Hunting hogs are done predominantly during the night hours, so of course, you will need a night vision capable scope. There are many night vision scopes in circulation, yet most provide an enigmatic visual picture. This can make it challenging to make a clear and accurate decision before shooting, a scenario unfavorable for hog hunting.
I tested a lot of night vision scopes before compiling this list, and I can honestly say that these six are the best on the market, with the ATN X-Sight 4K being my #1 choice.
Best Night Vision Scope For Hog Hunting
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HuntersHalt: #1 Pick
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- Recoil-Activated Video Recording capabilities
- Ballistics Calculator and smart range finder
- One shot Zero
- Recoil resistant
- Gen 3 - Ultra high-quality resolution
- Clip-on - Can easily be attached in front of the objective lens
- Wireless Remote - Limits user movement
- IR illuminator - Extending range up to 550 yards.
- Long-range shooting (10x magnification)
- ZeroStop
- Power Throw Level for faster target shooting
1) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Scope
- Recoil-Activated Video Recording capabilities
- Ballistics Calculator and smart range finder
- One shot Zero
- Recoil resistant
- Requires a mini-SD card
- Software glitches can happen
If there is an article about night vision scopes, I prioritize including the ATN x sight 4k. This highly versatile scope is excellent for day and night vision use. The universal mounts also allows for easy mounting almost any rifle with 30mm mounting rings.
Night Vision: As the 4k suggests in the name, the ATN x sight 4k sight picture is of the best quality currently on the market, with its ultra HD black and white. The ATN has a built-in Ultra HD sensor that enhances the already excellent night vision picture.
Similar to the CO-Mini Bravo, the X-sight also features a built-in IR illuminator to increase shooting range.
I found the user interface extremely thorough yet easy to use, so take the necessary time to educate yourself on what each control entails, this can help you and ensure that you use the X-sight as it is intended. This is one of the reasons I also rated the ATN as the Best Low-Light Crossbow Scope that I’ve tested. Digital zoom is between 3-9x magnification, which can be adjusted by a small knob located on the scope housing.
Battery life: The battery life of the X-sight 4k is not as impressive as that of the CO-Bravo Mini, only able to last up to 18 hours in optimal weather conditions.
Video Recording: The scope combines a powerful dual-core processor and 4K ultra HD sensor to record video and stream in ultra-high 4K simultaneously. Streaming is done by the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth system of the ATN x sight.
- Using recoil-activated technology, a recording is automatically made when the gun is fired, and the footage is then saved to the internal SD card.
One shot Zero: A real time and ammo saver, the one-shot zero automatically adjusts your next shot’s point of impact to align with the crosshairs.
Simply place a shot on a target at 100 yards. Then, using the d-pad of the scope, adjust the zeroing crosshairs over the point of impact while holding the primary crosshairs over the target, then the ATN X-sight 4k will zero itself automatically.
Additional Features: The 4K also has a built-in ballistic calculator and a smart range finder, to help with accuracy. Using the smart computer, all you need to do is add the caliber and specific round specifications you are using into the scope software, and the ATN x sight 4K will make the necessary adjustments.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Recoil-Activated Video Recording capabilities at 30,60 and 120 FPS also allow Wi-Fi Dual-Streaming and ATN Radar.
- Ballistics Calculator and smart range finder
- One shot Zero
- Recoil resistant
- Easily update your scope from the comfort of your phone to stay up-to-date with the latest firmware and software.
Cons
- Requires a mini-SD card to update the scope; some SD cards are not recognized.
- Sometimes has software glitches.
My experience with ATN X Sight 4k
As I already mentioned, the ATN is featured in almost all our night vision articles and is our top pick for a night vision scope for hunting coyotes. Every time I test this scope I am more impressed by it, probably because ATN updates its firmware and software regularly, constantly improving its performance.
2) Armasight CO-MINI Bravo Gen 3 IIT Clip-On Night Vision Scope
- Gen 3 - Ultra high-quality resolution
- Clip-on - Can easily be attached in front of the objective lens
- Wireless Remote - Limits user movement
- IR illuminator - Extending range up to 550 yards.
