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Pulsar Trail 3 LRF thermal scopes bring a 1,500-yard laser rangefinder and better battery life to Pulsar’s fan favorite hunting lineup.
Pulsar showed two models at SHOT Show 2026, the Trail 3 LRF XQ50 and the higher-end Trail 3 LRF XR50. Both aim at hunters who want a traditional riflescope layout with modern thermal performance. Availability is slated for mid-February.
Trail 3 LRF Overview
The Trail 3 line sticks mostly to what made earlier Trails popular while updating both internal and external features. Both models share the same housing, controls, battery system, and LRF capability. The differences come down to sensor resolution, magnification range, and price.
Trail 3 LRF XR50 Overview
The Trail 3 LRF XR50 moves into higher resolution territory. It uses a new 640×480 sensor that blends Pulsar’s 12-micron technology with a sub-18 NETD design. The result targets improved image detail and contrast, especially at longer distances.
Magnification increases to roughly 3–24x. That extra top-end zoom gives the XR50 more benefit for wide-open terrain. It keeps the same 1,500-yard LRF, Eagle PIP mode, and color palette options as the XQ50.
Controls stay familiar, with hot buttons positioned at the rear for quick access. The XR50 also uses the IPX7 battery system. The XR50 carries a higher MSRP of $4,199.
Trail 3 LRF XQ50 Overview
The Trail 3 LRF XQ50 uses a 384×288 thermal sensor. It offers a magnification range of roughly 3.5–14x, keeping it in line with previous mid-tier Pulsar offerings. This model runs on Pulsar’s IPX7 battery, the same system used in the Telos series.
Pulsar equips the XQ50 with a 1,500-yard laser rangefinder. That’s the same LRF used across the Trail 3 line. The scope also includes eight color palettes, including a new green option, along with standard white hot, and black hot modes.
A new “Eagle” picture-in-picture mode stands out. Instead of a box, Pulsar uses a circular PIP display centered in the screen. It gives a magnified aiming view without blocking as much of the surrounding image.
While goofy in my opinion, software updates could provide better options down the road. Retail pricing for the Trail 3 LRF XQ50 lands at $2,999.
Key Similarities and Differences
Both Trail 3 models share the same chassis, LRF performance, battery system, and software features. Image resolution and magnification create the real separation. The XQ50 targets hunters who want solid thermal capability at a lower price. The XR50 aims at users who prioritize detail and extended range.
The first 1,000 units ship with an American Defense mount. Later models will include Pulsar’s standard quick-detach mount.
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Mitchell Graf is a dedicated hunter, competitive shooter, and firearms enthusiast. As a former instructor and president of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team, he has a strong foundation in marksmanship and competition shooting. These days, he spends as much time as possible chasing pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermal optics.
When he’s not in the field or on the range, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer in the Aerospace and Defense industry and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether he’s behind a rifle, designing parts, or working the land, his drive for precision and performance remains the same.
Experience:
– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time professional in the Aerospace/Defense industry.
– Competitive Shooter & Instructor – Former President and Instructor of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team.
– Night Vision & Thermal Hunter – Passionate about night time predator and hog hunting.
– Part-Time Farmer – Working to provide for my family, and raise food for this great nation.