The Night Has Never Been Brighter

The cutting-edge infrared optics that allow the U.S. military to own the night are not available on the commercial market — rightfully so — but spend some time behind an InfiRay Outdoor RICO V1 640 riflescope, distributed by iRay USA, and it won’t be long before you’re convinced it’s classified “glass.” It’s that good, although admittedly I’ve never been invited on a SEAL or Delta team hop, much less played with any of their kits.

The performance of this civilian-legal optic is stunning and sets a tough mark for competitors to follow. Unlike models issued to elite forces, though, it comes with features that allow shooters to customize to their taste at a price point that doesn’t rival the gross national product of an emerging nation.

Improvements Aplenty

The RICO (Rugged Infrared Compact Optic) V1 640, introduced in 2024, is an upgraded version of the company’s popular RICO Mk1 V2. The original, which has been discontinued, was impressive, but the improvements to its replacement are dramatic — both mechanically and electronically.

Let’s start with something you’ll notice right away. It costs less than the original RICO. We’re not quite sure how the company pulled that off in an inflationary period, but it certainly wasn’t by cutting corners.

The 1024x768 AMOLED display at the eyepiece now refreshes at an improved rate of 60Hz. That figure reflects the number of times it builds a new image on the display per second. That puts it on par with most home televisions. Its predecessor came at 50Hz. The difference is significant and particularly palpable when dealing with a fast-moving predator.

AMOLED, if you’re wondering, is an acronym for active-matrix organic light-emitting diode. The technology uses multiple, thin layers of organic compounds that luminesce when subjected to an electric charge. Applied in a pixel pattern and driven by a processor reading information captured by a sensor, a recognizable image or video appears.

The Mk1 V2, like its predecessor, uses Advanced Image Correction and Automatic Image Optimization, courtesy of its MATRIX III processing, to get that job done. The display at the eyepiece remains the same, at 1024x768 pixels, but the contrast makes it seem much more generous.

Increased Sensitivity

Another big difference, one that’s impossible to ignore, is the improved ability to sniff thermal. The sensor may be the same — the InfiRay MICRO II with12 micron (μm) sensor pixel size — but sensitivity has been improved to less than 20 milliKelvins (mK). The scope’s predecessor performed admirably, but its ability to detect thermal at 50mK pales by comparison.

The objective lens size is 50mm, identical between the two models. Both are made from germanium, which allows thermal radiation to pass through more efficiently than glass normally used in daytime optics. There is a significant difference, however. The new model has an aperture of f/1, wider open in camera lens terms than the predecessor’s f/1.1. One-tenth doesn’t sound like a lot, but it is. Add whatever magic is built into that firmware and the performance is amazing.

Dust and Waterproof

Exposing electronic systems to nasty conditions is a legitimate concern. iRay USA puts that worry to rest by standing behind the RICO Mk1 V2 640 with a five-year warranty. Don’t expect to use it anytime soon, though.

The scope has an IP67 rating. The first number indicates the unit’s ability to resist dust and sand invasion. Six is the highest rating on that scale. The standardized testing system also reports the ability to resist water. It is the second figure and seven is considered waterproof. A ranking of eight is possible, but attaining that score requires submersion underwater for an extended period while under pressure (such as SCUBA gear for deep dives). This scope’s about as airtight and waterproof as they come, and it’s reflected in how the company stands behind it.

Part of the secret is in the fact there’s no memory card to install. The optic has 32 gigabytes built in, eliminating any chance of leaks at the cover. Downloading during testing required simply plugging the supplied USB-C cord into the scope and the other end (standard-sized USB) into a PC. It popped up instantly as if it were a photo card, with no drivers to install or unfamiliar menus to navigate. The same cord charges the scope.

A thick gasket keeps things tight around the battery, too. That power supply, if you’re wondering, is a Li-ion capable of keeping the unit running for more than six hours at temperatures between -4 and +122 Fahrenheit. Of course, nights usually last more than six hours, so the company ships every scope with a spare battery and external charger to keep it topped up.

Beefy aluminum-alloy construction adds to the durability. It’s rated to handle heavy-recoiling .300 Win. Mag. and 7mm Rem. Mag. loads and, as expected, performed flawlessly when mounted on a .22-250 Rem. bolt action. It held zero without fail during testing.

Customizable Display

The company has squeezed some unexpected features into the scope’s display. Thankfully, the focus remained squarely on hunting, not trendy information overload.

The display is customizable and offers a choice of white hot, black hot, red hot, color, violet, crimson and viridian color palettes. Simply choose the one in the menu, set it once and the scope commits it to memory. The same set-and-forget approach applies to all the settings, including the reticle. A picture-in-picture option is available.

Native magnification is 3X, plenty of power even at moderate long distances — with practice, of course. The processor, however, is capable of piling on another 4X, which effectively makes the RICO Mk1 V2 640 — in daylight optic terms — a 3-12x50mm. When cranked up to the maximum setting the software does a great job, with modest pixelation.

