DRS-TH - Engaging Marginal Targets at 400 Yards

For the DRS-TH (256x192) and other lower resolution thermals, the maximum engagement range is determined by the quality of the target.

Conditions were clear, 65F, no wind, bright sunlight on the shooting position, target was in shade. The DRS-TH was set to brightness 6, OLED brightness 6 (my daylight settings, easily visible even in bright sunlight), and 5x digital zoom. Additionally, I was using a 3x magnifier and the #2 T-reticle. My hold was 450, as I'm shooting 7.62x39 on a reticle calibrated for 5.56x45.

The target is an 11" white paper plate surrounded by six more paper plates, on a wood backing, for a target diameter of just under 3 feet. With the target shaded, these create an extremely marginal thermal target - it's the dark smudge on the warmer wood background. It would probably be indistinguishable if it wasn't on the wood, as you can see how the wood contrasts with the cool background of the berm.