INFITAC FMP13 Thermal Pistol Sight Review: Tiny Thermal, Serious Capability

Thermal optics used to mean big housings, heavy rifles, and price tags that made your eyes water.

The INFITAC Fast Mini FMP13 thermal pistol sight completely changes that equation. It’s a true
thermal pistol sight that weighs around 4 ounces, mounts on a standard RMR footprint, and gives you a
smooth 60 Hz thermal image designed for handgun distances. The FMP13 can also live on carbines as an offset or piggyback
thermal, making it one of the most flexible thermal optics in its size class.

Thermal pistol sights are exploding in popularity as they continue to fit into real-world roles like home defense, night hunting, and competitive shooting.
Whether you’re coming here from Google, YouTube, or social media, this guide is designed to answer one main question:

Is the INFITAC FMP13 the right thermal pistol sight for you—and why should you buy it from Kenzie’s Optics?

What Is the INFITAC Fast Mini FMP13?

At its core, the INFITAC FMP13 is a micro thermal scope built on the Fast Mini platform. Instead of a standard
red dot, you’re looking at a live thermal image with a reticle overlaid on top, which gives you both
target identification and aiming in a single optic. That’s a huge step forward from traditional
pistol red dots that cannot help you identify what you’re aiming at in the dark.

INFITAC FMP13 Key Specs

  • 256×192 thermal sensor with 12 μm pixel pitch
  • NETD ≤ 25 mK for fine thermal detail
  • 60 Hz overlay refresh rate for smooth movement
  • 13 mm F1.0 lens optimized for close to mid-range use
  • 1.4″ 360×300 display with a generous 26×20 mm viewing area
  • Multiple color palettes and multi-reticle options (dot and circle-dot style)
  • IP67-rated housing and 1200 g recoil rating
  • Approximate weight: 4 oz (pistol-optic territory)
  • Powered by a CR2 battery with up to around 5 hours of runtime at room temperature

You can get the INFITAC FMP13 thermal pistol sight in two finishes:

FMP13 Black and FMP13 FDE. Both offer the same performance; the only difference is the housing color and how
it blends with your pistol or rifle.

If you’re ready to pick one up, you can shop the FMP13 in
Black and FDE on our website

Why Choose a Thermal Pistol Sight?

If you already have a pistol red dot, it’s natural to ask why you’d want to add thermal to the mix. A
thermal pistol sight like the FMP13 solves problems that a conventional red dot simply can’t.

  • Positive ID in poor visibility: Thermal imaging lets you see heat signatures in darkness, smoke, heavy shade,
    or cluttered backgrounds. You’re not just seeing silhouette shapes—you’re seeing actual heat from people and animals.
  • Home defense and property security: Around structures at night, thermal helps you spot a person hiding in
    shadows, brush, or behind objects where white light and daylight optics struggle.
  • Hogs, predators, and nuisance animals: For night hunting, a thermal pistol or offset rifle sight makes
    it much easier to detect moving heat against cooler terrain and vegetation.
  • Competition and training: On stages with hard cover, partial targets, and mixed lighting, thermal can help
    you understand what’s actually exposed and what’s not, improving decision-making and target transitions.

Instead of treating thermal as a bulky, separate device, the INFITAC FMP13 thermal pistol sight brings thermal
imaging into something that fits where your pistol optic already lives.

Features of the INFITAC FMP13 Thermal Pistol Sight

1. InstaWake Motion-Activation

One of the biggest pain points with any electronic optic is battery management. Leave it on and you risk a dead optic;
leave it off and you risk not being ready when you need it. INFITAC’s answer is InstaWake.

InstaWake uses built-in motion sensing so the FMP13 can go into a low-power sleep when it sits still, then wake up quickly as you
draw or move the gun. The goal is simple: the optic is effectively “always ready” without constantly burning through battery life.

Newer firmware has expanded and refined InstaWake behavior on existing FMP13 units, so if you already own one, it’s worth updating
to the latest software before use.

