The Best Guns for Hog Hunting
With exploding feral hog populations across much of the United States, more hunters than ever before have the opportunity to pursue these tough animals. Hogs can be hunted using various methods across different terrains, so there is no one perfect hog hunting gun. However, certain features and capabilities make some firearms better suited for confronting these beasts in specific situations. This list highlights some of the top guns for hog hunting to consider based on key criteria.
Best Lever-Action: Marlin 336
When hunting hogs in thick wooded areas or shorter range encounters, a fast-handling lever-action rifle like the Marlin 336 is hard to beat. The 336 has been a staple of deer camps for decades, but it’s equally deadly on hogs. The .30-30 Winchester cartridge has dropped many a pig, but new chamberings like .450 Bushmaster pack more punch.
The 336 cycles rounds quickly with its smooth steel and alloy lever. The side ejection design makes scope mounting easier. The 20-inch barrel and overall compact size enhance maneuverability in tight spaces. For fast target acquisition, Marlin rifles feature a ramp front sight with brass bead paired with a classic buckhorn rear sight.
With its capacity of six rounds, the 336’s tubular magazine feeds plenty of firepower. The wood stock and forearm provide a traditional look and feel. Ruger has revived this classic lever action using improved manufacturing techniques for enhanced reliability. For an heirloom-quality hog rifle, the 336 is hard to top.
Best AR Platform: Ruger AR-556 MPR
Modern sporting rifles like the AR-15 platform offer advantages like magazine capacity, rapid follow up shots, and easy accessory customization. For hog hunts where multiple animals may be encountered, an AR-15 configured for hogs is invaluable.
Ruger’s AR-556 MPR provides plenty of features tailor-made for hog hunting. The forged upper receiver includes a Ruger Elite 452 two-stage trigger for accuracy. The lower receiver has an enlarged trigger guard to accommodate gloved hands.
The rifle’s 1:8 twist 18-inch barrel readily stabilizes heavy .30 caliber bullets ideal for big hogs. A 15-inch M-Lok handguard provides ample room for accessories like a light or bipod. The Mid-Length gas system reduces felt recoil for fast re-acquisition of targets.
Weighing just 6.5 pounds the MPR handles quickly, an asset in brush. With the right defensive ammunition, itdoubles as protection from dangerous boars when pursued with dogs. Ruger chromed the bore and bolt for reliability. Optics like a low-power variable scope or red dot complete the package.
Best Long Range: Savage Model 110 Precision
For hunters wanting to reach out on big open country hogs, the Savage Model 110 Precision is a superb value. Built on Savage’s smooth, accurate 110 action, the rifle delivers repeatable sub-MOA accuracy.
A 24-inch, medium contour barrel provides the added velocity needed for long distance shots. The 5R rifling optimizes bullet stability. Savage uses their adjustable AccuTrigger system for a light, crisp pull.
The polymer stock comes with an aluminum bedding block for rigidity. A 20 MOA Picatinny rail makes mounting high-powered scopes easy. The flush-fit detachable box magazine speeds reloads.
Available in several flat-shooting calibers ideal for distance like 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and 6mm Creedmoor, the 110 Precision will get the job done on hogs near and far. At under $1000, it brings precision to the average hunter.
Best Straight Wall Cartridge: Henry Big Boy Steel .44 Magnum
In states requiring straight wall cartridges, a potent big bore lever gun like the Henry Big Boy shines for hog hunting. Chambered in hard-hitting .44 Magnum or .45 Colt, the Henry has muscle to spare on big boars.
The Big Boy’s size matches its caliber with an imposing 10.3-pound weight and large lever loop. The extra mass tames recoil and muzzle rise. A smooth, buttered action cycles rounds effortlessly. The side loading gate facilitates loading.
Its 20-inch octagonal barrel and period-correct buckhorn sights capture the essence of an Old West hog gun. Yet the integrated scope mount allows a low-power optic. The steel receiver and barrel wear a satin Black Chrome finish that shrugs off moisture and corrosion.
Holding 10+1 rounds, the Henry Big Boy provides hunters with straight wall power backed by ample capacity. When state regulations put bolt actions off limits, the Big Boy brings sledgehammer force to swine control.
