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The venerable AK-47 is the most common rifle in the world. When Mikhail Kalashnikov designed the AK-47, he created a workhorse rifle with loose tolerances and such simple functionality that anyone could use it. But AK-47s aren’t the only AK out there. There’s also the AK-74M, the AK-9, the AK-12, -105, -104, -107, and many more.

Today, you can find AKs on every continent (except for maybe Antarctica). More importantly, they exist in gun safes all across America — and there isn’t much that American gun enthusiasts love more than decking out their guns with new optics.

At the same time, when it comes to AKs and optics, there are some detractors. These naysayers generally fall into two categories:

  • First comes the “nyet, rifle is fine” crowd, who believe that nearly a century of scientific advancement has left us with nothing to add to the AK’s original design.
  • The second is a group of people that believe you can’t put an optic on an AK because it wasn’t designed to have an optic in the first place.

But this is America! We don’t care what the norms are — if we want to attach a candy dispenser on a gun, then by God, we’ll figure out a way to do it.

The truth is: you can (and should) add an optic to your AK-47 rifle. While it may require some modification (and actually reading the instructions), it’s totally doable for most gun owners. We’ll help you learn more about mounting systems and how they work as well as explore some of the best AK optics on the market for 2024.

Our Top 3 AK Optic Mounting Systems

First, let’s get one thing straight: mounting an optic to an AK isn’t like mounting one on an AR. The main place you’d think to mount the optic (i.e. on top of the dust cover) isn’t sturdy enough to hold zero after a few shots. As a result, you not only need to consider which optic to buy for your AK-47, but also which mounting system to use.

We picked the following mounting systems because you can easily install them yourself using hand tools. Other mounting systems require an actual gunsmith to replace parts on your gun. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we’re going in a DIY direction here — it’s part of the AK spirit.

In this brief list, we’re also keeping height over bore in mind. The way AK ergonomics work, many optics will feel too high for a comfortable cheek weld. While it is possible to add a cheek riser to your stock or buy some kind of stock with a built-in riser, that’s going to add extra expense to your rifle. It’s also antithetical to the AK ethos. Instead, we’re going to try to keep the rifle comfortable to shoot, easy to aim, and relatively inexpensive — as it should be.

Here are some of the best AK optic mounting systems on the market right now:

RS Regulate

If you’re looking for some of the most robust mounting systems for the AK-47 platform, RS Regulate has a reputation for making sturdy, well-designed products specifically for the AK platform. RS Regulate mounts use two separate parts (called an “upper” and “lower” mount) to affix an optic to the rifle. The lower mount interfaces with the rifle, while the upper attaches to the optic itself. Connect them together, and voila! It’s like Legos for guns.

There is a downside to RS Regulate’s modularity, though. You’ll need to get a different lower mount depending on whether you’re running an AKM-pattern (think WASR or WBP) or a Yugo-pattern (Zastava) rifle. You can choose between full-length, front-biased (for AKM or Yugo) and rear-biased (for AKM and Yugo). Front- and rear-biased lower mounts give you less space to mount your upper, but cut down on precious weight.

You’ll also need to procure an upper that corresponds to the specific footprint of the optic you choose. Some of the most popular include:

Here’s another catch with RS Regulate. To attach the mounting system to the gun, you need a firearm with a side mount riveted into the receiver. Some AKs (such as Dracos) don’t have this necessary hardware. As a result, you can’t use RS Regulate with these variants.

Midwest Industries Master Mount

The primary offering from the folks over at Midwest Industries is the Master Mount. The Master Mount is a close second to the RS Regulate system, giving AK shooters a 1913 picatinny rail that peeks up over the top of their dust cover to securely mount an optic.

Midwest Industries also offers Master Mounts with footprints for specific optics, notably the Aimpoint T1 and 30mm for red dots or prisms. Unfortunately, the Master Mount has the highest height over bore, meaning you might need a cheek riser to comfortably aim the gun.

However, the Master Mount does have one big advantage over the RS Regulate system. While RS Regulate mounts can only be attached to AKs with a built-in side mount riveted into the gun’s receiver, you’ll have no problem attaching a Master Mount to the same gun. That offers AK owners a good deal of flexibility.

That said, Master Mount does require a little more work to install than an RS Regulate mount. You’ll have to remove the trigger group to attach it correctly. However, this only takes about 10 minutes for an experienced gun owner.

