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If you’re on the hunt for wild hogs, it’s no question that you’ll need to take a look at night scopes. They’re an essential tool for these nocturnal pigs, and our reviews should keep your foot in the right direction when making a purchase decision.
We’ve also put together a buyer’s guide to show you what to look for in your infrared equipment. You’ll be sure to have bacon for breakfast after reading below!
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Best Overall | ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition |
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Best Value | Sightmark Wraith HD Night Vision Digital Rifle Scope |
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Premium Choice | ATN Thor 4 Thermal Rifle Scope |
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ATN X-Sight LTV Hunting Rifle Scope |
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Pulsar Digisight Ultra Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope |
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Weight: | 2.2 lbs. |
Run time: | 18 hours |
Build: | Aluminum |
For hunters looking to pick up the best overall night vision scope for hog hunting, the ATN X-Sight 4k Pro Edition is the right way to go. As a step up from its little brother, the X-Sight LTV, the Pro Edition bumps up to 3864 x 2218 pixels on its display, which is actually a bit higher than the normal Ultra High Definition (UHD) we all crave. Along with that, it has a wide range of zooming, from 5x to 20x, in addition to several reticle types, so you’ll be able to see far without an issue. With over 18 hours of battery power, it could last you several hunts. Plus, it can be recharged through USB-C. With all this said, its price point is reasonable for this level of performance, but it doesn’t come at a low cost.
Weight: | 2 lbs. |
Run time: | 4.5 hours |
Build: | Aluminum |
At such a low price, the Sightmark Wraith HD is the best night vision scope for the money. One reason that this unit has such good value is that it has a Full HD (FHD) sensor for easing eye strain. Most other options with FHD are significantly higher in price, whereas the Sightmark stays affordable. Additionally, there are 10 separate reticle formats for you to choose from—more than any others on this list. Another reason why the scope is a smart buy is due to its magnification, ranging from 4x to 32x. That’s much farther than even the X-Sight 4k Pro Edition. The big downside is its battery life. With only 4.5 hours, you’ll be limited to a short period for hunting and may need to bring a portable power bank.
Weight: | 2.35 lbs. |
Run time: | 16 to 18 hours |
Build: | Aluminum |
With plenty of money in your pocket, you can pick up the ATN Thor 4 and get a true thermal scope with the furthest possible magnification on our list. It can zoom up to 40x, but in this case, you’ll almost certainly need to be stabilized on a tripod for the best accuracy. The Thor 4 has a battery that will last you a whole night out without an issue, up to 18 hours. A standout feature of this model is its smartphone integration. You can connect to your mobile device on the ATN app with Bluetooth and adjust various parameters. Unfortunately, ATN only gives us a 720p resolution for this model, which is a bit odd for its high price.
Weight: | 1.6 lbs. |
Run time: | 10 hours |
Build: | Aluminum |
Another affordable scope is the ATN X-Sight LTV. It has a magnification range of 3x to 9x, which is decent for its weight, a mere 1.6 lbs (745 g). This scope’s design is relatively barebones, with a few navigation buttons to switch through settings. With the X-Sight LTV, you’ll be able to change the reticle sights to different layouts depending on which you prefer, and you can choose from seven unique options. To keep the price and weight down, ATN only offers a 720p display for visual quality. That isn’t great for modern-day standards, but it gets the job done.
Weight: | 2.1 lbs. |
Run time: | 4 hours |
Build: | Glass and nylon composite |
As the last pick on our review list, the Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 is a scope with plenty of useful qualities, but it falls short in many areas. Its integrated rangefinder can measure over 1,000 yards, which is suitable for those long-distance targets. Unlike other night vision scopes, Pulsar decided to opt for a composite build rather than the typical machined aluminum finish. However, the scope should still hold up well in harsh weather. On the other hand, the price of this product is much too high for only having 4 hours of battery life and a lackluster 720p display.
There are a few essential things you need to know before you set your mind on a specific scope. Not all optical equipment is created equal, and what we mention below may give you some knowledge that will lead to a better purchase decision.
It’s what’s on the inside counts—at least for hunting scopes. The higher the resolution or pixel count of your scope, the clearer you’ll be able to see through it. Typically, the resolutions are 720p, 1080p, or 4k (Ultra HD). The 4k options are more expensive and shorten the battery times, but they can significantly reduce eye strain.
With most hunting scopes, you’ll be given a numerical range that shows the multiplier of how many times you can “zoom” in. For example, the manufacturer may inscribe “5x-20x” somewhere on the build of the scope to show its power. Still, it’s better to have higher resolution scopes if the magnification is strong, as the optical quality will enhance performance.
The sights in your scope shouldn’t be overlooked since they help immensely with your aim. The more reticles you can choose from, the better. You want to find the one that works best for you so you can become more consistent with your accuracy.
Scopes are generally a heavy item due to the amount of glass and outer material in their construction, so the overall weight of your pick should be a serious consideration. Unless you have a stand or resting position, it may be difficult to keep your firearm up, and your aim can be affected. If you can shave a bit of this bulk off, you’ll make it easier to navigate through the brush in the backcountry.
The night vision element of scopes is digital and will require electricity, so it’s vital to know what run times you’ll get while out on a hunt. Nobody wants to be left with a dead battery right when you’ve spotted your target. Twelve or more hours of usage should be plenty for one outing, and you can get several uses out of it with a single charge.
When it comes to outdoor or tactical gear, durable materials are a non-negotiable aspect of the products you’re looking to buy. Aircraft-grade aluminum is an excellent standard for a scope, as it will protect it from the elements (water, mud, etc.) and hold up well over time. Composites are also another popular way to make scopes, and they aren’t a bad choice.
This isn’t a necessary feature for the hunt, but it’s a handy tool for those who want to capture the moment in real-time and bring home something exciting for others to see. Keep in mind that this requires an SD card, which many companies do not include with the scope. It also uses more battery power.
For most people, we recommend the ATN X-Sight 4k Pro Edition since its performance and battery life are incredible. The Sightmark Wraith HD will do just fine for those on a budget, but it’s better for short hunts. ATN’s Thor 4 scope is exorbitantly priced, but its modern integration and superior magnification make it a premium pick. Our reviews of the best night vision scopes for hog hunting for this year are excellent options for those who want to get out and put wild pigs in their place, but always remember to hunt responsibly!
Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.
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