When considering the best scopes for hog hunting in 2024, you’ve got to focus on precision and clarity to make every shot count.
Imagine the ATN X-Sight-4k Pro’s ability to switch seamlessly between day and night modes, or the Leupold FX-I Rimfire’s lightweight design that guarantees ease of use during those longer hunts. Each scope in this list offers unique features tailored to various hunting scenarios.
Whether it’s the Trijicon ACOG’s bullet drop compensating reticle or the unparalleled image clarity of the Bushnell Elite 4500, choosing the right scope can greatly enhance your hunting experience. So, which one stands out for your needs?
Top 6 Best Scopes for Hog Hunting on the Market 2024
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Smart Day/Night Scope
For hog hunters seeking versatility and advanced technology, the ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Smart Day/Night Scope with HD Video, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi offers cutting-edge features like the Obsidian IV Dual Core Processor and Ultra HD Sensor for round-the-clock hunting.
This scope allows you to record and stream video simultaneously with its Dual Stream Video Recording capability. You’ll appreciate the Ballistic Calculator for precise shooting adjustments and the automatic video storage provided by the Recoil Activated Video feature.
Additionally, its Ultra Low Power Consumption guarantees over 18 hours of active use, making it reliable for long hunting sessions. While some users have mentioned initial setup challenges, the overall performance, battery life, and ease of use have garnered positive feedback, making it a solid choice for serious hog hunters.
Best For: Hog hunters seeking a versatile and advanced scope with cutting-edge features and reliable performance for day and night use.
Pros:
Obsidian IV Dual Core Processor and Ultra HD Sensor for exceptional performance
Dual Stream Video Recording allows simultaneous Wi-Fi streaming and video recording
Ultra Low Power Consumption ensures over 18 hours of active use
Cons:
Initial setup can be challenging for some users
Mixed feedback on scope reliability, including screen freezing and zero profile loss
Hunters looking for a lightweight yet durable scope will find the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20 Pig-Plex Reticle Riflescope to be an excellent choice, thanks to its aircraft-quality aluminum construction and Twilight Light Management System.
This scope offers remarkable low-light visibility, essential for early morning or late evening hunts. Weighing just 9.6 ounces and featuring a compact one-inch maintube, it guarantees ease of handling without compromising performance.
The Pig-Plex reticle enhances target acquisition, while the waterproof and fogproof design assures reliability in various weather conditions. Mounting is straightforward with its Picatinny mount compatibility.
Praised for clear optics and ease of zeroing, it’s a reliable option despite some users desiring more powerful alternatives. Perfect for versatile hunting applications.
Best For: Hunters seeking a lightweight, durable riflescope with excellent low-light visibility and clear optics for versatile hunting applications.
Pros:
Aircraft-quality aluminum construction ensures durability.
Twilight Light Management System offers enhanced low-light visibility.
Lightweight and compact design for ease of handling.
Cons:
Some users might prefer more powerful scope options.
The Trijicon ACOG 3.5x35 Riflescope is a top choice for hog hunters, featuring battery-free illumination and a rugged aluminum-alloy housing that ensures reliable performance in challenging environments. Utilizing tritium and fiber optic technology, this scope offers consistent brightness without batteries, making it always ready for the hunt. Its combat-proven durability and ‘both eyes open’ design are ideal for close-quarters combat (CQB) situations, providing trusty performance when needed. The bullet drop compensating and ranging reticle enhances precision up to 800 meters, ensuring accurate shots. With an objective lens diameter of 35mm and a minimum magnification of 3.5x, you’ll enjoy clear and sharp visuals through this scope. Weighing only 0.01 ounces and compatible with Picatinny mounts, it is lightweight and easy to install.
Best For: Hog hunters and tactical shooters who need a rugged, battery-free illuminated riflescope for reliable performance in challenging environments.
Pros:
Battery-free illumination with tritium/fiber optic technology
Rugged aluminum-alloy housing for durability
Bullet drop compensating & ranging reticle for up to 800 meters
Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28 (1 inch) Fine Duplex Reticle Riflescope
Boasting a fine duplex reticle and precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments, the Leupold FX-I Rimfire 4x28 riflescope offers you a reliable and durable option for hog hunting.
With a 28mm objective lens and 4x magnification, it provides clear and bright optics, ensuring you can spot your target with ease.
Constructed from aluminum, this ultra-lightweight scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it suitable for various hunting conditions.
Parallax is adjusted for 60 yards, enhancing accuracy at closer ranges.
The Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee backs your investment, reflecting the brand’s confidence in its product’s longevity and performance.
Customer reviews praise its clarity, build quality, and compatibility, particularly with popular models like the Ruger 10/22.
Best For: Hunters and shooting enthusiasts looking for a lightweight, durable, and high-quality riflescope with excellent clarity and precision adjustments.