Ultimak Scout Rail

The guys at Ultimak did things a little differently with their mounting system. Instead of attaching to the side of an AK like the Master Mount and RS Regulate systems, the Ultimak Scout Rail replaces your AK’s normal gas tube with a length of 1913 Picatinny rail.

This is one of the lowest mounting solutions for an AK — a big perk when it comes to achieving a comfortable aim. In most cases, you won’t need to add a cheek riser with this mounting system. In fact, depending on the optic you use, you can even lower 1/3 co-witness your scope with an AK’s built-in iron sights.

It’s important to note that the Ultimak Scout Rail tends to get pretty hot as you shoot, and this can damage some lower-end optics. However, the Aimpoint Micro T-2 is a great optic for this mount, since it’s temperature-rated up to 160 degrees.

How to Choose the Best AK Optic

Buying an optic for your AK isn’t the same as buying one for an AR, a pistol, or even a classic hunting rifle. There are unique factors to consider with the AK platform as well as factors everyone should consider when buying any firearm accessory.

While you’re shopping, you might come across some terminology that sounds great — but what does it really mean? Here are some important ideas to think about in your search for the best AK optic.

Red Dots vs. Rifle Scopes

Optics come in several shapes and sizes, but for the most part, you’re looking at a red dot sight, a scope, or a prism optic for your AK rifle. While either one can serve you well, they accomplish different goals.

  • Red Dots: Often more compact and lightweight, a red dot sight can be easier to mount to your AK without adding extra weight or bulk. These optics typically use a simple reticle (such as a red dot) to allow for quick and easy target acquisition. For this reason they’re often great for self-defense and close-range shooting. However, if you are looking for more magnification to make longer-range shots, a red dot isn’t the answer.
  • Scopes: A scope has the added benefit of increased magnification. Rifle scopes are designed for longer range shots and often include more complex reticles with crosshairs and bullet drop compensation marks. Some even come with windage and elevation knobs. However, all of this comes at the cost of extra weight and bulk, which can imbalance your rifle. In any case, AKs don’t shoot that far anyway, so a high-powered, heavy scope usually isn’t necessary.
  • Prism Optics: Prisms are a great in-between option for AKs. These optics use a glass prism to refract light to create a visible, slightly magnified image on the glass. This design is perfect for mid-range and close-range shooting. Often, these optics use a fixed reticle, which is etched directly into the glass itself, making them less vulnerable to recoil and impact damage. This durability also makes the prism optic an ideal accessory for the notoriously durable AK-47.

Durability

Good optics aren’t cheap. You’re going to be spending a few hundred dollars on any AK optic that’s worth using. If that’s the case, you want to make sure it’s built with quality materials and that it’s durable enough to last for a long time.

Plus, if you’re using your AK for self defense or hunting, you have no idea what situation you might find yourself in. The good thing about AKs is that they can basically be dragged through mud, dirt, sand, and the rest of creation — and they still fire. You want an optic that can keep up with that kind of toughness.

Weight

This mostly applies to optics with more magnification features (e.g. high magnification scopes, LPVOs, etc.). The added weight of the large objective lenses as well as any internal components or mechanisms create extra weight that rests directly on the mounting system and receiver. This puts more stress on your rifle, and over time, this can wear down the key components of your rifle.

More importantly, that extra weight can also put your rifle off balance, making it much harder to acquire your target and maintain a steady sight picture. If you can’t keep your eye on the target, what’s the point of having an optic? In a self-defense situation, this imbalance can make your AK harder to maneuver as well — bad news when you’re trying to stop an attacker in your underwear.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t put a nice scope on your AK. With the right mounting system, you can compensate for this reasonably well. But it’s worth considering the weight of the mounting system and the optic you’re choosing as well as your shooting goals to balance magnification power, stability, and maneuverability with your AK.

Read the Reviews

Lastly, there are some qualities that simply can’t be determined from the specs alone. No optic manufacturer is going to say, “This optic has a pretty durable construction, but our glass kind of sucks.” They’re just going to tell you the good stuff and avoid mentioning the bad.

Short of buying every optic and testing it for yourself, the only way to get the dirt on each product is to read the reviews. Look at what real buyers are saying about each topic, especially from people who use their AK for the same reasons you do. Their reviews might reveal problems or advantages that you didn’t realize regarding things like attachment style, heat resistance, glass quality, stability, durability, etc.

