The 7 Best Hog Hunting Scopes for AR-15 requires a specialized scope that can handle low-light conditions, fast target acquisition, and the rugged demands of hunting wild boars. Since hogs are often active during dusk and nighttime, choosing the right optic is crucial for ensuring accuracy, visibility, and efficiency in the field.
When selecting the 7 Best Hog Hunting Scopes for AR-15, factors like magnification, illuminated reticles, durability, and low-light performance play a significant role. Many hunters opt for scopes with a variable zoom range for versatility in both close and mid-range shooting.
This guide will explore key considerations for choosing the 7 Best Hog Hunting Scopes for AR-15, helping hunters make an informed decision based on their hunting style, environment, and budget.
7 Best Hog Hunting Scopes for AR-15
1. Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm LPVO Rifle Scope
The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) Rifle Scope is a budget-friendly yet capable optic designed for AR-15 and other tactical rifles.
The 1x setting provides a true reflex-sight experience, enabling rapid target acquisition, while the 4x magnification allows for more precise mid-range shots. The 24mm objective lens ensures adequate light transmission for clear sight pictures in various lighting conditions.
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is both shockproof and rugged, designed to withstand recoil and harsh environments. It is IPX7-rated waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in adverse weather conditions.
The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and image clarity while reducing glare, making the scope effective in low-light situations. A standout feature is Bushnell’s Throw-Down Power Change Lever (PCL), which enables rapid magnification changes, an essential function in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Features & pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 24mm objective lens
- 4x magnification
- Offers bullet drop compensation
- Second focal plane
- 0.1 MIL click adjustments
- Budget-Friendly
- Shockproof and rugged
- It is IPX7-rated waterproof and fog-proof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
2. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane (SFP) Riflescopes are designed to provide reliable performance for hunters, tactical shooters, and competitive marksmen. These scopes offer a balance of affordability, durability, and optical clarity, making them a popular choice for AR-15 rifles and other platforms.
The Strike Eagle SFP series features fully multi-coated lenses, which enhance light transmission and provide crisp, clear images. The lenses help shooters acquire targets quickly, even in low-light conditions. The second focal plane reticle ensures that the reticle remains the same size regardless of magnification, making it ideal for close to mid-range engagements where a consistent aiming point is beneficial.
Vortex offers Strike Eagle SFP scopes in multiple magnification ranges, such as 1-6×24 and 1-8×24, making them ideal for fast-paced shooting and tactical applications. The wide field of view at low magnifications allows for quick target tracking, while the higher magnifications enable accurate shots at greater distances.
These scopes feature tactical-style turrets with precise, audible, and tactile clicks for easy windage and elevation adjustments. A fast-focus eyepiece allows shooters to quickly adjust the reticle sharpness for different scenarios.
Features & pros
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Illuminated reticles
- Durable
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Hunting medium-sized game
- 3-Gun competition shooting
- wide field of view
- Second focal plane reticle
- Feature tactical-style turrets
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm riflescope is a small, durable, and multipurpose optic made for shooters and hunters who want a dependable low-power variable optic (LPVO). This scope is perfect for hunting because it is made with Leupold’s renowned durability and premium glass, making it a great option for close to mid-range encounters.
The VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm offers a magnification range of 1.5x to 4x, which is perfect for fast target acquisition at low power while still providing enough zoom for precision shots at moderate distances. The 20mm objective lens keeps the scope compact and lightweight while still delivering bright and clear images.
The scope is available with multiple reticle options, including the Duplex and Pig-Plex reticles. These reticles are simple yet effective, making aiming and target acquisition quick and efficient. The ¼ MOA finger-click adjustments for windage and elevation provide precise, repeatable control for accuracy.
Like all Leupold scopes, the VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments. The 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction provides exceptional strength while keeping the scope lightweight.
Features & pros
- 20mm objective lens
- Offers a magnification range of 1.5x to 4x
- Duplex and Pig-Plex reticles
- Durable
- Twilight Light Management System
- Weighing approximately 9.6 ounces
- Measuring 9.35 inches in length
- ¼ MOA finger-click adjustments
- 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof
4. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x is a high-tech digital riflescope designed for both daytime and nighttime use. It combines ultra HD 4K resolution, advanced ballistics, and smart features, making it a versatile option for hunters.
