Re: scope recommendations
There really are some GREAT options for you if you look in the right places.
Clearly there are critical factors to choosing
1. for hog hunting, you need to be able to go very wide very at very short distances (I've had hogs as close as 15 yards to me in heavy brush)
that means a scope that starts at 1x, 1.5x or 2x MAX, no bigger than that! Fast aquisition and wide field of view are critical.
2. you want to shoot as far as 200 yards. that rules out the typical combat 1-4x24 although for many snipers they would ins't it is good enough, good enough isn't the question here. We're looking for what's best for YOUR needs. With hogs, you may need to shoot a small piggy at that distance and can tell you will be much happier and feel much more confident about shot placement with higher power. This means you need to be able to zoom in at least 9x to 12x
3. since pigs a shoot what you want when you want game (at least in my state) meaning you can hunt till dark or even at dark, this means you need illuminated retical. TRUST ME ON THIS!
4. You want a compact scope, meaning not to heavy and not too big. I agree here to the inth degree. Too many boys want BIG toys so they can look like the one with biggest "bulge" so to speak in the looker room
But I don't give a crap what people think, I care about what is best for my needs.
I have two scopes on my rifles that serve your needs. I did a ton of research before buying them. Based on that experience I think the best scope for you is an either the IOR Valdada 1.5-10x26 or their 2-12x36. both have 35mm tube which makes a HUGE difference in terms of light. both are in that price point that gives the best quality on the market without reaching those ridiculous prices of some of those more recognized names.
I have the Valdada 3-18x42 on my FNAR and their 2-12x32 on my Sig Sauer M400
I think SWFA still was of the 2-12x32 in their demo list for the great price of $999 which for under $1,000 it is hands down the single best scope you will find that meets your needs!!
That's my poor boy opinion, and you take it to the bullseye!