Hog hunting demands a rugged, clear, and fast-handling optic. Wild hogs are tough, unpredictable, and often move in low-light conditions—making your choice of scope one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you hunt thick brush, crop fields, or take on nighttime boars, the right scope will help you shoot faster, more accurately, and with total confidence. Here’s your complete guide to the best scopes for hog hunting in every terrain and budget.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Day/Night Scope
- Best for Low Light: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24
- Best Value: Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Dusk & Dawn
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Hog Hunting Scope
Hog hunting is unique—here are the features that matter most:
- Low-Light Performance: Hogs are most active at dusk, dawn, and night. Choose a scope with excellent light transmission, fully multi-coated lenses, and an objective lens of at least 40mm for maximum brightness.
- Illuminated Reticle: Helps you see your crosshairs against dark hides or heavy brush—essential for fast shooting at close or medium range.
- Magnification Range: 1-8x, 2-10x, or 3-9x are ideal for most hog hunting situations. Lower magnification means a wider field of view, which is great for fast-moving targets and thick woods.
- Durability: Hog hunting is rough on gear. Your scope should be shockproof, waterproof, fogproof, and built to handle hard recoil and bad weather.
- Day/Night Capability: For serious night hunts, consider a digital day/night scope or thermal optic.
- Quick Adjustments: Turrets should be positive and easy to adjust, but not so exposed that they snag in brush.
- Mounting Options: Make sure your scope pairs well with your rifle—ARs, lever guns, and bolt actions all have different needs.
Above all, choose a scope that matches your hunting style—stalking, stand, or nighttime—so you never miss that crucial shot.
Top Scopes for Hog Hunting
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Day/Night Scope
Why it’s best overall: The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is the Swiss Army knife of hog hunting optics. This digital scope offers true day and night vision, HD video recording, built-in ballistic calculator, rangefinder, and Wi-Fi streaming. The IR illuminator lets you see hogs after dark out to 200+ yards. It’s designed to mount on standard rails, making it perfect for AR-15s or bolt guns.
- 5-20x zoom covers any hog hunting scenario
- Full HD day and night vision capability
- Video recording and streaming with no extra equipment
- Ballistic calculator and rangefinder built in
- Long battery life—up to 18 hours per charge
Pros:
- Unmatched flexibility for 24/7 hunting
- Clear, sharp image in total darkness
- Great for tech-savvy hunters
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than traditional scopes
- Learning curve for menu and digital features
Final Verdict: The ultimate choice for dedicated hog hunters who hunt day and night and want the most advanced features available.
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24
Why it’s great for low light: The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is a top choice for quick shots at any distance, especially in heavy brush or close cover. The illuminated BDC reticle is daylight-bright and shines at dusk or dawn. Its low-end 1x magnification acts almost like a red dot, letting you acquire targets instantly, while 8x zoom gives you reach for open fields or longer shots.
- 1-8x variable magnification for max versatility
- Illuminated BDC3 reticle for low light and fast moving hogs
- True 1x for both-eyes-open shooting
- Rugged, waterproof, shockproof build
- Comes with a fast throw lever for instant zoom changes
Pros:
- Wide field of view for running shots
- Daylight and dusk/dawn capable
- Perfect for AR platforms or short rifles
Cons:
- Not as much zoom for extreme long-range shots
- No night vision capability (daylight and dusk/dawn only)
Final Verdict: The best scope for hunters who want speed, simplicity, and the ability to transition from woods to fields in a single optic.
Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Dusk & Dawn
Why it’s the best value: The Bushnell Banner has been trusted by hog and deer hunters for years. Its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coating gives you a sharp, bright sight picture when the sun is low, and the 3-9x range works for any terrain. Shockproof and waterproof, it’s a top pick for hunters on a budget or anyone needing a reliable backup scope.
- 3-9x variable zoom for woods and open fields
- 40mm objective for great low-light performance
- DDB lenses for extra clarity at dusk and dawn
- Fast-focus eyepiece and easy zeroing
- Rugged and proven in the field
Pros:
- Exceptional price-to-performance ratio
- Good enough for deer, hogs, or predators
- Lightweight and easy to mount on any rifle
Cons:
- No illuminated reticle
- Not designed for night hunting
Final Verdict: The best choice for budget-conscious hunters who need reliable, bright glass for evening hog hunts.
Other Notable Hog Hunting Scopes
- Pulsar Thermion XM30: True thermal imaging—expensive, but unmatched for night hog hunting and spotting through brush.
- Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 ACSS: Affordable, bright, illuminated reticle, and super-fast for close cover or moving hogs.
- Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9×40: Fiber optic/illumination, legendary durability, and perfect for harsh field conditions.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Reticle Type | Low Light/Night Capable | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | 5-20x | Digital Day/Night | Yes/Yes | 24/7 hog hunting, tech | $700-$800 |
| Vortex Strike Eagle | 1-8x | Illuminated BDC3 | Yes/No | Fast, close/medium range | $400-$500 |
| Bushnell Banner DDB | 3-9x | Multi-X | Yes/No | Budget, low light | $90-$120 |
| Pulsar Thermion XM30 | 3-12x (thermal) | Thermal | Yes/Yes | Night, heavy cover | $2,500-$3,000 |
| Primary Arms SLx ACSS | 1-6x | Illuminated ACSS | Yes/No | ARs, quick shots | $300-$350 |
| Trijicon AccuPoint | 3-9x | Fiber Optic/Illum | Yes/No | Extreme durability | $600-$900 |
FAQ: Hog Hunting Scopes
Is night vision or thermal really necessary for hog hunting?
It’s a game-changer for night hunting, but not required if you hunt at dusk, dawn, or with legal spotlights. Digital night vision scopes like the ATN X-Sight make true 24-hour hunting possible and have become extremely popular in hog country.
What’s the best magnification for hog hunting?
Lower magnification is often better: 1-8x, 1-6x, or 3-9x allows for fast shots in thick cover and wide fields of view for running hogs. Higher power is useful for open fields or daylight shooting but not always needed.
Should I use an illuminated reticle?
Yes—an illuminated reticle helps you see your aiming point quickly, especially at dusk or against dark backgrounds. It’s one of the most useful features for hog hunters.
Will these scopes hold up to heavy recoil?
All scopes listed here are field-proven on .308, .30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, .450 Bushmaster, and even .300 Win Mag—so they can handle anything from AR-15s to hard-hitting hog rifles.
Can I use these scopes for deer or predator hunting?
Absolutely. Most of these scopes are perfect crossover optics for deer, coyotes, or any other medium-to-large game you pursue.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for hog hunting is the one that helps you see fast, shoot confidently, and keep hunting no matter the weather or hour. For all-around versatility, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is a leader for both day and night. The Vortex Strike Eagle is perfect for quick shots in thick cover, while the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn remains the top budget choice for evening and low-light hunts. Mount your new optic well, practice in likely light conditions, and be ready—the next big boar might come at any time!