- Poor Recoil Resistance
The Armasight Bravo Gen 3 is not a night vision riflescope in its entirety, it acts more as a clip-on digital night vision riflescope. However, don’t be discouraged from the Armasight as I was initially, this clip-on has countless features embedded into it to make it one of the best night vision scopes for hog hunting. Not only that, I also rated it as the Best Coyote Hunting Night Vision Scope that I’ve tested.
However, the price tag can scare away some shooters. This sight was the most expensive on our list.
Night Vision: Featuring Gen 3 IIT night vision technology, your chances of not spotting a hog in the night will be almost impossible. The resolution is 64-72 lp/mm, providing high resolution.
- Manual gain and bright light cut-off are features of this night vision scope. The sight enhances your target while almost distorting the background, allowing you to isolate your target and shoot with confidence.
- The sight is recommended for shooting at targets within 350 yards, however included is the detachable IR850-XLR Long Range IR Illuminator, which extends the range to 550 yards.
- The CO-Mini Bravo is seated in front of the objective lens of the rifle scope and has a light suppressor also included.
Battery Life: The Armasight has two battery options.
- AA batteries – 24 hours of runtime,
- CR123A – runtime of up to 45 hours.
Additional Features: As you already know, silence is key when hog hunting which is precisely why the Armasight’s remote-controlled feature is so useful. The remote allows you to activate the sight from the remote or adjust the scope via the remote.
The clip-on is not limited to riflescopes, it is compatible with a red dot sight as well.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gen 3 – Ultra high-quality resolution
- Clip-on – Can easily be attached in front of the objective lens by a Weaver quick release mount, allowing you to easily switch between rifles, binoculars and headgear.
- Wireless Remote – Limits user movement
- IR illuminator – Extending range up to 550 yards.
Cons
- Expensive – The Armasight is the most expensive scope on this list.
- Low recoil resistance – Best to use it with medium game calibers such as the .223 with a suppressor
- Unbalanced – The clip-on can make your rifle unbalanced.
My experience with Armasight
As mentioned earlier, I was discouraged from using a clip-on, let me just say I couldn’t have been more wrong. The Armasight is a good scope, the fact that it is a clip-on allowed me to hunt in the day easily, all I needed to do was detach it.
The visuals that the CO-Mini Bravo provides are immaculate, thanks to the Gen 3 night vision technology. Yet, I recommend using the clip-on with a rifle scope that is limited between a 1-6x magnification.
The only drawback is the price tag, if you can look past it, then this sight will surely leave you impressed.
3) NightForce NXS Compact Rifle Scope
- Long-range shooting (10x magnification)
- ZeroStop
- Power Throw Level for faster target shooting
- There Are Cheaper options
Starting our list is the NightForce NXS, the combination of a quality design with useful added features allows for rapid target shooting, which is crucial for hog hunting. The NXS is unfortunately one of the more expensive sights on this list.
Scope and Night Vision: To be clear, the NXS is not a night vision scope, yet its light and compact design allow for a night vision attachment without compromising shooting performance.
However, it does feature an illuminated reticle, green or red options are available. I prefer the red reticle as it performs better with the night vision attachment. I also rated Nightvision as one of the Best Tactical Scopes for AR-10 that I’ve tested.
The scope uses a second focal plane (SFP) reticle aiming, for more on the SFP and how it compares with a first focal plane, feel free to read our detailed guide on FFP vs SFP scopes!
The larger 42 mm objective lens of the NXS enhances the scope’s performance in low-light conditions. The scope has a 10x magnification and an adjustable parallax, starting at 25 yards to infinity.
Additional Features: The NXS has an instant magnification feature termed the Power Throw Lever (PTL). I found this feature one of the main reasons for this scope to be featured on this list, seeing that for hog hunting, you need to locate, aim and shoot in a matter of a few seconds – the PTL makes this possible.
