Hog hunting with an AR-15 requires more than just skill and strategy; it demands the right optics. This is where the best scopes for AR15 hog hunting come into play.
Unlike casual target shooting, hog hunting requires a scope that strikes a balance between speed, accuracy, and durability, enabling you to acquire fast-moving targets while maintaining precision at varying distances. The AR-15’s versatility makes it a top choice for hog hunting, but pairing it with the right scope is essential.
What Makes a Scope Suitable for AR-15 Hog Hunting?
A good AR-15 hog hunting scope should offer features such as variable magnification for both close-range and mid-range shots and illuminated reticles for low-light conditions. On top of that, the ideal scope should feature:
1. Rugged construction to last long and withstand harsh environments
2. Wide field of view for tracking fast-moving hogs, especially in groups
3. Fully multi-coated lenses for clear vision in poor lighting
4. Fast-focus eyepiece and low magnification for snap shots at close range
5. Sufficient eye relief of 3–4 inches to handle recoil comfortably
Best Scopes for AR15 Hog Hunting
Whether you’re setting up for nighttime hog control or chasing hogs in daylight, here are the best scopes to elevate your hunting performance. Let’s take a look.
1. Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm
The selling point of this rifle scope is its low light performance. the oversized 56mm objective lens paired with a fully multi-coated, anti-reflective glass system delivers bright, crisp, and clear images even at dawn or dusk, when hogs and other game are most active.
Furthermore, the 3-12x magnification range offers versatility for both close encounters and longer shots, while the illuminated V-Brite reticle ensures quick target acquisition in dim environments. Built on a 30mm tube, it provides ample room for windage and elevation adjustments, giving shooters confidence in precision and repeatability in the field.
Durability is another strong point of the Crossfire II Hog Hunter. The single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum body is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, making it shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof for use in any weather.
Above all, the capped turrets are finger-adjustable and resettable to zero, offering ease of use without the worry of accidental adjustments.
Pros
- Balanced and lightweight design
- Forgiving eye box and generous eye relief for fast sight picture acquisition
- Excellent light transmission and low light performance
- Rugged build quality
- User-friendly features
Cons
- Limited illumination settings
2. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-384 1.5x25mm
The AGM Global Vision Rattler TS25-384 1.5x25mm Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is a compact yet powerful optic designed for hunters seeking reliable performance in all lighting conditions.
Its 384×288 thermal sensor delivers crisp image quality, making it easy to detect heat signatures of animals or targets in total darkness, heavy brush, or fog. Furthermore, the 1.5x base magnification provides a wide field of view for easy spotting of moving game at closer ranges.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the scope remains lightweight and portable. This makes it a great fit for rifles without adding excessive bulk. It also comes with multiple color palettes, allowing the shooter to customize the viewing experience depending on the environment.
Pros
- Built-in video recording and Wi-Fi streaming
- Rugged construction that ensures durability in harsh weather
- Intuitive controls
- Compact, lightweight, and portable design
Cons
- Short battery life
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best scopes for AR15 hog hunting, the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Rifle Scope offers excellent value as a trustworthy scope for short to medium-range hunting.
Its low-power magnification range makes it ideal for close to mid-range encounters, particularly in dense woods or when tracking fast-moving game. The 20mm objective lens keeps the profile slim, while still delivering clear, bright images thanks to Leupold’s quality glass and coatings.
Furthermore, the generous eye relief ensures safety when shooting with or without eyeglasses. the scope also boasts a wide field of view that make it easy to acquire targets quickly, even in low-light situations.
Durability is a strong point with this scope, as it’s built to be both waterproof and fog-proof. This ensures dependable performance in harsh conditions. Over and above that, the tactile adjustments are precise and user-friendly, allowing shooters to make quick changes without hassle.
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Holds zero reliably, even after repeated recoil from high-powered rifles
- Simplicity and ease of use
- Wide field of view
Cons
- Lacks the high magnification of larger scopes
4. Armasight Vulcan 4.5x108mm Bravo Gen 3
Next, we have the Armasight Vulcan 4.5x108mm Bravo Gen 3 IIT Night Vision Rifle Scope. This high-quality optic is built with precision and serious nighttime performance in mind.
Its 4.5x magnification paired with the 108mm objective lens offers a bright, clear image, allowing hunters to identify hogs at extended ranges even in near-total darkness. The Gen 3 IIT technology ensures exceptional resolution and detail clarity, making it easier to distinguish between objects in complex environments.
Furthermore, the scope is built to handle demanding conditions, with a waterproof and shock-resistant housing that guarantees durability in the field. It also integrates a detachable long-range infrared illuminator, which provides an extra boost of brightness when ambient light is at its lowest, ensuring confidence in any low-light scenario.
Ease of use is another area where the Vulcan shines. It features simple, intuitive controls and a wireless remote for quick on/off functionality without breaking shooting position. The quick-release mount makes it easy to switch between rifles without losing zero, a feature highly valued by shooters who operate multiple platforms.
Pros
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Reliable battery life and high-performance optics
- Rugged construction
- Simple, intuitive controls
Cons
- Premium price
5. Primary Arms PLx 1-8x24mm
The Primary Arms PLx 1-8x24mm Compact LPVO Rifle Scope stands out as a premium optic built for hunters who demand versatility and rugged reliability.
At 1x magnification, it functions almost like a red dot, giving you quick target acquisition with both eyes open, while the 8x zoom brings distant targets into clear view without sacrificing clarity.
Furthermore, the glass quality is exceptional, providing edge-to-edge sharpness and excellent light transmission, even in challenging conditions. Its daylight-bright reticle ensures visibility in bright environments, while the etched design means you still have a usable aiming point without illumination.
Regarding construction, the build quality is top-notch. It features a durable housing that is shockproof, fog-resistant, and waterproof to handle tough field use.
