Looking for the best thermal scope for hog hunting? Look no further. We have put up this post on the best thermal scopes for hog hunting to help make your selection process simple and pleasant.
A thermal imaging scope is one of the best hunting gear that you can get and add to your arsenal. It operates day and night, even in harsh weather conditions where rifle scopes and other optics fail to work.
A good thermal scope for hog hunting will help you acquire the target easily, even in pitch-dark hunting sessions. Besides, most of these devices have built-in rangefinders and other high-end and practical features that give you great value for your money.
To change how you hunt hogs in the dark and make the expeditions more fun, here are the thermal scopes you should invest in. Let’s take a look.
#1) ATN ThOR LT 320 5-10x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
ATN is a household name in the field of thermal and night vision optics. It makes a multitude of high-end and reliable optics and the ATN ThOR LT 320 5-10x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope is not any different. Thor LT is one of the best thermal scopes of hog hunting.
Featuring an ergonomic design, this thermal scope is easy to mount on a rifle, crossbow, or other compatible platforms. Furthermore, it is easy to use making it an incredible entry-level thermal scope. The scope works day and night in different weather conditions and temperatures ranging from -20F to 120F.
This thermal rifle scope offers unmatched versatility. It has an ultra-lightweight platform which makes it easy to mount to a crossbow, air rifle and any other platform where weight is an important factor. Besides, it is very easy to use, even for beginners.
Another notable feature of the scope is its multiple reticles. This gives you the ability to customize it to suit the situation at hand. In terms of construction, this product has a 30mm body tube crafted from aluminum. With its sturdy construction, it will weather anything you subject it to and last for a long.
To top it all off, this thermal rifle scope offers a long detection and identification range, and a long 10+ hour battery life so you can hunt for as many hours as possible. If you are looking for a top performer to take your hunting into the night, Thor LT 320 thermal scope is what you need.
Features
- Advanced heat detection sensors
- 30mm body tube
- One Shot Zero function
- Hardened aluminum alloy housing
- Weather resistant
- Multiple reticle patterns
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to set up and mount
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
Cons
- The resolution could be better
- Doesn’t have an inbuilt rangefinder
#2) Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro 2x-16x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a thermal scope that will change how you hunt hogs for the better, this is it. The Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro is a powerful thermal imaging rifle scope with a classic, elegant design.
It employs an extremely potent 640×480 microbolometer sensor which detects heat signatures as far as 2,000 yards. The images formed are then displayed on the crisp 1024×768 AMOLED display included. Furthermore, the scope comes with a high-precision lens focus that is ambidextrous.
Regarding construction, this product is made from magnesium alloy. It is designed to withstand recoil from heavy calibers from 12 gauge, 9.3×64 and .375 H&H. It also boasts an IPX-7 waterproof rating that makes it ideal for use under all weather conditions.
Moreover, the scope is technologically advanced to ensure that you get the best value for money. It comes with a built-in photo and video recording as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. It also brings to the table 10 reticle shapes in 9 different color modes, 5 unique shooting profiles and Picture-in-Picture mode.
Packed into the scope are impressive features that will transform your night hunting experience. With phenomenal range detection, Thermion 2 XP50 Pro is arguably one of the best thermal scopes for hog hunting.
Features
- Magnesium alloy make
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- IPX-7 waterproof rating
- Crisp 1024×768 AMOLED display
- Picture-in-Picture mode
- Built-in photo and video recording
- High-precision lens focusing
- 30mm main tube diameter
Pros
- Long detection range up to 2,000
- Outstanding image quality
- Edge-to-edge clarity
Cons
- Short eye relief
- Big budget
#3) AGM Global Vision Adder TS50-640 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope
The AGM Adder TS50-640 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is a compact thermal scope ideal for use 24/7. It is built with a 50mm lens, 1024 x 768 OLED monitor and a 640 x 512 resolution which generates clear image views even through harsh conditions such as fog, smoke, dust and camouflage.
If you like to record your hunting expeditions, this thermal scope is made for you. It has an onboard video and audio recording as well as a shot-activated recording which makes the video recording a walk in the park.
Furthermore, the scope is built to survive whatever you throw at it. It has robust and shockproof housing that is also weather resistant for use in any weather condition. It also comes with an external power supply that acts as a backup and multiple reticle types and colors for you to choose from.
The versatility of AGM Adder makes it stand out as one of the best thermal scopes for hog hunting. The 2-16x magnification range provides the flexibility needed for different hunting applications including predator hunting. Upgrade your arsenal and own the night with this outstanding thermal scope.
Features
- High-resolution OLED display
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Adjustable color palettes
- Dual power system
- Stadia Metric rangefinder
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Onboard video and audio recording
- 64GB eMMC built-in storage
Pros
- Fast 50Hz imaging
- Lightweight design
- Good battery life
- Weatherproof performance
- Perfect for long-range shooting scenarios
Cons
- Pricey
- The warranty could be better
#4) Pard Optics SA 3.2-12.8x 35mm Thermal Scope
Next on our list of the best thermal scopes for hog hunting is the SA 3.2-12.8x 35mm Thermal Scope from Pard Optics. This optic offers a detection range of up to 1,500m to make your hunting expedition a breeze. It also boasts a 50 Hz refresh rate for fast imaging.
With a weight of 400g, the scope is ultra-light and easy to set up and use. It is also equipped with 5 switchable reticle colors to not only enhance your shooting accuracy but also fit the situation at hand.
More importantly, this thermal scope is built to be operable in any weather condition. This is thanks to the waterproof housing that locks moisture, dust and any other debris out.
The Pard SA 3.2-12.8x 35mm thermal scope also brings to the table 1080p HD resolution and one shot zero that make sighting it a walk in the park.
