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Purpose-Built Night Vision Ecosystems for Starters and Professionals

If you are looking for help, no idea where to start on night vision, you are in the right place. Building a night vision setup from scratch can feel confusing. You do not just buy a device; you need a complete system that works together. This collection provides the entire ecosystem you need to see clearly in the dark. We supply everything for a complete night vision starter kit, from the head-mounting gear to the infrared night vision devices themselves.

Whether you are a civilian preparing for low-light hunting or a tactical professional needing reliable gear, this starter night vision collection gives you a proven path forward. We eliminate the guesswork by offering compatible, field-ready components. You get affordable access to the dark without sacrificing performance or durability.

Top Night Vision Starter Kit Essentials

AN/PVS-14 Night Vision Monoculars

The AN/PVS-14 is the proven standard for a night-vision monocular. It is lightweight, reliable, and exactly what you need to start operating at night. We offer affordable PVS-14 models equipped with Gen 2+ white phosphor tubes. These tubes give you a crisp, clear image with high contrast, reducing eye strain during long hours of use. The PVS14 is the best starter night vision device because it is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a handheld monocular NVG to scan a tree line, mount it behind a red dot sight on a rifle, or wear it on your head for hands-free navigation. By keeping one eye exposed to the natural ambient light, your brain can easily balance your surroundings. As you advance your skills, you can even combine this NVG monocular with a thermal device to create a highly capable thermal fusion night vision system. This setup allows you to see both physical details and heat signatures at the exact same time.

Night Vision Helmets

You cannot run a helmet mounted NVG without a solid, comfortable foundation. A tactical helmet with night vision mounting capabilities keeps your device stable and your hands free so you can manipulate your weapon or gear. We offer headborne options for every type of mission. If your primary goal is to keep weight down and you do not anticipate needing ballistic protection, you can choose a lightweight carbon or polymer bump helmet. These helmets protect against blunt impacts from rocks or branches. If you need defense against incoming ballistic threats, we supply top-tier night vision helmets. Our flagship sellers include the Ops-Core FAST SF Gen 2 helmet and the Team Wendy EXFIL SL helmets. These options give you proven NIJ IIIA and HG2 levels of protection while providing a rigid platform to support your gear without shifting under the weight.

Mounting Systems and Adapters

Connecting your NVG to your head requires highly specific, machined hardware. We carry the exact PVS 14 mount options you need to lock your unit safely in place. This includes the highly trusted Wilcox mount series, known for its breakaway safety features that protect your neck during a fall. We also offer lightweight, minimal alternatives like the Ops-Core NOMAD NV system. This system gives you a secure helmet mount night vision setup without needing to wear a traditional helmet shell at all. Having the right NVG mount for helmet use ensures your device stays perfectly aligned with your eye during heavy movement, running, or weapon recoil.

Infrared Illuminators and Lasers

Even the best night vision tubes need some ambient light, like moonlight or starlight, to work properly. When you enter a completely dark room, a cave, or dense woods with a thick canopy, you need an infrared illuminator. These tools act like an invisible flashlight that only you can see through your tubes. We stock a wide variety of IR illuminators, including the SureFire infrared flashlight series and the Armasight Watchman. For aiming your rifle under night vision, you cannot look through a traditional scope easily. Instead, you need an infrared laser light mounted to your handguard. Adding an IR flashlight or a dedicated infrared torch ensures you can positively identify targets and navigate safely in zero-light conditions. Finding the right infrared illuminator for night vision or IR illuminator for night vision is simple with our curated, combat-ready selection.

