Pulsar Trail Thermal Riflescope (Trail 2 & Trail 3 LRF)
The Pulsar Trail is a dedicated thermal riflescope built around a laser rangefinder, so you read distance inside the scope before the shot. The Trail 3 is the current generation; the Trail 2 LRF XP50 remains popular secondhand. Both suit hunters who want long-range thermal with integrated ranging on one dedicated rifle.
Pros
- Built-in laser rangefinder gives in-scope distance up to about 1,312 yards
- Wide 3.5-14x magnification for scanning and target ID
- High-resolution 1920x1080 AMOLED display
- IP67 housing with a wide operating-temperature range
- Up to 10 hours runtime with USB-C external power support
Cons
- Ranging and flagship features put it above entry scopes in price
- A dedicated scope commits one rifle, unlike a clip-on
- Trail 2 is prior-generation; newest features are on Trail 3
- ITAR export-controlled
What the Trail line is
The Trail is a stand-alone thermal riflescope, not a front attachment. You mount it, zero it once, and it holds that zero - the opposite workflow to a clip-on that sits ahead of a day scope and needs no re-zero. What sets the Trail apart within the dedicated-scope family is a built-in laser rangefinder: specs cite ranging up to 1,312 yards, delivering distance data the moment you need it without a separate rangefinder. That makes it a natural fit for open-country predator and hog hunting where shots stretch out and the range changes fast.
Trail 2 vs Trail 3 LRF
The XP50 designation points to a 640x480-class sensor behind a 50mm objective, the configuration most Trail buyers want for reach. The Trail 3 is the newer line and brings refinements to display and runtime, while the Trail 2 LRF XP50 is the prior generation that many hunters still run. Core strengths carry across both: a 384x288 17µm thermal path on earlier models or higher-resolution XP sensors, a wide 3.5-14x magnification range for scanning at low power and identifying targets at high power, and a premium 1920x1080 AMOLED display for clean contrast.
If you are shopping used, the Trail 2 LRF XP50 can be a value route to ranging thermal; if you want the latest hardware and support, the Trail 3 is the current pick.
Popular options on Amazon
Prices change often - check the current price on Amazon.
Build and runtime
The Trail 3 uses an IP67-rated housing and operates across a wide temperature band, roughly -13 F to 122 F, so it holds up in heavy weather and cold mornings. Its LPS7i battery is rated to about 10 hours of runtime with USB-C external power as a backup, which covers long sits and multi-session nights. The long detection figure - deer-sized targets out to around 1,800 meters on published specs - reflects the sensor and 50mm optic working together; usable identification distance is shorter and depends on conditions.
Where the Trail fits vs other Pulsar scopes
Pick the Trail when integrated ranging is the deciding feature. If you do not need an in-scope rangefinder, the flagship Thermion offers a traditional 30mm tube with LRF and day/thermal Duo variants of its own, and the entry Talion covers moderate-range hunting for less. To add thermal to a rifle you already shoot without a second optic, a Krypton 2 clip-on is the alternative. Browse the full range on the thermal riflescopes hub.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor / resolution | XQ50- 384x288 17µm |
| Housing / build | Magnesium alloy |
| Weight | 1.91875 pounds |
Source: Pulsar Trail 3 LRF XQ50 Thermal Riflescope on Amazon
What owners say
Once you can get Pulsar Trail XP38 (or XP50), pull the trigger. There are better thermal rifle scopes, but they're a lot more money. I ...r/ThermalHunting
Hey all, Looking for recommendations on thermal scope options between the 3-4K range. Currently using a pulsar day night and InfiRay FH35R ...r/Ausguns
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Trail 2 and Trail 3?
The Trail 3 is the current generation with updated display and runtime; the Trail 2 LRF XP50 is the previous generation that remains common on the used market. Both center on a ranging thermal scope with a 50mm objective.
Is the Trail a clip-on or a full scope?
It is a full dedicated thermal riflescope that you zero once. A front attachment like the Krypton 2 instead mounts ahead of your day scope and needs no re-zero.
How far can the Trail range and detect?
Published specs cite the built-in rangefinder to about 1,312 yards and detection of deer-sized targets out to roughly 1,800 meters. Detection is not the same as identification; an ethical shot happens at much closer range.
How long does the battery last?
The Trail 3 uses the LPS7i battery, rated to around 10 hours of runtime, and supports USB-C external power so you can top it up or run from a bank during long nights.
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