Issue 01 Preview – Night Vision 101 Jerry Tsai 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. Learn More Night vision devices (NVDs) have been used by the military and law enforcement for decades. The ability to see in complete darkness gives any NVD user a distinct advantage in tactical situations. As with many military-derived technologies, these capabilities have now found their way to the civilian market. RECOIL recently spoke to Victor Di Cosola, NVD expert and president of Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC), about today’s applications. “NVDs are actually image enhancers that collect small amounts of available infrared and visible light and amplify them so that we can see with our naked eye,” Di Cosola said. “This light is collected and converted by a device called an image intensifier tube.” Night vision has actually been is use since the 1930s. Each major advancement in night vision technology has been classified by generation. Generation 0 saw parallel development in Germany and the United States and was used by both countries during World War II. Gen 0 used active infrared technology, which required that an infrared light be projected in order for the NVD to be utilized. Amplifying light by 1,000 times, Gen 1 was the next leap and brought in the use of passive infrared technology. It was called Starlight by the U.S. Army and was used in Vietnam. Passive infrared allowed ambient light, such as bright moonlight, to be gathered instead of requiring the projection of a separate infrared light. Light amplification for Generation 2 approached 20,000 times, and there was a marked improvement in image resolution and system robustness. Gen 2 NVDs allowed users to see even on moonless nights. Continual development of Gen 2 technology has improved to a point where it is even comparable to some Gen 3 devices. For the rest of this article, subscribe digitally here: RECOIL Issue 1 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.