Thermal riflescopes have quickly moved from specialized military equipment to practical tools for hunters, shooters and landowners. With processing power advancing and manufacturing costs decreasing, thermal technology continues to become more accessible. Armasight’s newest release, the Contractor 320 Lite, reflects this trend.
Built on the same foundation as the original Contractor 320, the Lite version retains a durable aluminum housing, sealed compartments and tethered, gasketed caps to prevent loss in the field. The control layout emphasizes simplicity, with tactile knobs and a single selector button for capturing still images or video. A locking power switch requires both depression and rotation to engage, preventing accidental activation during transport or storage.
Thanks to its relatively compact size, the Contractor Lite 320 takes up minimal space on an rail. Installation of the two (included) CR123A batteries in the optic’s waterproof battery compartment is straightforward and simple. Eight reticle options and onboard digital tools like an inclinometer and a cant indicator help ensure accurate shot placement.
The Contractor 320 Lite employs a 320×240 thermal sensor with a tighter 12-micron pitch—an upgrade over the more common 17-micron configuration. This sensor provides a base optical magnification of 2X, paired with a 4X digital zoom, for an effective range of 2-8X. The rectangular display can be tailored through five color palettes that are quickly cycled via the left-side control knob. Features such as a stadiametric rangefinder, picture-in-picture mode and recoil-activated video recording are integrated into the software suite, extending functionality beyond what is typically expected in an entry-level thermal. Recordings and image data are stored internally and accessed through a USB port, which also accepts external battery packs for extended run time.
Mounting the optic is straightforward. The Contractor 320 Lite attaches to a rail via dual-nut hardware that, while not quick-detach, offers a dependable return to zero when properly torqued. Weighing less than 2 pounds, the unit adds minimal bulk to most rifles, and its swept-back mounting profile simplifies eye-relief adjustment. The removable rubber eyecup provides the option of a sealed viewing experience.
In practical use, the optic delivered effective detection and identification ranges suitable for most field applications. I could easily identify small animals such as birds and squirrels within 100 yards, while human-sized figures were positively recognized at roughly 300 yards. Beyond those distances, warm objects remained detectable, though precise identification became more challenging.
Zeroing is conducted through a familiar thermal process: Establishing a group on a thermal-reactive target, then electronically aligning the reticle to the point of impact. The Contractor’s software adds refinement with its “Boresight” feature, which allows adjustments in MOA increments. This additional precision proved useful both for fine-tuning zero and for compensating when cartridge trajectory data was known.
Armasight set out to build an affordable thermal that did not compromise on core performance, and the Contractor 320 Lite fulfills that mission. Its intuitive interface, rugged construction and practical software package make it a strong candidate for shooters seeking thermal capability without the premium price tag. The 320 Lite demonstrates that reliable thermal imaging is no longer beyond the reach of the everyday firearm enthusiast.
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