When it comes to hog hunting, few calibers match the raw power and versatility of the .308 Winchester. Harness .308 potential with the best 308 scopes for hog hunting that combine rugged durability, sharp optics, and precise adjustments to help you make accurate shots in the dark woods or open fields.
The .308 Winchester is a popular caliber for hog hunting thanks to its balance of power, accuracy, and versatility across different ranges. However, hogs are not easy to hunt down as they are tough, fast-moving, and often active in low-light conditions, which means your optic needs to deliver clear visibility, reliable tracking, and quick target acquisition.
What Makes a Great 308 Scope for Hog Hunting?
When hunting hogs with a .308, you will need an effective rifle scope that complements this cartridge’s shooting capabilities. A great scope for .308 hog hunting combines durability, sharp clarity, and reliable precision for low-light conditions and fast-moving targets.
A wide magnification range is ideal to offer flexibility for close-range and long-range engagements. A superior optical system is paramount for low-light conditions. The best 308 scopes for hog hunting should have a large objective lens, at least 40mm, and lenses should be fully multicoated to enhance light transmission for clear visuals during dawn or dusk hunts when hogs are most active.
The tube housing the optic should feature a rugged design to withstand the .308 power. Besides, the riflescope should be fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof to ensure reliability when hunting in tough environments.
Look for riflescopes with illuminated reticles because they help improve target acquisition in dark brush. Additionally, a .308 hog hunting scope should be fitted with quick-adjustment turrets and a zero-reset function to help maintain accuracy in changing conditions.
Thermal scopes are particularly suited for hog hunting because they use heat sensors to detect hogs in total darkness and in thick cover. They are useful in identifying feral hogs where traditional riflescopes struggle.
8 Best 308 Scopes for Hog Hunting
Choosing the best scope for your .308 ensures you can take precise shots whether you’re stalking in thick brush, waiting from a stand, or engaging targets at longer ranges. Here are the best models to choose from:
1) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Ensure your .308 performs at its full potential every hunt by pairing it with an efficient riflescope. The Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm rifle scope delivers superior light transmission and unbeatable precision, making it one of the best 308 scopes for hog hunting. It strikes a strong balance between versatility, clarity, and rugged reliability, making it a favorite among hunters.
With its 3-15x magnification range, the scope provides excellent adaptability for close-to mid-range engagements while still offering enough magnification for long-distance shots. Furthermore, the glass is impressively clear and delivers bright, sharp images even in low-light conditions, thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses.
Regarding reticle, the first focal plane reticle ensures accurate holdovers and ranging at any magnification, which is particularly useful for dynamic shooting scenarios. Besides, the reticle is illuminated to add another layer of usability in low-visibility environments, giving shooters an edge when precision is critical.
Durability is another standout feature of the Viper PST Gen II. Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, it is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, so it performs consistently in harsh environments. On top of that, the turrets are tactile, precise, and designed for repeatability, making dialing adjustments quick and confidence-inspiring.
Pros
- Premium glass for bright and clear image views
- Reliable mechanics
- Shooter-friendly features
- Illuminated reticle
- Solid aircraft-grade aluminum construction
Cons
- Sits at a slightly premium price point
2) Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15x50mm Riflescope
The VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15x50mm riflescope delivers a premium balance of clarity, versatility, and durability, making it an excellent choice for hog hunters. Exceptional optical clarity and low-light performance are the main attributes that make it shine among the best 308 scopes for hog hunting.
Its practical magnification range of 3-15x allows for quick target acquisition at close distances while still providing the reach needed for long-range shots. It is complemented by a large 50mm objective lens and Leupold’s high-definition optical system that work in tandem to deliver exceptional light transmission and crisp image resolution, even in low-light conditions.
Furthermore, the Twilight Max HD light management system further enhances visibility during dawn and dusk, ensuring reliable performance during the times hunters most often find game. With edge-to-edge sharpness and excellent color fidelity, the glass quality is one of the standout features in this riflescope.
Beyond optics, the VX-5HD Gen 2 stands out for its user-friendly features. The ZeroLock CDS-ZL2 elevation dial ensures repeatable accuracy and prevents accidental adjustments, while the side focus parallax control provides fine-tuned precision at varying ranges.