The Best AK Optics of 2024

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite optics for the AK platform. Remember that we’re dealing with AKs here. They’re not the most effective rifle past a few hundred yards. So, we’re not looking for precision optics that let you reach out and touch a target at 1000 yards. For the most part, the maximum magnification we need to worry about with an AK is about 3x, so we’re going to talk mainly about red dots and prisms here.

Aimpoint Micro T-2

If you’re looking for one of the best choices for an AK-47 optic, the Aimpoint Micro T-2 is a safe bet. Aimpoint basically invented the red dot optic in 1975, and they’ve only been improving on their designs ever since. The Aimpoint’s closed-emitter design means that you don’t need to worry about dust or debris mucking up your dot and making your optic useless.

The Aimpoint T-2 is also super rugged, and it’s one of the only optics on this list that can stand up to the heat of an Ultimak Scout Rail. If that’s not your jam, RS Regulate also makes an upper mount designed specifically for the Micro T-2’s footprint.

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: Red Dot, 2 MOA
  • Size: 3.1” L x 1.8” W x 1.9” H
  • Weight: 4.6 oz
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Night Vision Compatible: Yes
  • Material Housing: High Strength Aluminum
  • Battery Life: 50,000 h at daylight setting 8 (15,000 Lux, room temperature)
  • Submersible to 80 feet

What Real Users Say

The Aimpoint Micro T-2 is praised for many reasons, most notable of which are its accuracy, clear glass, battery life, and durability. Some users also like its compact size which makes it lighter and less noticeable when mounted to an AK.

However, while the battery life is quite impressive, the battery type (CR2032, 3V, Lithium) can be somewhat difficult to find. Others may not like the simplicity of this optic, specifically the lack of an automatic shutoff feature (often found in other aimpoint products). At the same time, this simplicity also contributes to its durability — with less moving parts, there’s less to break.

Here are some reviews:

“Great optic. Does everything I need it too. The battery life is second to none and the crystal clear dot makes shooting easy as can be. Use it on my duty rifle and have had no issues yet. I recommend this dot to friends a lot.” - Nicholas D.
“There are two things that I wish were different. First, I really wish that there were more intensity adjustment choices between 7 and 8. Under sunny conditions, 7 can be challenging to readily see, while 8 is prominent to the point of being almost distracting. Second, I would enjoy a larger ocular lens in order to accelerate initial alignment.” - Kirk A.

Pricing

This optic is a bit pricey, but you certainly get what you pay for in terms of reliability. Most outlets sell the Micro T-2 for north of $800 USD, depending on the specific mount type you choose.

EoTech HWS EXPS2

There’s plenty to like about the iconic EoTech EXPS2. It’s got big windows, clear glass, and it’s basically bomb-proof. The HWS EXPS2 minimizes the amount of rail space you need to mount it by utilizing a tiny footprint. It features a 1,000 hour battery life, so you won’t need to worry about the dot going out anytime soon. Plus, if you really want to reach out and touch a target that’s far away, you can add a G43 magnifier to get either 3x or 5x zoom.

The only downside to adding an EXPS2 to your AK is that RS Regulate doesn’t make a specific upper mount for its footprint. You’ll need to use a 1913 Picatinny rail upper, which leads to quite a bit of height over bore. You’ll also need to add a cheek riser to the buttstock of your AK to get a proper cheek weld.

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: 68 MOA ring with (1 or 2) MOA red dot (center)
  • Size: 3.8" L x 2.3" W x 2.9" H
  • Weight: 11.2 oz
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Night Vision Compatible: No
  • Material Housing: Hardcoat anodized aluminum
  • Battery Life: 1,000 continuous hours (at nominal setting 12 at room temperature)
  • Water resistant at 10ft. Depth
  • Shatter-resistant, anti-glare viewing window

What Real Users Say

Regardless of what you buy from EoTech, you know you’re getting a high quality product. Users praise the EXPS2 for its ease of installation as well as its incredibly clear glass and reticle illumination. Reviews also attest to its extreme durability across the board. In some cases, users report that this optic is perfect for people who typically have visual issues with red dots.

