No problem at all. I actually use the quick mount and a piticanny mount to secure it to a lanyard when I'm using it as a monocular. That way I don't have to worry about dropping it.
Look at a Hogster-r and the super hogster. Both are actual scopes, but you can turn the reticle off. Also, both have good quick connect mounts that hold zero if you want to slap it on a rifle.
I would also look at a scope. I've used my back up scope as a monocular many times before I actually purchased a monocular. Bering optics makes good thermals for a reasonable price.
$1,000 will get you junk. You would get your several hundred yard detection, but you would have no idea what you're detecting. Look for a 384 core 35mm lense minimum.
Years ago, one of our die cast machines had a button labeled, "do not press this button". It was wired to a counter that went to 9,999. It passed that mark on more than one occasion.