Wild hogs are fast and tough to hunt as they are often active in low-light conditions. This makes a reliable scope an essential tool for any hunter. The best scopes for hog hunting combine durability, sharp optics, and quick target acquisition. In this guide, we’ll explore top-rated models designed to handle rugged environments and maximize your accuracy on every hunt.
Whether you’re stalking hogs through thick brush, setting up over bait, or tracking them across open fields, the right scope will give you the accuracy and confidence needed for an ethical, effective shot. Additionally, a quality scope aids in rapid target acquisition, which is key in hog hunting.
What Makes a Scope ideal for Hog Hunting?
Unlike other types of hunting, hog hunting often takes place in low-light conditions at dawn, dusk, or even during the night. This means your scope must provide excellent clarity, brightness, and precision when visibility is limited.
Furthermore, the best scopes for hog hunting should feature:
- Wide Field of View – essential for tracking fast-moving hogs in thick brush
- Durability – shockproof, waterproof, fog-proof to withstand rugged hunting conditions
- Clear Reticle Type – illuminated or BDC reticle for fast aiming in low light and varied distances
- Eye Relief – generous distance to avoid recoil-related injuries, especially with powerful calibers
- Quick Target Acquisition – fast-focus eyepiece and responsive controls for sudden shots
- Weight & Size – compact and lightweight for maneuverability
Best Scopes for Hog Hunting
1. Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm
The Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm is a the best scope for hog hunting. It is a purpose-built riflescope that excels in low-light hunting conditions where visibility is critical.
The most notable feature of this rifle scope is its oversized 56mm objective lens. It pulls in an impressive amount of light, making it ideal for early morning or late evening hog hunts when game is most active.
Furthermore, the variable 3-12x magnification range provides versatility for close encounters in dense cover as well as longer shots across open fields. With its 30mm tube, the scope offers ample room for elevation and windage adjustments, giving hunters the confidence to make accurate shots even in challenging environments.
Regarding reticle, the second focal plane reticle ensures consistent sub-tensions regardless of magnification, allowing for reliable holdovers without distraction. The reticle has adjustable illumination settings to further enhances target acquisition in dim settings.
Above all, the Crossfire II Hog Hunter rifle scope is built with a rugged, shockproof construction to withstand heavy recoil and rough field use. It is fully waterproof and fog-proof, so performance is not compromised by harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- Adjustable illuminated reticle
- Excellent glass clarity
- Rugged reliability
- Lightweight design
Cons
- The glass clarity is good for its price point, but it does not match the sharpness of higher-end optics
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is a well-rounded optic for hunters of all levels. It strikes a balance between premium features and affordability, offering hunters a scope that can be trusted season after season without compromise.
The 3-9x magnification range provides versatility for short- to mid-range shooting, while the large 50mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
Its second focal plane design keeps the reticle size consistent across all magnification levels, which many hunters appreciate for maintaining a clear, predictable sight picture. Furthermore, the 1-inch tube construction is lightweight yet strong, ensuring the scope doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your rifle while still standing up to recoil and rough outdoor conditions.
Another feature that sets this scope apart is Leupold’s trademark lens quality and rugged reliability. The glass delivers sharp, bright images with minimal distortion, and the scratch-resistant coatings add an extra layer of protection.
Above all, adjustments are smooth and precise, with clearly defined clicks on the windage and elevation turrets, making sighting in straightforward.
Pros
- Robust waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof build
- Wide field of view
- Smooth and precise adjustments
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3. Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XQ50
As one of the best scopes for hog hunting, the Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XQ50 Pro 3-12x Thermal Rifle Scope boasts an impressive blend of precision, advanced technology, and hunter-focused features.
Its standout element is the integrated laser rangefinder. It provides quick and accurate distance readings directly in the viewfinder, eliminating the need for separate range-finding equipment.
Furthermore, the scope delivers a sharp, high-resolution thermal image thanks to its powerful sensor and enhanced detection capabilities. With a detection range that stretches well beyond typical engagement distances, hunters can spot game long before they’re within shooting range, ensuring plenty of time to prepare.
In terms of usability, the Thermion 2 LRF XQ50 Pro shines with its classic rifle-scope design that mounts easily on standard 30mm rings, making it familiar and comfortable for most shooters. Besides, the rugged construction is built to withstand tough hunting conditions, including extreme temperatures and recoil from high-caliber rifles.
Other handy features included are multiple reticle options, onboard video and still-photo recording, and Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming or saving hunts.
Pros
- Reliable battery life
- Cutting-edge thermal performance
- Solid durability
- Easy to mount and operate
Cons
- Expensive for budget-conscious hunters
4. ATN X-Celsior 3-9x Hunting Night Vision Rifle Scope w/Daytime Capability
Crafted with the avid hunters in mind, the ATN X-Celsior 3-9x Hunting Night Vision Rifle Scope is here to take your hog hunting experience a notch higher.
Its 3-9x magnification range provides flexibility for close to mid-range shots, while the integrated night vision technology ensures clarity in low-light conditions. Unlike traditional night vision scopes, this model also supports full daytime use, making it a practical all-in-one solution without the need to swap optics.
Furthermore, the scope delivers a crisp, high-resolution image with excellent light transmission, allowing hunters to spot targets in challenging environments. Its rugged construction, weather resistance, and easy-to-use controls make it a dependable choice for field conditions.
In addition to everything else, the scope provides smooth zoom functionality, ensuring that image quality remains sharp even at higher magnifications.
Pros
- Lightweight enough to maintain balance on a rifle
- Built tough to withstand recoil and extended outdoor use
- Quick target acquisition
- Seamless transition between day and night hunts without compromising performance
- Reliable stadia metric rangefinder
Cons
- Limited battery life
5. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x50mm
Next, we have the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x50mm. This is not just a scope but a complete shooting system that blends precision optics with modern technology for hunters.
