Looking for the best night vision scope for hog hunting? You are in the right place.
When it comes to hog hunting at night, having the best night vision scope can make all the difference in your success. Hog hunting requires reliable visibility in low-light conditions, and a high-quality night vision scope specifically designed for this purpose is essential.
The best night vision scope for hog hunting combines advanced technology, superior image quality, and key features such as infrared illumination and rugged durability. With the ability to spot hogs in complete darkness, make precise shots, and withstand the challenges of the hunting environment, these scopes give you a distinct advantage when pursuing these elusive and nocturnal creatures.
Whether you’re a seasoned hog hunter or new to the sport, investing in the best night vision scope for hog hunting will significantly enhance your hunting experience and increase your chances of a successful hunt.
What Makes the Best Night Vision Scope for Hog Hunting?
The best night vision scope for hog hunting should have specific qualities and features to ensure optimal performance in low-light conditions. Here are some key factors to consider:
Image Quality
A high-quality night vision scope should provide clear and crisp images, allowing you to effectively spot and identify hogs in the dark. Look for scopes with high-resolution displays and advanced image intensifier tubes for enhanced clarity and detail.
Detection Range
The effective detection range is crucial for hog hunting at night. Consider scopes that offer a sufficient range for detecting hogs at the distances you typically encounter them. Longer detection ranges enable you to spot hogs from a greater distance, giving you more time to prepare for a shot.
Infrared Illumination
Since hogs are primarily active at night, a night vision scope with built-in or attachable infrared (IR) illumination is beneficial. IR illuminators emit invisible light that enhances visibility in complete darkness, helping you spot hogs even when ambient light is scarce.
Reticle Options
Look for a night vision scope with multiple reticle options suitable for hog hunting. Reticles with illuminated dots or crosshairs allow for precise aiming, especially when engaging moving targets. Choose a reticle that suits your shooting preferences and provides quick target acquisition.
Durability
Hogs can be challenging to hunt, and the environments you encounter may be harsh. Opt for a night vision scope that is ruggedly built, shock-resistant, and weatherproof. It should withstand recoil and handle rough handling, ensuring reliability and longevity in demanding hog hunting conditions.
Battery Life
Consider the battery life of the night vision scope, as hog hunting often involves long hours of waiting and stalking in darkness. A scope with a long-lasting battery will ensure that it remains operational throughout your hunting sessions without the need for frequent battery changes.
Mounting Compatibility
Ensure that the night vision scope is compatible with your firearm’s mounting system. Look for scopes with standard mounting options that provide a secure and stable attachment to your rifle.
Ultimately, the best night vision scope for hog hunting is one that combines superior image quality, sufficient detection range, reliable performance, and the necessary features to enhance your hunting success in low-light conditions.
Without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Best Night Vision Scopes for Hog Hunting
1) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm Smart HD Rifle Scope
First up is the X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm Smart HD Rifle Scope from the highly-respected ATN brand. This is a powerful night vision scope suitable for shooting in all lighting conditions.
The scope features variable magnification from 5x to 20x. This gives you the flexibility to take shots at close to long ranges. It also employs an ultra-sensitive 4K ultra HD sensor for swift target finding and an infrared illuminator that enhances your vision in the dark.
Another feature that sets this scope apart is ruggedized housing. It is crafted from aluminum that optimizes durability. It also features recoil-resistant electronics for greater durability. Additionally, the scope is water-resistant, fog proof, shockproof, and operable in temperatures ranging from -28 to 48°C.
Equipped with an ultra HD sensor and ultra HD optics, this scope delivers exceptional image quality and clarity, allowing you to see your targets in stunning detail.
One of the standout features of the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition is its night vision mode, enabling you to hunt or observe in low-light conditions. This mode utilizes advanced technology to provide enhanced visibility, allowing you to spot hogs and other targets even in complete darkness.
Not only does this scope offer outstanding visuals, but it also allows you to capture your hunting adventures in sharp 1080p video. With the ability to record your shots and experiences, you can relive and share your successes with others.
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition is designed with user-friendliness in mind. It is easy to mount on your rifle and straightforward to use, ensuring a hassle-free experience in the field. The one-shot zero feature simplifies the process of zeroing your rifle, while the ballistic calculator provides precise calculations for accurate long-range shooting.
Featuring a smart MIL DOT reticle, this scope offers comprehensive aiming points for various shooting scenarios, enabling you to make quick and accurate adjustments on the fly. The dual-stream video capability allows you to simultaneously stream your shooting footage to a mobile device, providing real-time sharing or recording for personal review.