2. Touchscreen and Physical Controls

The INFITAC FMP13 uses a hybrid control layout:

  • Touchscreen interface for quick swipes between palettes, reticles, and menus.
  • Physical buttons for gloved use, cold weather, and tactile confirmation.

That means you can treat the FMP13 like a modern smart device when you’re on the flat range, but still have
traditional physical controls when conditions are rough or you’re wearing gloves.

3. RMR Footprint and Multi-Platform Mounting

From the factory, the FMP13 thermal pistol sight uses a standard RMR footprint. That makes it a
drop-in option for RMR-cut pistols and optics-ready slides that already accept RMR-style red dots.

INFITAC also supports a variety of mounts and adapter plates, so you can run the FMP13 in several roles:

  • Direct pistol mount: A true thermal pistol sight on an RMR-cut slide.
  • Offset thermal on a carbine: Mounted at 45°, you roll the rifle slightly to bring the thermal into view.
  • Piggyback on a magnified optic: Mounted above a scope, you get a heads-up thermal view for close-in work.

Offset and piggyback setups each have tradeoffs:

  • Offset mounts generally keep your head position consistent; you just rotate the rifle to transition from
    your day optic to the FMP13.
  • Piggyback mounts put the optic higher, which can be very fast at close range but changes your cheek weld
    and overall posture on the rifle.

If you’re not sure which configuration makes the most sense, our team at Kenzie’s Optics can help you select the right plate and mount.

4. Sun Burn Protection and Thermal Safety

All long-wave thermal imagers must be protected from extreme infrared sources like the sun, welding arcs, and large flames. The
INFITAC FMP13 incorporates Sun Burn Protection, a safety feature that automatically closes the internal shutter
and blanks the image if a dangerously strong source is detected.

If Sun Burn Protection activates, you’ll see the screen go bright or a uniform color instead of a normal image. That means the optic
is protecting the sensor. Change your angle, avoid pointing the FMP13 at the sun, and allow it a moment to recover.

Good habits still matter:

  • Avoid intentionally pointing the FMP13 at the sun or high-intensity flames.
  • Be mindful of bright sky while panning or zeroing during the day.
  • If the image disappears or washes out, stop and let the protection system do its job.

Performance in Training and Competitive Shooting

The INFITAC FMP13 thermal pistol sight is more than just a cool gadget. It’s a serious tool for shooters who train
hard and compete often.

  • Faster target pickup: Instead of relying on small color differences, you’re anchoring shots on obvious
    heat signatures. This can speed up acquisition in cluttered or low-contrast environments.
  • Confidence in low light: On dark stages, indoor ranges, or mixed-light scenarios, thermal imaging reveals
    target edges and positions that conventional optics might obscure.
  • Reduced visual fatigue: The high refresh rate and sensitive detector help the image stay smooth and stable
    as you move, track targets, and transition between positions.
  • Minimal weight penalty: Because the FMP13 is in the same weight neighborhood as many pistol optics, it
    doesn’t radically change slide behavior or rifle balance.

For competitors, that means you can add thermal capability without feeling like you bolted a scope to your slide. For defensive
shooters, it means you get enhanced awareness in conditions where visibility is otherwise compromised.

Setup, Zeroing, and Maintenance Tips

1. Update Your Firmware

Before you dive into serious use, it’s a good idea to update your INFITAC FMP13 to the latest firmware. Newer
firmware versions have improved features like InstaWake and overall behavior. Follow INFITAC’s instructions for updating, and
make sure you confirm the new firmware version before heading to the range. https://upgrade.infitacusa.com/

2. Zeroing the FMP13 Thermal Pistol Sight

  • Use heated or thermal-friendly zeroing targets for best results.
  • Confirm that your optic mounting screws are properly torqued and thread-locked.
  • After your first range session, re-check all mounting screws and confirm zero.

