Small Arms Review
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Events
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Events
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
No Result
View All Result
Small Arms Review
No Result
View All Result
Home Product Review

REVIEW: Sightmark’s Wraith Mini 2-16×35 Thermal Riflescope

by Todd Burgreen
October 3, 2023
in Product Review
REVIEW: Sightmark’s Wraith Mini 2-16×35 Thermal Riflescope

The CZ600 Trail weighs 6.1 pounds with overall length capable of shrinking to 27.1 inches thanks to its collapsible PDW-style stock. The adjustable stock and full length Picatinny rail important features when using a thermal optic.

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By Todd Burgreen

Many have become increasingly interested in the ability to see at night albeit with image intensifying night vision or increasingly popular thermal technology. This is for a variety of reasons…. tactical, hunting, surveillance, general principle (“because you can”), etc. Each system has its pros and cons.

To supplement the CR123 batteries, you should consider picking up the Sightmark Quick Detach Battery pack for use with the Wraith thermal. The rechargeable lithium battery stores 10,000mAh of current that offers 8-10 hours of runtime with the Wraith thermal.

The first Gulf War (1990-91) and subsequent involvements in Iraq and Afghanistan highlighted the crucial role night vision provided by removing the veil of darkness thus transforming the modern battlefield. Night vision is a crucial advantage over less well-equipped opponents. As often happens with advanced military technology, it trickles down to law enforcement and civilian users often becoming more economical over time as consumer sales increase and technology becomes more prevalent. The Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16×35 thermal riflescope is an excellent example of this.

BUDGET BE DAMNED

With an MSRP of $2100, the Sightmark Wraith offers thermal capabilities to the masses—not only hunters, but also LE departments and security conscience citizens. The Wraith thermal is a must have for anyone who hunts at night—albeit for two- or four-legged quarry.

Sightmark has entered the optics market in force over the last several years with several innovative designs and new takes on established concepts. The company has evolved into a recognized industry leader in all types of optics such as red dots, magnified optics, night vision, and, recently, thermal optics with the Wraith Mini thermal. The Sightmark Wraith thermal stands out based on its performance to price point ratio.

The technical aspects of the Sightmark Wraith Thermal must be discussed to fully appreciate what it offers. The best way I have heard thermal optic devices described is that thermals are not optics per se, but rather a digital camera feeding off infrared/heat waves with signal processor creating images for our recognition. An European-sourced thermal sensor from France is at the heart of the Sightmark Wraith mini thermal. The Wraith has a 384 x 288 pixel resolution sensor featuring a 17-micron sensor pitch allowing for sharp and crisp images. The 17-micron capability allows for increased magnification potential, as well. The Wraith thermal offers 2x optical and 1-8x digital zoom. It has a 50Hz frame rate; meaning the thermal core refreshes the image you see 50 times a second. All of this is crucial for successful observation, tracking, and engagement of moving targets.

The black-hot thermal palette on the Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Riflescope.
The green-hot thermal palette on the Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Riflescope.
The magenta thermal palette on the Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Riflescope.

The Wraith has five thermal color palette modes—traditional black-hot and white-hot along with green, rainbow, and magenta-hot for added background contrast and more precise heat detection. Ten reticle patterns are available along with nine reticle colors to choose from with its OLED display. The key advantage of OLED is that the screen is self-emissive – as in, it emits its own light. Each individual pixel operates with its own light source, instead of one large backlight like an LCD would use. This results in very sharp image quality with less eye fatigue. Images are just more vibrant with an OLED display. OLED displays refresh faster than LCD viewing displays. This is not only an advantage for moving targets, but also for better real-time recording. Other OLED advantages include perfect black background—something important for a thermal optic. LCD screens with their backlight find it difficult to show true black levels because the backlight is always on, leading to leakage of light to adjacent pixels. Perfect black allows for infinite contrast, so the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the image is higher than what other display types are capable of. Energy consumption is also less by not needing a backlight to produce light. That makes them a good choice for smaller devices as they can last for a little longer than their LCD-based equivalents.