One reviewer says, “I’ve tried nearly every optic on the market and this is the best one! Its dot and circle combination makes for extremely fast target acquisition and accuracy. It allows one to also acquire shots when at [angles], not totally lined up, which is needed in real life scenarios.” (Konata)

At the same time, some people have reported instances of sloppy manufacturing (something quite uncharacteristic of EoTech). Others have said the optic might be slightly out of spec with iron sights on some sporting rifles, but these reports vary. Overall, the EoTech has very high ratings from just about everyone.

Pricing

This EoTech is somewhat expensive, but not as expensive as some other optics on this list. You can probably get this optic for somewhere between $600 and $700 USD. For the quality it boasts, that’s not a bad deal.

Vortex Optics StrikeFire II Red Dot

When searching for optics, sometimes you find those real gems that offer a bit more than you pay for. That’s the case with the Vortex StrikeFire II: a decently priced, high-quality red-dot optic well-suited for the AK platform.

Perhaps the first noticeable trait is the large objective lens, which provides a broad field of view to better situational awareness and target acquisition. Likewise, multi-coated lenses improve visibility by reducing lens flare. All this works to provide a crisp,clear picture in various lighting conditions.

The Vortex StrikeFire II features green/red-dot or red-dot-only configurations and includes an auto shut-off function to conserve battery life. Known for its durability, this shockproof optic withstands harsh environments and heavy recoil. Plus, it's backed by a lifetime warranty, which is hard to beat.

A standout feature for AK users is the included cantilever mount, allowing for a lower 1/3 co-witness with iron sights, making efficient use of the AK’s limited rail space. This also allows for quick switching between optic and iron sights when needed.

Specs & Features

  • Magnification: 1x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Color: Red/Green
  • Dot Size: 4 MOA
  • Mount Type: Lower 1/3 Co-Witness Cantilever
  • Length: 5.6 inches
  • Height: 1.45 inches
  • Weight: 7.2 oz
  • Multi-coated lenses
  • Shockproof

What Real Users Say

Users universally praise the ease of use, durability, and mounting options for this optic. However, the price is what makes all of these high-quality features that much more valuable. It’s hard to find an optic like this at such a decent price.

“For a red dot, at this price you can't beat it. Plain and simple. You don’t need a $700 eotech on your civilian rifle that you just take out the range here and there but for the money this a great optic. Glass is clear and it holds a zero like any other. Dot brightness is adjustable and can be clearly seen in even a blazing hot, bright sunny day.” - Ronaldo Lopez
“The true merit of this sight lies in its performance. The clarity provided by the StrikeFire II is unparalleled, allowing for a crystal clear view of my target. Whether at the range or in the field, every detail is distinctly visible, enhancing my accuracy and confidence with every shot.” - David Dock

Pricing

If you haven’t heard it enough, this optic is excellently priced. It’s much more affordable than you would ever expect from an optic of this quality. You should be able to find a Vortex StrikeFire II for around $200.

Axion Kobra EKP-1S-03

If you’re trying to create an AK that actual Combloc commandos would use, you can’t go wrong with a Kobra optic. The Kobra is an actual honest-to-goodness Russian red dot optic/mount combo that you can attach to your AK’s side mount. In the states, they’re made by defense contractor Axion.

Besides the Russian-ness, there’s plenty to like about the Kobra. For one, they’re designed specifically to be used with AKs, which isn’t necessarily the case for other entries on this list. They’re battle-tested, too, and Russian troops have fielded them in conflicts since they started fighting Chechens in the ‘90s. It features four different reticles that an operator can scroll through at the touch of a button. On the downside, the window is only as big as a pistol red dot. Its design also features an open emitter, so dust or mud can sometimes obscure the dot. Some users also complain about the quality overall.

On another note, there’s a decent chance that when you order this, the instructions may be entirely in Russian. Желаю тебе удачи!

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: 1.8 MOA, Red Dot, (4 reticle options)
  • Size: 5.66” L x 2.6” W x 5.66” H
  • Weight: 14.46 oz
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Night Vision Compatible: Yes
  • Material Housing: Impact resistant aluminum alloy and steel
  • Battery Life: 70 hours at medium brightness
  • 16-level digital brightness adjustment

What Real Users Say

For the most part, users report that the Kobra works just fine, even when exposed to cold weather for long periods. Expect nothing less from a Russian optic. Otherwise, people agree that it’s durable as hell and remarkably steady. Once zeroed, users say this optic should hold its position for years.

