Best Thermal Rifle Scope for Hog Hunting
Over the past few years, the popularity of thermal rifle scopes for hog hunting has seen a rapid growth in popularity. Their ability to work day and night and still provide high-quality image views in any weather condition makes them ideal for hunting hogs and hunting in general.
However, finding the best thermal rifle scope for hog hunting can be quite a taxing task. The market offers a wide selection of models from different brands which make the selection process daunting and time consuming. But we are here to help. We have narrowed the selection process to 6 best thermal rifle scopes for hog hunting to help make your selection process simpler. Let’s take a look.
Best Thermal Rifle Scope for Hog Hunting-Detailed Review
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ATN ThOR 4 4.5-18x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
Among the numerous thermal rifle scopes ATN manufactures, the ThOR 4 4.5-18x50mm thermal smart HD rifle scope is one of their best models for hog hunting. It offers phenomenal performance during the day and at night as well.
It features an ultra-sensitive Gen 4 sensor which provides clear and high-quality image views. It boasts a long detection range up to 1800 yards which is more than enough for hog hunting. Furthermore, the scope comes with a ballistic calculator to help you hunt more responsibly, a smart rangefinder that gives you an accurate measurement of how far the target is and a multiple reticle patterns with different color options for greater shooting accuracy.
Moreover, the scope supports video recording to help you capture your hunting memories. It features a recoil activated video to help make video recording a breeze. Better yet, it has a mounting mechanism that allows users to mount and detach the scope easily from different weapons.
In terms of construction, the scope is made to offer unmatched durability. It is made out of hardened aluminum alloy with impact and recoil resistant electronics. It is also fully weather resistant to offer reliable performance in any weather condition.
Features
- Exceptional detection range
- Weather resistant construction
- Multiple reticle patterns indifferent color options
- Hardened aluminum alloy body
- Recoil activated video
- Ballistic calculator
- Smart rangefinder
- ATN radar
- Ultra-sensitive Gen 4 sensor
- Ultra-low power consumption
- One Shot Zero function
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ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm Smart HD Rifle Scope
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x is night vision scope with dual functionality. It features high-resolution night vision technology which offers high-quality image views in all lighting conditions.
Featuring a variable magnification from 5x to 20x, the scope is ideal for hunting hogs at both close quarters and long distances. At 5x zoom power, the scope offers a massive field of view and better target acquisition with the high 20x magnification. Besides, it boasts a smart range finder and ballistic calculator which come handy when hunting.
The scope provides full color views during the day and black-and-white views at night. It utilizes an ultra-high definition 4k sensor with a dual core processor to help you record and stream video simultaneously. In terms of construction, it features a lightweight yet durable aluminum body which is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof.
To top it all, this scope features a low power profile which provides up to 18+ hours of continuous runtime.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Robust aluminum construction
- Ultra-high definition 4K sensor
- One shot zero function
- Ballistic calculator
- Smart range finder
- Up to 18 hours battery life
- Recoil activated video
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth connectivity
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Pulsar Core RXQ30V 1.6-6.4×22 Thermal Riflescope
When it comes to portability and versatility, it is hard to beat the Pulsar Core1.6-6.4×22 Thermal Riflescope. It is compact in size and ultralight for convenient portability. It is also ideal for hog hunting, hog hunting and hunting in general.
This thermal scope features an Iris technology which provides increase recognition and detection range. It also has a high resolution 384×288 core which provides high-quality image views even in dark, moonless nights.
Furthermore, the scope has one-shot zeroing with freeze function which make sighting it in a breeze. It comes with 3 different rifle profiles for greater versatility and a variable magnification for hunting at varying conditions. Besides, it is easy to mount and detach on any rifle via a Weaver or Picatinny mount.
To top it all, this optic features a frost-resistant AMOLED display designed to offer flawless performance across a wide range of temperatures from -13°F to 122°F.
Features
- IPX7 waterproof and front-resistant
- Iris technology
- Lightweight and compact design
- One-shot zeroing with freeze function
- External power supply adaptable
- 3 rifle profiled with 3 zero saves
- 2x, 4x with stepped digital zoom
- Weaver/Picatinny mount
- 985-yard detection range
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Trijicon Electro Optics IR-HUNTER Type 2 24mm Thermal Rifle Scope 640×480
Next up is the IR-HUNTER. Whether you will be hunting hogs in forested areas or open plains, this thermal scope got you covered. It features a 640×480, 12-micron, 60Hz thermal core which provides outstanding image quality day and night through smoke, dust and total darkness.
This thermal scope is engineered, designed and made in the USA. It comes with multiple reticle options for greater shooting accuracy and intuitive turret controls for faster system response. Furthermore, it features a top-loading battery compartment for easy battery placement and a Q-LOC technology which offers several mounting locations with the ability to attach and detach it rapidly and reliability even at night.
Overall, it is a high-end thermal rifle scope ideal for all hunting applications not just hog hunting.
Features
- Intuitive turret controls
- Lightweight and compact size
- External power supply adaptable
- Top-loading battery compartment
- Mounting versatility
- Multiple reticle options
- Made in USA
- 640×480 sensor
- 60Hz refresh rate
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Steiner eOptics Nighthunter S35 S35 1-8x Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope
Another best thermal rifle scope for hog hunting on our list is the Steiner S35 Nighthunter. This thermal rifle scope is powered by Quantum vision which provides superb image brightness and clarity in any lighting condition.
