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Help with bolt action for hogs at night
#3571821
09/14/12 10:18 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134
cntryislandboy
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134 |
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.
Last edited by cntryislandboy; 09/14/12 10:25 PM.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: cntryislandboy]
#3571857
09/14/12 10:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 17,104
Closed Traverse
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 17,104 |
dont get a red dot for it.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Closed Traverse]
#3571867
09/14/12 10:44 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 15,588
TexFlip
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 15,588 |
I use a Elusive Wildlife XLR250 Kill Light for night time hoggin'.
Just to make sure that it is done thoroughly, I go both ways.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: TexFlip]
#3572018
09/14/12 11:33 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,213
Friction
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,213 |
I use a Hogzilla, very nice light and their customer service is top notch!
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Friction]
#3572273
09/15/12 12:57 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 741
Jhop
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 741 |
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.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Jhop]
#3572304
09/15/12 01:13 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,213
Friction
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,213 |
A red illuminated reticle is also nice, along with a green torch.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Friction]
#3572352
09/15/12 01:33 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 174
tlh3842
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 174 |
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
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: tlh3842]
#3572822
09/15/12 04:03 AM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134
cntryislandboy
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134 |
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.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: cntryislandboy]
#3572842
09/15/12 04:12 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 520
Hard_ware
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 520 |
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
NRA life member
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Jhop]
#3573279
09/15/12 01:52 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134
cntryislandboy
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134 |
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. 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
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: cntryislandboy]
#3573306
09/15/12 02:03 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 697
ccrock
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 697 |
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.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: TexFlip]
#3573399
09/15/12 02:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 177
Bruce33
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 177 |
I use a Elusive Wildlife XLR250 Kill Light for night time hoggin'. This x2
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Bruce33]
#3573453
09/15/12 03:34 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134
cntryislandboy
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134 |
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.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: cntryislandboy]
#3573588
09/15/12 04:36 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 741
Jhop
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 741 |
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.
Last edited by Rcinit; 09/15/12 04:39 PM.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Jhop]
#3574170
09/15/12 09:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134
cntryislandboy
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 134 |
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.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: cntryislandboy]
#3575349
09/16/12 01:45 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 741
Jhop
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 741 |
Good choice, it'll last you a long time.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: TexFlip]
#3577946
09/17/12 03:41 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,303
Ramsey
Pepe' Le Pew
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Pepe' Le Pew
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,303 |
I use a Elusive Wildlife XLR250 Kill Light for night time hoggin'. 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.
Big Beckett!!
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Ramsey]
#3578672
09/17/12 02:57 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,618
pyledriver
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,618 |
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.
"Providence protects children and idiots. I know because I have tested it" -Mark Twain
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: pyledriver]
#3578788
09/17/12 03:30 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,453
dfwroadkill
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,453 |
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.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: dfwroadkill]
#3584607
09/19/12 03:28 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 741
Jhop
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 741 |
cntryislandboy, I sent you a PM.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Jhop]
#3587018
09/20/12 12:01 AM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,344
Ag Hunter 78
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,344 |
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.
Last edited by Ag Hunter 78; 09/20/12 12:02 AM.
No prayer in school....What's next, no thinking in church? It's not just about pie in the sky when you die. It's also about steak on your plate while you wait!
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Ag Hunter 78]
#3587286
09/20/12 01:44 AM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 285
DocJatTTU
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 285 |
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.
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: Ag Hunter 78]
#3587289
09/20/12 01:44 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 179
stevenj
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 179 |
Pulsar make some affordable night vision scopes and for the money they are very good scopes
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: stevenj]
#3588065
09/20/12 11:33 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 357
Waabiishkiizii
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 357 |
Pulsar make some affordable night vision scopes and for the money they are very good scopes
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Re: Help with bolt action for hogs at night
[Re: cntryislandboy]
#3588665
09/20/12 03:21 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034
TxYoteHunter
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034 |
Another vote for the XLR-250. I've used one for a couple of years now (green). Great for night hunting.
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