ATN ThOR 6 mini 325 vs. ThOR 6 325 for Hog Hunting: Full...

If you hunt hogs at night, you already know the drill: you need a thermal scope that can cut through brush, lock onto heat signatures fast, and hold zero through hundreds of rounds on a semi-auto. The question in 2026 is no longer whether to run thermal — it's which thermal. And right now, two ATN scopes are generating the most debate among serious hog hunters: the ATN ThOR 6 mini 325 and the ATN ThOR 6 325.

Both run ATN's 6th Generation thermal engine. Both share the same 384×288 sensor resolution and the same SharpIR© AI-enhanced imaging. But they are built for very different rifles, hunters, and hunting styles. This comparison breaks down every meaningful difference so you can make a confident decision before you spend a dollar.

Why These Two Models? Understanding the 325 Designation

The "325" in both model names refers to the same core sensor package: a 384×288 resolution thermal detector with a 25mm germanium lens at F/1.0. That shared foundation means you are comparing the same thermal performance in two completely different physical platforms — a compact standalone unit versus a full-size riflescope.

This matters because most thermal scope comparison 2026 articles either focus on sensor resolution differences or price gaps. Here, the real story is form factor, feature depth, and how each scope performs in the specific demands of a hog hunting setup.

ATN ThOR 6 325 vs. ThOR 6 Mini 325: Side-by-Side Specs

Sensor and Image Quality

Both scopes share the same 12μm VOx Uncooled Focal Plane Array detector running at 50Hz. The ThOR 6 325 offers a ≤15mK NETD ultra-sensitive sensor, while the ThOR 6 mini 325 comes in at ≤18mK NETD high-sensitivity. In practical terms, lower NETD means the sensor can detect smaller temperature differences between a hog's body and the surrounding environment.

At close-to-mid ranges where most hog hunting happens — inside 200 yards — both scopes will perform excellently. But at the edge of detection range, in high-humidity conditions, or on a hot summer night when ambient temperature compresses thermal contrast, the full-size ThOR 6 325's 15mK sensor has a measurable advantage. It will see what the mini might show as a smear.

Display

Both the ThOR 6 325 and the ThOR 6 mini 325 use a 0.49-inch OLED display at 1920×1080 resolution. This is a critical point: the mini 325 is not running the smaller 800×600 display that the entry-level 215 and 225 mini models use. You are getting the same full-HD OLED eyepiece quality in both scopes. Image crispness, color accuracy, and eye fatigue during long sessions will be comparable.

Detection Range

The ThOR 6 325 has a rated detection range of 2,300 meters. The ThOR 6 mini 325 is rated at 2,300 meters as well. On paper, they are identical. The sensor resolution and lens focal length are the same, so this tracks. Where the gap opens up is in image refinement at extended range — the full-size scope's superior NETD will produce a cleaner image of a target at 300+ yards than the mini under challenging conditions.

Magnification

The ThOR 6 325 offers 2.5–20x magnification with step and smooth zoom. The ThOR 6 mini 325 also runs 2.5–20x with the same zoom system. This is identical performance. Both use 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x digital zoom steps. For hog hunting scenarios from a stand, feeder setup, or field edge, 20x is more than enough magnification to identify, track, and engage targets confidently.

Field of View

Both scopes deliver a field of view of 10.5° × 7.9° horizontal by vertical at base magnification. This is directly tied to the shared 25mm lens and sensor combination. When you need to scan a brushy creek bottom or a feeder field for multiple hogs moving at once, this wide FOV gives you the situational awareness to track and prioritize targets quickly.

Size and Weight — The Most Important Difference

This is where the two scopes genuinely diverge, and where your hunting style should drive the decision.

The ATN ThOR 6 325 measures 410 × 85 × 66 mm (16.14 × 3.35 × 2.60 inches) and weighs 790 grams (1.74 lbs). It uses standard 30mm rings for mounting and requires a traditional scope mounting position on your rifle.

The ATN ThOR 6 mini 325 measures 180 × 65 × 65 mm (7.09 × 2.56 × 2.56 inches) and weighs 528 grams (1.16 lbs). It mounts directly to a Picatinny rail. The mini is more than half a pound lighter and less than half the length of the full-size scope.

