Night Vision Class 16MAR24

For the past 20 years of war in the middle east, a generation of Americans have grown up seeing night vision prominently featured in movies, video games, and in the news. “We own the night” proclaimed military strategists and soldiers alike. It was our special American super power, to see in the dark, when the adversary could not. Now, with increasing popularity and availability in the private sector, more and more everyday citizens are finding night vision to be affordable and accessible, and are adding night vision capability to their personal equipment. 

What is the capability of modern night vision? How much does it cost? What would I need to buy? What is junk to avoid? What is nice but unnecessary and expensive? What is lightweight, reliable and durable that I can afford? How far can I see with night vision? How can I aim my rifle or pistol when using night vision? How do I set it up, focus it, and use it for navigating in the dark? 

Together in Introduction to Night Vision we will answer all of these questions, and more! Learn how to maximize the strengths of night vision, while mitigating and overcoming it’s shortcomings. Gather tips and best practices on zeroing infrared lasers, shooting in the dark, and night time movement.  

The school has limited sets of loaner night vision equipment, and they are free to borrow. Sign up now to reserve your spot! 

Prerequisite:

You must have prior safe weapons handling experience to attend this seminar. 

Topics: 

How night vision works
Orientation on different models and their switchology
Basic overview of function and capabilities
Proper mounting on helmets or headgear
Which eye to use
Dual tube vs. single tube
Diopter adjustment
Main focus adjustment
Gain adjustment
Active and passive aiming methods
Live fire in the dark
How to use handguns with night vision
Lens care and cleaning
Zeroing IR lasers
Night movement practice

Schedule: 

15:00 Open range practice and zero day optics 
16:00 Show and tell, orientation on new equipment
17:00 Theory and discussion 
18:00 Zero IR lasers and night optics
19:00 Night shoot
20:00 Night movement
21:00 Debrief and clean up

Location:

Our facility is in the mountains 1 hour east of San Jose, 1 hour south from Livermore. Detail directions will be emailed to those who sign up. If you are inexperienced in driving mountain roads, give yourself 2 hours to make the trip.

Packing list: 

Notebook and pencil
Sturdy boots
Wool socks
Extra socks in plastic bag
Sturdy pants
Belt
Layer garments so you can adjust for cold, wet, or warm weather
Hat
Ballistic helmet optional
Rifle rated body armor optional
Chest rig, plate carrier, or magazine carrier. We have loaners.
Rifle, any caliber (school can provide weapons free of charge, contact us for info)
120+ rounds of ammunition
Pistol optional
Personal night vision and laser, or indicate you need to borrow from the school
Cleaning kit with oil, rag, toothbrush
Eye protection
Ear protection 
Tools for mounting and adjusting sights
Sling
1 gallon of water
Salty snacks and bag lunch