For added convenience, the recoil-activated video feature automatically starts recording when the scope detects recoil, ensuring that you capture every shot without having to manually initiate the recording.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition boasts ultra-low power consumption, maximizing battery life and minimizing the need for frequent battery changes during your hunts. Additionally, its recoil-resistant construction ensures durability and reliability, withstanding the impact of powerful rifles.
Other essential features included are a One Shot Zero feature, a ballistic calculator, a recoil-activated video, and a smart range finder.
Features
- 5-20x magnification range
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Water-resistant and fog-proof design
- 30mm main tube
- Ultra-high definition sensor
- Ballistic calculator
- Smart rangefinder
- Ultra HD Sensor With Ultra HD Optics
- Video Recording in sharp 1080p
- One Shot Zero
- Smart MIL DOT RETICLE
- Dual Stream Video
- Recoil Activated Video
- Ultra low power consumption
- Recoil Resistant
Pros
- Long battery
- Easy to mount and use
- Rugged and reliable construction
- Crisp clear glass
- Comfortable eye relief
- Easy to use
Cons
- Requires software update before use
2) SightMark Wraith HD 2-16x28mm Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
The Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope will help you view the world in crisp clear high definition. It is simple to operate and suitable for a wide range of applications.
The digital design makes the scope suitable for use day and night. It displays images in sharp, full-color clarity during the day and green or black and white in the dark. Furthermore, the scope comes with a high-definition sensor and 8x digital zoom to help find targets with ease even at long ranges.
The SightMark Wraith HD 2-16x28mm Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope utilizes a 1920×1080 CMOS sensor, allowing it to detect objects up to 200 yards away during nighttime operations.
This scope’s 8x digital zoom and 1280×720 FLCOS screen provide detailed imaging, while its black-and-white or green night vision and daytime color mode ensure sharp, full-color clarity in displayed images. With a lower base magnification range and a wider field of view, the Wraith 2x is particularly well-suited for fast-paced hog and varmint hunting.
You can also use the scope to capture pictures and record videos of your hunting/shooting in 1080p HD. This is made possible by the photo and video recording function that is included. The Wraith also boasts a 1280×720 FLCOS screen which delivers fine-detail imaging of the targets in any lighting condition.
Offering 10 reticle options in 9 colors, 5 weapon profile saves, and built-in 1080p HD video recording, the Wraith enables users to capture and preserve their hunting memories. Housed in a durable aluminum body and boasting an IP55 water-resistant rating, as well as an operating temperature range of 20° to 122°, the Wraith is designed to withstand harsh conditions for many years to come.
Above all, it has a lightweight design and a wide field of view that is ideal for tracking fast moving game.
Features
- Crisp and clean 1280×720 FLCOS screen
- High definition sensor
- 8x digital zoom
- HD photo and video recording
- 850nm infrared illuminator
Pros
- Day and night functionality
- Lightweight design
- Wide field of view
- Solid construction
- Easy to mount and use
Cons
- None
3) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x50mm Smart HD Rifle Scope
If you are looking for the best night vision scope for hog hunting, this is it. It will help you perfect your aim in any hunting environment and make you a better hunter.
The scope is ideal for use day and night. It features a highly sensitive 4K ultra-HD sensor and a 60Hz refresh rate for quick image updates. Further, the scope is equipped with a smart rangefinder that provides a fast and easy way to estimate the distance to your target and a ballistic calculator to help you place the shot more accurately.
Construction-wise, the scope is built to be virtually indestructible. It is crafted out of hardened aluminum alloy with impact-resistant electronics. It is also shockproof to handle whatever nature throws at it and fully waterproof and fog proof for operability in any weather condition.
For added convenience, the scope has a lightweight design that optimizes portability and a recoil-activated video that helps you recoil videos without breaking a sweat. It also comes with a simple installation process, easy one-button operation, and a One Shot Zero function that makes sighting it a breeze.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Water, fog, and shockproof construction
- 3-14x magnification range
- Recoil activated video
- One Shot Zero function
- Smart rangefinder
- Smart Mil-Dot Reticle
- Dual stream video
- Ballistic calculator
Pros
- Easy to use
- Long battery life
- Simple installation
- Multiple accessories included
- Excellent scope during the day and night
Cons
- Big and bulky
4) Armasight CO-MINI Gen 3 Clip-On Night Vision
Next up is the Armasight CO-MINI Gen 3 Clip-On. It is built to be mounted directly in front of your daytime optic which turns it into a night vision scope with no loss of zero.