The authenticity is the main point of praise here. One user says: “I purchased this holographic because I wanted to get an Eastern optic for my first AKM. It fits the rifle like a glove. It’s very nice and light as well. The glass is good quality and although this optic costs a little more than what one might want to pay for it, you are getting a very unique Russian AK optic that is not commonly found.” (Tbone)

However, the real complaint with the Kobra isn’t the design — most say it’s a great optic. The fact is, there are simply better options you can get for the same amount of money (and with more battery life). The real reason many buy this optic is because it’s somewhat of a novelty and it achieves a certain style for your AK.

Pricing

Prices for the Kobra EKP-1S-03 vary widely, and at times, it may be difficult to find. If you do find an authentic listing for a factory-new Kobra, you’ll likely pay upwards of $550 USD for it. While not the cheapest on the market, it isn’t the most expensive either.

Trijicon ACOG TA50

Thanks to Call of Duty, the Trijicon ACOG is one of the most iconic weapon sights on the market today. Anyone who served in an infantry unit during the GWOT will also instantly be familiar with the design. In fact, Trijicon ACOGs are still used by the Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Forces today.

The ACOG (short for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) has some huge advantages over other scopes. For one, it’s a prism optic that uses a tritium/fiber optic combo to illuminate its reticle. That means it does not require a battery to run, eliminating one huge point of failure for many gunsights. Instead, the fiber optic reticle adjusts brightness automatically based on light conditions. In extremely low-light, the tritium insert takes over to still illuminate the reticle.

Its glass clarity is great, and its lenses work to maximize the amount of ambient light to give you a crystal clear picture. RS Regulate even makes an ACOG-specific upper mount, which will give you the lowest possible mounting option for your AK.

Specifically, we recommend the Trijicon Acog TA50 3x24 with a 7.62x39 reticle because of its housing height and reticle style which are ideal for AKs.

rifle optics
TRIJICON ACOG 3X24 LOW HS/DOT AK

Trijicon Acog 3X24 Low Hs/Dot Ak

$1,430.00
Trijicon

view product

Prices accurate at time of writing

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: Horseshoe with 2 MOA red dot (center)
  • Size: 5.0” L x 1.8” H x 2.1” W
  • Weight: 6.1 oz
  • Eye Relief: 1.4 inches
  • Night Vision Compatible: Yes
  • Material Housing: Rugged aluminum-alloy
  • Battery Life: No Battery Required
  • Magnification: 3x
  • Waterproof/Anti-fog design
  • Shock resistant against recoil (everything from .22 LR to .50 BMG)

What Real Users Say

In addition to the crystal clear glass, users also enjoy the reticle design, bright illumination, and balanced magnification of this Trijicon ACOG. This combo makes it great for quick target acquisition and medium-range shots. Reviews confirm that the low profile design does in fact work well with AKs. Some even report it’s great for people with astigmatism.

While many say the price is a bit hard to swallow, one user reports, “the joy of good quality far outlasts the joy of saved money.” That person isn’t alone, either. Lots of people agree that Trijicon ACOGs are totally worth the money.

Another user reports: “This model has very good eye relief and a wide field of view, critical for self defense use or hunting. The magnification provides just enough power to clearly identify a target at normal engagement distances within 3-400 meters without sacrificing field of view. Lightweight enough to mount on an AK pattern rifle with a low profile mount, or a 762x39 AR pistol for hunting hogs. The etched glass reticle is also the best choice for anyone with astigmatism…” (Uncle Buck)

Pricing

As we’ve discussed, this optic is pretty darn expensive. Of course, there are pricier models out there, but the Trijicon ACOG certainly isn’t a budget option. Most places sell this sweet optic for right around $1000 USD — and for good reason. If you decide to bite the bullet on buying this optic, you won’t be disappointed with its performance, and you’ll probably have it forever.

Trijicon RMR

The Trijicon RMR is a tough little reflex sight that happens to pair perfectly with the AK (given you’re using the RS Regulate RMR Upper Mount). The name RMR stands for Ruggedized Miniature Reflex, and just like the AK, it's built to withstand harsh conditions. Trijicon even designed the housing to deflect impact away from the lens, ensuring longevity and consistent performance even in the roughest situations. If that’s not enough, it’s also waterproof up to 20 meters (66 feet).