Why Build Your PVS 14 Starter Kit Here

  • The Complete Ecosystem: We take the confusion out of buying tactical gear. You can get your PVS 14, your headborne system, and your mounts all in one single place. You know everything will fit and work together perfectly right out of the box.
  • Affordable Entry Points: We offer Gen 2+ white phosphor night vision systems. This gives you modern, high-clarity performance and excellent target identification without paying the extreme price tag of Gen 3 aviation-grade unfilmed tubes.
  • Scalable Protection: You can start with a simple non-ballistic bump helmet for hunting or hiking. When you are ready, you can jump straight into advanced ballistic protection with our HG2 and NIJ IIIA rated tactical helmets. You choose exactly what fits your specific mission profile and budget.
  • Proven Compliance: We only stock tactical gear that meets strict military and law enforcement standards. You get Berry Compliant and Mil-Spec equipment designed for actual fieldwork, ensuring your gear does not fail when you need it most.

Night Vision Starter Kits FAQs

What do I need to connect the PVS 14 into a helmet?

To safely connect your PVS 14 to a helmet, you need three specific pieces of hardware. First, you need an NVG shroud securely attached to the front of your helmet. Second, you need a helmet mount, specifically a Wilcox G24 Mount, which locks tightly into that shroud. Third, you need a J-Arm adapter. The J-Arm screws directly into the housing of your PVS 14 and then snaps directly into the G24 mount. This creates a fully adjustable, articulating bridge between your helmet and your eye.

Why do I need a PVS 14?

The PVS-14 is universally recognized as the best starter for NVD (Night Vision Device) users. It gives you incredible situational awareness while keeping your unaided eye adapted to the natural dark. It is rugged, runs on standard AA batteries, and is very easy to learn how to operate. It also holds its value exceptionally well on the market. Later on, you can upgrade your tactical setup by combining your PVS-14 with a separate thermal device, giving you a powerful, dual-band thermal fusion night vision system.

Do I have to buy a heavy ballistic helmet to use night vision?

No, you do not. If your mission does not require you to stop incoming bullets, you do not need a heavy ballistic helmet. You can use a lightweight carbon or polymer bump helmet instead. You can also use ultra-light skull crusher systems like the Ops-Core NOMAD NV system. These setups give you a stable NVG shroud to attach your head-mounted gear without the weight or heat retention of thick ballistic materials.

What is the difference between an IR illuminator and an IR laser?

An IR illuminator acts like a floodlight. It projects a wide beam of infrared light to brighten up dark areas, helping you see better through your night vision tubes. An infrared laser light projects a tight, focused beam. It is used specifically as an aiming point on your rifle so you can accurately shoot without having to look through a traditional optic. Many modern units combine both features into one housing.

Build Your Kit with Atomic Defense

Atomic Defense is your trusted supplier for night vision equipment. We do not just sell parts; we supply the complete tactical solution. Whether you are piecing together your first PVS 14 starter kit or adding an IR illuminator to your current rifle, we have the gear you need in stock. Browse our full collection of night vision essentials below and take control of the dark today.

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Night Vision Starter Kits & Essentials

Night Vision Starter Kits & Essentials (40 Results)

  • AN/PVS-14: Gen 3 White Phosphor 3000 FOM & Manual Gain - 50+ Hour Runtime

    Original price $2,900.00 - Original price $6,490.00
    Original price $2,900.00 - Original price $6,490.00
    Original price $2,900.00
    From $1,999.00
    $1,999.00 - $6,699.00
    Current price $1,999.00

    AN/PVS-14 Gen 3 Night Vision: The Professional White Phosphor Monocular to See Clearly and Identify Targets in Total Darkness The AN/PVS-14 is the...

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  • Wilcox J-Arm - Lightweight Dovetail J-Arm

    Original price $289.95
    Original price $289.95 - Original price $289.95
    Original price $289.95
    Current price $269.95
    $269.95 - $269.95
    Current price $269.95

    Wilcox AN/PVS-14 Arm (J-Arm): The Gold Standard in Secure Helmet Mounting for PVS-14 Night Vision Devices The Wilcox J-Arm is a high-quality helme...

