Hog season is around the corner and you are on the market looking for the best scope for hog hunting. Your search has borne results. In today’s post, we are going to take a look at the best scopes for hog hunting. These riflescopes will give you clear image views regardless of the shooting range or lighting conditions.
Not to mention the better scoreboard which essentially improves your hog harvesting ability. Whether you are buying your first hog hunting scope or you are looking for an upgrade, you must factor in your needs and hog harvesting situation without putting so much focus on the price or brand popularity.
What Makes a Great Hog Hunting Scope?
Hogs are mostly active at night. To get an accurate shot, you’ll need a scope that performs well under any lighting situation. Fully multicoated lenses enhance light transmission, especially in low-light conditions. And if it’s a night vision scope, then you’ll have an easy time harvesting hogs at night.
Most hogs can be hunted at less than 100 yards. This calls for a small to medium magnification power of not more than 4x. However, if you are hunting at a distance of 150-200 yards, you will benefit from a scope with a higher magnification.
A great hog hunting scope combines durability, clarity, and versatility to handle the challenging conditions of night and low-light hunts. Since hogs are often most active at dusk, dawn, or in complete darkness, top-quality optics with excellent light transmission, illuminated reticles, or thermal/night vision capabilities are essential.
A wide field of view helps track fast-moving targets in dense brush, while variable magnification ensures both close-range precision and long-range accuracy. Rugged construction, weather resistance, and long battery life are also critical for withstanding rough terrain and extended hunts.
Ultimately, the best hog hunting scope strikes a balance between advanced technology and reliability, providing hunters with the confidence to make accurate shots in any environment.
8 Best Scopes for Hog Hunting: Thermal, Night Vision & Traditional Glass
Given the wide range of riflescopes in the market, it becomes a little overwhelming to find the right scope for taking hogs and wild boars. Today, we look at a top selection of the best scopes for hog hunting featuring stellar performance to make hog hunting more thrilling. Without further ado, let’s now look at the best scopes for hog hunting.
1) AGM Global Vision Spectrum LRF 4K 3.5-28x50mm Rifle Scope
Start stacking more hogs with confidence by pairing your rifle with a formidable rifle scope that harbors all the essential features to transform your hunt into an epic adventure. The AGM Global Vision Spectrum LRF 4K 3.5-28x50mm Rifle Scope is a game-changer for hog hunting, combining precision optics with advanced technology to give hunters the upper hand in any condition.
One of the attributes that sets this rifle scope apart among the best scopes for hog hunting is its unrivaled versatility. Its wide 3.5-28x magnification range ensures you can quickly scan fields and brush at low power while still dialing up for long-range precision shots. Additionally, you can use it for both day and night hunting.
Hunters will be impressed with the high-performance optics in this rifle scope. The 4K ultra-HD sensor delivers exceptional clarity and detail, even in low-light situations where hogs are most active, making it easier to spot movement and identify targets in dense cover. Furthermore, the large objective lens maximizes light transmission, ensuring a bright, crisp sight picture from dusk till dawn.
Another compelling feature that makes this riflescope rank highly among the best scopes for hog hunting is integrated laser rangefinder that provides instant, accurate distance readings. This is crucial for hog hunting, where quick, precise shots often make the difference between success and a missed opportunity.
Built tough to handle recoil and rugged terrain, the Spectrum LRF 4K is designed for serious hunters who need reliability in the field. Additionally, the tube housing the optics is completely waterproof and fogproof to deliver reliable performance in any environment.
Lastly, adding advanced features like multiple reticle options, ballistic calculations, and video recording capabilities creates a hunting solution that will transform the way you hunt hogs. AGM Spectrum LRF 4K day and night rifle scope gives you utmost control during the hunt.
Pros
- Exceptional light-gathering capabilities
- Accurate in-built laser rangefinder
- Day and night mode enhances functionality
- Internal ballistic calculator for precise shot placement
- Robust construction
- Sharp and bright images
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Advanced features to enhance your hunting experience
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Poor battery management when using multiple functions.
2) Burris Scout Rifle Scope
The Burris Scout Rifle Scope comes with all the features necessary for hog hunting. This USA-made rifle scope is easy to use and suitable for hog hunting beginners and professionals alike. Built from high-strength aluminum, this riflescope is rugged and sturdy enough to withstand any hunting environment.