Above all, the scope maintains a streamlined profile that doesn’t overwhelm your rifle setup and the turrets offer precise, tactile adjustments for speed and accuracy across varying distances.
Pros
- Premium glass
- Reliable mechanics
- Compact form factor
- True 1x magnification
- Ease of use
Cons
- Expensive for casual buyers
6. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x50mm
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x50mm Smart HD rifle scope is an excellent blend of modern digital technology and practical hunting performance.
As one of the best scopes for AR15 hog hunting, it is built with a solid 30mm tube design to provide ample room for adjustments. Furthermore, the tube is sturdy and well-balanced on the rifle, yet not overly heavy.
The 4K Ultra HD sensor delivers crisp, clear visuals both during the day and at night, ensuring reliable target acquisition in any lighting condition. Its variable 3-14x magnification provides the versatility needed for close-range shots in dense cover as well as longer-distance precision in open fields.
Furthermore, the built-in ballistic calculator is another standout feature that allows shooters to input specific data and let the scope handle adjustments. This helps saves time and increases shot accuracy.
Other handy features it boasts include recoil-activated video recording, dual-stream video capability, and a long battery life lasting up to 18 hours.
Pros
- Intuitive menu and controls is intuitive, even for those new to digital optics
- Generous battery life
- Intuitive menu and controls
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Short eye relief
7. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Last but not least, we have the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. This 30mm tube LPVO delivers excellent value, combining reliability, functionality, and clear glass into a rugged package that can handle a wide range of shooting applications.
Its true 1x magnification makes it excellent for fast target acquisition, while the 6x zoom offers enough reach for longer shots on targets out to several hundred yards. Furthermore, the glass quality is crisp and clear, with coatings that reduce glare and enhance light transmission.
Regarding reticle, the illuminated reticle stands out nicely, offering multiple brightness settings to adapt to different conditions. Additionally, the etched design ensures visibility even without illumination.
Built with a durable, shockproof, and waterproof housing, the Strike Eagle is rugged enough to withstand recoil and harsh weather without losing zero. The 30mm tube allows for a wide adjustment range, giving shooters flexibility to dial in their accuracy.
To top it all off, the turrets track consistently and offer tactile feedback, which is especially useful when making quick adjustments on the fly.
Pros
- Comfortable, eyeglass-friendly eye relief
- Solid construction
- Large field of view
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- Lacks the sharpness or edge-to-edge clarity of higher-end optics
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scopes for AR-15 Hog Hunting
Magnification Range
When hunting hogs with an AR-15, choosing the right magnification is crucial since hogs are often found in varying environments, from dense brush to open fields. Too much magnification can limit your field of view and make it harder to track fast-moving hogs, while too little magnification may hinder long-range accuracy. A balanced magnification such as 1-4x or 1-6x scope is the best.
Low-Light Performance
Hog hunting is most productive during dawn, dusk, and nighttime when hogs are most active. Therefore, the best scopes for AR15 hog hunting should have excellent low-light performance. Look for scopes with large objective lenses of 40mm or 50mm that gather more light. On top of that, the scope should have quality glass coatings that enhance brightness and clarity.
Reticle Design
The reticle plays a huge role in accuracy and speed. For hog hunting, a simple and uncluttered reticle, such as a duplex or BDC (bullet drop compensator), works best for fast target acquisition. An illuminated reticle is especially useful in low-light conditions, helping you clearly see your aiming point against dark backgrounds.
Durability and Build Quality
Since hog hunting often takes place in rugged terrain, muddy fields, brushy woods, or swampy areas, your scope must be tough enough to withstand abuse. Look for scopes built with aircraft-grade aluminum and sealed against water, fog, and dust. Shockproof construction is also vital because an AR-15 generates recoil, and rough handling in the field is common.
Eye Relief
Eye relief determines how far your eye can be from the scope while still seeing a full image, which is important for both safety and comfort. For the best scopes for AR15 hog hunting, a generous eye relief reduces the risk of scope bite, especially in fast shooting scenarios.
Field of View
A wide field of view is equally important since hogs often travel in groups, and a broader view helps track moving targets quickly. Scopes with shorter magnification ranges usually offer wider fields of view, which is a big advantage in close encounters.
Weight and Size
A heavy or oversized scope can throw off the balance of your AR-15 and make it cumbersome to carry during long hunts. Since hog hunting may require stalking or covering large areas, a lightweight, compact scope is often preferable.
Budget and Value for Money
Finally, cost is always a consideration. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest scope, investing in quality pays off in the long run with better performance and reliability. That said, you don’t need to overspend. There are excellent mid-range scopes that offer durability, clarity, and the right features for hog hunting.
Best Scopes for AR15 Hog Hunting FAQs
- What magnification is best for hog hunting with an AR-15?
For hog hunting, a scope with 1-6x, 1-8x, or 3-9x magnification is ideal. Lower magnification allows quick target acquisition in close encounters, while higher power helps with longer-range shots.
- Should I use a thermal or night vision scope for hog hunting?
Both are ideal since hogs are mostly nocturnal. Thermal scopes are excellent for detecting body heat in complete darkness. Night vision optics also work well if there is some ambient light, but thermal scopes are generally superior for spotting hogs in thick brush.
- Do I need a scope with an illuminated feature?
Yes. Illuminated scopes give a clear aiming point in low light, which is essential since most hog hunting happens at dawn, dusk, or night.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this buying guide insightful. The best scopes for AR15 hog hunting combine clear optics, wide fields of view, and dependable low-light performance to handle the unpredictable nature of wild hogs.
Whether you prefer a red dot for close-range encounters, a variable power optic for versatility, or a thermal scope for night hunts, the right choice ultimately depends on your hunting style and terrain.