01
Digital Zoom
See farther, identify earlier. Hogs at 200 yards become a positive ID before they know you exist.
Family-owned · US-based support · Flat rate US shipping
Premium thermal optics.
The Scout is a compact touchscreen optic with digital zoom, onboard photo and video recording, and 8+ hour battery life.
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- Flat Rate
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- US-Based
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// The Scout — 256×192 thermal optic
What You Get
Built for the dark.
Priced for everyday use.
02
Touchscreen Control
Swipe to switch palettes, reticle, and zoom. Everything from the display, no fumbling with buttons in the dark.
03
Capture
Photos and video on board. Save the footage, share the hunt, replay the stalk.
Why the Scout
Premium features.
Honest price.
Premium-tier thermal capability: a real detector, five palettes, on-board capture, and all-night power in a pocket-sized optic at $799.99, not the $2,000+ the premium names charge.
256 × 192
Thermal core
A 256×192 detector renders a clear heat signature in total darkness — no ambient light needed.
Five palettes
See it your way
White Hot, Black Hot, Green Hot, Red Hot, and Iron Red. Swipe to match the terrain and conditions.
Zero + track
Dialed in
On-screen zeroing, hot-spot tracking, and digital detail enhancement help you place the shot.
≥ 8 hr
All-night power
Two rechargeable 16280 batteries and a charger in the box — no disposables to burn through.
107 g
Carry anywhere
Pocket-sized at 53 × 42 × 43 mm, with an RMR-compatible mounting base included.
$799.99
Direct pricing
Premium-tier capability without the premium-tier markup. Sold direct, backed by US-based support.
Built Honest
Real support.
No runaround.
Merlin is family-owned and designed by people who hunt. When you call, you reach someone who knows the product. Every optic ships with US-based support behind it.
What is The Scout?
A compact 256×192 thermal optic with a 1.6-inch touchscreen, digital zoom, and on-board photo and video. It weighs 107 g (without batteries) and runs on two rechargeable 16280 batteries.
How long does the battery last, and how do I charge it?
Around 8+ hours on two rechargeable 16280 batteries. A charger and USB-C cable are included. Always power the device off before opening the battery compartment or swapping a battery.
Can it take photos and video?
Yes. Short-press the Photo/Video button for a photo; press and hold to start or stop recording. Files transfer over USB-C.
What color palettes does it have?
Five: White Hot, Black Hot, Green Hot, Red Hot, and Iron Red. Swipe left or right to switch, and enable or disable palettes from the menu.
What mounts fit The Scout?
It ships with an RMR-compatible mounting base. Optional Flip-to-Side, 45° Offset (The Scout 45), and Picatinny quick-detach mounts are available. Use only the supplied screws and do not overtighten.
How do I zero it?
Open the menu, choose Zeroing, and use the on-screen arrows to move the reticle (freeze the image if it helps), then save. Full step-by-step instructions are in the user manual.
Thermal vs. night vision — what’s the difference?
Night vision amplifies existing light and shows shapes. Thermal detects heat and shows a heat signature, so it works in total darkness and helps separate an animal from its background.
Is it legal to hunt at night with thermal?
Night-hunting and thermal rules vary by state and by species. Check your state’s current regulations before you hunt.
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Ready when you are.
Shop the Scout$799.99Flat rate US shipping · US-based support · Secure checkout