On a short-barreled AR or a truck gun you carry on foot through creek bottoms and thick cedar, that weight and length difference is significant. On a dedicated bench-fed rifle at a stand where the gun doesn't move much, it matters far less.

Battery System

The ThOR 6 325 runs on two 18650 rechargeable batteries — one internal, one replaceable — delivering approximately 9 hours of continuous runtime. The ThOR 6 mini 325 runs on a single 18650 rechargeable battery with approximately 7 hours of runtime.

Both systems allow for field battery swaps. For an overnight hog sit, 7 hours is enough in most cases. But if you run multiple hunts across a weekend without reliable charging access, the two-hour advantage of the full-size scope adds real-world insurance. Both support external USB Type-C power supply, so you can run a power bank as backup regardless of which model you choose.

Advanced Features: What the Full-Size ThOR 6 Adds

This is where the full-size ATN ThOR 6 325 separates itself in a meaningful way. The ThOR 6 lineup includes LRF (Laser Rangefinder) variants with an integrated ballistic calculator that the mini series does not offer at all. While the base ThOR 6 325 is not the LRF model, it is built on the same platform and shares the same mature software ecosystem.

More critically, the full-size ThOR 6 includes Zeroing Freeze, Picture-in-Picture mode, Reticle Transparency Control, Hot Point Tracking, Recoil Activated Video (RAV), onboard video and audio recording to 64GB internal storage, and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The mini 325 also includes most of these features — RAV, Hot Point Tracking, PIP, Zeroing Freeze, Wi-Fi, and the full 64GB internal gallery. The feature gap between the two is narrower than many hunters expect.

What the full-size does better is deliver those features within a platform that is directly upgradeable to LRF capability in the 335 LRF, 635 LRF, and 650 LRF configurations. If you are planning to grow your kit or eventually want integrated ranging and ballistic calculation, the full-size ThOR 6 family gives you a clearer upgrade path.

ATN ThOR 6 325 Review 2026: Real-World Hog Hunting Performance

An honest ATN ThOR 6 325 review 2026 starts with what hog hunting actually demands. You are typically dealing with low-contrast summer nights, thick brush or cedar, moving animals in groups, and often a fast semi-auto platform that puts serious recoil forces through the optic.

The ThOR 6 325's ≤15mK NETD sensor genuinely earns its keep in high-humidity, low-contrast environments. Texas in July, Louisiana swamps, Florida oak hammocks — these are conditions where cheaper sensors with 25mK or higher NETD produce mushy, indistinct images. At ≤15mK, heat differential between a 100-pound sow and the surrounding vegetation at 80°F ambient is still visible with clean edge definition, especially with SharpIR© processing running in real time.

The 2.5x base magnification is ideal for close-cover hog situations where targets are moving fast at 50–150 yards. Dial it to 6–8x for confident shot placement and back out to 2.5x to track multiple animals. The smooth zoom transition makes this fluid rather than disruptive.

RAV is more valuable on a hog rifle than any other platform. When you take a fast shot at a moving sounder, you want confirmation of where the bullet hit. RAV's automatic 10-second pre- and post-recoil recording means you get that footage without ever taking your eye off the next target.

The IP67 waterproof rating and 6,000-joule recoil resistance rating mean this scope can handle everything from a .308 bolt gun to a hard-recoiling .450 Bushmaster. For those running suppressed 300 Blackout or 6.8 SPC setups on ARs, the ThOR 6 325 will hold zero through thousands of rounds without complaint.