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  • Armasight PVS-14 J-Arm Dovetail Adapter

    4.0 (1)
    $129.00
    Original price $129.00 - Original price $129.00
    Original price $129.00
    $129.00
    $129.00 - $129.00
    Current price $129.00

    Armasight PVS-14 Dovetail J-Arm Adapter: Reliable, Modern Mounting for Hands-Free Night Vision The Armasight PVS-14 J-Arm Dovetail Adapter is a d...

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  • Armasight G95 NVG Mount Designed & Manufactured by Wilcox Industries

    Original price $749.00
    Original price $749.00 - Original price $749.00
    Original price $749.00
    Current price $729.00
    $729.00 - $729.00
    Current price $729.00

    Armasight G95 NVG Mount by Wilcox Industries – Low-Profile Design with Breakaway Safety Feature The Armasight G95 NVG Mount is a cutting-edge sol...

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  • Wilcox G24 - Dovetail Mount for NVGs w/ Breakaway Safety for Neck Injury Prevention

    4.8 (4)
    Original price $527.00
    Original price $527.00 - Original price $527.00
    Original price $527.00
    Current price $495.95
    $495.95 - $495.95
    Current price $495.95

    Wilcox G24 Mount: 5.7oz to Secure NVG use and reduce the potential for neck injury. The Wilcox G24 Mount is the trusted, industry-standard solutio...

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  • ARGUS A4 LWNVM - Breakaway Night Vision Mount

    Original price $240.00
    Original price $240.00 - Original price $240.00
    Original price $240.00
    Current price $190.00
    $190.00 - $190.00
    Current price $190.00

    ARGUS A4 Lightweight Night Vision Mount – Durable, Safe, and Ergonomically Optimized The ARGUS A4 Light Weight Night Vision Mount (LWNVM) aka "Arg...

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  • Unity Tactical SUMMIT - 3-Hole NVG Shroud

    Original price $89.00
    Original price $89.00 - Original price $89.00
    Original price $89.00
    Current price $81.00
    $81.00 - $81.00
    Current price $81.00

    Unity Tactical SUMMIT™ - Durable, Lightweight Helmet Mount for Secure Equipment Attachment The Unity Tactical SUMMIT™ is a lightweight and durabl...

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  • Team Wendy EXFIL Carbon - Bump Helmet w/ Exfil Rail 3.0

    Original price $1,014.00
    Original price $1,014.00 - Original price $1,014.00
    Original price $1,014.00
    Current price $851.76
    $851.76 - $851.76
    Current price $851.76

    Team Wendy EXFIL Carbon: Ultimate Lightweight, High-Strength Tactical Helmet Team Wendy® EXFIL® Carbon is a high-performance helmet designed for ...

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  • Ops-Core FAST Bump Helmet - 1.02 lbs for All-Day Comfort - Mission Ready

    5.0 (10)
    Original price $574.95 - Original price $689.95
    Original price $574.95 - Original price $689.95
    Original price $574.95
    From $495.95
    $495.95 - $639.95
    Current price $495.95

    Ops Core FAST Bump Helmet - Lightweight Helmet for All-Day Comfort The Ops-Core FAST Bump Helmet gives you head protection for training or any mis...

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  • Ops-Core Carbon SF Helmet - FAST Bump High Cut

    5.0 (1)
    Original price $1,162.95 - Original price $1,342.95
    Original price $1,162.95 - Original price $1,342.95
    Original price $1,162.95
    From $1,039.00
    $1,039.00 - $1,194.00
    Current price $1,039.00

    Get Protected with the Ops-Core Carbon SF: Advanced Coverage and Comfort for Rugged Operations Significantly more lightweight than its competitor...

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  • Team Wendy EXFIL LTP - Bump Helmet w/ Exfil Rail 3.0

    5.0 (3)
    Original price $540.80
    Original price $540.80 - Original price $540.80
    Original price $540.80
    Current price $454.27
    $454.27 - $454.27
    Current price $454.27

    Team Wendy EXFIL LTP: Advanced Lightweight Helmet with Superior Impact Protection and Accessory Compatibility Team Wendy EXFIL LTP is a high-p...