One of the standout features of the RMR is its clear, crisp red dot, which makes for quick target acquisition. Plus, the highly adjustable brightness and illumination settings allow for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. It even has an auto-brightness feature that changes a reticle’s brightness depending on ambient light conditions.

While the viewing window is a bit smaller than the Trijicon SRO, it’s just as durable with a longer battery life. In fact, the RMR boasts enhanced electronics and battery conservation features as part of Trijicon’s commitment to durable design.

If you're planning on taking your AK on some serious adventures, the RMR is a stellar choice for a dedicated optic.

Specs & Features

  • Dimensions: 1.8 in x 1.1 in x 1 in (45.72mm x 27.94mm x 25.4mm)
  • Weight: 1.2 oz. (34.02g)
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 16mm
  • Reticle Pattern: 3.25 MOA Dot
  • Reticle Color: Red
  • Illumination Source: LED
  • Power Source: 1 CR2032 Lithium Battery
  • Battery Life: 4+ years of continuous use (with some exceptions).
  • Housing Material: Forged Aluminum
  • Finish: Matte Black

What Real Users Say

The Trijicon RMR is consistently praised in reviews for its distinct ruggedness, clarity, and long battery life, which we’ve covered. Users also attest to the fact that the RMR is compatible with certain night vision modes, and can easily mount on multiple platforms. Its proven performance has made it very popular among military, law enforcement and civilian shooters.

Here are a couple of reviews:

“I’ve had a couple Holosun RDS and I have to say they are great sights especially for the money. But this RMR is a different beast. Right out of the box you can feel the quality when you remove it from its oversized plastic case. The window is plenty big enough and the glass is wonderful quality.” (KRP132)
“On a rifle that generates a lot of heat (especially where this is [mounted]), it’s excellent at resisting that and just dealing with what comes in the package of an AK…” ( Regular Guy Training)

Pricing

Like most Trijicon optics, you’re looking at a premium product. While this is a great optic all around, some might find it hard to justify the $500 to $700 price tag for a tiny red dot that easily fits in the palm of your hand. But as with most excellent optics you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a solid investment in an accessory that won’t let you down, this is still a great pick.

In other words, there are cheaper options — but there are also cheaper hobbies.

Holosun HS507C X2

Although it’s not the kind of thing you’d usually see mounted on an AR-pattern gun, pistol red dots are actually fairly common in the AK world. AKs are already fairly heavy guns, since they rely mainly on metal in their fabrication (in contrast to the “tupperware” AR). Using a pistol red dot helps cut back on weight while still giving an AK shooter something to use other than iron sights.

The Holosun HS507C X2 has the same footprint as Trijicon’s RMR, making it a more affordable option for those who aren’t trying to sell a kidney for a pistol optic. It’s also lightweight with an incredible battery life, making it valuable for several reasons.

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle (red dot)
  • Size: 1.78” L x 1.15” W x 1.15” H
  • Weight: 1.5 oz
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Night Vision Compatible: Yes
  • Material Housing: 7075 T6 Aluminum
  • Battery Life: 50,000 hours on setting 6
  • Auto-dimming/Shake Awake (motion activated) technology
  • Backup solar power source

What Real Users Say

Above all, most users enjoy getting this high-quality optic for a pretty low price. Considering how well this optic performs, it’s a fantastic value. On top of that, plenty of users appreciate the long lasting battery and backup solar power source as well, which isn’t common for optics at this price.

One common complaint with this Holosun optic concerns its size. It’s certainly the smallest optic on this list, which is to be expected from a pistol optic. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t work just fine on an AK (it may even be preferable, depending on your shooting goals).

One reviewer states, “Holosun HS507C-X2 1x 2 MOA Dot Reflex Red Dot Sight in my opinion is the best sight on the market. The green circle makes target accusation fast.” (WM Price)

Pricing

The Holosun HS507C is certainly a great optic for budget-conscious AK shooters. Most places have this optic for around $300 USD, making it one of the cheapest optics on this list.

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm

While we don’t normally recommend magnified scopes for AKs, this LPVO from Primary Arms is the exception. If you’re going to mount a scope to your AK, the SLx 1-6x24mm is one of your best options for hunting and target practice.

This lightweight, durable LPVO scope features Primary Arms’ patented Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) reticle. The ACSS reticle design brings bullet drop compensation, wind holds, moving target leads, and range estimation all together into a sighting system that’s easy for new users to pick up on. With this LPVO, you get the best of both worlds — that means fast and accurate target acquisition from 0-800 yards. What’s more, the SFP ensures the reticle maintains its size at all magnification levels.

