Pulsar Trail 3 LRF XR50 640 50mm Thermal Scope

How to zero the Pulsar Trail 3

The Pulsar Trail 3 LRF XR50 is built for hunters who need more reach, better image detail, and the ability to confidently make longer shots. If you’re hunting large fields, farmland, or wide-open properties, this is where stepping up to a 640 sensor really starts to make a difference. It’s a strong fit for hog hunting in open fields, coyote hunting across larger properties, and longer-range predator setups where being able to clearly identify animals at distance matters.

At its core is a 640 × 480 thermal sensor with a <18 mK NETD rating, paired with a 50mm F/1.0 germanium lens. In the field, that translates to a sharper image with more detail on animals at distance compared to 384 units. The 3x base magnification gives you a solid starting point for scanning and shooting, making it a practical setup for that 300–500 yard range without feeling overly tight.

The built-in laser rangefinder is rated out to around 1,200 meters and gives you fast, reliable distance readings when it counts. When you’re hunting bigger properties or taking longer shots, having that range data right in the scope helps eliminate guesswork and speeds up decision making.

Where the XR50 really separates itself is how it performs in real use. While it has the image quality and base magnification to be a very capable long-range coyote setup, it’s not locked into that role. The field of view is still usable enough to move with, which matters when you’re stalking hogs instead of just sitting back. You can scan and identify animals at distance, then work your way in without feeling like you’re looking through a tunnel. It’s a good balance—enough magnification to stretch it out when needed, but still flexible when things get closer.

At $4,199, the XR50 sits in a very competitive spot. For hunters looking for a 640 thermal scope with a built-in rangefinder without jumping into higher price brackets, this is one of the better values available right now.

Image is displayed on a 1920 × 1080 AMOLED screen, giving you a crisp, high-contrast picture that pairs well with the 640 sensor. One of the standout updates on the Trail 3 platform is the new round Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, which provides a zoomed-in view while keeping your full field of view visible. It’s a more practical setup when you’re tracking animals across open ground and still need awareness of everything around them.

The Trail 3 platform is built for real use, with a magnesium alloy housing, IP67 rating, and recoil resistance up to 6,000 joules. Controls are straightforward and easy to operate in the dark without slowing you down.

Power comes from the Pulsar LPS-7i battery system, delivering up to 10 hours of runtime, with USB-C external power support if you’re planning to stay out longer.

Backed by Pulsar’s 5-year warranty (with registration), the Trail 3 LRF XR50 is a strong option for hunters who want a high-performance thermal with a built-in rangefinder that can handle both longer shots and more mobile setups in the field.

Built for Long-Range Hunting

The Trail 3 LRF XR50 is purpose-built for hunters who need maximum performance in open environments. This scope excels in:

• Hog hunting in large fields and farmland

• Predator hunting across open terrain

• Long-range shooting where distance and clarity matter most

With a 2300-meter detection range and integrated laser rangefinder, it gives you the tools needed to confidently identify and engage targets at distance.

XR50 vs XQ50 – Which One Should You Choose?

The Pulsar Trail 3 lineup offers two models designed for different hunting environments.

• Trail 3 LRF XR50 (This Model): Built for long-range performance with a 640 sensor and 2300m detection range. Ideal for open terrain such as fields, farmland, and large properties where distance and clarity matter most.

• Trail 3 LRF XQ50: Designed for shorter to mid-range use with a 384 sensor and 1800m detection range. Better suited for tighter terrain, wooded areas, or budget-conscious buyers.

If you regularly hunt open ground and want maximum detection range and image detail, the XR50 is the better long-term investment.

Key Features

• 640 × 480 Thermal Sensor

• 12 µm Pixel Pitch

• <18 mK NETD Sensitivity

• 50mm F/1.0 Germanium Lens

• 3x – 24x Magnification

• 2300 Meter Detection Range

• Integrated Laser Rangefinder (Up to 1200m / 1300 Yards)

• 1920 × 1080 AMOLED Display

• Round Picture-in-Picture Mode

• Stream Vision 2 & Ballistics Compatible

• 64GB Photo & Video Recording with Audio

• Wi-Fi Connectivity

• Pulsar LPS-7i Battery System (Up to 10 Hours)

• USB-C External Power Capability

• Magnesium Alloy Housing

• IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof

• Recoil Rated up to .375 H&H / 12 Gauge

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