While this unit is one of the smallest night vision optics available on the market today, it is built like a tank. It utilizes a high-powered image intensifier tube which provides exceptional nighttime performance even at long ranges.
It also boasts entry-level Gen 3 night vision which offers the perfect combination of clarity, value, and performance, and an IR850-XLR long-range IR illuminator to better your vision in the dark.
With a mere weight of 1.6lb, this device will not add any extra weight to your day scope and rifle. Furthermore, it features a variable gain control that makes it appropriate for use in different light settings and a bright light cut-off system for added protection.
The Armasight Co-Mini is clip-on and also comes with a wireless remote control for easy one-touch operation and a weaver mount for rapid setup and detachment.
Features
- Gen 3 night vision technology
- 1x fixed magnification
- Weaver mount
- Wireless remote control
- Bright light cut off system
- Bravo grade image intensifier tube
- Variable gain control
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to install and detach
- Mounts easily on any daytime scope and maintains zero
- Good battery life
Cons
- Big budget
Related
Night Vision Generations
Night vision scopes are classified into 4 generations which are Gen 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Gen 1 Night Vision
Generation 1 night vision devices are the oldest night vision technology. These devices have a shorter detection range that makes them ideal for short-range applications in half-moon conditions.
They have an edge of being the cheapest of the four and are ideal for any average user looking to experience the power of night vision.
Gen 2 Night Vision
Generation 2 night vision devices are an improvement of Gen 1 in both quality and life expectancy. They offer a longer detection range and they are applicable in a wide range of applications.
Gen 3 Night Vision
Gen 3 night vision devices are similar to Gen 2 devices only that the quality is better. They are the best for hunting, surveillance, law enforcement, and other applications. They use the latest night vision technology which generates high-quality image views even in dark, moonless nights. They also offer a longer life expectancy.
Gen 4 Night Vision
The most modern night vision devices use generation 4 night vision technology. These devices perform the best in the darkest conditions. However, they are expensive and largely used by the military and law enforcement officials only.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Night Vision Scope for Long Range
Resolution
The lens resolution plays a big role when it comes to taking shots at long ranges. If you cannot see the target clearly, chances are that you will have a hard time placing the shot accurately.
The resolution in a night vision scope is measured in LP/MM which stands for shorts for lines per millimeter. The higher the LP/MM the scope has, the clearer the image will be.
Go for a model whose resolution is high so you can be able to detect the target easily.
Magnification
For long-range hunting and shooting, you need a scope with high magnification. Magnification enlarges the small objects for better identification and brings the distant target closer. Go for a variable power scope with 10x maximum magnification or more.
Range
The other important thing you should consider is the detection range of the scope. For long-range applications, you need a scope that offers a long detection range.
Typically, the range of a night vision scope depends on the amount of light present and the quality of optics the scope uses. Most models also come with a built-in or removable IR illuminator that helps provide a longer range of detection.
Build Quality
The built quality of any night vision scope determines how reliable it will be. Prior to settling on any model, ensure that it has robust housing. It should be built from high-quality materials to maximize durability.
Moreover, you need a scope that is rated to be recoil resistant and shockproof. Such a scope will be rigid enough to take in anything you subject it to. also ensure that you get a unit that is waterproof, dustproof, and fog-proof so you can use it in all environments.
Weight
A night vision scope functions in the same manner as the traditional scope. Whether you purpose to use it for hunting, shooting or any other applications, get a unit that is lightweight. It will be easier for you to make an aim and carry it in the field. Light scopes are also easy to mount and detach.
Best Night Vision Scope for Long Range FAQs
- What is an IR illuminator?
An IR illuminator is a device that helps in projecting out infrared light. It is invisible to the human eye. An IR illuminator helps enhance the image brightness and clarity of targets in typical nighttime environments.
- How long does a night vision scope last?
This depends on the scope itself, the brand, and the night vision generation. A good quality Gen 2+ device can provide as much as 5,000 hours of continuous use while a Gen 3 device lasts for more than 15,000 hours.
- Are night vision scopes worth it?
Absolutely. Night vision scopes are a valuable tool to have for use at night. They render high-quality image views so you can easily find your target in dark or low-light conditions.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found all the information you need on the best night vision scope for hog hunting. All the scopes listed above offer the essential features you need to engage targets at extended ranges in the dark. Consider the activity you intend to use the scope for and pick the best model for your needs.