Nocpix has launched the Bolt in two variants: the P25R and the L35R. Both share similar functionality and internal architecture but differ in sensor size and objective lens diameter. These models are primarily aimed at new thermal users, especially those using sub-12ft/lb and FAC-rated airguns, as well as rimfire rifles. That said, while they can handle centrefire use, the smaller sensor in the P25R (on test) naturally comes with realistic resolution and range limitations.
What Are the Key Technical Specifications?
I’ve been using the P25R. It features a 25mm lens paired with a 256x192px sensor offering 12μm pitch. With a NETD rating of sub-20mK, the unit provides respectable thermal sensitivity and gradient clarity. The refresh rate is 50Hz, ensuring smooth image reproduction, and the field of view is 7.5×5.3°. The base magnification is 3.5x, digitally zoomable up to 14x via the upper dial, positioned where you’d typically find an elevation turret on a traditional scope. Nocpix claims a detection range of up to 1,300m, and there’s a built-in laser rangefinder rated to 1,200m mounted above the objective lens.
Ergonomics, Accessories, and Setup
The layout is relatively conventional, with a 30mm main tube that allows easy mounting with standard rings. The compact size and modest weight (880g) make it especially well-suited to smaller rifles. Personally, I prefer tubed thermal optics like this one, as most traditional sporting rifles are ergonomically designed for that format, and setting up correct eye relief is much easier.
The Bolt comes well-equipped: heated target patches (great for zeroing), a carry case, two 18650 batteries, a charger, data cable, lens cloth, and a starter guide to walk you through setup.
As with most digital units, the interface takes some learning, but the menu system is fairly intuitive, and the instruction book is one of the best I have encountered.
Controls, Interface, and Power System
The device features three control buttons and a dial on top; short and long presses cycle through various functions. The grey power button requires a three-second hold to start the unit up, after which the reticle appears on the internal 1024×768 AMOLED display in about ten seconds. An auto-refresh function means the display will click on and off a few times before stabilising.
The two other buttons above the eyepiece control video and the rangefinder, which takes two presses to initiate and then measure, with the display in metres or yards.
Power is managed via a dual-battery system: an internal battery (charged through a USB-C port on the right) and an external 18650 battery housed under the left-hand turret cap. This setup allows hot swapping without powering down the unit and promises up to 9,000mAh/12 hours of runtime, depending on conditions, which is superb.
Image Quality, Recording, and Ballistics
Sadly, no clicks. Navigation is done through the central dial, which doubles as a selector, and a button on top that scrolls colour palettes. One minor drawback is that the dial doesn’t have tactile clicks, so you must watch the screen closely, especially during zeroing, to track changes. All expected features are present: seven colour palettes, brightness/contrast adjustments, and multiple reticle shapes and colours.
Nocpix incorporates what they call a “Reality+” intelligent image algorithm to enhance image quality, but all digital devices use equivalent firmware to manipulate images for improved clarity in what is a relatively limited input/output resolution system.
Remember, the internal display can’t compete with modern smartphones or tablets, so when you transfer photos or videos via the app, they appear much clearer on your mobile screen. The Bolt supports both photo and video recording, along with audio, and it’s especially handy that recording continues even while navigating menus. This made it easier for me to document the interface.
That said, all the images recorded in photo mode turned out black and white, regardless of the selected colour palette. Video, however, correctly preserved colour modes. This could be a firmware bug in my early test unit.
You can input full ballistic data and save multiple zero profiles for different rifles. I used the P25R primarily on an air rifle to control feral pigeons and squirrels. I also used it on a rimfire for similar tasks and got to experiment with the ballistic calculator capability a bit more. In use, the unit appeared to give decent range compensation settings, yet, as always, it will benefit from experimentation and tuning for your projectile, BC (ballistic coefficient), and muzzle velocity. Bore height is also more critical at closer ranges, so don’t forget it.
What is the Real-World Performance and Value?
I appreciated the ability to change reticle colours and shapes, especially when using the rangefinder and ballistic calculator, as this helps declutter a busy screen.
The ocular lens allows ±5 dioptre adjustment for sharp screen focus, which remains crisp across the entire field of view without disturbing spherical anomalies.
Eye relief is quoted at 50mm, and a rubber bellowed eyecup is included. It genuinely feels like a true 50mm relief distance, and I found it optically comfortable to use even without the eyecup.
The dual-battery system proved invaluable, as you’re never left powerless at a critical moment. The objective lens features a flip-up cap and is focused via a serrated rubber collar, which offers a good grip and precise control.
It’s important to recognise that this scope delivers nearly all the functionality of far more expensive thermal units, albeit with some compromises in image quality. You can easily detect heat sources well beyond practical shooting ranges, but be mindful of ID if you do push the distances.
I found the reticle options particularly helpful for minimising aiming error. For airgun use out to around 30m and rimfire to about 75m, accurate headshots on small quarry are perfectly achievable. On centrefire rifles like a .223, I’d be comfortable taking body shots on foxes out to 150m. That’s more than adequate for many real-world users who are willing to trade ultra-high image resolution at £2,000+ for affordability. At just 376mm in length and with 50mm of eye relief, this scope fits compact rifles beautifully, especially airguns and rimfires, and that’s a crucial point worth emphasising, as it shows Nocpix, unlike some, really do understand their market without trying to bamboozle prospective customers.
Conclusion: A Glimpse of Future Value
I think the Nocpix Bolt P25R is a real showcase of future value and design ethos. It’s not perfect, but it’s a genuine step forward. I can’t wait to use it more on a .223 while out foxing. GM
Technical Specifications
- Name: Nocpix Bolt P25R
- Price: £899
- UK Distributor: Hawke Optics – www.nocpix.uk
- Optical & Thermal Specs:
- Objective Lens: 25mm
- Sensor Resolution: 256x192px
- Pixel Pitch: 12μm
- Thermal Sensitivity (NETD): <20mK
- Refresh Rate: 50Hz
- Field of View: 7.5° x 5.3°
- Base Magnification: 3.5x (digital zoom up to 14x)
- Detection Range: Up to 1,300m
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Features:
- Laser Rangefinder: Yes, rated to 1,200m
- Ballistic Calculator: Yes, multiple profiles
- Recording: Photo, Video, and Audio
- Colour Palettes: 7
- Reticles: Multiple shapes and colours
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Physical & Ergonomic Specs:
- Main Tube: 30mm
- Weight: 880g
- Length: 376mm
- Display: 1024×768 AMOLED
- Eye Relief: 50mm
- Dioptre Adjustment: ±5
- Power: Dual-battery system (internal + external hot-swappable 18650)
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Included Accessories: Heated target patches, carry case, 2x 18650 batteries, charger, data cable, lens cloth, starter guide.