The high-grade optical system delivers superior image brightness and clarity even under low light conditions. Not to mention that the lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission. You can also expect the scope to maintain a consistent point of impact under any shock or vibration
Given that hog hunting takes place all year round, the scope is fully waterproof and fogproof. It is nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging in cold and rainy weather conditions. You are therefore assured of clear views regardless of the weather conditions.
Another impressive feature of this riflescope is its compact and lightweight design. At only 9.7” and 13oz, the scope is easy to hold and carry for extensive hunting periods.
You also get an extended eye relief that makes it easy for you to shoot with both eyes open. Furthermore, the long eye relief will keep your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles
Features
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- High-grade optical glass
- Made in the USA
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Ultra-fast target acquisition
- Finger-adjustable low-profile turrets
- Shockproof and impact-resistant
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Multi-coated lenses
- Easy to use
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Not ideal for long-range hunting
3) ATN Thor 5 XD LRF 2-20x Smart HD Thermal Rifle Scope
Open a new world of shooting opportunities with a cutting-edge thermal rifle scope. Thor 5 XD is built for serious hunters who demand precision, clarity, and versatility in the field, making it one of the best scopes for hog hunting.
At the heart of this scope’s impressive performance is a state-of-the-art 1280×1024 resolution sensor with a 12-micron pixel pitch that delivers stunning thermal images in any condition.
The other positive attribute that makes Thor 5 XD a top contender among the best scopes for hog hunting is its unrivaled versatility. With a wide 2-20x magnification range, you can adapt seamlessly to both close-range scanning and long-range target engagement, which gives you the confidence to track and take down game at varying distances.
An inbuilt laser rangefinder turns the tide in your favour and makes it even more effective for hog hunting. The rangefinder gives you instant distance readings for precise shot placement. This is crucial during fast-paced hunts.
The ATN Thor 5 XD LRF thermal rifle scope is a powerhouse optic built for serious hog hunters who need clarity, range, and precision in challenging conditions. With its advanced technology and durability, it’s a compelling choice that gives hog hunters the edge when it matters most.
Pros
- Unbeatable thermal imaging sensitivity and resolution
- Wide magnification range for flexibility
- In-built laser rangefinder for precise distance information
- Durable and weather-resistant construction
- Smart features for an enhanced hunting experience
- Commendable battery management
- Incredible detection range
Cons
- Expensive
- Relatively heavy and bulky
- Steep learning curve
4) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter Riflescope
Here is another high-performance riflescope suitable for hog hunting. Made with hog hunters in mind, the Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter Riflescope provides great performance and reliability.
The riflescope ranks highly among the best scopes for hog hunting because of its unrivaled performance. durability, exceptional light-gathering ability and ability to deal with different shooting scenarios.
This riflescope offers a long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box as well. These two features provide comfortable views of the target while keeping your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. You also get a fast-focus eyepiece which ensures rapid and simple reticle focusing.
When it comes to construction, the scope is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. This gives it rugged strength and durability to ensure many years of field use. The whole unit is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Another impressive thing about the scope is the fully multicoated lenses which provide bright and clear image views. Not to mention the V-Brite reticle and large objective lens that gives you clear image views even in tough light conditions.
This riflescope also features an adjustable objective for parallax elimination. This makes it the ideal riflescope for numerous hunting situations.
Features
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Suitable for short to long-range applications
- Adjustable objective for parallax elimination
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Superb optical brightness and clarity
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Unsuitable for hunting in certain weather conditions
5) Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro 2.5-10x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
Open a new world of shooting opportunities by mounting this efficient thermal hunting scope on your rifle. Thermion 2 Pro is one of the best scopes for hog hunting and it incorporates state-of-the-art optical features to take varmint hunting to greater heights.
This rifle scope is designed with the needs of avid hunters in mind. The flexibility to hunt during the day and night without changing gear makes it a dependable solution for predator hunting.
The scope harbors an advanced optical system to facilitate the seamless scanning of targets and the execution of precise shots. With a high-resolution display, you are assured of superior image quality at close and long range.
Another outstanding attribute of the Thermion XQ35 Pro is the ability to detect heat signatures from 1400 yards. This makes it the perfect scope for the job. It also has a splendid battery life of 10 hours to allow extended nighttime observation.
The other positive attribute of this thermal rifle scope is its rugged construction. The tube is made of high-resilient magnesium alloy to ensure durability and relentless performance in the toughest conditions.
Pulsar is committed to delivering the best thermal imaging experience and the Thermion 2 XQ35 Pro is a testament. Invest in a superior thermal scope and see the invisible.