ATN ThOR 6 325 Specs at a Glance

• Sensor: 384×288, 12μm, ≤15mK NETD, VOx Uncooled FPA
• Lens: 25mm Germanium, F/1.0
• Display: 0.49-inch OLED, 1920×1080
• Magnification: 2.5–20x (Step and Smooth Zoom)
• Field of View: 10.53° × 7.91°
• Detection Range: 2,300 m
• Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
• Battery: 2× 18650 (1 internal, 1 replaceable), ~9 hrs
• Storage: 64 GB internal
• Weight: 790 g / 1.74 lbs
• Dimensions: 410 × 85 × 66 mm
• Mounting: 30mm rings (not included)
• Waterproof: IP67
• Recoil Rating: 6,000 Joules / 1,000g acceleration over 0.4 ms
• Operating Temperature: -30°C to +55°C
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi Hotspot, USB Type-C, ATN Connect 6 app

ATN ThOR 6 Mini 325 Specs at a Glance

• Sensor: 384×288, 12μm, ≤18mK NETD, VOx Uncooled FPA
• Lens: 25mm Germanium, F/1.0
• Display: 0.49-inch OLED, 1920×1080
• Magnification: 2.5–20x (Step and Smooth Zoom)
• Field of View: 10.5° × 7.9°
• Detection Range: 2,300 m
• Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
• Battery: 1× 18650 Rechargeable (Replaceable), ~7 hrs
• Storage: 64 GB internal
• Weight: 528 g / 1.16 lbs
• Dimensions: 180 × 65 × 65 mm
• Mounting: Picatinny Rail
• Waterproof: IP67
• Recoil Rating: 6,000 Joules / 1,000g acceleration over 0.4 ms
• Operating Temperature: -30°C to +55°C
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi Hotspot, USB Type-C, ATN Connect 6 app

Who Should Choose the ThOR 6 Mini 325?

The ThOR 6 mini 325 is built for hunters who prioritize mobility, weight reduction, and versatility across multiple rifle platforms. At 528 grams and just 7.09 inches long, it does not upset the balance of a short AR, adds minimal bulk to a suppressed rifle, and transitions quickly between rifles thanks to its Picatinny mount system. If you are swapping a thermal scope between a hog rifle and a coyote gun in the same week, the mini's quick-attach Picatinny system is more practical than ringing and re-zeroing through 30mm rings.

The mini 325 also makes sense if you are newer to thermal and want to experience full 384×288 resolution performance with all the core ATN smart features at a lower price point and without the full physical commitment of a traditional riflescope. The feature set is almost identical — RAV, PIP, Hot Point Tracking, Zeroing Freeze, Wi-Fi, 64GB storage, full HD OLED display. You give up 2mK of NETD sensitivity and about 2 hours of battery life. For most hog hunting situations inside 200 yards, those trade-offs are acceptable.

Who Should Choose the ThOR 6 325?

The ThOR 6 325 is the right tool for dedicated hog hunting rifles, longer engagement distances, and hunters who want the absolute best sensor performance the 384×288 platform can deliver. The ≤15mK NETD sensor is genuinely better in low-contrast environments — hot summer nights, humid air, animals partially obscured by brush — all common hog hunting scenarios.

The full-size form factor also integrates naturally into traditional rifle setups with a proper eye box and 50mm eye relief. For hunters who spend extended hours behind the glass — whether in a box blind, elevated stand, or vehicle-based setup — the ergonomics of a full-size scope reduce fatigue in ways the compact platform cannot match. The 9-hour battery runtime is a meaningful advantage for overnight setups.

If you intend to eventually upgrade to the LRF version or add a ballistic calculator for longer-range work, staying within the full-size ThOR 6 ecosystem makes financial and practical sense. The ThOR 6 platform also gives you a clear upgrade path to the 640×512 635 or 650 models when budget allows.

ATN vs Pulsar Thermal: How Does the ThOR 6 325 Stack Up?

In any honest ATN vs Pulsar thermal discussion for hog hunting in 2026, the ThOR 6 325 competes directly against the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 and Thermion 2 XQ38 at similar price points. Here is the honest breakdown:

Pulsar's Thermion 2 platform is a mature, proven thermal scope with excellent image quality and a traditional scope form factor that appeals to hunters who want their thermal to feel and operate like a daytime optic. Pulsar's image processing is polished and their Stream Vision app is reliable.