Weighing in at just over a pound and a half, it maintains a lightweight profile without sacrificing durability, thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum housing and waterproof, fog-proof design. The scope also features a generous eye box and forgiving eye relief.
Pros
- Rugged aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Lighted reticle
- Long eye relief
- Relatively lightweight construction
Cons
- Big budget for casual hunters
3) Burris Fullfield 4-16x50mm Riflescope
The Burris Fullfield 4-16x50mm Riflescope is designed for hunters seeking a versatile optic that balances precision, clarity, and rugged reliability. It harbors practical features that deliver consistent performance in every hunt. It stands out as one of the best 308 scopes for hog hunting in the budget-friendly category.
Featuring a wide 4-16x magnification range and a large 50mm objective lens, it delivers impressive light transmission for clear visuals in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. The glass quality is sharp and bright, with a reticle that remains crisp even at higher magnifications, making it ideal for medium- to long-range hunting and target shooting.
Furthermore, its side parallax adjustment ensures accuracy at varying distances. The scope also boasts a generous eye relief that makes it comfortable and safe to use with higher-recoiling rifles.
Durability is another strong point of this scope. The one-piece tube construction and nitrogen-filled design make it shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring consistent performance in tough weather conditions. Furthermore, the turrets provide tactile and audible clicks for quick adjustments, and the zero reset function adds convenience for field use.
Pros
- Excellent balance between affordability and performance
- Lightweight design
- Generous eye relief
- Solid, one-piece tube construction
- Impressive low-light performance
Cons
- The eye box tightens up noticeably at the higher end of magnification
4) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-32 4-24x50mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best 308 scopes for hog hunting, the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-32 4-24x50mm Rifle Scope is a premium-built optic for hunters looking to take their experience a notch higher. It is a top choice for .308 hog hunting because it combines the long-range power and low-light performance hunters need with rock-solid durability and value.
Its 4-24x magnification range makes it adaptable for both mid-range and long-range hunting, while the large 50mm objective lens provides excellent light transmission, delivering bright and sharp images even in low-light environments.
Furthermore, the scope features Trijicon’s renowned fiber optic and tritium-illuminated reticle system, eliminating the need for batteries and ensuring consistent aiming in changing light conditions.
Optically, the glass quality is exceptionally clear, with edge-to-edge sharpness, and the reticle options are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of shooting styles, from hunting to precision target shooting.
Durability is another standout feature of the AccuPoint TR-32. It is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum and a hard-anodized finish to withstand recoil, harsh weather, and rough handling in demanding environments.
Above all, the turrets offer tactile and audible adjustments, making zeroing precise and repeatable, and the zero stop function ensures that you can return to your initial settings with confidence.
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Intuitive reticle illumination
- Versatile magnification
- Excellent light transmission, true detail, and color with zero distortion
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment for maximum total travel
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
5) Sightron S-TAC 3-16x42mm 30mm Tube Rifle Scope
The Sightron S-TAC 3-16x42mm 30mm Tube Rifle Scope offers excellent optical clarity, dependable tracking, and rugged reliability. This makes it a well-rounded scope that delivers premium performance without reaching into the extreme high-end price bracket.
Its 3-16x magnification range provides the flexibility to acquire targets quickly at closer ranges while still offering ample magnification for long-distance shooting. Furthermore, the 42mm objective lens gathers a generous amount of light, delivering bright and crisp images even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
Built on a rugged 30mm main tube, the scope ensures both stability and increased adjustment range. It is also built with a side parallax focus that allows for fine-tuned accuracy at extended distances.
Regarding the reticle, it is sharp and easy to acquire, giving shooters confidence in maintaining the point of aim without distractions. Additionally, erelief is comfortable, reducing strain during extended shooting sessions and minimizing the risk of scope bite on heavier recoiling rifles.
Pros
- Wide 3-16x magnification range for versatile shooting applications
- Clear, bright optics with a 42mm objective lens
- Rugged 30mm tube with excellent durability
- Side parallax adjustment for long-range precision
- Tactile, repeatable turret adjustments
- Comfortable eye relief and easy reticle acquisition
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction
Cons
- Slightly heavier compared to smaller hunting scopes
- Does not offer the ultra-high-end glass clarity of premium-priced optics
6) AGM Global Vision Adder TS50-384 3-24x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
The AGM Adder TS50-384 3-24x50mm is a thermal scope designed for 24-hour operation under any weather and environmental conditions. It earns its place among the best 308 scopes for hog hunting thanks to its blend of long-range zoom, unrivaled heat detection capability, and rugged build to withstand the toughest of conditions.
