I just to a weekend with the TNVC crew and what an experience! VERY good instructors they were all extremely experienced at using Night Vision to get a job done...no wannabees.
The main problem with getting into Night vision is the cost of the equipment. $42,000 is typically a tad more than most want to spend but, then again who really needs a 4 tube NV goggle set? PVS-14's Gen 3, monocle is current general army issue, new even those aren't going to be inexpensive....at least approaching $3,000.
So I spent a GREAT deal of time tracking down other sources and finally found NIVISYS, a big time player in the NV world. If you go to their website and fish around long enough you'll find the "demo/used" gear. Currently they have 3 tubes listed for $1700 each (in mum format not PVS) which is a hell of a deal EXCEPT they don't exist any more
Turns out you have to contact them and get the CURRENT spreadsheet with what is available. The spreadsheet provides a cosmetic evaluation, gen #, lines per inch, for resolution, a noise #, and if there are any spots on the lense and where they are and then the price. You can buy just the tube or, add $500.00 to get it in some hardware or, $700.00 to get it ready to attach to a headpiece one of which is included.
The. Cheapest tube on the current list was $275.00 which is going to be pretty funky but, there were a number under $1,000.
Larry