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: ACSS reticle, SFP, Illuminated
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Length: 10 inches (254mm)
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
  • Weight: 16.9 Oz
  • Eye Relief: Low: 3.50 in / High: 3.30 in
  • Night Vision Compatible: No
  • Material Housing: Hardcoat anodized aluminum
  • Zoom: 1-6x

What Real Users Say

Reviews for the SLx1-6x24mm are almost unanimously positive. Across the board, users love the level of quality and versatility they get from this LPVO for the cost. Specifically, users say the ACSS reticle design allows for more accurate shots at a distance. Here are a few reviews:

“Took it to a 4-night rifle class. Amazing results! Hitting steel at 400 yards, head shots at 50. Good eye relief for fast target acquisition. I'm near-sighted and keep the power at 3x most of the time. Scope is awesome.” - John
“This optic was money well spent. The glass clarity is on par or better than optics with much higher price points. The lighting is definitely daylight bright as advertised. The ACSS Aurora reticle is amazing and extremely accurate. Didn't take much to get it sighted in at 100yds as recommended. and it has held zero spot on through several hundred rounds. Would definitely recommend this optic to anyone looking for an LPVO that won't break the bank. My only complaint which isn't really a big deal to me is the flip caps could fit a bit more snug. They rotated on me while doing drills and ended up blocking my backup irons.” - Justin

However, some also report that it isn’t as durable as you might expect. Others say the brightness of the optic starts to decrease dramatically at 6x, muddling colors as well.

Pricing

This LPVO from Primary Arms is a total steal for the quality it offers. Some might even call it the best budget LPVO — and they may not be wrong. Most outlets offer this optic for $350 or less, depending on where you look.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, you have no shortage of options when it comes to mounting an optic on your AK-47 or other AK-variant rifle. Optics are a great way to vastly improve your rifle’s accuracy and make nailing follow-up shots a breeze.

To choose the right optic for your AK, be sure to pay attention to both the mounting system and the optic itself. Double-check that they’re truly compatible and make sure to pick a combo that allows you great balance for an affordable price.

If you’re in the market for ammo or accessories for your AK, you’ve come to the right place. Pro Armory offers a great selection of both to get you ready for any situation. Be sure to pick up 7.62x39 ammo (and grab some Russian-made Wolf before it’s gone forever)!

Regardless of your skill level, our team of veterans and firearms enthusiasts are available to help you find the best equipment for your shooting goals. Browse Pro Armory’s selection of ammo, accessories, and optics for your AK today.

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THE 8 BEST AK OPTICS TO BUY IN 2024
THE 8 BEST AK OPTICS TO BUY IN 2024

THE 8 BEST AK OPTICS TO BUY IN 2024

16th Jul 2024 optics-scopes

The venerable AK-47 is the most common rifle in the world. When Mikhail Kalashnikov designed the AK-47, he created a workhorse rifle with loose tolerances and such simple functionality that anyone could use it. But AK-47s aren’t the only AK out there. There’s also the AK-74M, the AK-9, the AK-12, -105, -104, -107, and many more.

Today, you can find AKs on every continent (except for maybe Antarctica). More importantly, they exist in gun safes all across America — and there isn’t much that American gun enthusiasts love more than decking out their guns with new optics.

At the same time, when it comes to AKs and optics, there are some detractors. These naysayers generally fall into two categories:

  • First comes the “nyet, rifle is fine” crowd, who believe that nearly a century of scientific advancement has left us with nothing to add to the AK’s original design.
  • The second is a group of people that believe you can’t put an optic on an AK because it wasn’t designed to have an optic in the first place.

But this is America! We don’t care what the norms are — if we want to attach a candy dispenser on a gun, then by God, we’ll figure out a way to do it.

The truth is: you can (and should) add an optic to your AK-47 rifle. While it may require some modification (and actually reading the instructions), it’s totally doable for most gun owners. We’ll help you learn more about mounting systems and how they work as well as explore some of the best AK optics on the market for 2024.

Our Top 3 AK Optic Mounting Systems

First, let’s get one thing straight: mounting an optic to an AK isn’t like mounting one on an AR. The main place you’d think to mount the optic (i.e. on top of the dust cover) isn’t sturdy enough to hold zero after a few shots. As a result, you not only need to consider which optic to buy for your AK-47, but also which mounting system to use.