Its 384×288 thermal sensor provides crisp imaging that makes it easy to detect heat signatures from game or targets at extended distances, even through fog, smoke, or light brush. Furthermore, the wide magnification range of 3-24x gives users flexibility, whether scanning wide fields for movement or zooming in for precise identification and shot placement.
Optically, the 50mm objective lens enhances light gathering and image detail, while the multiple color palettes allow customization based on user preference and environment.
Moreover, this thermal scope is built with rugged durability in mind. It is weather-resistant and capable of handling tough field conditions, making it a reliable partner for long hunting trips or demanding nighttime operations.
Other features that set the Adder TS50-384 apart are the user-friendly design and advanced features that enhance both performance and convenience. The scope includes onboard video and audio recording, allowing hunters to capture their experiences in real time, and Wi-Fi connectivity enables quick sharing and streaming to compatible devices.
Pros
- High-resolution 384×288 thermal sensor for clear imaging
- Wide 3-24x magnification range for versatility
- Multiple color palettes for adaptability
- Rugged, weather-resistant design
- Onboard video and audio recording
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
- Quick-detach mount for easy installation
Cons
- Relatively heavy compared to standard scopes
- Premium price point may not suit casual users
7) ATN X-Celsior 5-15x Hunting Night Vision Rifle Scope
The ATN X-Celsior 5-15x night vision rifle scope is an all-in-one night hunting solution for finding, identifying, ranging, and ethically engaging hogs when the sun sets. This is a versatile and high-performance optic designed for hunters who demand superior clarity and precision in low-light conditions.
With its 5-15x magnification range, it provides exceptional flexibility, allowing shooters to engage targets at varying distances without compromising image quality. Besides, the scope’s night vision capabilities are impressive, delivering bright, clear imagery even in complete darkness.
To complement the broad magnification, this night vision scope features an advanced lens system that reduces glare and enhances contrast, making it easier to detect movement and identify game in dense environments.
Additionally, the X-Celsior features a durable, weather-resistant construction that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, ensuring reliability on long hunting trips or in unpredictable weather.
Above all, the ergonomic design and intuitive controls make adjustments smooth and straightforward, which is beneficial when quick reactions are necessary during hunting scenarios.
Pros
- Ease of use
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Durable and weather-resistant construction
- Advanced night vision technology
Cons
- Short battery life
8) Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 4-32x30mm Thermal Riflescope
Serious hog hunters can attest to the Thermion 2 LRF XG60 4-32x30mm solid performance in the hunting arena. The rifle scope pairs a versatile magnification range, state-of-the-art thermal sensor, and built-in rangefinder to create a dependable solution for hog eradication.
This high-performance optic is designed with an advanced thermal sensor that provides crisp, detailed imaging even in complete darkness, dense fog, or harsh weather. The 4-32x magnification range allows for versatile long-range engagement while maintaining clarity at both near and extended distances.
Integrated with a laser rangefinder, it offers precise distance measurements, helping shooters make accurate adjustments quickly. The riflescope also features multiple color palettes, smooth zooming, and intuitive menus that make navigating its advanced features straightforward, even in the field.
Build quality and ergonomics are other standout aspects of the Thermion 2 LRF XG60. The body is rugged, waterproof, and designed to withstand the recoil of high-caliber rifles, while maintaining a balanced feel for extended shooting sessions.
Moreover, its display is sharp and responsive, ensuring that moving targets remain visible without lag. Additional features such as video recording, Wi-Fi streaming, and compatibility with mobile apps enhance both tracking and sharing experiences, making this riflescope not only a precision tool but also a versatile digital companion.
Pros
- Cutting-edge thermal imaging technology
- Robust construction
- Advanced functionality
- High base magnification
- Extra-long detection range
Cons
- Expensive
Further Reading
How to Choose the Best 308 Scopes for Hog Hunting
When selecting a .308 scope for hog hunting, take into consideration these key factors:
Magnification Range
This is one of the most critical factors. Hog hunting often involves varying distances, from close-range brush encounters to shots beyond 300 yards.