The scope detects recognizes coyotes, hog and pig past 2,000 yards and recognizes them within 500 yards. This gives you the versatility to hunt hogs in different environments. Moreover, this thermal imaging rifle scopes comes with a customizable color output to optimize eye comfort when you are hunting for long hours. It also brings to the table multiple reticle colors for easy aiming and greater accuracy in different lighting conditions.
Features
- Lightweight design
- Multiple reticle colors
- Steiner high speed software
- Customizable color output
- State-of-the-art thermal sensor
- Quantum vision technology
- Picture and video recording
- 5 rifle profiles
- Rugged durability
- Mobile app connectivity
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Pulsar 2.5-10x Talion XQ38 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope
The Talion XQ38 is another top performing thermal rifle scope suitable for hog hunting. This scope has the ability to detect game as far as 1475 yards away. This is thanks to the 384×288 microbolometer resolution sensor.
Pulsar made this thermal scope with hunters in mind. It is crafted from magnesium alloy which stands up to rough handling as well as anything nature throws at it. Furthermore, the scope is IPX7 waterproof for use even in rainy conditions and recoil resistant to withstand heavy caliber weapons. It also offers 9 hours of continuous runtime on a single charge so you can hunt all night long.
And that’s not all. The scope comes with a variable magnification from 2.5x to 10x. At close quarters, it provides the much-required wide field of view and greater target acquisition at long ranges. It also features photo and video recording to help you capture memories of your hunting trip. Above all, this scope has 10 different reticles in nine colors to aid in shooting accuracy.
Features
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Magnesium alloy body
- Lightweight construction
- IPX7 water resistant rating
- Multiple color palettes
- Picture-in-Picture mode
- Photo and video recording
- 384×288 microbolometer resolution sensor
- 1475-yardv detection range
- Variable 2.5x to 10x magnification
See Also
- Best Thermal Scopes with Rangefinder
- Best Thermal Scopes under 3500
- Best Thermal Scopes for 200 Yards
- Best Thermal Scope for Deer Hunting
How Do Thermal Scopes Work?
All thermal scopes are equipped with a sensor that detects temperature by identifying and capturing different levels of infrared light that objects emit. After capturing and registering the infrared light, each microbolometer assigns the appropriate color value to each pixel of the full image. This color coding then forms the image that you see on your scope.
How To Sight Thermal Scopes
Sighing in a thermal scope in the correct manner will largely depend on the stability of the rifle you are using. Here are 5 steps to sight in a thermal rifle scope.
- Stability the rifle securely
- Use the correct targets by ensuring that your target is either warmer or cooler than your surroundings
- Set up your rifle in the ideal distance
- Make a few shots about three then check where they land
- Adjust the optic to maintain a consistent shooting position and firing pattern so you are able to maintain the rifle’s zero
Best Thermal Rifle Scope for Hog Hunting Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best thermal rifle scope for hog hunting is not something to do on a whip. Here are some of the most important factors that you should consider.
Thermal Sensor Resolution
The first thing you should consider is the sensor resolution. This will determine the quality of images you will receive. Thermal scopes with higher 640 sensor resolution produce ultra-crisp image views in all lighting conditions. However, they have the drawback of being expensive.
On the other hand, scopes with lower sensor resolution are cheaper but they offer lower quality sight pictures. In the end, it will be up to you to select a unit that meets both your budget and expectation.
Detection
Detection range refers to distance within which the thermal rifle scope is able to capture the target and generate clear thermal views. Different thermal scopes have different detection ranges. Generally, the longer the detection range the better the scope. A tip is to look for a scope that offers a detection range that is more than 1,000 yards.
Refresh Rate
Refresh rate determines the rate at which a thermal scope refreshes to provide consecutive images. Refresh rate is an important factor to consider when hunting hogs, mainly because hogs hardly stand at one place for long.
When you get a thermal imaging scope with a high refresh rate, you will get smoother image views even for a fast-moving target. Try to look for a scope that offers at least 50Hz refresh rate.
Ease of Use
A thermal rifle scope for hog hunting should be simple to carry and operate. It should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface so you will be able to perform the functions you need easily. Additionally, the scope should be easy to mount and detach, and lightweight for convenient carrying in the field.
Battery Life
Thermal rifle scopes are powered by batteries. The only difference is the capacity of the battery. You will want a scope that offers more than 8 hours of continuous operation on a single charge. With such as scope, you will be able to concentrate on you hunt and worry less about the battery getting depleted.
Durability
Thermal rifle scopes are expensive. So, you will want to invest your hard-earned money on a model that will last for long. To achieve this, the scope should be durable and sturdy enough to stand up to the harsh field conditions. A durable scope will also persevere anything you throw at it. he best thermal rifle scope for hog hunting should also be fully weather resistant.
Best Thermal Rifle Scope for Hog Hunting FAQs
- Can you use a thermal scope during the day?
Yes. Most thermal scopes have dual functionality which makes them ideal for use day and night. But make sure that the scope has dual functionality before you use it in broad sunlight as excess exposure that damage the sensitive thermal detector.
- Can you see through brush with a thermal scope?
Yes. A thermal scope will let you see a target clearly even when it is hiding through thick brush or vegetation.
- How far can a thermal scope see?
This will depend on the thermal scope you are using. Most thermal scopes have high thermal sensors to help you detect a target that is as far as 1000 yards away.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you narrow down your search for the best thermal rifle scope for hog hunting. All these thermal scopes provide the important features you need as a hog hunter. Grab any one of them and use it to revolutionize your hog hunting skills this season.