As the night falls and the thrill of hog hunting beckons, choosing the right AR-15 scope becomes paramount. Having the right equipment is key to success. This guide to the Best AR-15 Scopes for Hog Hunting will equip you with the knowledge and insights to enhance your hunting experience. The listed scopes will ensure precision and accuracy, even in the darkest hours. Therefore, Let’s dive into it!
What does AR-15 Stand for?
“AR-15” stands for “Armalite Rifle Model 15.” It was originally developed by the Armalite Corporation in the 1950s as a lightweight, magazine-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, shoulder-fired rifle. It is a widely used and popular platform for civilian, law enforcement, and military use, known for its versatility, customization options, and modular design.
What is The Best Shot on a Wild Hog?
Here are some key points to consider for the best shot:
- Broadside Shot
- High Shoulder Shot
- Aim for the Heart and Lungs
What Attracts Wild Hogs The Best?
Wild hogs are highly attracted to a diverse range of food sources. They include corn, soybeans, peanuts, acorns, fruits, and roots. Hogs have a keen sense of smell and are particularly drawn to strong-smelling baits like fermented corn or fish-based products.
What Time of Day Are Wild Hogs Most Active?
Wild hogs are primarily nocturnal and tend to be most active during the late evening, night, and early morning hours.
As the sun sets and darkness falls, wild hogs venture out of their hiding spots in search of food, water, and mates. The cooler temperatures and reduced human activity during the night provide them with a more favorable and secure environment for foraging.
Best AR15 Scope for Hog Hunting
1) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Our first pick of the Best AR15 Scope for Hog Hunting is the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm rifle scope is a versatile, high-quality AR15 scope designed for high performance.
The scope features a 30mm tube, which not only adds durability and stability but also allows for a generous amount of light transmission, thus aiding in bright and clear imagery even in challenging lighting conditions.
Has a magnification range, ranging from 1x to 6x. The 1x magnification at the lowest setting provides a true 1x view, thus enabling rapid target acquisition and quick transitions, similar to a red dot sight, while the 6x magnification offers precision for more distant targets.
It utilizes a second focal plane reticle, meaning the reticle’s size remains constant at all magnification levels. Also has a 24mm objective lens diameter, which balances a compact size and sufficient light-gathering capabilities, delivering a crisp sight picture.
In addition, it is built to withstand the recoil of a rifle and perform flawlessly in diverse weather conditions and is also shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 19.2 – 116.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Length: 10.5 inches
Pros
- It is fully multi-coated
- Has Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Has Glass-Etched Reticle
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- Shockproof
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Illuminated Reticle
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Our next pick of the Best AR15 Scope for Hog Hunting is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope 1-inch Tube Second Focal Plane.
The scope has a good balance between its low price and its’ rugged design, unmatched accuracy, and dependability.
Features a matte black finish and scratch resistance lens and the 40mm objective lens diameter that ensures ample light transmission, enabling clear and bright imagery even in challenging lighting conditions.
For magnification, ranges between 3-9x provide a good balance between close-range targeting and mid-range accuracy.
The scope is rugged and durable, capable of withstanding the demands of hunting or shooting in various environments. as it is built to be shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. Ensuring reliable performance in adverse weather conditions and rough terrains.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 inches
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 inches
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Length: 12.39 inches
Pros
- Has Scratch-Resistant Lenses
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof & Fog proof
- Made from 6061-T6 Aircraft Quality Aluminum
One-inch main tube
Cons
- None
3) Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold FX-II 2.5x20mm Rimfire/Ultralight Rifle Scope is light in weight and heavy on features that will improve your precision with every shot.
With a fixed magnification of 2.5x and a 20mm objective lens, the scope offers a wide field of view and excellent light transmission, thus making it well-suited for hunting and target shooting at short to mid-range distances.
One notable feature, is its second focal plane (SFP) reticle. This means that the reticle size remains constant regardless of the magnification level, thus ensuring a consistent aiming point and reticle appearance throughout.