The scope offers an impressive fusion of cutting-edge digital technology and reliable optical performance. It stands out with its 4K Ultra HD sensor and sharp, vibrant imaging that makes both daytime and nighttime shooting clear and precise.
Moreover, the scope’s variable magnification range of 3-14x offers versatility, whether you’re taking close-to-medium range shots or pushing out further with confidence. Its night vision mode is strong, delivering crisp visuals even in very low-light conditions.
Regarding construction, the rugged 30mm tube design provides durability for tough field conditions. It is easy to mount to your favorite rifle with standard 30mm rings, and an 18 hour battery life means you can shoot confidently knowing your scope will be there when you need it.
The scope also stands apart from traditional scopes is its suite of smart features that include built-in ballistic calculator, recoil-activated video recording, and Wi-Fi streaming.
Pros
- High-tech functions
- Impressive battery life
- Sturdy and robust build quality
- Easy to mount and use
Cons
- The digital interface takes time to get used to
6. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS35-384 2-16x35mm
The AGM Global Vision Rattler TS35-384 2-16x35mm Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is our last recommendation for the best scopes for hog hunting.
Its highlight is the 384×288 thermal sensor. It provides clear imaging and solid detection capabilities, even in complete darkness, fog, or brush cover. Furthermore, the 35mm objective lens paired with the 2-16x magnification range ensures versatility, allowing for both close-range scanning and precise medium-range targeting.
Regarding portability, the compact design is easy to carry and mount on an AR platform or hunting rifle without adding unnecessary bulk. Besides, the intuitive controls make operation straightforward, even in low-light or high-pressure situations.
Another feature that sets this scope apart is its combination of durability and advanced features at a reasonable price point. It comes equipped with multiple reticle options, video recording capability, and Wi-Fi streaming, offering added convenience for documenting hunts or training sessions.
More importantly, the rugged housing is built to handle recoil and harsh field conditions, while the quick-detach mount makes it easy to swap between rifles or pack away for transport. Battery life is also solid for extended outings, and image quality remains consistent across its magnification range.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Clear 384×288 thermal resolution with 2-16x magnification
- Video recording and Wi-Fi streaming included
- Rugged and weather-resistant build
- Great for medium-range hunting and scouting
Cons
-
Limited detail at longer ranges compared to higher-resolution scopes
Key Factors to Look for in the Best Scopes for Hog Hunting
Low-Light Performance
Hogs are most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime, meaning visibility is often limited. The best scopes for hog hunting must excel in low-light conditions. Look for scopes with large objective lenses such as 40mm or more and fully multi-coated glass to maximize light transmission. Illuminated reticles are also valuable, as they make it easier to place accurate shots against dark targets in shadowy environments.
Magnification Range
Unlike long-range hunting, hog hunting usually occurs within 50 to 200 yards, so an overly powerful scope isn’t always necessary. A variable magnification range of 1-6x, 2-7x, or 3-9x is ideal, as it provides flexibility for both close encounters in thick brush and mid-range shots across open fields.
Durability and Build Quality
Hog hunting often takes place in tough environments like swamps, forests, and muddy fields, so your scope must withstand rough handling and exposure to the elements. Choose a scope that is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof to handle sudden weather changes and rugged conditions.
Field of View
A wide field of view (FOV) is crucial when hunting hogs, especially when facing a sounder of hogs or when shooting at moving targets. Scopes with a lower magnification and wider FOV allow you to quickly locate and track hogs across different terrains. This is particularly important when hunting in dense cover, where hogs can appear and disappear in seconds, and having a wider view helps maintain situational awareness.
Reticle Type and Illumination
The reticle plays a major role in precision and speed. For the best scopes for hog hunting, simple reticles such as duplex or illuminated BDC (bullet drop compensator) are effective. An illuminated reticle is also beneficial in low-light scenarios or when aiming at dark targets, ensuring the crosshairs don’t get lost in the background.
Eye Relief and Comfort
Comfort and safety are often overlooked but essential in the best scopes for hog hunting selection. Hogs can be hunted with high-caliber rifles that produce strong recoil, so a scope with generous eye relief, typically 3.5 to 4 inches, is important. Adequate eye relief prevents scope bite and ensures you can stay on target comfortably, even after multiple shots. It also provides more flexibility in mounting, making the shooting experience more adaptable to different rifles.
Price and Value
Finally, cost is an important factor, but it should be weighed against the features you truly need. While premium scopes with advanced coatings, superior glass, and rugged builds can be excellent investments, budget-friendly models can still offer great performance for hog hunting. The key is to choose a scope that balances durability, clarity, and performance within your price range.
FAQs
- What type of scope is best for hog hunting?
Low to medium power variable scopes like 1-6x or 2-10x are the best for hog hunting. They provide a wide field of view for close-range shots and enough magnification for medium distances.
- Do I need a thermal or night vision scope for hog hunting?
Yes, if you often hunt at night when hogs are most active. Thermal scopes detect body heat, while night vision scopes amplify ambient light. Both are effective for hog hunting and the ideal model will depend on your hunting style and budget.
- What is the best reticle for hog hunting?
An illuminated reticle works best, especially for low-light or nighttime hunts. BDC (bullet drop compensator) or simple duplex reticles are popular choices for quick target acquisition.
Conclusion
To wrap up on the best scopes for hog hunting, the key takeaway is that a successful hunting trip comes down to visibility, accuracy, and adaptability in low-light conditions where hogs are most active. Look at the features each rifle scope is built with and choose a model that will give you the confidence to hunt effectively.