Once you have it dialed in, the FMP13 can be incredibly consistent as long as your mounting solution is solid.

3. Power Management and CR2 Batteries

The FMP13 is powered by a CR2 battery and typically delivers several hours of runtime in normal temperatures. To get the most from
each battery:

4. Environmental Care and Cleaning

  • Treat the IP67 rating as robust, but still dry and clean the optic after heavy exposure to rain, mud, or dust.
  • Use proper lens-cleaning tools and avoid wiping grit directly across the lens glass.
  • Store the FMP13 in a protective case or padded compartment when not in use.

FMP13 Black vs FMP13 FDE: Which Should You Choose?

Functionally, FMP13 Black and FMP13 FDE are identical. The differences are purely visual and practical in terms of
how they blend with your firearm and gear.

  • FMP13 Black: Ideal for duty pistols, traditional black rifles, and setups where you want the optic to visually
    disappear on the slide or rail.
  • FMP13 FDE: Perfect for tan or FDE frames, modern carbines with coyote or earth-tone furniture, and shooters who
    want an optic that stands out for quick identification.

If you’re building a color-matched rig, FDE can complete the look. If you want something that blends into a classic black pistol or
AR, Black is the natural choice.

Why Buy Your INFITAC FMP13 from Kenzie’s Optics?

You have options when it comes to buying an INFITAC FMP13 thermal pistol sight, but there are a few reasons customers
trust Kenzie’s Optics:

  • Real-world thermal experience: Our team works with thermal and night-vision platforms daily, from hog hunting rigs
    to law enforcement duty rifles.
  • Mounting support: Not sure whether to mount the FMP13 on a pistol slide, offset rifle mount, or piggyback above a
    scope? We can help you choose the right configuration and accessories.
  • Dedicated inventory: We are actively promoting the INFITAC FMP13 in both Black and FDE, with a warehouse full of inventory!
  • Content and training focus: Expect supporting content, including review videos and social media coverage, so you can
    see how the FMP13 performs in real drills and scenarios—not just on paper.

    Checkout our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@kenziesoptics8831

When you’re ready to add a true thermal pistol sight to your kit, Kenzie’s Optics is ready to help you select, mount, and
run the INFITAC Fast Mini FMP13 correctly from day one.

INFITAC FMP13 Thermal Pistol Sight FAQ

Does the FMP13 only work on pistols?

No. The FMP13 is sized for pistol use, but with the right mounts you can also run it as an offset or piggyback thermal on a
rifle, or even as a compact handheld scanner for quick observation.

How far can I realistically use the INFITAC FMP13?

The INFITAC FMP13 thermal pistol sight is designed for handgun-relevant distances and close to mid-range scanning. Detection
and identification ranges will vary with background, weather, and palette, but the sweet spot is defensive distances, close-range
hunting, and scanning around structures or property.

Can the FMP13 see through glass or windshields?

No. Long-wave thermal imagers generally cannot see through common glass. The FMP13 will mostly pick up the temperature of the glass
itself or reflections, not what’s behind it. For best results, use it from an open window, open doorway, or outdoors.

Does the FMP13 have InstaWake from the factory?

Current FMP13 models and updated firmware include InstaWake motion activation. If you have an older unit, update to the
latest firmware to enable or enhance this feature.

How do I avoid damaging the thermal sensor?

Avoid pointing the FMP13 directly at the sun, welding arcs, or large flames. If the display suddenly washes out or shows a blank
screen, assume that Sun Burn Protection has engaged and adjust your angle. Combined with good handling practices, this will help
protect the thermal detector over the long term.

Check out the Infitac FMP13’s Warranty Information
https://infitacusa.com/pages/warranty-policy

Next step: When you’re ready to upgrade to a compact, real-world thermal pistol sight, check out the
INFITAC FMP13 in Black and FDE at
Kenzie’s Optics and reach out if you need help choosing the right
mounting solution for your setup.