I have NEVER used a scout scope, and the idea makes me mildly uncomfortable. Will they work as well as a standard scope?

I will be using my gun for hunting, and want something that will be accurate enough to put down a pig... I'm finding that getting a proper optic rail to mount a normal scope is going to cost well over $100... i could invest this money in a superior scout scope instead, and probably end up with better glass.

recommendations from the experts?

Unless you already have a Bush rifle with a forward mount, a proper optic rail to mount a scout scope (e.g. Ultimak, Knights, etc.) is going to cost well over $100 too.  A scout scope will make the rifle no heavier than a traditional scope mount, but will make it front heavy.  Another point to consider, is that a good traditional scope is easier to find/has more options than a good scout scope.

I think the only real advantage to a scout scope is the ability to go back and forth between normal vision and scope vision on fast moving targets.  I have a rifle setup like this and although there is nothing wrong with it, I don't think I'd do it again.