Skip to content
Magnification: 5–20xSensor: 4K Ultra HD with Ultra Low Light sensitivityField of View: 240 ft @ 1000 ydsBattery Life: 18+ hoursWeight: 2.2 lbsSuperb 4K clarity day and nightBuilt-in ballistic calculator and rangefinderLong-lasting internal batteryWi-Fi streaming and recordingSlight lag when zooming at high powerHeavy compared to traditional glass scopes
Magnification: 4–32xSensor: 1920x1080 HD CMOSBattery Life: 4.5 hours (with AA batteries)IR Illuminator: IncludedVideo Recording: 1080pAffordable and user-friendlyCrisp HD night visionLightweight for a digital opticEasy menu systemBattery life is limitedRequires external power bank for long hunts
Sensor: Ultra-sensitive Gen 4 digitalMagnification: 3–14xIR Illuminator: DetachableVideo: 1080p recordingBattery: 10 hoursExcellent clarity in total darknessRugged and weather-sealedLong-lasting internal batterySlightly heavyInterface not as refined as the X-Sight
Magnification: 2.5–15xObjective Lens: 42mmTube Diameter: 30mmReticle: Illuminated MOAWeight: 23 ozExceptional glass clarityBright illumination with crisp reticleLightweight and ruggedPricey for a non-digital opticNo built-in recording
Magnification: 4–16xObjective Lens: 50mmBuilt-in Rangefinder: Up to 1200 yardsBallistic Calculator: Built-inIntegrated laser rangefinderGreat dusk and dawn brightnessAutomatic holdover calculationHeavier than typical scopesBattery dependency
Decide Between Digital Night Vision and Traditional Optics:
Digital NV scopes (like ATN or Sightmark) excel in full darkness. Traditional illuminated optics (like Trijicon) work best when paired with IR lights.Sensor or Glass Quality:
Choose high-resolution sensors (1080p or higher) for digital scopes. For glass optics, prioritize fully multi-coated lenses.Magnification Range:
3–14x or 4–16x is the sweet spot for hog hunting — enough zoom for open fields, yet wide FOV for close encounters.Battery Life:
Look for 8+ hours of continuous operation or a scope that supports external power banks.Durability:
Night hunts can get rough — waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction is essential.Mount Compatibility:
Ensure your rifle’s mounting base supports 30mm or 34mm rings, depending on the scope model.Ease of Zeroing:
Modern digital scopes offer “one-shot zero” functions, reducing setup time significantly.
More
Share
Explore
Best Scope for Night Hog Hunting – Full Expert Review and Buyer’s Guide
Finding the best scope for night hog hunting can be a game-changer for any serious hunter. When the sun dips below the horizon, wild hogs become most active — moving swiftly through brush and open fields.
The challenge lies in identifying and accurately engaging these targets in near-darkness. I’ve spent years testing optics in low-light conditions — from traditional glass scopes with illuminated reticles to advanced digital and thermal optics.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my top picks for reliable performance, clarity, and durability when hunting hogs at night.
Top Product List
Here’s a quick overview of my top scopes for night hog hunting, with direct links to check the latest prices and user feedback:
Detailed Reviews
1. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is one of the most feature-packed digital optics I’ve used for night hog hunting. It combines a full HD color day mode with crisp night vision capabilities, recording every shot with recoil-activated video.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The clarity in night mode is outstanding — I could easily identify hog silhouettes at 150 yards with IR assist. The reticle options are customizable for various calibers.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Eye relief is generous, around 90mm. The digital display maintains a consistent eye box, which is crucial during quick repositioning.
Durability:
The aluminum body feels robust, though not designed for extreme recoil rifles beyond .308.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Digital adjustments are precise and easy to fine-tune.
Magnification & Parallax:
Variable 5–20x zoom is ideal for both mid-range scanning and precise long-range targeting. Focus ring adjustment is smooth.
Mounting & Accessories:
Uses standard 30mm rings, and the included IR illuminator extends night visibility to nearly 300 yards.
My Personal Experience:
I mounted it on my AR-10 in .308 using a one-piece 20 MOA mount. Zeroed at 100 yards in five rounds and held zero after over 200 rounds. Night mode worked exceptionally well in semi-rural lighting.
Online User Comments:
Reddit users on r/Hunting and r/NightVision consistently praise its battery life and video clarity.
Verdict:
For tech-savvy hog hunters who love recording their hunts, this scope delivers unmatched value.
2. Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Wraith offers excellent digital night vision performance at a price point that undercuts most thermal scopes.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Bright and crisp imagery with adjustable reticles for various calibers.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Comfortable 60mm eye relief; quick to align image during fast-paced shooting.
Durability:
Rated for .308 rifles — shockproof and weather-resistant.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Digital controls provide fine adjustment; turrets lock securely.