The rainbow thermal palette on the Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Riflescope.
The white-hot thermal palette on the Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Riflescope.
The white-hot thermal palette on the Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Riflescope.

TALE OF THE TAPE

The Sightmark Wraith thermal is compact, measuring 6.6 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 2.9 inches tall. The squat Wraith thermal weighs in at 19.3 ounces with its aluminum body. It arrives on a Picatinny mounting rail for attachment to firearm. The Picatinny mounting method is handy to sit the Wraith far enough rearward on host firearm for proper eye relief. With that said, the Wraith’s size makes it feasible for use as a handheld unit, as well. This method was used a lot during a visit to Texas to explore what the Wraith offered, especially compared to its more expensive brethren. ATV rides along power line clearings and expansive fields confirmed the Wraith’s listed 1400-yard detection range with positive identification of deer out to 800 yards.

Two CR123A offer 3.5 to 4 hour run time. To supplement the CR123 batteries, we suggest picking up the Sightmark Quick Detach Battery pack for use with the Wraith thermal. The rechargeable lithium battery stores 10,000mAh of current that offers 8 to 10 hours of run time with the Wraith. The Sightmark auxiliary battery pack ingeniously snaps to a Picatinny rail section in front of the Wraith thermal with USB cord connecting the two.

The Wraith provides five configurable weapon profiles/zeros. This eliminates the need to re-zero the Wraith when shifting between different rifles. The scope also comes equipped with a built-in video/camera with audio recording capability on a user provided 256gb memory card. Diopter and focus adjustment levers are found on the front and rear of the unit, respectively.

It is best to familiarize yourself with the thermal’s controls in daylight, so operation is intuitive in the dark. All features such as sighting in, palette colors, magnification adjustments, reticle choice, etc. are chosen with a five button central toggle control on top of the thermal. Here, the analogy of digital camera more than traditional optic rings even more true. The screens that appear and that are toggled through are very similar to modern DSLR cameras. Initial reference to the user manual will guide you to the screen required. With that said, the controls are minimal, with functions controlled by short presses. After a few tries, the grouping of features is easily figured out. The Wraith thermal controls and shooter interface one of the most intuitive we’ve encountered to date. This is compared to numerous night vision and thermal units we’ve handled.

PERFORMANCE PARTNERS

The Sightmark Wraith thermal was mounted on a CZ USA CZ600 Trail rifle chambered in 7.62×39. We wanted to maintain the theme of handy-yet-potent. Any rifle using “Trail” in its name had better be handy—either strapped to a pack or slung over a shoulder. The CZ600 Trail weighs 6.1 pounds with an overall length capable of shrinking to 27.1-inches thanks to a collapsible PDW-style stock. With the stock extended, the CZ600 Trail measures 35-inches. A minimalist M-Lok handguard surrounds a 16.1-inch threaded, cold-hammer forged barrel keeping the rifle svelte with 10-round magazine not protruding below pistol grip. With the 7.62×39 Trail, a CZ Bren 2 magazine is used. Full length picatinny rails runs across the receiver down the top of the handguard. The adjustable stock and full length Picatinny rail are important features when using a thermal optic.

The Sightmark Wraith thermal was mounted on a CZ USA CZ600 Trail chambered in 7.62×39. The pair maintained theme of handy-yet-potent capability. Along the same lines of performance, a Rugged Suppressors Alaskan360 was mounted to the CZ600/Wraith combo. The Rugged Alaskan360’s lightweight multicaliber adaptability just fits with the compact Sightmark Wraith mini thermal.

The choice of 7.62×39 may surprise some readers. It should not. The 7.62×39 is equivalent to the 30-30 in terms of ballistics. The real focus was on the Hornady 123-grain SST load and new Sub-X 255-grain subsonic in the CZ600 Trail. The availability of a 7.62×39 subsonic load from Hornady levels the playing field between the .300BLK and 7.62×39 calibers.

Along the same lines of performance, a Rugged Suppressors Alaskan360 was mounted to the CZ600/Wraith combo. The Rugged Alaskan360’s lightweight multicaliber adaptability just fits with the Sightmark Wraith mini thermal’s small stature. The Alaskan360 can be used with 9mm pistols/SMGs AND rifles up to 338 Lapua.

