Hog hunting is becoming a regular pastime for woodsmen all across the United States, thanks to the growing feral pig population. If you’re looking for a firearm that can bag a couple of hogs in no time at all, you’ve found the right guide.
Let’s break down the top three rifles for hog hunting now.
What Makes a Good Hog Rifle?
The convenient thing about hog hunting is that you can use many of the same rifles and calibers of bullets as you would for hunting deer, coyotes, and similar-sized game.
Hogs have a reputation for durability, but they are far from bulletproof and aren't actually much tougher than the animals mentioned above.
Still, you definitely want a great rifle if you don’t already have a suitable firearm for taking down deer.
Consider adding things like optics to your rifle, as they can help you spot a hog from further away.
This is more important than you may think since hogs can rush you in the brush and really cause injury.
Hunting hogs is not like hunting deer – you always want to be a fair distance away so they don’t attack.
Beyond optics, make sure to consider the caliber. Only use rifles chambered for .30-06 or similar ammunition.
In short, you want cartridges that can deliver high stopping power and plenty of damage in a single shot.
Again, anything that can take down a deer is usually great for hunting hogs.
That's why, below, you'll see that all of the top rifle choices for hog hunting also double as decent deer or coyote firearms.
Let’s break them down one by one.
1. Winchester Model 70 in .30-06
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These rifles are among the top bolt action rifles ever manufactured, and we’d specifically recommend models chambered for .30-06, which is one of the greatest hunting cartridges ever made.
The rifles were first created in the 1930s, but you can find modern versions with exceptional wooden stocks and recoil reducing pads, making your hunting experience even easier.
Be sure to look for Model 70s that have ring attachments for a great scope.
Combine this rifle with a top-quality optic, and you’ll be able to take down a hog at over 200 yards (so long as you have the right experience, of course).
2. Marlin Classic Model 1895 in .45-70
MODEL 1895SBL image by Marlin Firearms
Also called the Marlin “Guide Gun”, this quality firearm now comes in modern models that can hold up to 6 plus 1 cartridges and only weighs about 7 pounds.
Thus, it's easy to carry for long marches through the brush.
We recommend this rifle chambered in .45-70 for added stopping power and accuracy at mid-to-long ranges.
Most of these guns will come with a barrel length of over 30 inches, too, which adds to their overall accuracy.
Plus, the rifle just plain looks cool, like something you should sling over the saddle of your horse as you journey through the Wild West.
3. Ruger American in .308 Winchester
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This hunting rifle is most often used for deer, but also means it'll be perfect for hog hunting.
Choose one chambered for .308 Winchester and you'll have a lean, mean hunting machine.
This all-around hunting rifle is perfect for taking down a wide variety of game.
Most modern models can be purchased with slick mounting systems and comfortable synthetic stocks.
Just keep in mind that it’s a bolt action rifle, so it’s better suited for taking down a few feral hogs instead of a larger herd that might attack after the first shot.
At the end of the day, the right hog hunting rifle for you depends on your budget and preferences.
Try out one of the models above or let us know if you already have some experience with one of the rifles! We’d be interested to hear your opinions in the comments section!
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No mention of the Mosin Nagant M91 Dragoon, or the M91/30?!?!?! My favorite, iron sights out to 705 yards, 904 Arshins, 650 Meters! 2600 FPS, 1100Ft/Lbs impact… Plus, the 19 inch bayonet to keep them t bay! Nor, the .303 Brit, as in my 1943 No4, Mk 1*, Fazackerly Walnut Enfield…, nor, even my 1891Argentine Mauser Carbine 7.65X53mm (built 1896)!!! All Bolt Action lethal, with open sights out to identical distances, or farther, with dependable, accurate, iron sights!
The new 450 Bushmaster Ruger is a good choice for stalking or still hunting with more than enough knockdown with 240 grain lead.
The Marlin “Guide Gun”, by very definition, do not have 30″ Barrels. The intent of the concept is a short yet powerful rifle for defense from large and nasty creatures. They have 18-1/2″ barrels.
There are Marlin 1895’s with longer barrels, but they are not guide guns.
I’ve owned one for 20+ years and have carried it deep into parts of Alaska stoked with Buffalo Bore 430 grain flat nose solids leaving the muzzle at 1,925fps generating 3,537ft/lbs of energy.
As well, the concept that longer barrels are more accurate barrels is complete hogwash. Barrel length affects the velocity attained by any specific load but has very little to do with adding accuracy. Rate of twist and barrel profile does.
Well said!
I have have killed a lot of hogs with a 22lr but always from a protected sight and time to take a good aim . I was very disappointed in a body shot with my 308 at a charging sow over 400 lb it fell about 10 or 15 yds after it went past me ,I missed the head. Another sow about 378 lb dropped instantly with a 400 gr. 45-70 during a charge . So now I take my 45-70 with me every time to my hunting sight then use the 22 on non edible hogs ,That I drag off. The cp 33 is my new favorite 22. One mag is all I need for a days hunting usually.
BRING A HALITSER SO YOU CAN PENETRATE THAT HOG’S FLAK JACKET OR SAFETY VEST!! THEY MUST BE IMMORTAL AND REPELL BULLET’S!! THE ONE’S I KILLED IN THE SLAUGHTER HOUSE WE KILLED WITH ONE SHOT OUT OF A 22LR RIM FIRE GRAVEYARD DEAD BEEF ALSO!! IT’S NOT THE SIZE OF THE GUN IT’S THE SKILL OF THE SHOOTER!! AMEN!!? MAKE ACCURATE SHOTS AND HUMANLY AS POSSIBLE!!