The scope is equipped with an Obsidian IV Dual Core Processor and a 4K ultra-HD sensor, providing sharp and clear images with vivid colors during the day and enhanced visibility at night.
The variable magnification enables precise targeting at different ranges, ensuring clarity without pixelation. Integrated smart features help shooters calculate bullet drop, wind correction, and other variables, improving long-range accuracy.
The X-Sight 4K Pro automatically records videos when a shot is fired, capturing hunting moments without manual activation. Unlike previous digital scopes, this model offers extended battery life (over 18+ hours on a single charge), reducing the need for frequent recharging.
Features & pros
- Offers extended battery life
- Recoil-Activated Video
- Ultra-Low Power Consumption
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
- Weather-resistant, shockproof, and recoil-tested
- One-Shot Zero
- Ballistic Calculator
- Ultra HD 4K Sensor
5. Primary Arms SLX 1-8x24FFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLX 1-8×24 FFP rifle scope is an affordable and adaptable low-power variable optic (LPVO) made for competition shooting, hunting, and tactical uses. For shooters who require quick target acquisition at close range and accuracy at long range, this scope’s first focal plane (FFP) reticle, sturdy design, and clear glass offer exceptional performance.
The 1-8x zoom range allows for quick transitions between close-range, reflexive shooting at 1x and precision shooting at 8x. This makes the scope ideal for AR-15 and other tactical rifles, where adaptability is key.
The SLx 1-8×24 features red reticle illumination with multiple brightness settings. This ensures usability in bright daylight and low-light scenarios. The multi-coated lenses provide clear, crisp visuals with good light transmission.
The scope features Primary Arms’ ACSS Griffin X MIL reticle, which combines bullet drop compensation (BDC), wind holds, and ranging capabilities. This reticle design enhances precision, especially for shooters using 5.56, .308, or 6.5 Grendel calibers. The illuminated reticle offers excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
Features & pros
- Magnification IS 1-8x
- Objective Lens Diameter IS 24mm
- ACSS Raptor 5.56/5.45/.308 FFP
- Powered by CR2032 battery
- Tube Diameter IS 30mm
- Eye Relief IS 3.2 – 3.5 inches
- Both shockproof and waterproof
6. Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescopes
The Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 has a fixed magnification of 3.5x, which strikes an excellent balance between close-quarter engagements and medium-range accuracy. The 35mm objective lens allows for a wide field of view, providing users with the ability to quickly acquire targets.
The ACOG utilizes a tritium and fiber-optic illumination system, which ensures a bright and clear reticle in various lighting conditions. The fiber-optic element automatically adjusts brightness according to ambient light, while the tritium provides constant illumination in low-light or dark conditions. This eliminates the need for batteries, making it a reliable choice for extended use.
The ACOG 3.5×35 comes with several reticle options, including the Chevron reticle. This reticle is designed for fast target acquisition, particularly in combat situations. The chevron is precise and easy to use, with a built-in bullet drop compensator (BDC) for precise long-range shots. The reticle can be calibrated for different calibers, enhancing accuracy and consistency.
The riflescope offers generous eye relief, which is important for users in high-recoil situations. This feature ensures comfort and safety, even with powerful calibers. At 3.5x magnification, the field of view is wide enough to allow for quick target acquisition at medium ranges. The relatively low magnification also makes it suitable for close-quarters combat or fast-moving targets.
Features & pros
- Offers generous eye relief
- Tritium and fiber-optic illumination system
- Has a fixed magnification of 3.5x
- 35mm objective lens
- Comes with several reticle options
- Built-in bullet drop compensator
- Its rugged aluminum housing
7. Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24mm Riflescope
The Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24mm Riflescope is a versatile and high-performance optic designed for both tactical and sporting applications. Known for its robust construction, advanced features, and affordability, the Tango-MSR is an excellent choice for a wide range of shooting disciplines, from close-quarters combat to medium-range engagements.