Pros:
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for reliable performance in various conditions
Precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for accurate targeting
Ultra-lightweight design, making it easy to handle and mount
Cons:
No night vision capabilities
Parallax is fixed at 60 yards, which may not be ideal for all shooting scenarios
Higher price point compared to some competing scopes
For those seeking a reliable and clear optic for hog hunting, the Bushnell Elite 4500 Riflescope provides ultra-wide band coatings that guarantee superior image clarity in the field.
This riflescope, with its 1-4x magnification and 24mm objective lens diameter, assures you get a sharp and detailed view of your target. The Multi-X Reticle aids in precise aiming, while the EXO Barrier coating repels water, oil, and dust, maintaining lens clarity in challenging conditions.
Its IPX7 waterproof construction and extended 4.4-inch eye relief offer durability and comfort. Windage, elevation, and side parallax adjustments enhance accuracy.
Weighing 15.48 ounces and designed for a cantilever mount, this scope is easy to install and adjust, making it a valuable addition to your hunting gear.
Best For: Hunters looking for a durable, clear, and reliable riflescope with superior image clarity and easy adjustments.
Pros:
Ultra-wide band coatings for superior image clarity
EXO Barrier coating repels water, oil, and dust
IPX7 waterproof construction with extended eye relief
If you’re a serious hog hunter looking for exceptional thermal imaging, the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro Thermal Riflescope with its 640x480 microbolometer resolution and 2,000-yard detection range is an excellent choice.
This scope offers a 1024x768 AMOLED display, guaranteeing you get clear and crisp images even in complete darkness.
With a variable magnification range of 2x-16x, you can easily adjust your focus to suit different hunting scenarios.
The built-in laser rangefinder is a valuable feature, providing you with precise distance measurements.
Additionally, the scope includes Wi-Fi connectivity with the Stream Vision 2 app, allowing you to stream and control the scope from your mobile device.
Its IPX7 waterproof rating and 10-hour battery life ensure durability and long-lasting performance in the field.
Best For: Serious hog hunters looking for exceptional thermal imaging and precise distance measurements.
Pros:
High-resolution 640x480 microbolometer for clear thermal imaging
Built-in laser rangefinder for accurate distance measurement
Wi-Fi connectivity with Stream Vision 2 app for easy streaming and control
Cons:
Issues with battery life and charging
Difficulty in sighting in due to electronic nature
Mixed customer satisfaction with warranty repair experience
Factors to Consider When Choosing Scopes for Hog Hunting
When selecting scopes for hog hunting, you need to take into account several key factors to guarantee peak performance and reliability. Important aspects include:
Low-light performance for dusk or dawn hunts
Durability and construction to withstand harsh environments
Magnification range to cover varying distances
Additionally, pay attention to:
Reticle options for precise targeting
Battery life to avoid disruptions during extended hunts.
Low-Light Performance
Choosing the appropriate scope for hog hunting means prioritizing low-light performance to guarantee you can spot your target during those critical dusk and dawn hours. To achieve top-notch visibility, select scopes with high-quality lenses and coatings that maximize light transmission. These features are essential for enhancing clarity and brightness in low-light conditions.
Illuminated reticles or scopes with night vision capabilities are vital for improved visibility in dim environments. These additions make sure that your target remains discernible, even when natural light is scarce. Additionally, scopes with wide objective lenses are advantageous as they gather more light, providing a brighter and clearer image during those early morning or late evening hunts.
Moreover, adjustable brightness settings on the reticle allow you to adapt to varying light conditions, making certain that you always have a clear sight picture. Advanced features like thermal imaging or light-enhancing technology can further boost low-light performance, making it easier to detect and track hogs in near-darkness.
Evaluating these factors will help you choose a scope that excels in low-light conditions, ensuring that you don’t miss any opportunities during peak hunting times. Prioritizing these features will greatly improve your hog hunting success and overall experience.
Durability and Construction
While low-light performance is key for hog hunting, ensuring your scope has robust durability and construction is equally important for withstanding the demands of the field. You should consider scopes made from rugged materials like aluminum or magnesium alloy, which offer exceptional durability in harsh hunting environments. These materials are known for their ability to endure physical impacts and rough handling, ensuring your scope remains functional even under strenuous conditions.
It’s essential to choose scopes with waterproof and fogproof features, allowing them to perform reliably in various weather scenarios. Such scopes are typically sealed with O-rings and purged with gases like nitrogen or argon to prevent internal fogging and water ingress. Additionally, shockproof capabilities are vital for withstanding the recoil of powerful firearms and the inevitable bumps and drops during a hunt.
Protective coatings, such as EXO Barrier, on the lenses can safeguard against water, oil, and dust, maintaining clear visibility and prolonging the lifespan of your scope.
