Hog hunting with an AR-15 is one of the most exciting—and practical—ways to manage wild pigs. These tough, nocturnal animals require fast target acquisition, accurate shots, and gear that stands up to the elements. The right scope for your AR-15 can help you hunt in low light, track fast-moving groups, and take precise shots from 25 to 250 yards or more. This guide covers the best hog hunting scopes for AR-15 rifles, what features matter, and how to pick the perfect optic for your next night or day hunt.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x – Digital day/night scope with recording, rangefinder, and ballistic calculator
- Best Traditional Glass: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 – Fast target acquisition, true 1x, illuminated reticle, built for ARs
- Best Budget: Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 SFP ACSS – Proven performance, ACSS reticle, under $350
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Hog Hunting Scope for AR-15?
- Low-Light/Night Performance: Hogs are most active at dawn, dusk, and after dark. Illuminated reticles, high-quality glass, or digital night vision are real advantages.
- Zoom Range: For most AR-15 hog hunts, 1-6x, 1-8x, or 3-9x gives both close-range speed and enough reach for fields or senderos.
- Reticle Style: Illuminated BDC or “horseshoe” reticles help lead moving pigs and give fast holdovers for different distances.
- Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction is a must—ARs run hard and see rough use in the field.
- Eye Relief and Field of View: Short, fast optics with generous eye relief are easier to use from awkward field positions or when moving quickly.
- Battery Life (for illuminated or digital): Night hunts can run long. Make sure you have a reliable battery or bring a backup.
- Bonus Features: Built-in rangefinding, video recording, or WiFi (in digital optics) are increasingly common and can be valuable for tracking groups or reviewing shots.
- Mount Compatibility: AR-15s need optics with proper mounting height for co-witness or easy cheek weld.
Detailed Product Reviews
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x
Who It’s For: Hunters who want to dominate at night, record video, and use cutting-edge ballistics and rangefinding features in a digital scope.
- Key Benefits:
- Full day/night vision, HD video, WiFi streaming, built-in rangefinder
- Smart reticle adjusts for holdover and windage with ballistics calculator
- Extremely versatile zoom (3-14x), can be used for day and night hunts
- Long battery life (up to 18 hours on a charge)
- Pros:
- Lets you hunt in total darkness with IR illuminator
- Record and stream your hunt for review or sharing
- Customizable reticles and profiles for multiple rifles
- Cons:
- Heavier than traditional glass optics (2.1 lbs)
- Menu system and digital controls require some practice
Final Verdict: The top all-in-one night/day scope for AR-15 hog hunters, with unmatched versatility and features. See latest price
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24
Who It’s For: Hunters wanting a classic LPVO (low power variable optic) that’s fast at 1x for running pigs and sharp at 8x for longer shots.
- Key Benefits:
- True 1x with daylight-bright illuminated reticle (AR-BDC3)
- Rapid target acquisition with wide field of view (109 ft at 100 yards)
- Robust build, waterproof and shockproof
- Easy to mount and use on any AR-15 platform
- Pros:
- Quick transitions from close to medium range
- Excellent glass for the price point
- Backed by Vortex’s lifetime VIP warranty
- Cons:
- No true night vision capability (needs ambient light)
- Field of view narrows at max zoom
Final Verdict: The best traditional glass optic for AR-15 hog hunting—fast, tough, and flexible for all conditions. See latest price
Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 SFP ACSS
Who It’s For: Budget-minded hunters or anyone wanting a battle-proven LPVO with a rapid ACSS reticle for moving targets.
- Key Benefits:
- ACSS reticle gives bullet drop, wind, and moving target leads
- True 1x with daylight-bright center dot for close shots
- Robust build and waterproofing
- Easy to mount on AR-15s and lightweight (16.9 oz)
- Pros:
- Quick acquisition and tracking of running hogs
- Lifetime warranty and top customer service
- Excellent clarity for the price
- Cons:
- No night vision capability (needs a separate light/IR)
- Lower max zoom than some competitors
Final Verdict: The budget king for AR hog hunting—clear, quick, and full-featured. See latest price
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9×40
Who It’s For: Hunters who want a traditional 3-9x hunting optic with reliable illumination for twilight and heavy brush shots.