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  • Team Wendy Counterweight - Balances NVG Systems & Reduces Neck Fatigue - Fits All TW Helmets

    5.0 (1)
    Original price $142.00
    Original price $142.00 - Original price $142.00
    Original price $142.00
    Current price $129.22
    $129.22 - $129.22
    Current price $129.22

    Team Wendy Helmet Counterweight: Balance 1.5 lbs of Gear and Prevent Neck Injury on All Team Wendy Helmets The Team Wendy EXFIL / EPIC Counterweig...

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  • Ops-Core Counterweight - w/ Pouch & Weights - All Colors Available

    5.0 (13)
    Original price $90.95
    Original price $90.95 - Original price $90.95
    Original price $90.95
    From $86.00
    $86.00 - $99.00
    Current price $86.00

    Ops-Core Counterweight System; Balance Your Helmet with Rear Mounting Technology This custom-made Ops-core weight management system aids in att...

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  • SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro Infrared - 250 Lumens

    Original price $499.00
    Original price $499.00 - Original price $499.00
    Original price $499.00
    Current price $449.00
    $449.00 - $449.00
    Current price $449.00

    SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro Infrared: Compact, Durable, and Versatile Tactical Lighting Solution The SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro Infrared is ...

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  • MAWL-C1+ - IR & Visible Green Laser Sight - Night Vision & Low-Light Operations

    $3,599.00
    Original price $3,599.00 - Original price $3,599.00
    Original price $3,599.00
    $3,599.00
    $3,599.00 - $3,599.00
    Current price $3,599.00

    MAWL-C1+ | Advanced Weapon Laser with Unmatched IR Illumination Power  The B.E. Meyers MAWL-C1+ is a powerful aiming laser that uses a visible gre...

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  • SureFire X300V-B WeaponLight - White Light + Infrared

    Original price $499.00
    Original price $499.00 - Original price $499.00
    Original price $499.00
    Current price $449.00
    $449.00 - $449.00
    Current price $449.00

    SureFire X300V-B WeaponLight: Versatile, High-Performance Illumination for Any Mission The SureFire X300V-B WeaponLight is a dual-spectrum light ...

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  • SureFire XVL2 - WeaponLight & Laser - w/ 177ft Reach, 840 Candela & 400 Lumen

    Original price $1,649.00
    Original price $1,649.00 - Original price $1,649.00
    Original price $1,649.00
    Current price $1,484.00
    $1,484.00 - $1,484.00
    Current price $1,484.00

    COMPLETE CHECKOUT WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT EMAIL ADDRESS OR PROVIDE ID DOCUMENTS VIA EMAIL. SureFire XVL2 is only available for the U.S. Military and P...

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  • Holosun Technologies IRIS 4 - Quad Function - Rifle Illuminator & Laser/Infrared System with White Light - Green Vis/IR Laser - 45mW IR Illuminator - 1 - 000 Lumen White Light - Fits Picatinny - Remote Triple Activated Button - Anodized Finish -

    Original price $1,176.46
    Original price $1,176.46 - Original price $1,176.46
    Original price $1,176.46
    Current price $999.99
    $999.99 - $999.99
    Current price $999.99

    IRIS 4 is a four-function multi-laser device housed in a redesigned 7075 aluminum shell that is 43% lighter, 29% shorter, and 28% narrower than the...

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  • Ops-Core NOMAD System: Lightweight Helmet-Free NVG Mount

    Original price $349.95 - Original price $349.95
    Original price
    $349.95
    $349.95 - $349.95
    Current price $349.95

    Ops-Core NOMAD System: The Low-Profile Head Harness for Night Vision Operations  The Ops-Core NOMAD (Night Operations Mounting and Deployment) Sy...