Magnification Range
To select the right magnification range for hog hunting, focus on a scope that balances close to mid-range flexibility with the potential for longer shots. For most hog hunting scenarios, a scope with a magnification range of 1-6x or 2-7x is ideal. These ranges offer the versatility needed for quick target acquisition and tracking in dense cover, where hogs often inhabit. Lower magnification provides a wider field of view, which is essential for following moving targets and ensuring you don’t lose sight of your prey in thick vegetation.
However, if your hunting environment includes more open fields and longer shot opportunities, you’ll benefit from higher magnification ranges like 4-12x or even 6-24x. These scopes allow for precise shot placement at greater distances, enhancing your ability to make accurate and ethical kills.
A variable magnification scope is particularly advantageous as it offers the flexibility to adapt to different hunting scenarios, whether you’re stalking through the woods or taking a long-range shot across an open plain. By carefully considering the magnification range, you can choose a scope that meets the demands of diverse hunting conditions, ensuring both precision and clarity in your shots.
Reticle Options
When selecting a scope for hog hunting, pay close attention to the reticle options available to guarantee quick target acquisition and precise shot placement. Illuminated reticles are particularly important for low-light conditions, which are common during hog hunting. These reticles enhance visibility, making sure you can aim accurately even in the dimmest environments.
Additionally, consider reticle designs that facilitate rapid target acquisition, allowing you to lock onto fast-moving hogs with ease.
Reticles with range-finding capabilities can be particularly advantageous as they help estimate distances in varying terrains, which is vital for making accurate shots. Some reticles also feature holdover points, which compensate for bullet drop at different distances, thereby improving your precision over longer ranges. This feature is especially helpful when dealing with the unpredictable movements of hogs.
When choosing a reticle, it’s important to match it to your shooting style and preferences. Whether you prefer a simpler design for quick targeting or a more complex reticle with multiple reference points for long-distance accuracy, selecting the right reticle can greatly enhance your performance in the field.
Make sure your choice aligns with your specific hunting scenarios and personal comfort to maximize efficiency and success.
Battery Life
After selecting the ideal reticle for your hog hunting scope, it’s equally important to take into account the battery life to guarantee your equipment remains reliable during extended hunts.
A scope with a long battery life ensures that you won’t be left in the dark—literally—during those pivotal moments. Look for scopes that are designed with low power consumption to maximize battery longevity, allowing you to stay focused on your hunt rather than worrying about your gear.
Opt for scopes that offer rechargeable battery options. This not only provides convenience but also proves to be more cost-effective over time. You won’t need to constantly purchase new batteries, which can add up.
Additionally, scopes with battery-saving features such as automatic shut-off are invaluable. These features conserve power when the scope isn’t in active use, thereby extending the overall battery life.
Before making a purchase, always evaluate user reviews and technical specifications. These insights can provide a realistic view of the scope’s battery performance in real hunting conditions.
Weather Resistance
In the unpredictable world of hog hunting, a scope’s weather resistance can make the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating failure. You need a scope that can withstand harsh conditions, guaranteeing it performs flawlessly regardless of the weather.
Look for scopes with waterproof and fogproof features; these are essential to prevent moisture from compromising your visibility. Lens coatings, such as EXO Barrier or Ultra-Wide Band Coatings, offer improved resistance against water, oil, and dust, maintaining a clear view in adverse conditions.
Opt for scopes with O-ring sealed construction, like an IPX7 rating, which promises protection against water ingress, allowing you to remain effective in wet environments. The materials used in the scope are also critical. Scopes made from durable materials like aluminum or magnesium alloy are better suited to handle exposure to moisture and humidity without degrading.
Additionally, ensure that the scope has reliable sealing mechanisms for turrets and adjustments. This prevents moisture damage and guarantees consistent performance, even when the weather turns against you.
Ease of Use
Choosing a scope that’s easy to use can greatly enhance your hog hunting experience. When selecting a scope, prioritize those with intuitive controls and user-friendly interfaces. This guarantees you can make quick and effortless adjustments in the field, a vital factor during fast-paced hunts.
Look for scopes equipped with clear and simple reticles, which facilitate quick target acquisition by being easy to see and align.
Ergonomic design is another essential aspect, as it provides comfortable eye relief, thereby reducing strain during extended hunting sessions. A scope that fits well and feels comfortable will allow you to stay focused longer without experiencing fatigue.
Features such as one-shot zeroing or quick detach mounts also contribute to ease of use, enabling convenient setup and adjustments without unnecessary complications.
Additionally, it’s important to choose scopes with durable construction and weather-resistant properties. These features ensure reliable performance in various hunting conditions, whether you’re dealing with rain, fog, or extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting the right scope for hog hunting in 2024 hinges on understanding your specific needs and the features each model offers.
Whether you prioritize the advanced technology of the ATN X-Sight-4k Pro, the lightweight design of the Leupold FX-I Rimfire, or the superior low-light performance of the Bushnell Elite 4500, these top six scopes will enhance your hunting precision and clarity.
Evaluate each option carefully to elevate your hunting experience effectively.