The ATN ThOR 6 325 offers several advantages that matter specifically for hog hunting. RAV is a feature Pulsar does not offer, and it is genuinely useful when you are shooting fast in low light. The 64GB internal storage versus Pulsar's SD card-based system is a practical advantage in the field. ATN's SharpIR© AI processing competes directly with Pulsar's image enhancement and in high-humidity, low-contrast environments produces results that are comparable or better. The ATN's two-battery system with 9-hour runtime outpaces the Thermion 2's battery performance in extended field conditions.

Where Pulsar has traditionally held an edge is in overall image rendering smoothness and out-of-box color palette quality. The ThOR 6's 2026 iteration closes that gap considerably with the upgraded 6th Generation engine and SharpIR© processing. For hog hunters specifically, the ATN's smart features — particularly RAV and Hot Point Tracking — add practical value that Pulsar's more traditional feature set does not match.

Shared Features That Matter on Both Scopes

SharpIR© AI-Enhanced Imaging

Both scopes run ATN's proprietary SharpIR© real-time AI image processing. This system analyzes and sharpens every pixel continuously, improving edge definition and target-background separation. For hog hunting specifically, where a 200-pound boar in tall grass presents as a relatively diffuse heat blob on a lesser scope, SharpIR© separates the animal from the thermal clutter around it. You get a defined shape, not just a warm smear.

Hot Point Tracking

Hot Point Tracking automatically identifies the hottest thermal signature in your field of view and highlights it. When you are scanning a creek bottom where multiple hogs may be moving through brush and shadows, this feature dramatically cuts target acquisition time. You are not mentally sorting heat blobs — the scope is already telling you where the warmest animal is.

Picture-in-Picture Mode

PIP lets you run full magnification for shot placement in a windowed overlay while keeping a wide-field view active in the main display. For hog hunting, where you may be zoomed in for a precise shot on a specific animal while a sounder of 20 hogs is moving around you, maintaining wide-field awareness is critical for safety and hunting effectiveness.

Recoil Activated Video

Both scopes record 10 seconds before and after recoil automatically. For a hog that runs into brush after the shot, this footage confirms bullet placement without requiring a tracker or losing animals. It also builds a library of hunt footage effortlessly.

Six Color Palettes

White Hot, Black Hot, Iron Red, Alarm, Green Hot, and Sepia give you the ability to adapt to different terrain and personal preference. Most hog hunters default to White Hot or Black Hot, but Green Hot can improve target separation in dense brush, and Iron Red increases contrast on warm nights when the environment and animal temperatures are close together.

The Verdict: Which Is the Best Thermal Scope for Hog Hunting?

If you are looking for the single best thermal scope for hog hunting in 2026 and you are choosing between these two specific models, the ATN ThOR 6 325 is the stronger overall platform. The ≤15mK NETD sensor, 9-hour battery life, full-size ergonomics, and superior performance in low-contrast environments make it the more capable tool when hog hunting conditions are at their most demanding — hot, humid nights with dense brush and minimal temperature differential between animals and surroundings.

It earns its place as the best thermal scope for hog hunting at the 384×288 resolution tier not because the mini is a bad scope — it is not — but because for dedicated hog rifles and extended night hunts, the full-size scope's advantages compound into meaningful real-world performance gains.

That said, the ThOR 6 mini 325 is legitimately excellent for hunters who need a lightweight, compact solution across multiple rifles, hunt primarily inside 200 yards, and value portability over marginal sensor superiority. The 262-gram weight savings and half-the-length profile are real advantages in the field, and the feature set is nearly identical.

Choose the ThOR 6 325 if you have a dedicated hog rifle, hunt in demanding conditions, and want the best sensor the 384×288 platform offers. Choose the ThOR 6 mini 325 if you move fast, swap rifles frequently, and want maximum portability without giving up smart features or high-resolution imaging.

Either way, you are running ATN's most advanced 6th Generation thermal engine. In a field where the competition — whether ATN vs Pulsar thermal or any other comparison — is fierce, that matters. The ThOR 6 platform in 2026 is purpose-built for exactly this: finding hogs, locking on fast, and not missing the shot.

For current pricing, availability, and to purchase either scope directly from the manufacturer, visit ATN's official website at atncorp.com. Buying direct ensures you receive the full manufacturer warranty, latest firmware, and any current promotions running on the ThOR 6 lineup.