Hunting wild things are cathartic, but if you don’t have the right tools for it, then you won’t have much success.
Now, hog hunting is a particularly enjoyed sport among hunters. Since you’re here, we assume you’re into it, so let us tell you that scope is an absolute necessity.
A scope helps you to find the prey and zero in on it. Once you have the target set, killing is the easy part. So it’s important that you buy the right scope.
There are many scopes in the market, but not all are suitable for hogs. In this article, we’re going to talk about the best scope for hog hunting.
We’ve picked out 10 of the best scopes from the market. Check them out below.
10 Best Scope for Hog Hunting
Your scope must be compatible with your weapon and good enough to make hunting an effortlessly fun experience.
The 10 scopes that you see below are worthy of consideration; check them out.
#1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II
Let’s begin with the magnification. It comes with a 1 – 4x magnification, which is mainly preferred by shooters because it gives you excellent precision at close range and mid-range.
The balance in the range paths makes it suitable for large game hunting. 4x will give you clear shots for up to 400 yards ahead.
The lenses are multi-coated to provide you with that anti-reflective, bright color, and clear vision. What adds to this is the V-Brite reticle that enables long-distance shooting by the merit of its position in the second focal plane.
An amazing thing about the scope is that the crosshair lights up in the center and makes it much easier to set up the target. You will get the best precision, and even in low-light conditions, target setting will be no difficult feat.
The turrets are capped, which makes them more receptive to the touch of your fingers. You don’t have to exert too much pressure to set the turret to zero.
Also, the long eye relief lets you focus on your target with ease. You’ll feel comfortable looking through the lenses, and this will enable you to set the eyepiece on fast focus so that you can quickly follow your target and not miss a chance to shoot.
Verdict
This is everything you need in a scope. It is waterproof, fog-proof, durable, sturdy, and most importantly, it gives you a sharp crystal focus on your target.
The Crossfire II from Vortex Optics is one of the best in the market, and it doesn’t ask for compromises.
#2. Burris Ballistic Plex Hunting Riflescope
If you have a rifle, a fighting carbine, or a scout rifle multi-purpose, then this riflescope will be perfect for you.
While hunting, you need to hold the riflescope to your eyes for a long time, but that won’t be a problem in this case because this scope measures only 9.7 inches and weighs about 13 ounces.
You can adjust the alignment between your vision and the target by turning using turrets swiftly with your fingers. The turrets are very low profile but effective.
This riflescope looks very elegant. It has a minimalistic look, and to match up with that, the turrets have been kept very sleek and low-profile, but no compromises have been made to its usability.
The lenses are also multi-coated, which reduces the angle of reflection to cut out any sort of lens glaring. They are very high in quality and durable as well.
These are precision-ground lenses that are bigger than those found in normal scopes. These big lenses are able to transmit a lot of light so that you can see the hog and set your target on it with great control.
This riflescope is also considered the best sight for elk hunting.
Verdict
This is great for those with myopia because you can shoot with both eyes open, so there will be no strain on your eyes. Using this scope is easy, efficient, and fun.
#3. NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm
If you are good at both long-range and close-range shooting, then this NIghtforce SHV will serve you quite well. It has versatility in range and can be targeted towards the big game, varmints, and tight groups.
The elevation travel on this scope is about 80 MOA, which means that you will have a great field of view with almost no obstruction on the peripherals.
This has the ZeroSet technology, which helps you to adjust the alignment to zero in quick time. Also, the side parallax adjustment makes sure that optical illusions do not mess up your target visualization.
The special Forceplex MOAR reticle has a center that lights up. This helps you to further focus on the target with precision. Magnification on this scope is 5-20x, which means that the scope will magnify 5 times at a minimum, and 20 times at maximum.
The objective lenses have a diameter of 56mm, which will let enough light pour in so that you can see your target with full clarity in bright light.
There’s no hassle here, just look through the scope, fix your target with the crosshair on the reticle, zero in your turrets, and shoot.
