Q: Can I reserve a backordered thermal or night vision unit with a deposit? A: Yes, you can! Due to high demand for thermal and night vision products, many manufacturers are struggling to keep up with inventory, resulting in lead times for popular items. You can secure your place in line for any thermal or night vision unit with a small deposit, typically $250 or 50% of the unit’s price, depending on the model. We will invoice you for the remaining balance once your order is ready to ship. Please note that deposits are non-refundable but do not expire and can be applied to another thermal or night vision optic if you need to cancel your order. However, they cannot be used for accessories. If you would like to reserve a unit for future delivery, please contact us at sales@rssdefense.com. Q: Is Night Vision / Thermal Legal? A: Yes, in the United States, U.S. Persons (citizens and permanent residents) are permitted to own and use Night Vision and Thermal Optics. However, it is illegal to take these devices out of the country without specific approval from the U.S. State Department and the proper licensing. Night Vision and Thermal devices are regulated under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Essentially, the aim is to prevent these powerful technologies from falling into the hands of adversaries. If you have any questions, we’re here to help clarify. Q: What is Night Vision? A: Traditional Night Vision, also known as Image Intensification Technology (I2), has been in use for many years and has evolved through several generations. The core process involves an image intensifier tube inside the optic that gathers ambient light through the lens, which is then processed through various electronics and displayed on a screen in the eyepiece. While this is a simplified overview, it captures the essence of how it works. Night vision devices are available in several generations, with Generation 3 being the most commonly used today. Generally, higher generations and better specifications result in improved image quality. Night vision images typically appear in either green or white. If you’d like more technical details, feel free to ask! Q: What is Thermal Imaging and how does it differ from Night Vision? A: Thermal imaging is a more recent technology compared to night vision but has seen significant advancements in performance and user adoption over the past few years. In simple terms, thermal imaging detects heat, while night vision amplifies light. A thermal imaging unit uses a special lens, usually made from germanium, to focus infrared energy onto a detector. This detector processes the information through various electronics and displays it on a screen, allowing the user to see an image based on temperature variations in the field of view. Most thermal devices also allow users to adjust various settings, such as color palettes, contrast, and digital zoom. Q: What are the generations of Night Vision available today? A: Night vision units today are categorized into generations 1 through 3, with variations within each. Generation 1 was the first widely used, emerging around the Vietnam War. While still available, it significantly underperforms compared to Generations 2 and 3. Generation 2 is effective for hunting and more budget-friendly but doesn’t match the performance of Generation 3. Additionally, Generation 3 holds its value better if you decide to sell it later. Generation 3 and Gen 3+ (Auto-gated Gen 3) are the highest quality available, providing the best image and protection against bright light exposure. For more detailed specifications, feel free to reach out. Q: Do you ship out of the United States? A: Most night vision and thermal units are regulated under ITAR and cannot be exported by law. Although some items may be exportable, our policy is to ship only within the United States without exception, prioritizing the safety of our armed forces. Q: What is an IR Laser? A: An infrared (IR) laser emits a focused beam of light that is invisible to the naked eye but can be seen with night vision devices. There are various types and uses, but they are primarily employed for aiming weapons while using night vision. Class 1 IR lasers emit a less powerful beam than military-grade lasers and are available to the public. IR lasers are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While we sell only civilian-legal IR lasers on our site, we can source military-grade units for law enforcement and federal agency customers. Q: What about IR Illuminators? A: An IR illuminator acts like an invisible "flashlight" for night vision devices. In extremely dark conditions, ambient light may be insufficient for optimal performance. An IR illuminator produces a beam visible only through night vision, not to the naked eye. Many night vision devices include built-in illuminators, but users often prefer standalone units for greater power, especially with Generations 1 and 2. Some IR lasers also have built-in IR illuminators. Q: Do you accept trade-in equipment? A: Contact us in reference to trades. Depending on unit and its functionality. Q: Do you do Police Department or Government Agency Sales? A: Yes! We maintain strong relationships with local and federal law enforcement, providing many of our products to those who protect and serve. We assist various departments and agencies with grant allocation programs for equipment. If your department or agency is in the market for Night Vision or Thermal products, please contact us at sales@rssdefense.com. Q: Do you sell pre-owned equipment? A: Yes, we do! We carefully accept quality, lightly used night vision and thermal units and pass the savings on to our customers. We only accept pre-owned units that are in good condition and still under the manufacturer’s original warranty. Q: Do you have a retail storefront? A: Yes, we do offer a public storefront however we do not stock all these high value items due to the niche market we operate in. We are based in Sarasota, Florida. If you're local and wish to purchase in person, please send us a message. We also have a shooting range near Manatee County FL, where we can hold night shoots and equipment demonstrations. Q: What is ITAR? A: ITAR stands for “International Traffic in Arms Regulations,” under which night vision and thermal devices are regulated. Most of these devices cannot leave the United States without a special export permit. We will not ship products outside the U.S. nor sell to anyone we believe may intend to do so. Q: Do you keep everything you sell in stock? A: We strive to keep all items in stock. However, some products experience high demand and may require lead time. For such items, we can set up your order with a minimal deposit, and the balance is settled once it's ready to ship. If an ordered item is out of stock, customers will be notified promptly via email. Q: Do you offer guided Night Vision and/or Thermal Hunting Trips? A: Not directly, but we have partners who provide high-quality guided thermal hunts and can connect you with them. Q: What do you charge for shipping? A: Most orders ship for free, although smaller items may incur a nominal shipping fee. Orders over $500 typically require a signature upon delivery. Smaller items usually ship via USPS, while larger or more valuable items are sent through UPS. All thermal and night vision optics require a signature. Some items may ship from a distributor, and the shipping method is at their discretion. All shipments include tracking, and customers receive an email with tracking information upon shipment. Expect delivery within 3-5 days once in transit. Q: Do you offer financing? A: Absolutely! We provide short-term, interest-free options for smaller purchases and traditional financing for larger purchases (up to $10,000) at competitive rates. This financing program is integrated into our checkout process, allowing you to complete your order quickly. The financing term begins only once the order ships. Please reach out with any questions about these options. Q: What is your return policy? A: Unfortunately, all night vision purchases are final and non-returnable. If you receive a defective item, please notify us immediately. We will facilitate an exchange or coordinate with the manufacturer for a replacement. Please be aware that batteries cannot be returned, and any shipping charges (if applicable) are non-refundable.