Features
- 50 Hz refresh rate
- Multiple color palettes
- 50mm of eye relief
- Crisp AMOLED display
- Lithium Ion battery
- 10 Hours Battery Life
Pros
- Quality construction
- Photo and video recording to capture the hunts.
- Compatible with different weapons
- USB-C for convenient charging
- High-quality images any time of day or night
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
6) BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot Riflescope
BARSKA Mil-Dot Riflescope is among the best scopes for hog hunting. It is particularly useful for long-range game hunting. It features a versatile 6-24x zoom power suitable for shooting at varying distances.
Built with an adjustable objective, you get to eliminate parallax easily based on the distance that you are shooting at. This enhances your shooting accuracy at varying distances.
The lenses are fully multicoated to enhance light transmission. This results in the production of bright and clear images full of color contrast. This 1” tube diameter scope is ruggedly built to withstand the harshest hunting environments. It’s also fully waterproof to prevent water damage and fogproof to avoid internal fogging caused by changes in temperature.
Well, that’s not all. Every BARSKA Mil-Dot Riflescope comes with a generous 3.5-inch eye relief that keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. Not to mention that it’s shockproof to withstand harsh bumps and falls. It also features a mil-dot reticle for accurate range estimation.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Versatile 6-24x magnification
- Superior long-range accuracy
- Adjustable objective for parallax elimination
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Mil-dot reticle
Pros
- Lightweight
- Multipurpose application
- Scratchproof hard matte finish
- Scope cap and lens cloth included
- Backed by a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- The target dot a little small
7) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x Smart HD Day/Night Vision Riflescope
If you prefer night vision scopes, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro hardly disappoints. This night vision scope uses the latest technologies to bring you excellent performance during the day and at night.
One of the best features of this night vision riflescope is how easy it is to use. It looks and feels like a traditional riflescope. This makes it ideal for hunting beginners and professionals alike.
Equipped with ATN IR850 Supernova, the scope offers a superior long-range IR illuminator. This makes it perfect for hunting hogs because they are mostly active at night.
The scope also makes use of an ultra-low-power profile so your hunting trip won’t be cut short by low power. It has 18+ hours of continuous runtime so you can have a solid night service.
Another impressive feature of this optic is the dual-stream video recording. It will record all your hunting videos, Wi-Fi stream them and record other events as well. The scope ranks highly among the best scopes for hog hunting and what makes it stand out among the rest is its versatility.
You can use the riflescope for other game hunting during the day and at night. For the price, this is one of the best night vision scopes you can get on the market today.
Features
- High-resolution and fast viewing
- Ultra-low-power profile
- Built-in rangefinder and ballistic calculator
- Quick detach mount
- Recoil activated video
- Powerful, long-range 850nm IR illuminator
Pros
- Great value for money
- Day and night operation
- Long eye relief
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive for those on a budget
8) Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
If you want to increase the precision of your shots and gain speed when acquiring targets, look no further than the Bushnell AR 1-8x rifle scope. This compact rifle scope is masterfully designed with excellent features to improve your shooting efficiency.
This 1-8x scope is ideal for close to mid-range shooting engagements making it ideal for hog hunting. Bushnell engineered the rifle scope to deliver spectacular images by combining excellent glass with antireflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to maximize light transmission to your eye.
The other attribute that makes the Bushnell AR 1-8x one of the best scopes for hog hunting is the functional design. The solid turrets track perfectly every time and hold zero no matter the recoil. The generous eye relief and comfortable field of view let you do your job behind the scope confidently.
Bushnell’s commitment to giving hunters the experience of a lifetime is evident in the optical construction of the rifle scope. Built with the best-in-class optics, the scope provides unbeatable contrast and excellent color saturation for bright and crisp images.
Reliability and durability are the other attributes that define this 1-8x rifle scope. The tube’s rugged construction ensures long-term use and the tube is fully sealed and purged with dry gases making it 100% waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
Lastly, the scope incorporates useful and convenient features to make your shooting experience as smooth as possible. A throw-down power change allows fluent and quick magnification changes and the reticle illumination gives you the best aiming solution so you can shoot with conviction.
Features
- Compact size and lightweight
- Illuminated reticle for rapid target acquisition.
