All great comments. The thing about being a freeper is there is an expert on almost any issue. I can dedicate a rifle, but I have an Aimpoint on one .223. I am going to look seriously at the PVS-5. I have to get this purchase made before hunt in September. Thanks again.
Read my correction. Its a AN/PVS-2 Starlight Scope. Military used them from late 60s through 90s. There should be some very good ones available used. You can always buy a new I2 tube (these are the expensive things not the optical housing). Be sure to test any night scope before buying. There are test sets available. You don’t want to spend big money for a tube that is burnt out, or else you will be spending every night looking at a green light. Simple test would be to use an eye chart (100% resolution black on white) with 6” leters on the first row declining to 4 and 2 inch leters below. Place it at least 100 meter from you. You should pick a night with without moonlight and away from urban illumination and see how much of the chart you can read under pure starlight conditions. If you can’t find the chart then the tube is dead. If you can find the chart and read at least the first row, then you have a basically good tube. If you can read the second and third row, you have an exceptional tube. The PVS-2 will require a unique mount for your rifle as it was designed for the carrying handle of the M-16. There are Picatinny rail mounts for the PVS-2 and would recommend their use to mount to the rifle. Remember, your investment in this combo is 70% or better for the sight and less than 20% for the rifle.
Best value on the market IMO is the Yukon NVRS Tactical 2.5x50 Night Vision Rifle Scope, Weaver Mount. It is Gen I but has internal focus that overcomes most of Gen I image issues. The focus allows you to have a sharp image from about 5' to infinity. Long distance (100 yrds+) will require larger IR illuminator on moonless nights.