Verdict
This Nightforce SHV is one of the most powerful and flawless scopes you could get in the market. It is great for both short and long-range shooters because of its efficiency, versatility, and build quality.
#4. Vortex Optics Diamondback
Do you know how some scopes make a purple tint appear around your view? Well, that’s called chromatic aberration, and that is one hell of a nuisance that will get on your nerves.
But thankfully, chromatic aberrations are completely diminished by the extra-low dispersion glass that is used on this Vortex Diamondback riflescope.
This glass is thicker than regular glass, and its thickness-to-weight ratio automatically corrects the chrome effect by deepening the sharpness of the image. Furthermore, the glass has multi-coatings that reduce the reflection angles and produce sharp and clear images as a result.
The magnification of this scope is 4-16x, and the objective lenses are 44 mm in diameter. You can zoom in to your target and then use the reticle subtension measure to accurately lock into your target so that you are unlikely to ever miss.
Nitrogen is packed into the frame of the scope so that it can absorb the moisture that accumulates internally. Then you also have o-ring seals that prevent water from seeping into the scope.
Additionally, the premium precision-glide erector of the zoom lens makes different magnification levels span out smoothly so that the scope doesn’t jump in vision. Due to this, you will have unbroken focus and no eye pain to worry about at the end of the day.
Verdict
The reticle subtension and the precision glider in the lenses provide amazing guidance when you’re shooting. This is a good scope for long-range shooting.
#5. Vortex Optics Strikefire II
This scoping sight is very popular in many shooting applications. Its specialty is that it lights up a red dot which helps in instigating successful target acquisitions. Red light has a very high wavelength that the eye can catch very quickly.
On top of these, you will be able to play with the brightness levels on this scope on your own. So if you’re out during twilight, then you can manually help yourself out and extend hunting hours by a significant number of minutes.
The lenses have multiple coatings that let the light in at different angles and cut out reflection so that you have a clear image that is bright and crisp. Also, for those with eyesight or migraine issues, we have good news.
This scope comes with unlimited eye relief, and this basically means that you can crank it up to different levels depending on the magnification that you’re using and what feels most comfortable to you.
The maximum level of elevation on these lenses is 100 MOA, which means that you will practically get about 50 MOA for a distance of about 1000 yards.
This will allow you to have a wide field of view so that you can place your target more accurately in its surroundings and see distractions that might startle your prey. You can save yourself some bullets in this way.
Verdict
The red dot gives a definite advantage to inexperienced shooters, and seasoned hunters are also fond of this feature. Overall, the scope is reliable, durably built, and allows open-eyed shooting, which is always a plus point.
#6. UTG BugBuster Scope
This is a very versatile tool with a large field of view that will make it easy for you to spot hogs around a large area without taking your eyes off the scope to span.
Once you find your prey, look through the reticle to aim accurately and shoot with precision. A green/red dot on the center of the lenses will help you to keep your eyes on the prize as you balance your weapon to shoot.
With this scope, you can do close-range combat really well because the eye relief is set at the most optimum level for it.
The turrets can be set to zero and then locked in so that the focus doesn’t shift. This allows you to take your time and set yourself up for definite success.
Also, these are the first scopes on our list that come with flippable lens caps. This is a great feature that ensures that you can put the lenses under a bit of extra protection when necessary.
The frame of the scope has nitrogen inside, which soaks up the moisture that builds up inside. Thus, the scopes are fogproof, waterproof, and also shockproof.
Verdict
The scope is pretty top-notch in build and functionality. The only problem you might face is with the limited eye relief – if you have sight problems, stay away. If not, then this is a definite buying option for you.
#7. EOTECH EXPS2
This scope is not tubular like the other ones. Rather, it is shaped like a square. The design is still compact but quite particular in its compatibility with other weapons.
Because of the cubic frame, this scope works really well with something like a G33 magnifier because they fit right with each other.
The elevation in this scope is about 68 MOA on the ring and 1 MOA on the reticle. Magnification and field of view change as you change the MOA. So, you can take control of this feature to accommodate your shooting range.
Zeroing is very easy and effortless with this scope. And the reticle with its illuminating red dot is very convenient for people with sight issues.
