When it comes to hunting feral hogs, you need the best scope for hogs that can handle unpredictable movement, low-light environments, and fast target transitions.
Over the past year, I’ve tested more than a dozen optics on various platforms — from AR-10s chambered in .308 to bolt-action rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor — across open fields and dense brush. In this detailed guide, I break down my top scope picks for hog hunting, tested in real conditions both day and night.
Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Hogs of 2025
Here are my top recommendations for the best scopes for hog hunting, combining optical clarity, durability, and night-time performance:
1. Trijicon Credo HX Illuminated Hunting Riflescope
The Trijicon Credo HX is built specifically for serious hunters chasing fast-moving game in low-light conditions. It offers a rugged, illuminated reticle system that excels in dusk and dawn hunts — prime hog hunting hours.
Product Specs:
Focal Plane: Second (SFP) Adjustment: 0.25 MOA per click Pros:
Excellent low-light clarity True-color glass coatings Tough anodized aluminum build Crisp and tactile turrets Cons:
Reticle illumination could be brighter for daylight use Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The image through the Credo HX is crisp edge-to-edge, with minimal chromatic aberration. The illuminated reticle helps in distinguishing hogs in shaded brush, and its contrast holds even in foggy mornings.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
I found the 3.5-inch eye relief comfortable on both my .308 AR-10 and 6.5 Creedmoor bolt gun. The eye box is forgiving enough for quick target acquisition when hogs break cover.
Durability:
Trijicon’s reputation for bombproof optics holds true. After 400 rounds and two hog hunts through muddy Texas terrain, zero retention was flawless.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
The turrets are tactile and repeatable. I ran a box test at 100 yards and tracking was precise — essential when dialing for moving targets.
Magnification & Parallax:
Smooth magnification ring and adjustable parallax down to 25 yards make it ideal for both brush and open-range shots.
Mounting & Accessories:
I used a 30mm one-piece mount (20 MOA), and setup took minutes. Barrel clearance was perfect.
My Experience:
The Credo HX performed flawlessly during a dusk hunt near Corpus Christi. At 4x magnification, I tagged a 200-pound boar at 90 yards through thick mesquite. Illumination on setting 3 gave perfect reticle contrast.
Online Comments:
On Reddit’s r/HogHunting, several users confirm its reliability in tough light and recoil resilience. One user called it “the last scope I’ll buy for night stalking.”
Verdict:
If you’re serious about versatility and reliability, this is one of the most dependable hunting optics available.
2. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Smart Day/Night Scope
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro combines optical precision with cutting-edge digital functionality. For hunters who often go after nocturnal hogs, this scope’s night vision and recording capabilities make it a game changer.
Product Specs:
Sensor: 4K Ultra HD with night vision Rangefinder & Ballistic Calculator: Built-in Pros:
Superb night vision clarity Built-in ballistic calculator Video recording and Wi-Fi streaming Cons:
Heavier than traditional optics Requires firmware updates occasionally Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The digital reticle is customizable and clear even at higher zooms. The clarity in night mode is exceptional; hog silhouettes are easily distinguishable past 150 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Though digital, the eye relief is comfortable and safe for .308 recoil. I used it on an AR-10 platform without issues.
Durability:
Water and dust-resistant, it held zero after three hunts and multiple zero checks. The aluminum body feels robust.
Magnification & Parallax:
Digital zoom remains crisp up to about 14x. Beyond that, minor pixelation is visible, but target identification remains solid.
My Experience:
I tested this during a moonless night hunt in Oklahoma. The onboard IR illuminator was strong enough to light up a group of hogs at 100 yards, and the recording captured every detail.
Online Comments:
Hunters praise its balance of technology and performance. Some mention lag in extreme cold, but most agree it’s “a must-have for night hog hunting.”
Verdict:
A perfect choice for those who want high-tech night capability without sacrificing traditional performance.
3. Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Wraith is another top-tier digital optic for hog hunters who prioritize after-dark success.
Product Specs:
Magnification: 4–32x digital Modes: Day, Night, and Green Phosphor Battery: 4.5-hour runtime Pros:
Affordable for a digital NV scope Sharp imaging with IR illuminator Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
In night mode, the clarity rivals more expensive scopes. The digital reticle options are varied, letting me match the setup to my rifle and ammo.
Durability:
Shockproof and weather-resistant, it handled a 6.8 SPC rifle with no zero shift.
My Experience:
Using it on a Texas ranch, I spotted a group of boars at 125 yards. The reticle illumination and IR combo provided excellent target ID.
Online Comments:
Users love its price-to-performance ratio. Some note that upgrading to rechargeable batteries improves field usability.
Verdict:
For under $700, this is the most cost-effective digital night vision optic for hog control.
4. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 FFP Riflescope
This optic is for fast, close-range hog encounters. Its low-power variable design allows rapid target acquisition while maintaining crisp clarity.
Product Specs:
Reticle: EBR-8 illuminated Pros:
Perfect for AR-style rifles Excellent reticle illumination Cons:
Limited long-range magnification My Experience:
Mounted on my .300 Blackout, I used this scope during a thick brush hunt. Quick target transitions were effortless — ideal for hogs charging from cover.
Verdict:
A lightweight, dependable choice for short-to-mid-range hog hunting.
5. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Riflescope
The VX-Freedom is classic Leupold reliability in a simple, no-nonsense package. Its optical system thrives in low-light conditions, ideal for early-morning hog hunts.
Product Specs:
Focal Plane: Second (SFP) Pros:
Excellent light transmission Cons:
Verdict:
Perfect for hunters who value simplicity and reliability above all.
How to Choose the Right Scope for Hog Hunting
When selecting the right optic, consider these key aspects:
Illumination: Essential for low-light encounters. Magnification: 1–6x LPVOs for close-range; 3–9x or 5–20x for open-field hunting. Reticle Type: Illuminated reticles with holdover marks improve tracking on moving targets. Durability: Ensure nitrogen-purged and shockproof construction for recoil resistance. Night Capability: Digital or thermal scopes are invaluable for nocturnal hunts. FAQs
1. What magnification is best for hog hunting?
Between 1–6x for close brush hunts and 3–12x for open areas.
2. Do I need night vision for hogs?
Yes, since hogs are mostly nocturnal, night vision or IR illumination greatly improves success rates.
3. Can a standard rifle scope work for night hunts?
Yes, if paired with an external IR illuminator or flashlight setup.
4. What’s the best scope for AR-15 hog hunting?
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 is ideal for fast, dynamic shooting.
5. Are thermal scopes worth it?
If budget allows, thermal optics are unmatched for spotting hidden hogs in dense cover.
6. How important is eye relief for hog hunting scopes?
Very — heavy recoiling calibers like .308 or .450 Bushmaster demand generous eye relief for safety.
Conclusion
Finding the best scope for hogs means balancing clarity, low-light performance, and reliability. Whether you’re after an all-night digital vision like the ATN X-Sight or a battle-proven optic like the Trijicon Credo HX, each scope reviewed here has been tested in real hunts. Choose the one that matches your hunting environment and style — and you’ll turn every hog hunt into a success.