- Key Benefits:
- Standard hunting magnification (3-9x) with a BDC reticle
- Solid glass, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Lightweight (15.5 oz), easy to mount on AR-15
- Pros:
- Simple to use for any skill level
- Holds zero and tracks well, even after hard use
- Cons:
- No daylight-bright illumination or night vision
- Not a true 1x for close-range “snap” shots
Final Verdict: Great for AR-15 hunters who want a classic scope with modern durability and simplicity. See latest price
Monstrum G3 1-6×24 FFP
Who It’s For: Hunters on a tight budget who want first focal plane, illuminated reticle, and rugged build for night or day.
- Key Benefits:
- FFP reticle—subtensions accurate at all zooms
- Fully illuminated for low-light and dusk hunts
- Shockproof, waterproof, fogproof
- Includes mount and flip-up lens covers
- Pros:
- Lowest price for FFP and illumination in class
- Solid glass and features for entry-level hunters
- Cons:
- Not as refined as top-tier brands
- Some users report tight eye box at high zoom
Final Verdict: Best value FFP option—great for night/dusk on a budget. See latest price
Comparison Table
| Scope | Zoom / Type | Night Capable? | Weight | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | 3-14x / Digital | Yes (IR/Night Vision) | 2.1 lbs | Video, rangefinder, day/night, ballistics |
| Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 | 1-8x / LPVO | Low Light Only | 17.6 oz | True 1x, illuminated, rugged |
| Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 | 1-6x / LPVO | Low Light Only | 16.9 oz | ACSS reticle, daylight bright |
| Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9×40 | 3-9x / SFP | Twilight/Brush | 15.5 oz | BDC reticle, simple, durable |
| Monstrum G3 1-6×24 FFP | 1-6x / FFP | Low Light (Illum) | 16 oz | FFP, illuminated, budget |
How to Choose the Right AR-15 Scope for Hog Hunting
- Decide day/night hunting: For nighttime, pick digital or thermal. For day/dusk, a good LPVO with illumination works well.
- Check mounting compatibility: Use a one-piece cantilever mount or AR-specific rings for proper cheek weld and zero shift resistance.
- Match zoom to terrain: 1-6x or 1-8x for thick brush, 3-9x for fields or longer senderos.
- Practice fast shooting: Set your optic to 1x or lowest zoom for close encounters; test target acquisition from awkward positions.
- Carry spare batteries: For illuminated or digital scopes, always pack a backup battery on night hunts.
- Test before the hunt: Confirm zero, illumination function, and glass clarity in real hunting light and conditions.
FAQ
Do I need night vision or thermal for hog hunting?
If you hunt mostly at night, digital night vision or thermal is a major advantage—letting you see hogs invisible to the naked eye. If you hunt early morning/evening, a good illuminated glass scope may be all you need.
Will these scopes hold up to .300 Blackout or .450 Bushmaster?
Yes. All the scopes above are built for at least .223/5.56 and can handle common AR hunting calibers like .300 BLK, 6.5 Grendel, or even .450 Bushmaster, if mounted properly.
Can I use a red dot for hog hunting?
Red dots are great for close-range, fast shooting on running hogs, but lack magnification for field shots over 100 yards. A low-power variable optic is often more versatile for mixed terrain.
Is digital or traditional glass better for beginners?
Traditional glass LPVOs are simpler to use and more reliable for new hunters. Digital scopes are more complex but add night vision, video, and ballistic tools for tech-minded users.
How do I mount a scope on my AR-15?
Use a quality cantilever mount designed for ARs to ensure proper eye relief and zero retention. Torque to spec and verify zero after installation and after hard use.
Conclusion & Call to Action
For hog hunting with an AR-15, the right scope gives you an edge—faster shots, better hits, and more fun in the field. For all-in-one power, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro leads for night and day. For classic glass, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 and Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 are proven performers. Budget hunter? Try the Monstrum G3 or Sig Sauer Whiskey3 for rock-solid value.
Set your scope up right, check your zero, and get ready for the adrenaline rush of the hunt. Want a custom HTML list with live product links and deals for your area? Just let me know!