The Sightmark Wraith thermal impressed by maintaining accuracy standards established by magnified optic before mounting the thermal.
One nuance with the thermal sight-in procedure was stapling a small hand warmer on the target to give an aiming point when viewing through the Wraith, since a paper target provided no real center reference.
The ability to operate a thermal during the day helps with the sighting-in process. A small hand warmer packet is visible at the center of the target.

Zeroing the Wraith was easy with no drama. The ability to operate a thermal during the day helps with the sighting in process, as did the mounted Rugged Suppressors Alaskan360 suppressor. The intent was to make sure the Rugged Alaskan was mounted on the CZ600/Sightmark Wraith combo whenever it was taken afield, so it might as well be used when sighting in. The thought was to limit the need for hearing protection when out and about.

One nuance with the sight-in procedure was stapling a small hand warmer on the target to give an aiming point when viewing through the thermal since a paper target provided no real center reference. The Wraith thermal’s simple sight in procedure had the unit sighted-in within three rounds. Previous work with the CZ600 with a Sightmark Citadel 1-10x mounted had showed how accurate the CZ600 was. Three round groups at 100 yards were in the 1.25 to 1.5-inch range. Most will raise an eyebrow at this. 7.62×39 is not known for accuracy. However, the Hornady SST load is not your typical 7.62×39 imported surplus load that most are familiar with. CZ barrels are also superior to AK tubes. The Wraith impressed us by maintaining accuracy standards established by magnified optic before being bumped off by the thermal.

The ability to operate a thermal during the day helps with the sighting-in process. A small hand warmer packet is visible at the center of the target.

NO LIGHTS…. THERMAL…. ACTION

Immediately several night forays were set up in pursuit of predators and general usage to get a sense of what the Sightmark Wraith thermal offered. The compact Wraith thermal delivered surprisingly detailed imaging performance out to 250-yards-plus depending on conditions. There was no issue identifying deer, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes. The polarity contrast of heat made detection easier in certain areas compared to merely using binoculars during the day. The amount of heat signature of vegetation was surprising in thicker/denser areas. However, the ability to adjust palette settings maintained the ability to observe quarry effectively. The preferred method was to keep the Wraith at a low magnification setting for observation purposes. White-hot and black-hot was the go-to palette choice.

One huge advantage of a thermal is its ability to be used during the day. Image intensifying night vision optics are not so flexible. With a NEDT (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) of less than 40mK, the Wraith has a temperature differentiation of .04-degree Fahrenheit! The more refined temperature differentiation means the more detailed the provided image can be even—when the sun is out.

Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16×35 thermal riflescope.

The Sightmark Wraith thermal will have crossover appeal to LE and personal defense users. Officers using thermal optics have a range of abilities not available with flashlights or even image intensifying night vision. While a weapon-mounted thermal sights is not necessarily the forte in the LE realm due to uncompromising need to positively identify a target before engaging, the Wraith thermal offers unsurpassed surveillance capability. This is a huge assistance in fugitive searches—both day and night—in urban or rural settings. Dark or camouflaged clothing worn by a suspect can make it very difficult for officers to use light or night vision technology to distinguish him from his surroundings. With a thermal, officers can see the suspect’s body heat, which makes it very difficult for the suspect to conceal their position, whether they are hiding inside a structure or outdoors. Imagine rolling up to a situation and being able to assess potential problems quickly and discretely in terms of individuals hiding or even animals that may be encountered.

With MSRP of $2100, the Sightmark Wraith offers thermal capabilities to the masses—not only hunters but also LE departments and security conscience citizens.

Another capability tailor-made for thermal optics is search and rescue. The Sightmark Wraith thermal’s handheld capacity can assist in exploring large areas quickly. There is no hiding a person’s body heat, even if incapacitated and unable to move/signal for help. The Wraith thermal eases search efforts in large fields, parks, near roadways, and wooded areas. Searches near bodies of water also offer opportunities to use a thermal imager. As long as the victim is not completely submerged, body heat should be detected by the thermal imager.