Best Semi-Auto: Benelli M4 Tactical
When confronted with multiple hogs at close range, such as when penetrating thick brush, nothing compares to a semi-auto shotgun. The Benelli M4 Tactical brings speed, firepower, and utter reliability to these hog horde scenarios.
The M4 chews through round after magnum round without hesitating. Dual steel action bars ensure smooth cycling no matter the load. The collapsible stock adjusts for all shooters while a pistol grip aids control, even when wearing gloves.
The M4 Tactical’s ghost ring sights and Picatinny rail offer aiming options. For hogs, serious magnum buckshot and slug loads get the job done. The shotgun holds seven rounds in the magazine, but a steady reload of the side gate saddle provides more fast-feeding firepower.
Feral pigs know no tougher foe than an M4 Tactical shotgun hugging a hunter’s shoulder. It’s the ultimate option when facing frenzied charges of tuskers. If you hunt pigs, accept no substitutes.
Best Bolt Action: Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP
A versatile bolt action that won’t break the bank, the 110 Apex Hunter XP adapts to any hog hunting need. The 110 action’s smooth short bolt throw chambers rounds quickly. Its threaded barrel accommodates brakes and suppressors to tame noise and recoil.
Savage’s adjustable AccuTrigger produces a crisp release without adding weight. A 20 MOA rail makes long-range optics simple. Better still, a suppressor-ready muzzle coupler comes standard for hearing protection.
The Apex Hunter wears a KUIU Verde camo finish on its synthetic stock, ideal for ground blinds. Available in several short and long action calibers from .243 to .300 Win Mag, the Savage 110 handles any North American game.
Ringing hogs at a feeder or reaching across an alfalfa field, the 110 Apex Hunter XP reliably anchors pork at any distance. It embodies flexibility for budget-friendly hog hunting.
Best Semi-Auto Alternative: Henry Arms X Model .308
Chasing pigs with dogs demands a quick-handling rifle, but bolt repeaters lack rapid follow up shots. Henry’s X Model lever gun fills this role while chambered in more powerful calibers than tradition lever actions.
Built for today’s shooters, the X Model’s polymer coated metalwork resists harsh hunting elements. Picatinny rails provide mounting options absent on classic lever guns. A 20-inch threaded, free-float barrel maintains accuracy across calibers from .243 to .308.
The buttery smooth action cycles rounds flawlessly from a removable box magazine. Unlike tubular magazines, pointed soft point and expanding bullets feed reliably. A paracord sling and reversible safety aid handling.
From deep brush to open range, the Henry X Model brings more firepower than single shots and bolt guns when facing multiple hogs. The power of a .308 semi-auto rifle combined with Henry’s lever rifle handling creates a potent pig stopper.
Choosing the Right Gun for You
Selecting the optimal hog hunting firearm requires matching capabilities to conditions. Long shots across open fields call for a different tool than confronting pigs at bad breath distance. Old school lever guns remain handy in thick woods, while modern sporting rifles shine for their versatility. Most any caliber effective on deer works for hogs. Heavy controlled expansion bullets add insurance.
Ultimately, shot placement trumps hardware. No rifle shoots itself. Understanding your firearm and your limitations enables ethical kills, whether stalking solitary boars or eradicating groups of rampaging piglets. Never take risky shots. As capable as many guns are, restraining your trigger finger until certain of a proper hit shows respect for both animal and sport.
While the list of quality hog hunting guns spans many brands and models, these top picks provide reliable options to suit any budget or hunting style. Whether preserving food or preserving crops and livestock, smart hunters choose their tools judiciously. Do your homework, test options if possible, invest in a quality optic, and the right rifle will serve you admirably. Happy hog hunting!
After choosing the right gun, you need to understand that your next step will be to choose the right scope. ATN suggests a bunch of high-end digital night vision scopes that can work perfectly with any gun (exception will be only shotguns but only due to ergonomic issues). You can go thermal (thor-series) or night vision (x-sight series). Both suit well for all hunting needs. You just need to choose what is optimal for you.