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  • Rix Tactical BP-31S NVG Battery Pack - 4-Pin Fischer Interface

    $249.00
    Original price $249.00 - Original price $249.00
    Original price $249.00
    $249.00
    $249.00 - $249.00
    Current price $249.00

    BP-31S High-Capacity NVG Battery Pack with 4-Pin Fischer Interface Maximize Operational Time with 80+ Hours of Runtime: Significantly extends you...

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  • SureFire X400VH - 350 Lumens White Light & Infrared Laser - Fits MasterFire Holsters

    Original price $879.00
    Original price $879.00 - Original price $879.00
    Original price $879.00
    Current price $791.00
    $791.00 - $791.00
    Current price $791.00

    SureFire X400VH: The Ultimate White Light & IR Laser for MasterFire Holsters The SureFire X400VH LED White-Light & Infrared WeaponLight is...

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  • Holosun Technologies IRIS 3 - Triple Function - Rifle Illuminator & Laser/Infrared System - Green/IR Laser - IR Illuminator - Fits Picatinny - Remote Dual Activated Button - Anodized Finish - Black

    Original price $1,058.81
    Original price $1,058.81 - Original price $1,058.81
    Original price $1,058.81
    Current price $899.99
    $899.99 - $899.99
    Current price $899.99

    Holosun IRIS GR3 - Compact Triple-Function Laser & IR Illuminator for Daylight and Night Vision Rifle Setups  The Holosun IRIS GR3 is a compa...

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  • RIP-3C - All-in-One Tactical Laser Sight w/ 550 YD Detection Range & IR Illuminator

    Original price $999.00
    Original price $999.00 - Original price $999.00
    Original price $999.00
    Current price $949.00
    $949.00 - $949.00
    Current price $949.00

    RIP-3C IR Laser Sight; Achieve covert precision and reliable targeting in any environment. The Rix Tactical RIP-3C is a compact, all-in-one tacti...

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  • Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator

    Original price $229.00
    Original price $229.00 - Original price $229.00
    Original price $229.00
    Current price $199.00
    $199.00 - $199.00
    Current price $199.00

    Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator – Powerful, Adjustable, and Rechargeable for Long-Range Precision The Armasight Watchman IR Illuminator is an e...

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  • Holosun Technologies Holosun P.ID - Weapon Light Laser Combo - 1000 LumenIR Illuminator - Green Laser - Fits Picatinny or Pistol - Anodized Finish - Black

    $282.34
    Original price $282.34 - Original price $282.34
    Original price $282.34
    $282.34
    $282.34 - $282.34
    Current price $282.34

    The Holosun Positive Identification Device offers illumination capability of up to 1000 lumens using a rechargeable power source. The P .ID Dual Br...

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  • Holosun IRIS-RD3 Triple-Function VCSEL Infrared Illuminator & Red Laser Sight

    Original price $1,058.81
    Original price $1,058.81 - Original price $1,058.81
    Original price $1,058.81
    Current price $899.99
    $899.99 - $899.99
    Current price $899.99

    Holosun IRIS-RD3: The Triple-Function Laser Aiming Module for Night Vision Setups The Holosun IRIS-RD3 finally gives civilian shooters access to ...

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  • B.E. Meyers KIJI - VCSEL IR Illuminator - Modular Head for 300-Series Lights

    $849.00
    Original price $849.00 - Original price $849.00
    Original price $849.00
    $849.00
    $849.00 - $849.00
    Current price $849.00

    B.E. Meyers KIJI | Rugged & Lightweight at 3.1oz | Fits 300-Series Lights The B.E. Meyers KIJI is a powerful infrared (IR) light that helps yo...

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  • Wilcox Aeronox Battery Pack - Aviation NVG Battery Pack - TSO-Certified for Flight Safety

    Original price $1,120.00
    Original price $1,120.00 - Original price $1,120.00
    Original price $1,120.00
    Current price $1,059.95
    $1,059.95 - $1,059.95
    Current price $1,059.95

    Wilcox Aeronox Battery Pack | TSO-Certified Power for Aviation NVGs The Wilcox Aeronox Battery Pack is a trusted power source for aviation night v...