The scope is to be durable and reliable in the field. It is also shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring its performance is unaffected by adverse weather conditions or rough handling.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2.5 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 inches
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 8 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 39.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.9 inches
- Weight: 6.5 oz
- Length: 8 inches
Pros
- Has Lockable Eyepiece
- Long eye relief
- 100% Waterproof and Fog proof
- Proprietary Nitrogen Fill Process
- Has One-inch Main tube
- Durable and lightweight
Cons
- None
4) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope
The Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope with Dual Illuminated Crosshair is a rugged and high-performance optic.
Featuring the 3.5x magnification and 35mm objective lens strike a balance between target acquisition speed and mid-range accuracy.
Its standing-out feature is the dual illuminated crosshair reticle, powered by both fiber optics and tritium. The fiber optics harness ambient light and automatically adjust the reticle brightness for optimal visibility based on the lighting conditions.
Additionally, the tritium component provides illumination in low-light or nighttime situations, thus ensuring the reticle remains visible and usable at all times.
Has a robust construction that is shock-resistant, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance in adverse weather and combat situations.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3.5 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
- Tube Diameter: 35 mm
- Exit Pupil: 0.39 inches
- Field of View, Linear: 28.9 ft at 100 yds
- Field of View, Angle: 5.5 – 5.5 degrees
- Eye Relief: 2.39 inches
- Weight: 14 oz
- Length: 203.2 mm, 8 inches
Pros
- Has dual-illuminated reticle
- Features Fiber optic and tritium light source
- Durable
Cons
- None
5) EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope is a high-quality optical device designed to meet the demands of discerning shooters.
Offers a versatile magnification range of 1-6x, which is ideal for a wide array of applications, from close-quarters engagements to mid-range shooting.
The scope is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, thus ensuring it remains reliable in adverse weather conditions and challenging terrains.
Additionally, This AR15 Rifle Scope works well with either AR platform rifles or bolt-action. Plus has a speed ring reticle that allows for quick target acquisition while at lower power, and higher power, you get the proper accuracy and image resolution to master longer shots.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 1 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 16.7 – 102.4 ft at 100 ft
- Eye Relief: 80 – 100 mm
- Weight: 20.1 oz
- Length: 10.63 inches
Pros
- Has an anodized finish for extreme durability.
- Water-resistant, fog-resistant, shock-resistant
- It is illuminated
- Has XC high-density and anti-reflective coated lenses
- First Focal Plane (FFP)
Cons
- None
Also, Check Out: 4 Best FFP Scope For AR 15
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best AR15 Scope for Hog Hunting
Choosing the best AR-15 scope for hog hunting requires careful consideration of several important factors, including:
- Magnification Range: Hog hunting often involves varying distances. It is wise to select a scope with a versatile magnification range, typically 1-6x, 3-9x, or similar, to allow both close-quarters shooting and mid-range accuracy.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: Look for a scope that is made from durable materials, is also shockproof, and has weather-resistant coatings.
- Eye Relief and Eye Box: Consider the scopes with generous eye relief to prevent injury from recoil and provide a comfortable shooting position. Also, a forgiving eye box ensures quick target acquisition and ease of use.
- Weight and Size: The overall weight and size of the scope, are important for one to keep in mind. Hog hunting often involves moving through various terrains. A compact and lightweight scope is usually more convenient and easier to handle.
- Price and Budget: Set a budget range and choose a scope that offers the best features within that range. Also consider the value, quality, and performance relative to the price.
FAQS of The Best AR15 Scope for Hog Hunting
- Can I Use a Regular Riflescope for Hog Hunting on My AR-15?
Yes, you can, but it’s advisable to choose one that offers features suitable for the dynamics of hog hunting, such as a versatile magnification range and durable construction.
- What Mounting Options Should I Consider for My AR-15 Scope?
Choose mounts or rings compatible with the scope’s tube diameter and your AR-15.
Final Thoughts
The listed scopes are more than just optics, they’re your trusted companions, finely crafted to amplify every hunting excursion. They are meticulously designed for low-light conditions and swift target acquisition, thus ensuring that each shot is a triumph.
Therefore, we hope you will find the scope you are looking for. with that Happy Shopping!