I've got a Savage Model 11 in .243 with the scope that came with it currently on it. I plan on upgrading the scope to a Nikon Prostaff 4x12-40 or 50 while the rebate is going on. I am trying to get into hog hunting and figure this rifle will work just fine.

My question is, is there anything I can do to make it night worthy. I thought of adding a light somehow, maybe one of those that mounts to the scope with a scope ring. Is there a NVG scope that won't brake the bank? Would a red dot and light work?

Or should I just stick the day time. If you have any pics of your bolt actions set up for night hunting that would be awesome.

Ok hope this really isn't a stupid question, but is there any sort of scope or anything I can get, that I will be able to move over to an AR when I get it.

dont get a red dot for it.

I use a Elusive Wildlife XLR250 Kill Light for night time hoggin'.

I use a Hogzilla, very nice light and their customer service is top notch!

I'd probably go with a different scope if you plan on doing nighttime hunting. 4x12x40 is fair, but you'll get more usable light to your pupils with a 3x9x40. Go with a Monarch(M-223) or the equivalent Leupold, Burris or what ever flavor you want. The important part is to get a scope with an exit eye pupil of 6 or greater. The better the glass the better you can see at night.

A red illuminated reticle is also nice, along with a green torch.

You won't really need too much magnification at night. Trying to find a pig with your scope up is going to be rough to say the least. Usually at night you need to hurry up and get them in your sights. I'd say go with 50mm, but no red dot

thanks guys for all the input, the amount of night time hunting will probably be very minimal but i am thinking just in case i get to go before i get an ar, once i get an ar i'll probably go more at night.

The better the scope at light transmission the brighter. Good scope and red/green light will do the job. Night vision & thermal will do it better

I was just looking at that Nikon M223, looks like a really nice scope. I know it made for the AR, but would it be ok to use it on my bolt action until I purchase an AR and then move it over. My thought behind this is A- it will be an upgrade over current scope, b- I'll already have a scope for my ar, and c- i can just put my original scope back on unless I upgrade that one once I get the ar, but I don't see that happening because I'll me using the ar the majority of the time

I use a green rail mount laser that is sight at 100 yards to my scope. Basically put the green laser downrange range put on hog and squeeze. It also lights up pretty far. Just remove it before deer season. Cheaper than dirt makes a swivel stud adapter with a picatinny rail.

This x2

Elusive Wildlife XLR250 this looks like it might be a perfect option. i won't be doing alot of night time hunting, but i just want to be ready if i get the chance and this is a good price point, not to mention i can move it to any rifle.

cntryislandboy, I'd say since you are going to upgrade to a Nikon Prostaff scope the M-223 scope is diffidently an upgrade from the one you have currently have as well as the "Prostaff". The M-223 will be fine on a short action bolt rifle like a .243/.308 etc... I have the 3x12x42 BDC version of the M-223 but if I had to do it again I'd simply go with the simple cross hair version. I have the Matching M-223 scope mount but again if I had to do it over again. I'd go with the Burris P.E.P.R mount. (Get with SWFA outdoors here on THF for more info on M-223 and mount, I'd also buy from them). It has a picatinny rails built on top of the scope rings. Perfect place to mount a light such as the XLR-250, VRL-1 or W400 wicked hunting light. I've used all three and they are just about the same. If I had to choose one, I'd have to pick the W400 for the way the LED mounts. Use the green led.

Rcinit, thanks for the bolt action info.

after looking at the m223 scope I think I'll defiantly wait and get it instead of the prostaff, couple more bucks i think it'll be worth it. and then add a light and call it good.

Good choice, it'll last you a long time.

That is all you need is the XLR - and do not buy a cheap light. I have been hunting at night for the past year with mine and it is great. My other suggestion is to study the hogs vitals and make sure you get a good shot. a 243 above the vitals and it will get up
in a minute and leave.

It's gonna take practice and experience whichever setup you use. What you have right now will work. A good scope will help, but in the end, your skills and experience will rule over all else! You should be fine with the scope you've decided on but I will mention that I've used a Prostaff for years with a hotrodded (by me) surefire light mounted to the scope with great results.

Another thing to consider is what kind of night hunting you'll be doing. Spot/stalk at night is a very different game than hunting over bait! You just have to get out there and screw up a few times, learn from your mistakes and put the emphasis on honing the gray matter and skills, the tools can be upgraded as needed.

Elusive Wildlife XLR 250 and an illuminated reticle scope. You'll be just fine...

I have a couple of NV setups, but you have to be willing to come off some cash to get anything decent.

cntryislandboy, I sent you a PM.

Don't forget your bullet choice. For hogs, you want penetration, so for a 243 I'd probably go with Barnes with the 80 grain TTSX bullet.

The Bowlite make a rifle light with palm pressure switch. I have both the rifle and bow version. 220 lumens of green light will reach a very long way. about $100 shipped to door when I bought mine.

Pulsar make some affordable night vision scopes and for the money they are very good scopes

Another vote for the XLR-250. I've used one for a couple of years now (green). Great for night hunting.