The Tango-MSR is built to withstand the harshest conditions, featuring a durable, aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is both lightweight and resistant to impact. Its compact 24mm objective lens ensures a wide field of view at 1x magnification, ideal for rapid target acquisition and close-range shooting. The scope is also nitrogen purged and fully sealed to provide waterproof and fog-proof performance, making it suitable for all weather conditions.
The 1-6x magnification range offers a versatile zoom range for both close-range and mid-range shooting. At 1x, the scope allows for fast target acquisition, with a wide field of view that is perfect for dynamic situations. At 6x, it provides a clear and crisp image at medium distances, making it effective for engaging targets up to 400 yards or more, depending on the shooter’s skill and ammunition.
The scope features Sig Sauer’s MSR BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle, a second focal plane (SFP) reticle that is optimized for use with modern MSR platforms. The reticle is designed to allow shooters to quickly adjust for bullet drop at various distances, with easy-to-read hash marks that facilitate holdovers for both windage and elevation. The MSR reticle is ideal for AR-15 and similar platform rifles, providing a quick and accurate way to engage targets without the need for extensive adjustments.
Features & pros
- Its robust construction
- Featuring a durable
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Nitrogen purged
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- 1-6x magnification
- Bullet Drop Compensator reticle
- Second focal plane
- Fast-focus eyepiece
Read Also:
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Best AR 15 Deer Hunting Scopes
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Factors to consider when choosing the 7 Best Hog Hunting Scopes for AR-15
Objective Lens Size
A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, improving visibility in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk, which are prime hog hunting times. A 40mm to 50mm objective lens is a good choice for optimal brightness and clarity. However, larger lenses also add weight to the rifle, so balance is key.
Reticle Type
The reticle is another crucial aspect of choosing the right scope. For hog hunting, you’ll want a reticle that is easy to use in low light and allows for quick target acquisition. Options like illuminated reticles or those with red or green settings can provide added visibility. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticles can also be beneficial for long-range shots, especially in varying terrain.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax is the effect where the reticle and the target are no longer in the same plane when viewed at different distances. For short-range hunting, you may not need parallax adjustments, but if you plan to shoot over longer distances, having a parallax-adjustable scope can improve accuracy and target acquisition.
Durability
Hog hunting often takes place in rugged, unpredictable environments, so you’ll need a scope that can withstand rough conditions. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant. Features like O-ring seals and nitrogen purging are crucial for ensuring the scope performs well in all weather conditions.
Magnification Range
The magnification range plays a significant role in how well you can engage hogs at various distances. For most hog hunting situations, a scope with a variable magnification range between 1-6x or 1-8x works well, offering versatility from close-range shots to mid-range targets.
Weight and Size
Since the AR-15 is a lightweight rifle, adding too much weight with a bulky scope can impact your shooting comfort. Consider a scope that balances performance with manageable weight to avoid fatigue during extended hunts.
7 Best Hog Hunting Scopes for AR-15 FAQs
- What reticle is best for hog hunting?
A simple, illuminated reticle with either a BDC (bullet drop compensator) or MOA (minute of angle) markings is often preferred for hog hunting. The illuminated reticle helps in low-light conditions, which is common when hunting hogs at dawn or dusk.
- Is an illuminated reticle necessary for hog hunting?
While it’s not strictly necessary, an illuminated reticle is highly beneficial for hog hunting, particularly in low-light conditions. Hogs are most active during dawn, dusk, or at night, so having a bright reticle can make a big difference.
- What size objective lens is ideal for hog hunting?
A 32mm to 50mm objective lens is ideal for hog hunting, as it allows for better light transmission, which is critical for hunting in low-light conditions. A larger objective lens helps to gather more light, providing a clearer image when visibility is reduced.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the 7 Best Hog Hunting Scopes for AR-15 depends on your specific needs, including budget, preferred features, and hunting environment. For hog hunting, a versatile scope with a wide field of view and good low-light performance is essential, as hogs are often hunted at night or in dense brush.