Also included is Nightforce’s patented ZeroStop feature, which allows you to create a positive mechanical stopping point for a given zero point. This means that after setting the ZeroStop, you can adjust your elevation settings as much as you like and then return the knob to the ZeroStop to return to the original zero.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Long-range shooting (10x magnification)
- ZeroStop
- Power Throw Level for faster target shooting
Cons
- Not a night vision scope, only night vision compatible meaning you will need a night vision device mounted on the scope.
- Expensive considering it is not a full night vision scope.
My Experience With the nxs
Testing both the NXS scope and its predecessor (the NXS 2.5-10 x 32), Nightforce took all the shortcomings of the NXS 2.5-10 x 32 and improved on them. They fitted a bigger objective lens (42 mm), allowing more light to enter the scope, and attached some exceptional extra features.
Most of my experience with the NXS is in daylight, as it is predominantly a daytime scope. I was very impressed with its performance, especially at low light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. The 10x magnification enabled me to make accurate long-range kills.
If you are looking for a daytime scope compatible with a night vision device, then the NXS is the scope for you!
4) Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Scope
- Budget Friendly
- Up to five zero settings for different rifles
- Ten reticle options, available in nine different colors
- Smaller field of view
Our budget-friendly option, the SightMark Wraith offers some great features at a reasonable price. They are top quality too! That’s one of the reason I also rated Sightmark as one of the Best Reflex Sights for a shotgun that I’ve tested.
Night Vision: The SightMark has an Ultra-HD Sensor to provide excellent night vision image quality. This night vision scope also has an infrared illuminator to enhance vision on distant targets.
Users can choose between three image options: black and white, crisp, and green-scale night vision imaging.
This digital scope can zoom between 4-8x magnification, enabling an excellent clear image at mid-range distances.
Battery life: The Wraith uses four AA batteries with a rated battery life of 8 hours. Although, you can expect a shorter battery life in harsh weather conditions.
Video Recording Capabilities: Recording is done in 1080p image quality, which is saved to an internal SD card that can be watched at a later time. Unfortunately, streaming is unavailable with this sight.
Additional Features: There are ten different reticle styles loaded on the Wraith. The scope uses smart memory to store up to five different zeros. Thus you will be able to sight in and save settings for various rifles or loads.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Budget Friendly
- Up to five zero settings for different rifles
- Ten reticle options, available in nine different colors
Cons
- A small field of view compared to other night vision scopes.
Our experience with Sightmark wraith HD
The durability of the SightMark and its relatively cheap replacement price makes it my preferred choice for hunting hogs in rugged areas.
5) Night Owl Optics NightShot Night Vision Scope
- Budget Friendly
- Built-in infrared illuminator
- Also Has Daytime Operation
- Multiple Reticle Options
- Bottom Battery Replacement Is Not The Best
The Night Owl Nighshot is a Gen 1 night vision scope, meaning the resolution is not as good as what you can find with some other scopes on the list. Nonetheless, this night vision scope’s performance is second to none and is an excellent beginner’s choice. In fact, many of the Best Low Light Scopes that I’ve tested were made by Night Owl.
Night Vision: The NightShot has a built-in IR illuminator, however the great thing about this sight is that it is compatible with an external infrared illuminator to improve image quality.
The magnification is limited to x3, and the sight picture is only grayscale, meaning you are limited to black and white imagery.
Battery Life: The 4 AA batteries are rated to last 5 hours under optimal conditions.
The batteries of the night owl are located at the bottom of the night vision scope’s housing. Detaching the scope is the only way you will be able to replace the batteries.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Budget Friendly – The Night Owl is the cheapest night vision scope on this list
- Built-in infrared illuminator
- Daytime Operation – Although using it in night vision mode is much better
- Multiple Reticle Options
Cons
- Battery Replacement – The battery compartment is located at the bottom of the scope. Detaching the scope is the only way to replace the batteries.
- Resolution – The resolution could be better at distances exceeding 75 yards.
My experience with night owl optics
The NightShot has been available to the market for a long time now, it was one of the first sights we used for nighttime hunting as it is affordable yet effective. We were satisfied with the entire scope except for the design flaw in the battery compartment.
I would not recommend buying it if you are shooting predominantly longer shots. However, if you are just starting out with night shooting, this might be the night vision scope for you.
