Night Vision Gear ATN Aries Mk410 Spartan Gen 1 Rifle Scope

Although it sits at the top of the ATN Gen 1 night vision (NV) scope ladder, the traditional, analogue-driven Mk410 Spartan has had to contend against many other makes and models of NV scope. Not only that but I also feel it’s been underestimated in its performance, therefore many opting instead for the better known Paladin Mk390 I tested relatively recently. Nothing wrong in that for airgun use, but with the Spartan with the recent modifications that ATN have put into their Gen 1 range, I now feel this model has benefitted the most.

Looks Familiar

Outwardly it’s near identical to the Paladin in appearance and control layout but has a much larger objective lens which helps the scope gather extra ambient light.

In this case it’s due to it having a 5 x magnification (one of the highest magnification Gen 1 units currently on the market) as opposed to its very close relative’s at x4. Ok, that might not seem much, but often with an NV unit, scope or monocular, the higher the magnification then the darker the viewed image is. In this case the large objective really does show its new clothes as the latest models are fitted with a specially designed objective that improves light transmission so giving improved resolution.

From here on in you could say it’s almost a clone of the Paladin. Here’s the build spec, ergonomic, black-anodised, aircraft grade aluminium body, operational control layout set to the left, turret adjustment values and positioning. Plus battery housing, power supply, mid-unit position ribbed outer edged main focus ring and the same length rubber eyecup that comes off the eye-bell that uses the same operational fast focus adjustable ocular.

Generic Weaver Base

Mounting is by a long, one-piece, 1” Weaver/Picatinny-type base, that is secured by twin side bolts and the build is heavily weather resistant. You’ll notice another few features such as the military-style, tethered rubber lens cover and the top short run of rail for attaching accessories. This as many know takes the detachable, 450mW digitally adjustable IR illuminator that comes with the unit. Or similarly any IR unit (a more powerful one is preferred by many) that can be attached by mount to the top rail. A soft case is also included.

I particularly like the barrel band type support for the larger front housing fixed to the base. Personally I feel most features are more positive in operation and maybe I got a good one as the sight picture given didn’t have a single blemish or black spot! The reticule is a simple, free-floating cross hair that comes up red on a green sight picture. A rheostat is also included to adjust brightness.

Into The Error

As with all this equipment, adjustments are of the moving image type, in that the reticule physically moves in the shooter’s view. So remember when zeroing its: INTO THE ERROR! By that I mean that if the group is left of aim point you wind the reticule left, which causes you to have to swing the cross to the right to re-align. This also makes zeroing easier too, as providing you can see the point of impact you keep the rifle static then adjust the centre of the cross on to the hole in the target paper.

In use and with the IR on I’d say the detection range is approximately 140-150m and clear to shoot recognition range of just touching the 90m mark. That’s high performance for a traditional, Gen 1 unit and put a more powerful IR illuminator on top and we’re starting to talk serious kit for the NV savvy!

For: More magnification and an improved objective lens both offering a better sight picture

Against: Slightly heavier, relatively narrow FOV for longer range detection

Verdict: Pay £50 more than the Paladin gets you a better all-round gen 1 unit

www.nightvisiongear.co.uk

PRICE: £559 incl carry case, 450mW IR Illuminator with CD-ROM & booklet plus limited 2yr warranty