Spotting the ever growing popularity of the PARD NV units, Chris Parkin gets in on the action with the 008P LRF
The PARD name is one I have skirted for some time as they always seemed sold out due to popularity in either 007 or 008 formats. The former is a rear add on for a regular day scope and I hope to get one soon but my first assumption was that the 008 would be better suited for foxing.
The NV 008P LRF is the top specification unit; with side mounted laser rangefinders, as well as onboard day/night digital imagery, with a reticle system to cater for most 24/7 pest control needs. The underside of the unit – all neatly packaged in a zippered Cordura type case – is an extended reach scope mount to ensure correct eye relief with the UK’s more common bolt action rifle format. This has two claws to attach to a Picatinny rail with 5/8” nut to fasten and I did so with growing confidence as I met a distinct tactile limit when tightened without any of the ‘soft toffee’ quality you so often encounter with aluminium. This rail is attached under the PARD using three M5 countersunk screws with multiple extension positions, all with a central rail to ensure alignment. I found this to be a subtle improvement over some others, with stainless helicoids in the sockets to assure steel to steel location – an impressive start.
A right-side cap covers the USB port and SD card as well as the microphone, which will only record full sound if removed. I charged the unit via this port (but was told I had been incorrect to do so) yet I found the unit to charge correctly with blue operation lights that went out at full capacity, and I got six hour run times with streamlined battery performance and linear remaining capacity on the internal screen display. I may have been wrong and PARD SV thermals I have received since include a separate charger for the flat (not button) topped 18650 batteries. These can be removed under screw caps and if desired, spares can be carried because this battery powers the onboard 5-watt illuminator as well. Although I may have been wrong, I never had problems…
A laser illuminator is up top with a telescopic lens collar to alter spot size and range, I found this capable to around 100 metres on short grass but limited in power to push further. Eyepiece focus shows a broad range of +/- five dioptre for setup in front of the rear rubber bellows cup, with shorter eye relief from the internal lens of about 45mm. This is enough for lighter recoiling rifles. You can set up further