A scope with versatile magnification, such as a variable 3-12x or 4-16x, allows hunters to adapt to both short and long-range situations quickly, ensuring accuracy without sacrificing speed.
Optical Clarity
Next, optical clarity is equally important. High-quality lenses with multi-coatings provide bright, sharp images, even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk when hogs are most active. Clear optics help identify targets quickly and ensure precise shot placement, which is essential for ethical hunting.
Read: Best Red Dots for Hog Hunting
Reticle Type
The reticle type also plays a significant role. Some hunters prefer a simple duplex reticle for fast target acquisition, while others might choose a ballistic or mil-dot reticle to help estimate range and holdover. Selecting a reticle that suits your shooting style and the typical hunting distances you encounter can dramatically improve accuracy.
Construction Quality
It is also crucial to look at the construction quality of the scope, as hog hunting environments can be harsh and unforgiving. The best 308 scopes for hog hunting should be shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to withstand recoil, rain, and temperature changes.
A rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum body ensures the scope remains functional even under rough handling.
Read: Best Clip-on Thermal Scopes for Hunting
Turrets Adjustability
Adjustability of turrets and parallax settings is another consideration. Precision adjustments for windage, elevation, and parallax can make a significant difference, especially at longer ranges. Look for scopes with tactile, repeatable turrets that allow for quick corrections in the field without losing zero.
Eye Relief
The eye relief and comfort provided by the best 308 scopes for hog hunting can’t be overlooked. A comfortable and forgiving eye box is particularly important with high-recoil rifles chambered in .308. It protects against recoil and ensures a full field of view without straining your eyes.
Read: Best Thermal Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Price and Value
Finally, price and value must be weighed carefully. While premium scopes offer superior optics and features, many mid-range options provide excellent performance for hog hunting without breaking the budget. The key is finding a balance between durability, clarity, and features that match your hunting needs and shooting style.
Best 308 Scopes for Hog Hunting FAQs
Q: Is a.308 Good for Hog Hunting?
The 308 Winchester is an excellent choice for hog hunting due to its powerful performance, versatility, and wide ammunition availability. The cartridge is known for its incredible stopping power, deep penetration, and consistent energy transfer, which are essential for taking down large prey like feral hogs.
The other reason why .308 is ideal for hog hunting is that its effective range allows hunters to take down targets in both open fields and dense brush. Its manageable recoil makes it easier to stay on target for follow-up shots, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Whether you pair your rifle with a traditional riflescope or a thermal scope for night hunts, the 308 Winchester will get the job done efficiently.
Q: What Magnification is Best for Hog Hunting with a .308?
For hog hunting with a .308, the best magnification range is typically between 3x and 15x, depending on your hunting environment.
A 3-9x scope is ideal for dense brush or close-range night hunts where quick target acquisition is crucial, while a 4-12x or 5-15x scope offers better precision for medium to long-range shots in open fields.
The .308 cartridge delivers excellent power and accuracy out to several hundred yards, so a variable-magnification scope gives you the flexibility to adapt to different distances and lighting conditions.
Ultimately, a riflescope with a wide magnification range ensures you can confidently take both close and long shots without sacrificing clarity or control.
Q: Do I Need a Special Reticle for Hog Hunting?
Not necessarily. A simple duplex reticle works well for most hunters, but a mil-dot or ballistic reticle can help with long-range shots and holdover calculations.
Q: How Important is Low-light Performance?
Highly important. Hogs are most active during dawn and dusk, so clear, multi-coated lenses that perform well in low light are important for rapid target acquisition.
Conclusion
The .308 Winchester is a proven powerhouse for hog hunting, known for its exceptional accuracy, stopping power, and versatility across various ranges. However, to maximize its ballistic performance, a high-quality scope is essential. The best 308 scopes for hog hunting highlighted in this guide deliver superior light transmission, have rugged construction, and precise reticle systems that are optimized for low-light and fast-moving targets.
Choosing the best 308 scopes for hog hunting requires balancing versatility, clarity, durability, and comfort. A scope with the right magnification range, high-quality optics, and a reticle suited to your hunting style will make all the difference in challenging environments. Hopefully, you are now well informed to make the right selection.