I have no experience using night vision. Is it good for home defense in case something happens when it is dark? Or is it completely out of question?

I'm not a security expert, so, I defer to their knowledge...

 

But I do think it is an interesting concept. The upside is that you have the most important advantage in any type of situation, which is being the one-eyed man in the land of the blind (per se).

The downsides are varied, and many for that matter. I have only futzed with the stuff used by DOD, but I could imagine that even simpler rigs are still obnoxious to operate. This is discounting binos (or similar devices) which are a bit less distracting, though they come with their own downsides. Also, learning how and when to operate them effectively takes time, and even then some situations are unpredictable. And of course they tend to be pretty darn expensive-- or at least the stuff that is worth a darn.

 

Ultimately I do see the value in having maybe the security system (the cameras) having NV capability, but personal NVDs are ultimately overkill for the average civilian. Good white-light is still preferable in most any situation, and flood lights tend to be a lot cheaper. And regarding indoors, having a good hand-held torch or light on the firearm (which is a must for any HD firearm) is just fine. Plus, you can use that $3000+ on something more useful like training and/or making yourself and/or the home a hard target.

 

Just my two cents.

I agree with bbk. In your house a handheld or weapon mounted white light, or even better both, is preferable.

 

After trying both (PVS14 and various white lights) in close quarters situations, particularly where you know the layout as you do in your house, proper use of white light is far superior.

 

When we go outside, and to longer distances, I think good night vision wins out.

Probably pretty close to useless. Night vision goggles can only focus on one distance. The distance where it becomes focused to infinity is going to be farther then anything in your house. Think of it like a scope and where the parallax is set and the distance where it becomes parallax free. Similar concept with night vision. Also, depth perception is terrible. For use in home defense? Pass. A light mount or simply turning on your house lights would be a better choice. Of course all this is even failing to mention that quality grade night vision devices cost thousands of dollars, are heavy and clumsy, require some light in order to be fully effective, but too much light will wash them out and make them immediately useless.

 

My experience is based on the night vision goggles I use on a regular basis while flying.

Sooo imagine you hear a bump in the night, and you grab your gun and NVG's to go check it out. You put on and turn on your NVG's, and start quietly clearing the rooms. You get to the living room, and the bad guy hears you. He turns around and shines a flashlight towards the noise.....you're effed.