- Capped turrets
- Throw down the lever to change the magnification power
- Solid construction
- Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof
Pros
- Fast target acquisition
- Bright and crisp images
- Reliable performance
- Illuminated BDC reticle
- Solid turrets with caps to prevent accidental dials
- Tough construction
Cons
- None
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- Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting
Best Scopes for Hog Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider when Choosing Best Scopes for Hog Hunting
Rifle Scope Power
You can either go for a fixed or variable magnification power. If you know that hogs in your area never go beyond 50 yards, a fixed scope will be your ideal choice.
Nevertheless, scopes with variable magnification are more versatile. They are suitable for shooting at varying ranges. Plus, they strike the perfect balance between speed and accuracy.
Night Vision Capability
Hogs are more active at night. This calls for a scope that provides clear views even in total darkness. You can either choose a hand-held night vision to devise or a rifle scope that comes with the night vision capability.
Type of Reticle
What differentiates hog hunting scopes from scopes used for other purposes is the simple reticle system. Given that these targets are pretty close, there is no need for complicated markings in the reticle. A scope with a simple red dot or Duplex crosshair is more than enough for hog hunting.
Optics Quality
As we have stated earlier hogs are mainly active at night. Hunting under these low light conditions calls for a scope with superb optical performance. The best hog hunting scope should therefore have a large objective lens. This is to ensure efficient light gathering and transmission.
The lenses should be fully multicoated as well. This brightens the image quality allowing you to see the hog from a distance. Special lens coating can also enhance the overall light transmission which results in better and clearer image views.
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Which Caliber is Best for Hog Hunting?
When it comes to hog hunting, several calibers stand out. The most effective caliber will depend on the terrain, shooting distance, and the rifle platform. One of the top choices is .308 Winchester. It ranks among the best hog hunting calibers because of its power and versatility.
The .308 delivers excellent penetration and stopping power for large boars at longer ranges. Another excellent choice is the 6.5 Creedmoor which combines flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and deep penetration, making it a great choice for open terrain.
When taking down feral hogs in brush-heavy environments, the classic .30-30 Winchester is highly efficient due to its reliability and hard-hitting performance in close to medium-range distances.
Other calibers ideal for close-to mid-range hunts in thick cover are .223 and 5.56 NATO. These calibers are fruitful with proper shot placement and quality hunting bullets. Ultimately, the best hog hunting caliber is one that offers sufficient penetration, matches the hunting conditions, and permits accurate and ethical shots.
Read: Best Scopes for 270 Winchester
What is the Best 308 Round for Hogs?
Big game hunters have faith in the .308 Winchester whenever they embark on a hunting mission. This round is ballistically balanced and works on everything from feral hogs to elk. Here are the .308 Winchester loads that will help you conquer in the field.
- Remington Core-Lokt 180-grain PSP RN
- Federal Fusion 150-grain MSR
- Hornady Precision Hunter 178-grain ELD-X
- Barnes Vor-TX Tipped Triple Shock (TTSX) 150-grain
Is Thermal or Night Vision Better for Hog Hunting?
Both thermal scopes and night vision scopes are great when used properly. The choice will depend on your hunting environment. Hunting of nocturnal animals requires a sighting tool that helps you distinguish the desired target and other objects.
Night vision scopes help you see in the dark and are more suitable for hunting in the dark as they provide higher-resolution images than their thermal counterparts. Even when there are other moving targets, you can narrow down the desired target.
Thermal scopes effortlessly sight target any time of day or night. Their detection ability is higher than that of night vision scopes making them ideal for long-range shooting.
They aren’t bowed down by the roughest weather conditions so are more dependable. The only drawback with thermal scopes is that their images are in black and white which can be confusing to hunters when there are other moving targets in the vicinity.
Read: Best Thermal Scopes for Hog Hunting
Conclusion
The best scopes for hog hunting are those that balance clarity, durability, and versatility to meet the demands of hunting in low light and challenging terrain. Whether you prefer a thermal rifle scope for spotting hogs in complete darkness or a variable magnification scope for flexible targeting, the right choice can dramatically improve your success in the field.
By investing in a scope that suits your hunting style and environment, you’ll gain the confidence to take precise, ethical shots no matter the conditions. With the right optic on your rifle, every hog hunt becomes a more effective and rewarding experience. Our
Hopefully, our buying guide has given you insight into the best hog hunting scopes. The best riflescope for hog hunting should provide reliable performance during the day and at night as well.
The best scopes for hog hunting highlighted above are of high quality and they offer a commendable performance in low-light situations. Which riflescope will be grabbing for your upcoming hog-hunting adventure?