6) ATN X-Sight LTV Scope
Having two ATN X-sights on this list speaks a lot about the company and the scope series. The ATN-X LTV is another great option for all the hog hunters out there and can be used in both night and day time.
Night Vision: The LTV also features a built-in IR illuminator and HD sensor. The range is somewhat shorter than the X-sight 4k, limited to shooting within 500 yards – to be honest, I rarely shoot beyond that range. This scope will provide much better low light visabilty than the traditional Long Range Scopes that I’ve used.
This sight has magnification between 5-15x with an impressive 160 lp/mm resolution.
Battery Life: You can expect up to 10+ hours of battery life from your LTV under optimal conditions, luckily, the batteries are rechargeable.
Video Recording Capabilities: With its ATN Obsidian LT Core, you can expect excellent video recording capabilities, up to 60 fps. The video recording is saved to an internal SD card and is unfortunately not streamable.
Additional Features: The One-shot zero sighting system is also featured in the LTV, as with the X-Sight 4K, helping you save precious time and ammo when zeroing your rifle scope.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Budget-friendly ATN X-Sight
- Video Recording
- Durable with its aluminum casing
- One shot zero
- Night and day scope
Cons
- Shorter battery life
My Experience With the LTV
I tested and used both the LTV and 4K on my .223 Remington, and I found that the LTV is a simpler X-sight than the 4K. Make no mistake, it gets the job done, it is especially effective in early morning conditions when daylight starts to break.
If you are looking for a scope with a night vision system that does not have as many bells and whistles, then I would recommend the LTV.
Buyer’s Guide
Explain The Technology Of A Night Vision Scope
A night vision scope uses a digital sensor that amplifies ambient light converting it into visible images. A night vision scope is most effective when there is still some visible light, such as in the case of dawn or a full moon.
A night vision scope works differently from that of thermal scopes. If you want to learn more about the differences between thermal optics and night vision scopes, you can do so in our detailed article.
Benefits Of A Night Vision Scope
- Price – Using a night vision scope, still allows you to hunt at night without spending a small fortune on a thermal scope.
- Beginner Friendly – These sights are easy to use with minimal training required.
- Performance in Poor Weather Conditions – A night vision scope outperforms thermal imaging technology in poor weather conditions, such as when it rains. It only relies on ambient light to work and is not impacted by factors that affect the heat signature of the animal, as is the case with a thermal scope.
How We Rate Products Like This
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Price and Quality
As my father used to say, cheap buying is expensive buying, a night vision scope should be made of quality materials to ensure its longevity. After all, there is nothing better than hunting deer at night with night vision in states where it is legal!
I check the price and how it compares with its competitors, a good price point is around the $500 to $2,000 mark.
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Features
Features I look for when rating night vision optics are:
- IR Illuminator
- Recoil activated video
- Bright light cut-off
- Manual gain.
- Easy zeroing capabilities
The resolution is another factor to consider, some newer generation digital scopes, such as the Gen 3 and the latest Gen 4, offer better resolution, making long-range targets easier to spot and shoot.
In the end, all these features should help increase your shooting performance.
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Battery Life
Nobody wants the inconvenience of replacing batteries while busy hunting, which is why having a long-lasting battery life is so important.
Another key factor is where the battery compartment is located, the SightMark is heavily penalized for having a battery compartment at the bottom of the scope.
The night vision scope should last at least for the duration of a night, meaning 8+ hours is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need night vision to hunt hogs?
Is thermal or night vision better for hog hunting?
Can hogs see infrared light?
What color light is best for hogs at night?
What time of night are wild hogs most active?
The Bottom Line
All these night vision optics are excellent choices, each with unique attributes that allow them to be featured on this list. My favorite is the ATN X-Sight options, they offer value and reliability, two things I always want in a scope. However, selecting the correct night vision sight depends on your preference.
- Recoil-Activated Video Recording capabilities
- Ballistics Calculator and smart range finder
- One shot Zero
- Recoil resistant
- Requires a mini-SD card
- Software glitches can happen
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