News First Look: Pulsar Thermion 3 LRF Thermal Riflescope Adam Borisenko November 2, 2026 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Pulsar has just released the Thermion 3 LRF, the third generation of its classic-design thermal riflescope. Technology moves fast. That’s why, 7 years after the release of the original Thermion riflescope in 2019, Pulsar is launching the refined, improved, and updated third generation of the design named the Thermion 3. Pulsar is calling this version “perfected”, and after reading its specs and getting to play around with it at the latest CANCON, it’s easy to see why. The Thermion 3 retains the classic styling, feel, and function of a traditional riflescope but combines it with advanced thermal imaging and laser rangefinding capabilities. Improvements over previous Thermion generations include sharper thermal imaging, longer battery life, an enhanced 2560×2560 AMOLED display, refined controls, extended laser rangefinding, and additional ballistic assistance via an integrated ballistic calculator and Stream Vision 2 mobile app compatibility. There are two Thermion 3 LRF models available: the XT60 and the XR60. The XT60 is the flagship model that offers maximum detail and a wider view, and it features a 1280×1024 HD sensor, a 2–24X magnification range, a 14.6-degree field of view, and an 8.5-hour battery life. It has an MSRP of $6,699.97. The XR60 is called the “Long Reach” model due to its higher magnification. It features a next-generation 640×480 sensor, a 4-40X magnification range, and a 14-hour battery life for longer stints in the field. It has an MSRP of $4,699.97. Features shared by both Thermion 3 models include an impressive 3,390-yard detection range, a 1,312-yard laser rangefinder range, 9 color palette options, a 60mm objective lens, and recoil-activated video recording with 128 GB of onboard storage. Also, because of the classic riflescope design, they mount via 30mm rings and have enhanced yet traditional controls like zoom and focus rings, a zoom throw lever, and a top-turret focusing wheel. Both models should be plenty durable as well thanks to the aluminum housing, IP67 rating, -25 to +50 C temperature range, and recoil rating of up to 6,000 J. These are some serious thermals. For more information, visit pulsarnv.com. More On Thermals & Night Vision Looking Hot: Best Thermal Scopes iRayUSA Thermal Sights And Monoculars Burris Thermal Optics Night Optics SVTS Thermal Scopes The Leupold LTO Tracker Thermal Sight The Steiner H35 Nighthunter Thermal Monocular Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.