AGM Rattler TS-25 384

Today we’re reviewing the AGM Rattler TS25 384 Core. For comparison, I’ll also include B-Roll from other thermal and night vision devices. For clarity, I’ll put notes on the screen at times where a different device is being used. Since quality and value is always relative to competitors, I’m comparing the Rattler against the Sig ECHO3 and the iRay RICO 640 core.

Context: I’m a prepared civilian with a rural homestead. I hunt for meat and to protect livestock from predators. But, my mindset leans more toward civilian preparedness and less toward hunting as a primary pursuit.

Disclosures: I used the AGM Rattler for a few weeks, but I haven’t (yet) put one through years of rigorous testing. Also, Limitless America loaned me this thermal, but I’m not letting that influence my view. Limitless also loaned me a Sig ECHO3, which I cannot recommend to anyone unless they get it used and at a steep discount. I don’t want to say that, but it’s the truth and I hope they can forgive me.

First Impressions: AGM Rattler TS25-384 Core

Limitless America is selling this AGM Rattler for just $1,999-, which is actually a great price for a scope this good. Seriously, military units have gone to war using inferior thermal sensors than the one that comes in this optic. My first impression of the AGM Rattler is that it’s lightweight and seems rugged. The optic’s body is milled aluminum and the very delicate sensor lens is recessed and has a built-in cover, so it’s well protected. Even though the body is metal, this thermal scope is very light compared to optics like the iRay MK1. It comes with an American Defense Manufacturing mount that feels rugged yet minimalist. The optic mounts far back on the rifle, meaning it’s easy to point and shoot. It took me some time to figure out the menu and I wish it was easier to change viewing settings out in the field. Playing around with the scope, I was impressed with the initial build quality. For the money, the TS25 384 core has a much better picture image than more expensive scopes like the 2x Sig ECHO3.

AGM Rattler Specs, Quality

The 25mm lens on the TS25 384 core has a base magnification of 1.5x and an impressively wide field of view. Inside 50 yards, the image quality is very clear, and from 50-150 yards the image quality is decent. Past 150 yards, you’ll be relying on digital magnification that rapidly degrades the image quality. It has a 17micron 384 core sensor, meaning that the thermal sensor is 384 pixels by 280 pixels. Don’t confuse this with the display resolution which is a 1024 × 768 OLED screen. In a world where we’re used to 4k resolution phone cameras, the idea of spending thousands on 384 core seems insane. But, let’s remember that 640 core scopes are usually $4,000-6,000, 1280 HD thermals cost 18,000. As another reference, the TS25-384 has a better sensor than Holosun’s forthcoming DRS-TH, which only has a 320 core.

I found the image quality to be really good, especially for the cost. The rattler totally outperforms the Sig ECHO3, which is similarly priced. Can it keep up with an iRay RICO 640? Nope. Even still, the AGM Rattler TS25-384 is really handy as a lightweight scope and as a handheld monocular. It’s great choice for SHTF preppers and homesteaders on a medium budget.

Sensor:

384×280 core, 17μm Uncooled

Field of View:

14.9° @ 1.5x | 11.2° @ 12x digital zoom

Magnification:

1.5x base magnification | 8x digital zoom makes 12x total magnification possible

Refresh Rate:

50Hz refresh rate

Display Screen:

1024 × 768 resolution

Battery Life:

4.5 hours* I got less battery life out of mine because it seems to have a parasitic drain

Detection Range:

960 yards

Identification Range:

Subjective, but for coyotes I’d estimate 150-200 yards depending on conditions, your experience and other animals in the area

Conclusion:

Awesome scope for the money, short battery life so just use a USB battery bank

Who is the AGM Rattler TS25-384 best for?

This scope is great for prepared citizens and night hunters who have a little money but still need to get the best bang for their buck. Best use case is low light observation, perimeter defense and predator hunting. In many ways, this scope is ideal for the prepared citizen because it offers a ton of low-light functionality and is way cheaper than night vision (PVS14 + mount + helmet + Laser + optic). At 150 yards, you can easily see human activity, making it great for prepared citizens. The unit’s light weight and included quick detach mount makes it so you can use it as a handheld device to look and scan as well. If you’re a prepared citizen or homesteader looking to get into low light without spending 5 grand, this is your optic.

On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned, frequent night hunter going out at least once a week and engaging targets past 100 yards on a regular basis, then get more glass. Likewise, if you’re making night-fighting a top priority and you’ve got the money, upgrade to a thermal with a 640 core.

AGM Rattler Problems:

The only problems I had with the Rattler have to do with battery life. They say the batteries last 4.5 hours but I ended up chewing through a lot of CR123 batteries. I did try it out with rechargeable CR123s and those seemed to work fine in it, but even still, I’d rather not be changing batteries at 3AM if I have the choice. The other downside is that the unit seems to have a passive battery drain, so leaving the batteries in for a few days will noticeably degrade them. I got around this by staging the rifle in my safe with the optic’s battery door open so the circuit isn’t complete, but it’s still a real downside. Serious predator hunters use magnetic USB connectors to connect to a USB power bank. Also, even though the unit’s 384 core sensor is good enough at base magnification, it’s not a 640 core so don’t expect much quality out of the digital zoom.

Even with these downsides, I still love this scope. I’d buy it myself and I’d recommend it to friends.

Compared to other units in the price range the Rattler is my top choice. While it’s not the best, it’s definitely good enough. If money’s not a factor or if you’re a very well-prepared citizen, consider upgrading to an iRay/Infiray 640 core for the better picture and much longer battery life. The AGM Rattler totally rocks and I think it’s the right value choice for most homesteaders and prepared citizens. I get it, 2 grand is still a lot of money, but let’s be honest. If you’re reading this article you already own over 10 guns so just save the money and get a thermal so you can turn night time into daytime and see like the predator.