The Sightmark Wraith mini thermal is an awesome piece of equipment at a great price point. The image clarity and detail are impressive. With the Sightmark Wraith mini thermal, day or night, nothing can hide.

SPECIFICATIONS:

MakeSightmark
ModelWraith Mini 2-16×35 Thermal Riflescope
Caliber Rating308 Winchester
Sensor Resolution Pixels384×288
Display TypeOLED
Display Resolution1024×768
Built-In Video Recorder AvailabilityYes
Frame Rate50Hz
Pixel Pitch (µm)17
Spectral Range (μm)8-14
Magnification2x optical
Lens Diameter35mm
Digital Zoom1-8x
Field of View13 degrees
NETD<40mK
Detection Range1400 yards
Battery TypeInternal 2x CR123A
Battery Life3.5Hrs Video Mode/ 4.4Hrs Preview Mode
External Power Supply5V via USB
Body MaterialAluminum
Accessory Rail MountPicatinny
Length (with flip up caps)6.6-inches
Width3-inches
Height2.9-inches
Weight19.3 oz
Operating Temperature Range-4°F – 122°F
Color ModesWhite-Hot, Black-Hot, Green-Hot, Rainbow, Magenta
MSRP$2100
URLwww.sightmark.com
With MSRP of $2100, the Sightmark Wraith offers thermal capabilities to the masses—not only hunters but also LE departments and security conscience citizens.

Author

  • Todd Burgreen
    Todd Burgreen

    View all posts
Tags: HuntingLaw EnforcementNight-Visionopticsthermal
Previous Post

North American Arms—Last Chance, Last Chance Gun 

Next Post

REVIEW: Burn up Ammunition with KelTec’s P17 

Next Post
REVIEW: Burn up Ammunition with KelTec’s P17 

REVIEW: Burn up Ammunition with KelTec’s P17 

TRENDING STORIES

  • VALKYRIE ARMAMENT BELT-FED CONVERSION

    VALKYRIE ARMAMENT BELT-FED CONVERSION

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • EAST GERMAN WIEGER STG RIFLE

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Complete Guide To Colt M-16 Models: Part I

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Forgotten M16A1 Rifle Manufacturers: GM/Hydra-Matic and Harrington & Richardson – Part I

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Second Generation AR57: Drop-in 5.7 Upper For Your AR

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

RECENT POSTS

SIG Sauer’s Full-Size Compact P365 “Fuse”

SIG Sauer’s Full-Size Compact P365 “Fuse”

June 27, 2024
The Importance of Offhand Shooting

The Importance of Offhand Shooting

June 25, 2024
BOOK REVIEW – The Collector’s Guide to the SKS

BOOK REVIEW – The Collector’s Guide to the SKS

June 20, 2024
True to Form: The Tisas 1911A1 ASF

True to Form: The Tisas 1911A1 ASF

June 18, 2024
Setting the Record Straight on the Fedorov Avtomat

Setting the Record Straight on the Fedorov Avtomat

June 6, 2024

QUICK LINKS

  • About Chipotle Publishing
  • About Small Arms Review
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us

CONTACT DETAILS

  • Phone: +1 (702) 565-0746
  • E-mail: office@smallarmsreview.com
  • Web: www.chipotlepublishing.com
  • Chipotle Publishing, LLC 631 N. Stephanie St., No. 282, Henderson, NV 89014
Small Arms Review

FOLLOW US

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
      • Volume 2
      • Volume 3
      • Volume 4
      • Volume 5
      • Volume 6
      • Volume 7
      • Volume 8
      • Volume 9
      • Volume 10
      • Volume 11
      • Volume 12
      • Volume 13
      • Volume 14
      • Volume 15
      • Volume 16
      • Volume 17
      • Volume 18
      • Volume 19
      • Volume 20
      • Volume 21
      • Volume 22
      • Volume 23
      • Volume 24
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Events
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

Redirecting to External Website

You are leaving the Small Arms Review website and will be redirected to an external link in a 5 Seconds.
VISIT NOW!