You can mount this scope on MIL-STD 1913 rails and a 1-inch weaver. The base is quite short – a stable mount will only take about 2-¾ inches of space.
One feature about the base that will enhance the accuracy of your focus on targets is that it is slightly raised.
The extra few millimeters of height will keep your head steady at a good angle as you look into the lenses. Then there are 20 brightness levels that will give you a clear sight of your images.
Verdict
This is a scope that will allow you to set the target on your hog very quickly and with great accuracy. EOTECH EXPS2 is a particularly good scope for precision shooters.
#8. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25
There are 11 brightness levels on this riflescope. You can use them manually to suit the conditions in your hunting ground.
If you use the light settings towards the lower spectrum, then you will be able to extend the battery life of the device. There are two turrets that control the angle of elevation. The knobs are quite big and therefore easy to control.
You can take this scope with you in any kind of environment. Be it foggy outside or damp, your lenses will be protected by the nitrogen-filled chamber inside. Nitrogen soaks up the moisture and prevents it from accumulating in the long run.
On top of being fog-proof, the device is very sturdy and shockproof. No harm will come to it even if you drop it. Then there are o-rings that are completely sealed so as to prevent any water from getting in and damaging the functions of the scope internally.
The scope is battery-operated, and it comes with the CR2032 battery already put inside. You will get more than 5000 hours of battery life with a single battery, so there’s not much to worry about.
We must mention that the lenses of this scope have a mirror finish that reduces glare and produces great angles of reflection, which make the images appear bright and crisp even in lowly lit areas.
Target acquisition is helped by the red dot on the reticle, so you will be assisted in the dark as well.
Verdict
This is a great scope for long-range shooting where you observe the target from 8-12 inches away. The scope has a sturdy build and good functionality.
#9. Monstrum G3
This tactical riflescope has a magnification of 6-24x. It’s suitable for mid-range to long-range shooting, so it’s quite versatile in function. You will be able to shoot targets that are spread out over a distance of more than 1000 yards.
The MOA reticle lies in the first focal plane, which means that the dot of the reticle will change in size according to the magnification of your scope. If you zoom out, the dot will get smaller, and if you zoom in, then the dot will get bigger.
The lenses are adjustable. You can manage the controls on it to manage the clarity of your vision. If parallax error messes up your game, then you can quickly adjust that by zeroing the turrets. This will stabilize your reticle and help you shoot with greater success.
In low light conditions, the dot on the reticle will guide you. The good thing about this red dot is that you can increase its intensity or decrease it if necessary.
This scope is battery operated, and the battery comes packed inside.
Verdict
If you are going for long-range shooting, then this scope with 6-24x magnification will be a good fit for you.
#10. UTG Leapers MRC Scope
The tube of this riflescope has a thickness that is very comfortable to get a grip, and the sturdiness of the frame is further accentuated by this.
You will find this scope to be quite versatile in its functions because the magnification is adjustable. The magnification is 1-8x in millimeters, which is great for mid-range shooting.
It will allow you to comfortably extend your range a bit further than that as well, without going completely over to the sniper magnification levels.
Also, the objective lenses of 28 mm diameter let in a good amount of light, which enables you to see your target with great clarity. You can shoot with high precision if the target isn’t too far away.
The clarity of your visuals is further enhanced by the multi-coated lenses. One of the layers is emerald, which works wonders on diminishing the chances of developing purple fringes around the edges of your object.
Coatings also help to reduce the angle of reflection in the lenses. This results in your images being precise so that you have a higher chance of getting your kill.
There are accessories that you will find in the kit. Everything you need in order to mount the device can be found inside.
Verdict
This scope from UTG is great for rifles and very suitable for mid-range shooting. It has high precision and produces clear images that don’t have any fringes along the perimeter.
What to Look for Before Buying
Make sure you don’t go in blindly. Check the following features out to buy scopes that are worth your money.
Lens Coating
Don’t underestimate the cunning of the hog. These animals may look bulky, but they are really good at detecting trouble. One of the primary things that will help you to focus your attention on that wild boar is the lens in your scope.