Features
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 50 Hz refresh rate
- 1,500m detection range
- 5 reticles options
- Composite video output
- One Shot Zero
Pros
- Lightweight
- Solid construction
- Easy to use
Cons
- Poor eye relief
- Heavy on the wallet
#5) AGM Global Vision Rattler TS35-384 2. 14x35mm Thermal Rifle Scope
When it comes to hunting hogs in the dark, you need a quality optic like the AGM Global Vision Rattler TS35-384. This is a compact thermal imaging scope designed for 24 hours operation. It is also suitable for use under any lighting or weather condition.
When hunting, you can either mount this thermal rifle scope on your rifle or use it as a hand-held monocular. It employs a highly sensitive 384 x 288 thermal detector that sees through the fog, rain, snow, or smoke to ensure that nothing is left undiscovered.
Moreover, this device supports video recording and snapshots. It also features Wi-Fi data transmission for easy sharing of the videos that you record, and a Weaver/Picatinny mount type to ensure easy mounting on your rifle.
This thermal rifle scope also features an aircraft-grade aluminum construction which gives it a durable build. The material used also features an IP67 water resistance rating, which confirms their all-weather reliability.
Features
- Adjustable color palettes
- External power supply capability
- IP67 water resistance rating
- 384 x 288 thermal resolution
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- 50 Hz refresh rate
Pros
- Lightweight
- High build quality
- Supports distance measurement
- Battery included
Cons
- The menu is slightly slow to navigate
- Fixed power limits applications
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Best Thermal Scopes for Hog Hunting Buyer’s Guide
Thermal scopes aren’t cheap. It is therefore important that you find the right equipment the first time to avoid throwing your money down the drain. When you are shopping for the best thermal scopes for hog hunting, here are the key factors you should take into consideration.
Resolution
If you want to have the best image views of your target, you should purchase a thermal scope with a high resolution.
The higher the resolution the scope has, the sharper the images will be and the smoother the video output will be. Additionally, a higher resolution means better digital zoom with no images blurring out.
Magnification
Different thermal imaging scopes have different magnification levels. Some have fixed magnification power, while others have a variable magnification range.
For hog hunting, go for a variable power scope. It will give you the flexibility to find the hog at close or medium ranges.
You will also have the option of a digital magnification that uses zoom image software and optical magnification.
Between the two, we recommend that you get a thermal scope with optical magnification. It is far superior to digital zoom and it produces clearer image views at all magnifications.
Read: Best Ruger 10/22 Red Dot Sights
Refresh Rate
The next feature you should put into consideration is the refresh rate of the thermal scope. If what you are looking for is high-quality thermal imaging, get a scope that has a high refresh rate of 50 Hz or more. With such a high resolution, you are guaranteed high-quality imaging.
Weapon Size
The size of the thermal scope should be directly proportional to the size of the firearm or its caliber. If you have a small, less powerful firearm, look for a compact scope.
However, if you have a massive firearm that shoots powerful calibers, you should pair it with a large scope with higher magnification.
Shooting Distance
Having a clear idea of how far you will be hunting the hogs will help you find a scope that is right for you.
Generally, the detection range of thermal scopes varies greatly from one scope to the other. So, consider that when making your selection.
Read: Best Scopes for 400 Yards
Weight
The weight of the thermal scope is the other factor you should take into consideration. If your hunting expeditions mostly involve walking for miles looking for a game, you know how hard the expedition can be if you are carrying heavy gear. So, look for the lightest scope possible.
Budget
Compared to traditional or night vision rifle scopes, thermal scopes are quite expensive. You will have to pay above $1,000 for a single product and more than $3,000 for high-end products. If you are looking for a device that will last, be prepared to pay more than $ 2,000.
Read: Best Budget Scopes for 300 Win Mag
Types of Thermal Imaging Systems
There are two types of thermal imaging systems: cooled and uncooled.
Cooled Thermal Imaging Systems
Thermal scopes that use a cooled thermal imaging system have a cryogenic cooling unit that cools the sensory system to a temperature below 0°C or 32℉. With this cooling, the thermal device becomes more sensitive to thermal radiation and can detect changes in temperatures as low as 0.2F.
Un-Cooled Thermal Imaging Systems
This is the standard thermal imaging system. A device that employs this thermal imaging system features infrared detectors which work under normal temperatures. These devices are cheaper than their cooled thermal imaging counterparts, more durable and quiet to operate.
Read: Best Nightforce Hunting Scopes
Best Thermal Scopes for Hog Hunting FAQs
Q: Which is Better, Thermal or Night Vision?
For hog hunting, you can either use a thermal scope or a night vision scope. A thermal scope is not dependent on light. Instead, it detects heat signatures to form an image. This makes it good for hunting hogs day and night, in all conditions.
On the other hand, night vision will render better images of the hog when you are hunting in the dark.
Q: Can You Hunt with a Thermal Scope During the Day?
Yes, you can use a thermal scope for hunting during the day. A thermal scope offers an amazing advantage when it comes to daylight hunting. It will also work under any obstacle or weather condition.
Q: How Long will a Thermal Scope Last?
Power-wise, a good-quality thermal scope should provide more than 8 hours of continuous operation when the battery is fully charged. When it comes to overall durability, a good thermal scope should last for 10 years or more, if you take good care of it.
Final Shot
Hopefully, this post has been enlightening and you can make the right buying decision. Remember that your hunting habits and preference will dictate which thermal scope will work best for you.
So, be on the lookout for the important features that make any thermal scope a great purchase and make your selection accordingly. Since thermal scopes are expensive, we recommend you buy from reputable brands that guarantee high-quality devices with a solid warranty.