For those of you that have used/abused your gear, what brand and model would you recommend for hard use and ease of use? I would like something rugged and easy enough for a dummy to use and would rather get first hand accounts than just reading the info from the folks selling the things. I am thinking something in a 1X6 magnification, don't see me taking long shots with this, but I would also like a clear view if this is possible.
Thank you

I see alot of positives reviews on the pulsar trail

X2 on pulsar. The older model q38 (not 100%sure but had 38 in the model ) was a tuff and very reliable scope. Had the external battery pack though.

That makes me feel better, I have been looking into the pulsar brand. The trail XQ30 has the magnification that I want I just don't know squat about the technical info they give for it. Pixels, video out, and all the other stuff mean nothing to me. I am tech stupid and not afraid to admit it, need something simple to use. I do like the fact it says I can zero it for 3 different rifles and use the quick detach mount. I am curious how well it remounts to the original zero. I could see me using it on 22lr, .223, and 300BO. I don't anticipate any shots over a couple of hundred yards so as long as it remounts close it would work well for me.
Another question I would have for those that have used them is how clear is the view? Can you tell a coyote from the sheep dog type of thing or is it just a blurry lump of heat?

Pulsar hands down being flir is out of the private market now. Loved my Flir pts233 but upgraded to the pulsar LRF .

The pts233 was a bomb proof unit though

I have the ATN THOR HD with an external battery and it works well. I set up profiles for ,223 and a .300 Black Out and I have it on a suppressed Savage .22 and we have been shooting rats in an infested cattle barn. Lots of fun.

How well does the zero hold ? That seems to be an issue with the guys who run them around here.

Three of us have them here and have had no issues, the one shot zero works well too. I tape a heat pack to a box for sight in and then unload the gun and have someone put their fingertip at the first shot bullet hole (you can't see the hole with thermal but you can see the hand and fingertip) and then move the zero to there. You have to use the manual record mode on a .22 or very light recoil guns because it can't detect the recoil.

I have been hammering rat's all week. I am looking for rat shot if anyone knows where I can find some. I am down to five rounds. Not for rats, for snakes. In Texas where their is rats, there is snakes.