Get scopes that come with coated lenses. Coated means that there will be multiple layers on the lenses.
The layers trap light at different angles so that the angles of reflection are minimized. This helps light transmission and thus produces a view for you that you can rely on.
Besides an anti-reflection layer, coated lenses also have a dusk and dawn layer that reduces the blue light effect. Due to these lenses, you will have a clear picture of your hog when you look through the scopes at any time of the day.
Magnification
The optics of your scopes need to have a standard depth in magnification. We’re not saying that you need to get scopes that have very strong magnification because when you are hunting hogs, you need to stand at a distance of 180 yards and no more than that.
This means that you’re never going to need ridiculously high magnifying abilities. Scopes that magnify in the range of 4x – 14x will be adequate.
Reticle
Reticles are four lines that meet at a common point, where you will place your target as you peep into the scope.
It basically helps to draw maximum focus on your target. Reticles are like crosshairs but a much better fit for hunting.
It’s a very useful feature that significantly raises your chances of a successful kill. Also, some reticles are illuminated, and those are even better!
Parallax Adjustment
This is basically available on high-powered precision scopes. It’s a small dial on your scope that you turn in order to fix the position of the reticle and make it feel fixed on the spot.
This is very useful because it allows you to set more accurate targets.
Compatibility With the Firearm
If your rifle has a high caliber, you need to get a strong and durable scope. And if you’re using a rifle that has low caliber, then you can get away with just a normal scope.
With weapons like the pistol and shotgun, you can use 1x optics because you can trigger them quickly and move between multiple targets more swiftly.
Eye Relief Scope
This refers to the distance between your eye and the lens of the scope. If the eye relief is not mounted at the perfect distance, then your field of view will be obstructed.
Some weapons require a long eye relief scope, and some require a small eye relief scope. For a fixed power scope, the most comfortable eye relief is 3.5 inches.
Waterproof
You might be out there hunting in swampy grounds because many hogs are often found in such places.
Even if you don’t often go to such places, it would still benefit you to get waterproof scopes for the long run. Check for the waterproof label on the scope, or look for reinforced seals around the o-rings.
Fogproof
This feature is actually of vital importance because the prime times for hunting are often in the morning and in the evening.
If your scopes keep developing a thin mist inside the lenses, then it won’t take too long for the scopes to become useless. Get fog-proof scopes as a score for durability.
Build Quality
Materials that are generally used to make the most durable scopes are aluminum, polymers, and plastic. Plastic makes the weakest scopes, so we suggest you steer clear of those if your budget allows it.
Another thing you have to check about the build quality is whether the scope is a one-piece structure or is it a combined piece.
If you have the option of buying a single-body scope, then do buy that because they are more rigid and sturdy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is parallax, and how does it affect the scope view?
A parallax is an optical illusion that happens when you try to focus on a tiny area. It affects the scope view by making it seem like your reticle is floating on your target rather than staying fixed at a single point.
What do the two numbers on the scope mean?
The first number refers to magnification and the second one refers to the diameter of the lenses.
Is zero stop a necessary feature for a scope?
Since hunting boars will involve a lot of long-range shooting, we’d say zero stop is quite a necessary feature.
If you don’t zero the optical lenses, then your scope won’t be aligned with the target. You will miss a lot of shots, and a zero stop can fix that by stopping turret rotations.
How to reset the turret?
Zero the scope, and then turn the turret clockwise to reach ‘0’. This will make sure that the alignment between your scope and your target doesn’t move.
What happens to the field view when the magnification is high?
When the scope is set at a high magnification point, your field will become smaller. At low magnification points, you get wider fields of view.
Final Words
You will definitely enjoy hunting hogs a lot more when you have the right scope. This article has some amazing suggestions, so we hope you found the best scope for hog hunting here.
Scopes aren’t cheap, and the right one will go a long way with you. So remember to clean your scopes on a regular basis, and they will serve you for a long time. We wish you some good old success on your hunting trips!