The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50, made by Pulsar, is a premium thermal imaging rifle scope designed to help hunters make accurate shots in complete darkness. According to testing by firearms editor Jack Oller, the scope combines thermal imaging, a laser rangefinder, and a ballistic calculator to dramatically improve first-round hit probability during night hunts.
The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50, made by Pulsar, is a premium thermal imaging rifle scope designed to help hunters make accurate shots in complete darkness. According to testing by firearms editor Jack Oller, the scope combines thermal imaging, a laser rangefinder, and a ballistic calculator to dramatically improve first-round hit probability during night hunts.
Thermal optics are incredibly useful for spotting animals in low light, but they come with one major drawback: poor depth perception. Because the image is displayed on a small digital screen and usually shows only heat contrast, it can be difficult to estimate distance to a target.
The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 solves this issue by integrating a laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator directly into the scope. Once you input basic ballistic data such as muzzle velocity and your rifle’s zero the scope can calculate the correct hold after ranging a target. This allows hunters to quickly determine their shot placement, even when engaging animals hundreds of yards away in the dark.
During testing on a ranch in Texas, the first thing that stood out was the scope’s image quality.
The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 uses:
These specifications provide excellent heat detection and detailed images.
Combined with the 50mm objective lens, the scope can detect heat signatures at distances up to 2,300 yards. At that range you’ll mainly see heat dots, but at closer distances the image becomes more detailed.
Performance by distance generally looks like this:
Within typical shooting ranges, the XL50 provides exceptionally clear thermal images for a civilian optic.
For testing, the XL50 was mounted on a Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite rifle chambered in .308 Winchester.
During a nighttime hog hunt, hunters scanned terrain using a Pulsar Axion XQ30 Pro thermal monocular while traveling across a ranch in an ATV.
At one point, heat signatures appeared roughly 800 yards away. Initially it was unclear whether they were hogs or deer.
After stalking closer around 400 yards adjusting the scope’s lens focus revealed that the animals were small does, preventing a mistaken shot.
This experience highlighted the importance of image clarity and adjustable focus in thermal optics.
The XL50 includes a useful feature called picture-in-picture mode.
Normally, hunters scan terrain at low magnification because it provides a wider field of view. However, switching constantly between magnification levels can be frustrating.
Picture-in-picture solves this by displaying:
This allows shooters to maintain situational awareness while still having a high-magnification aiming reference.
The feature also helps shooters reacquire targets quickly after recoil.
Unlike many thermal scopes that use built-in Picatinny rail mounts, the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 features a 30mm maintube, similar to traditional riflescopes.
This allows it to be mounted using:
The design provides more flexibility when adjusting the scope’s height over bore and allows easier switching between rifles.
Battery life is critical for thermal optics, and the XL50 uses a two-battery system to ensure continuous operation.
The setup includes:
Total runtime ranges from 7 to 10 hours.
One advantage of this design is that the internal battery keeps the scope powered during battery swaps, meaning the optic never shuts off during a change.
Replacement battery packs are also relatively affordable, costing around $70 online.
Despite its advanced features, the scope is designed to be easy to use in the field.
The layout includes:
Front controls:
Rear controls:
The scope can also be controlled with an optional wireless remote, allowing hunters to operate the optic without moving their shooting hand.
The XL50 includes a wide range of digital features expected from modern thermal optics.
These include:
The scope is also built to handle heavy recoil and harsh conditions.
It is rated for cartridges up to .375 H&H and carries an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand rain and humidity without issue.
Manufacturer: Pulsar
The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 represents one of the most capable civilian thermal rifle scopes currently available.
Its biggest strengths include:
The biggest downside is the price around $8,000 largely due to the expensive germanium lenses and advanced sensor technology used in high-end thermal optics.
For serious hunters pursuing hogs, coyotes, or other nighttime predators, however, the XL50 offers a level of capability that few other thermal scopes can match.
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