyes for a bit if you take them off. We'll probably end up with an ANVIS or PVS-23 to use for driving to give added depth perception.

Great conversation injun-ear, you did your homework quite well for what you want.

Vic

I appreciate your time, Vic.

I'm still studying about exactly what I want to get. I'll probably be calling you again soon, with more questions.

I own a gen 3 monocular (PVS-14 body w/ a mid-grade MX10160 tube) and a PVS-7B. If I could keep just one, it would be the monocular. Although I do enjoy using the PVS-7 just a tad more when I am just playing around or looking at the stars.

The 2 biggest reason for the monocular is the flexibility and situation awareness. As far as flexibility, you can helmet mount it, weapon mount it, mount it behind a day optic, stick it in a pocket, get a second to make dual tube model, etc. So it get alot of different uses with the one unit. While a PVS-7 can do some of the things, it is much less flexible in actual use. A monocular is also small enough that you would take it with you while you most likely would leave a PVS-7 behind. As for situational awareness, a monocular allows you to see whats going on around you. With one eye on the tube and the other without, you can see what the lighting conditions are like. It's not a big deal out in the middle of the desert with no lights, but it really plays a factor when there is any ambient lighting around (like in the suburbs or near the edge of town). You also don't get the tunnel (or in this case tube) vision of using goggles as the non-tubed eye still is able to see what is around you. Not to mention you retain you natural ability to see in the dark with one eye that isn't behind the tube.

Another factor on a true PVS-14 vs a PVS-7 is the adjustable gain feature. There are times when it makes a big difference in use. It adds to the flexibility of the PVS-14, particularly in high light environments such as the suburbs, urban parks, in fields next to high light environments, etc. You can turn the gain down and see more detail in high light areas.

Now, not all is bad with the PVS-7. First, they seem to sell quite a bit cheaper if you see them on the used market. Everybody wants a PVS-14 (and I can see why), so that hurts the resale value on the PVS-7 (good if buying used, bad if selling used). If you are buying new, it doesn't play a factor except if you sell it later. But I was able to pick up my PVS-7 much cheaper than a comparable performing monocular. Another thing, there is much less eye strain with the PVS-7 when observing something for extended time. Things like star watching with a 3x magnifier or when playing around with IR lasers are a tad easier for me with the PVS-7. Also, seeing something with both eyes, works better for me than seeing with just one eye, even if I get no real added depth perception. Lastly, the PVS-7 were the hot item when I was a kid (1980's) and have always liked them. So for me, having something I saw in SOF magazine when I was 10 years old definitely has some novelty to it. I also bought the same model Daisy BB gun that I had as a kid as well for similar reasons.

The 14 is more versatile and easier to stash in a pocket or pouch. The 7 is heavier and bulkier. I had both but when I needed a few bucks for another project I chose to keep the 7's and sell the 14's. Both were great gen 3 units but for some reason my opposite eye would spasm after after awhile with the monocular and it drove me nuts. Looking back I should have just kept the 14, bought another and ran duals.

I have both a PVS-14 and a PVS-7b. I agree with what the previous gentlemen have said, the PVS-14 is much more flexible. For hunting hogs, I wear it head mounted on my right eye, and can bring up my weapon pretty quickly when I need to shoot (looking through a NV compatible Aimpoint). The adjustable gain is a nice feature, but in all honesty, I rarely use it. So for hunting applications, PVS-14 all the way. The PVS-7b, however, is much nicer for just observing. There is something very special about looking through a NOD with both eyes. You are fully engaged in the experience. You are inside another world. You are part of the Matrix.

I sincerely appreciate the feedback.

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