Magnification & Parallax:
Digital zoom is clear up to 16x; image softens slightly at full power.
Mounting & Accessories:
Uses Picatinny mounts; included IR light extends detection up to 200 yards.
My Personal Experience:
Tested it on my .300 Blackout. Achieved a 100-yard zero in four rounds. Performed impressively in moonless conditions.
Online User Comments:
Hunters online often mention the Wraith as the best “bang-for-your-buck” digital NV scope under $1000.
Verdict:
If you’re new to night hunting, the Wraith provides everything you need for reliable visibility and performance.
3. ATN Night Vision Scope – Ultra Sensitive Night Vision Sensor
This model shines for hunters who prefer simplicity and durability over fancy features.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Image remains clean and crisp even in heavy fog conditions, thanks to advanced digital noise reduction.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Wide eye box; no tunnel vision even when shooting prone.
Durability:
Housed in anodized aluminum — withstood rain and a few drops without issue.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Digital zeroing is straightforward and tracks accurately.
Magnification & Parallax:
Variable 3–14x power works perfectly for both brush and open field hunts.
My Personal Experience:
Mounted on my bolt-action .243 with 30mm rings. Needed six shots to zero; maintained POI through a full weekend hunt.
Online Comments:
ATN’s build quality and customer support frequently receive positive feedback from hunters.
Verdict:
A dependable digital night vision optic for hog hunters who value reliability.
4. Trijicon Credo HX Illuminated Hunting Riflescope
The Trijicon Credo HX isn’t a night vision scope, but its superb low-light optical performance makes it a top contender for hog hunting under moonlight or with weapon-mounted lights.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Edge-to-edge sharpness with zero chromatic aberration. The red illuminated reticle remains visible against dark backgrounds.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Very forgiving — perfect for fast target acquisition when hogs suddenly appear from brush.
Durability:
Military-grade — waterproof and shockproof up to .50 BMG.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Tactile ¼ MOA clicks, reliable zero stop, and solid turret tracking.
My Experience:
Mounted on an AR-15 platform (.300 BLK). Zeroed at 50 yards in three shots; glass performance was unbeatable in twilight conditions.
Online Feedback:
Highly praised among professional guides for optical clarity and mechanical precision.
Verdict:
If you rely on spotlights or ambient moonlight, the Credo HX offers unmatched optical performance.
5. Burris Eliminator III 4-16x50
A hybrid between a rangefinder and a precision scope, the Burris Eliminator III excels in both low-light conditions and long-range accuracy.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Superior multi-coated glass with bright contrast; ideal for moonlit hog hunts.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Consistent 3.5 inches, comfortable on medium-caliber rifles.
Durability:
Shockproof, waterproof, and nitrogen-filled for fog resistance.
My Personal Experience:
Mounted on a .308 bolt rifle. Rangefinder was dead-on up to 700 yards; the illuminated holdover dot made shots intuitive.
Online Comments:
Hunters love the “one-shot zero” simplicity and its ability to instantly adjust elevation for long-range shots.
Verdict:
For hunters who like precision and automation, the Burris Eliminator III is an engineering masterpiece.
How to Choose the Right Scope for Night Hog Hunting
FAQs
Q1: What magnification is best for hog hunting at night?
A: Between 3x and 12x is optimal — too much zoom limits your field of view in low light.
Q2: Can I use a regular scope for night hunting?
A: Yes, if combined with a strong IR illuminator or spotlight. However, digital NV or thermal scopes perform better in total darkness.
Q3: What’s the difference between night vision and thermal scopes?
A: Night vision amplifies light; thermal detects heat signatures. Thermal is superior for identifying animals through brush.
Q4: Are digital night vision scopes legal for hunting?
A: Regulations vary by state. Always check your local hunting laws.
Q5: How far can I see hogs with a night vision scope?
A: Most digital NV scopes allow clear identification between 150–300 yards, depending on IR illuminator strength.
Q6: What rifle caliber pairs best with these scopes?
A: Common calibers include .308 Win, .300 BLK, and 6.5 Creedmoor — all effective for medium to large hogs.
Q7: Do night vision scopes hold zero like traditional optics?
A: Yes, most quality NV scopes (like ATN and Sightmark) maintain zero even after hundreds of rounds if mounted correctly.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for night hog hunting depends on how you like to hunt — tech-driven digital optics like the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro dominate for full darkness, while premium glass optics like the Trijicon Credo HX excel in moonlight and spotlight setups. My personal go-to remains the ATN 4K Pro for its reliability, 4K video clarity, and robust feature set.
Whether you’re hunting solo under a new moon or scanning open fields with your crew, the right optic ensures accuracy, confidence, and unforgettable nights in the field.
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ··· in the right corner or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.