A diopter adjustment brings the reticle and heads-up display clearly into focus, even for us old guys. Downrange focus is managed by turning the large dial atop the scope, just behind the objective lens.

Compass readings are easy to read at the bottom of the display. Magnification amount, if any, is at the upper left and battery status on the upper right. All are small, not distracting and don’t impede the downrange view.

Seven Reticle Options

There are seven different reticle options available, and you can set them in four different colors — red, green, black and green. Stadia lines are there in some for holdover and windage reference, but odds are good you won’t rely on the former markings often. That’s because the RICO Mk1 V2 640 allows zero customization for three, user-selected distances. Best of all, toggling between them when afield is fast.

The menu makes zeroing a breeze. Anchor the gun rock solid, deliver the shot and simply move the crosshair over the point of impact. Do the same for the other selected distances and you’re done. When paired with the company’s ILR-1000 (AC05) laser rangefinding module — not provided with the optic — it provides the precise distance to target in the heads-up display. It can mount on the rail on the scope (left side) and synchronizing the pair is plug-and-play simple.

Rock Solid Mounting

Another huge improvement is the new quick-detach, return-to-zero Picatinny rail mount. The dual locking system keeps it firmly anchored, but the optic comes off and installs fast. Under testing it never shifted and point of aim never wandered from point of impact. It’s a solid and welcome improvement over its predecessor.

Electronic Wizardry

As if that wasn’t enough, the RICO Mk1 V2 640 can also capture images and video. Photos are recorded as jpg at 1024x768. The latter is stored as an MP4 format with the same pixel count. It also includes an improved microphone, which can be toggled off if preferred. Add a motion sensor function, app to pair with nearby devices, advanced image correction, Wi-Fi, stand-by mode and too many other features to mention, and there’s something for everyone. Make no mistake, though, each remains squarely focused on serious hunting in the dark and in nasty conditions.

All those assets may celebrate a new generation of electronic-savvy sportsmen, but the company hasn’t neglected those who prefer performance with straightforward operation and minimal distraction.

Spec Sheet

Manufacturer/Distributor: InfiRay Outdoor/iRay USA

Model: RICO Mk1 V2 640 12 Micron 3x50mm Thermal Sight

Magnification: 3X (optical); 4X (digital)

Objective: 50mm (germanium, f/1)

Field of View: 8.8 degrees x 6.6 degrees

Measurements: 10.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches (length x height x width, including bellows and objective cover)

Mount: Integral dual locking, quick-detach for Picatinny rails

Weight: 29.28 ounces

Eye Relief: 55mm

Battery Life: Six hours, two batteries included

Sensor: 640x512, 12 micron

Detection Range: 2,400 yards

LCD Display Size: 1024x768

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Recording: MP4 and jpg

Internal Memory: 32GB

Startup Time: Less than 10 seconds, instant from standby

Operating Temperature: -4 to +122 Fahrenheit

Warranty: Five years

Color: Black

Accessories: Spare battery, external charger, USB cable, carry case, lens cloth, mounting tool and heat generating targets for sighting-in

MSRP: $4,799

Website: www.irayusa.com

Think of It as a Nighttime Bino

A handheld thermal optic doesn’t provide a crosshair for shooting, but don’t be lulled into thinking the virtues of the AFFO R+ AP13 are exclusive to law enforcement or security personnel. Use this monocular as you would a binocular in daylight, and you can scan downrange faster and more efficiently. The safety advantages of not relying on a rifle-mounted optic go without saying, and sitting behind a riflescope for hours can be fatiguing anyway.

Don’t let the smaller objective lens and sensor fool you, the AFFO R+ AP13 performs. Its AMOLED display produces high-contrast images that show downrange thermal signatures with surprising clarity. The optic also takes photos and videos — jpg (640x400) and MP4 (640x480) — and five different color palettes are available. The display shows battery status, time and even features a stadia line system for range estimation. Its Wi-Fi allows it to connect to the company’s app, there’s a standard (in the United States) tripod mount to steady the view and it’s even earned an IP67 rating. A small LED task light is above the objective and the internal battery is charged via the provided USB cord, and that’s just a few of the features.

The optic’s Reality+ image processing does a job ideal for predator hunters scanning the countryside at night. Its sensitivity is less than 40mK, and when combined with picture-in-picture, hotspot tracking and five-year warranty, there’s no doubt it’ll quickly become a favorite among outdoorsmen of all flavors. — Guy Sagi

Spec Sheet

Manufacturer/Distributor:IinfiRay Outdoor/iRay USA

Model: AFFO R+ AP13 Thermal Monocular 256x192 13mm

Magnification: 2X (optical); 4X (digital)

Objective: 13mm (germanium, f/.9)

Field of View: 13.5 degrees x 8.4 degrees

Measurements: 2.36x2.36x6.29 inches

Weight: 12 ounces

Eye Relief: 20mm

Battery Life: 9+ hours

Sensor: 256x192, 12 micron

Detection Range: 670 yards