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  • Armasight 6x Magnifier Lens for PVS-14

    $299.00
    Original price $299.00 - Original price $299.00
    Original price $299.00
    $299.00
    $299.00 - $299.00
    Current price $299.00

    Armasight 6x Magnifier Lens for PVS-14 – Enhance Long-Range Night Vision with Precision and Ease The Armasight 6x Magnifier Lens is a powerful ac...

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  • SureFire XVL2-IRC WeaponLight - Light and Laser Module System

    Original price $1,649.00
    Original price $1,649.00 - Original price $1,649.00
    Original price $1,649.00
    Current price $1,484.00
    $1,484.00 - $1,484.00
    Current price $1,484.00

    SureFire XVL2-IRC WeaponLight: Precision, Durability, and Tactical Versatility The SureFire XVL2-IRC WeaponLight is a dual-purpose light and lase...

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  • ZenitCo Vzor-4 - 4-in-1 Scope - Red Dot Sight, Dual Laser & IR Illuminator

    Original price $2,350.00
    Original price $2,350.00 - Original price $2,350.00
    Original price $2,350.00
    Current price $2,179.95
    $2,179.95 - $2,179.95
    Current price $2,179.95

    ZenitCo Vzor-4: The All-in-One Red Dot Sight with Dual Laser Designator and IR Illuminator for Unmatched Versatility and Precision in Any Condition...

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  • Steiner ATLAS | Weapon Mounted Laser | Fits Picatinny | Green and IR Laser | IR LED Illuminator | Black

    Original price $4,024.99
    Original price $4,024.99 - Original price $4,024.99
    Original price $4,024.99
    Current price $3,244.99
    $3,244.99 - $3,244.99
    Current price $3,244.99

    IR Illuminators are top-tier. LEDs are used for wide and medium FOV to ensure very clean and perfect beam quality. Steiner eOptics assembled a grou...

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  • Steiner DBAL-A3 | Tac Light w/laser | Fits Picatinny | Green and IR Laser | IR LED Illuminator | Black

    Original price $2,069.99
    Original price $2,069.99 - Original price $2,069.99
    Original price $2,069.99
    Current price $1,619.99
    $1,619.99 - $1,619.99
    Current price $1,619.99

    Available for the commercial market, the first eye-safe IR laser pointer, IR illuminator and green laser pointer in a single compact unit. Features...

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  • Steiner DBAL-D2 | Tac Light w/laser | Fits Picatinny | Co-Aligned Green and IR Laser | IR LED Illuminator | Black

    Original price $2,299.99
    Original price $2,299.99 - Original price $2,299.99
    Original price $2,299.99
    Current price $1,799.99
    $1,799.99 - $1,799.99
    Current price $1,799.99

    Manufactured with high definition, aspherical telescopic lens technology, the DBAL-D2 features a 2 to 30 degree adjustable illumination beam. This ...

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  • Streamlight ProTac VIR Pro - Multi-Fuel Light w/ 40,000 Candela & IR Illuminator - Night Vision Ready

    $400.00
    Original price $400.00 - Original price $418.00
    Original price $400.00
    From $400.00
    $400.00 - $418.00
    Current price $400.00

    Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount VIR Pro: The Ultimate 1,100 Lumen, 40K Candela & IR Illuminator for Night Vision Ops The Streamlight ProTac Rail...

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  • Holosun Technologies LE420 - Green Visible and IR Laser w/IR Illuminator - Fits 1913 Picatinny Rail - Matte Finish - Black - Includes Remote Switch

    Original price $1,411.75
    Original price $1,411.75 - Original price $1,411.75
    Original price $1,411.75
    Current price $1,199.99
    $1,199.99 - $1,199.99
    Current price $1,199.99

    The LE420G is a 7075 Aluminum bodied multi- laser aiming device. Includes class IIIA visible green laser, class 2M IR laser, and IR Illuminator coa...

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