We picked the following mounting systems because you can easily install them yourself using hand tools. Other mounting systems require an actual gunsmith to replace parts on your gun. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we’re going in a DIY direction here — it’s part of the AK spirit.

In this brief list, we’re also keeping height over bore in mind. The way AK ergonomics work, many optics will feel too high for a comfortable cheek weld. While it is possible to add a cheek riser to your stock or buy some kind of stock with a built-in riser, that’s going to add extra expense to your rifle. It’s also antithetical to the AK ethos. Instead, we’re going to try to keep the rifle comfortable to shoot, easy to aim, and relatively inexpensive — as it should be.

Here are some of the best AK optic mounting systems on the market right now:

RS Regulate

If you’re looking for some of the most robust mounting systems for the AK-47 platform, RS Regulate has a reputation for making sturdy, well-designed products specifically for the AK platform. RS Regulate mounts use two separate parts (called an “upper” and “lower” mount) to affix an optic to the rifle. The lower mount interfaces with the rifle, while the upper attaches to the optic itself. Connect them together, and voila! It’s like Legos for guns.

There is a downside to RS Regulate’s modularity, though. You’ll need to get a different lower mount depending on whether you’re running an AKM-pattern (think WASR or WBP) or a Yugo-pattern (Zastava) rifle. You can choose between full-length, front-biased (for AKM or Yugo) and rear-biased (for AKM and Yugo). Front- and rear-biased lower mounts give you less space to mount your upper, but cut down on precious weight.

You’ll also need to procure an upper that corresponds to the specific footprint of the optic you choose. Some of the most popular include:

Here’s another catch with RS Regulate. To attach the mounting system to the gun, you need a firearm with a side mount riveted into the receiver. Some AKs (such as Dracos) don’t have this necessary hardware. As a result, you can’t use RS Regulate with these variants.

Midwest Industries Master Mount

The primary offering from the folks over at Midwest Industries is the Master Mount. The Master Mount is a close second to the RS Regulate system, giving AK shooters a 1913 picatinny rail that peeks up over the top of their dust cover to securely mount an optic.

Midwest Industries also offers Master Mounts with footprints for specific optics, notably the Aimpoint T1 and 30mm for red dots or prisms. Unfortunately, the Master Mount has the highest height over bore, meaning you might need a cheek riser to comfortably aim the gun.

However, the Master Mount does have one big advantage over the RS Regulate system. While RS Regulate mounts can only be attached to AKs with a built-in side mount riveted into the gun’s receiver, you’ll have no problem attaching a Master Mount to the same gun. That offers AK owners a good deal of flexibility.

That said, Master Mount does require a little more work to install than an RS Regulate mount. You’ll have to remove the trigger group to attach it correctly. However, this only takes about 10 minutes for an experienced gun owner.

Ultimak Scout Rail

The guys at Ultimak did things a little differently with their mounting system. Instead of attaching to the side of an AK like the Master Mount and RS Regulate systems, the Ultimak Scout Rail replaces your AK’s normal gas tube with a length of 1913 Picatinny rail.

This is one of the lowest mounting solutions for an AK — a big perk when it comes to achieving a comfortable aim. In most cases, you won’t need to add a cheek riser with this mounting system. In fact, depending on the optic you use, you can even lower 1/3 co-witness your scope with an AK’s built-in iron sights.

It’s important to note that the Ultimak Scout Rail tends to get pretty hot as you shoot, and this can damage some lower-end optics. However, the Aimpoint Micro T-2 is a great optic for this mount, since it’s temperature-rated up to 160 degrees.

How to Choose the Best AK Optic

Buying an optic for your AK isn’t the same as buying one for an AR, a pistol, or even a classic hunting rifle. There are unique factors to consider with the AK platform as well as factors everyone should consider when buying any firearm accessory.

While you’re shopping, you might come across some terminology that sounds great — but what does it really mean? Here are some important ideas to think about in your search for the best AK optic.

Red Dots vs. Rifle Scopes

Optics come in several shapes and sizes, but for the most part, you’re looking at a red dot sight, a scope, or a prism optic for your AK rifle. While either one can serve you well, they accomplish different goals.

  • Red Dots: Often more compact and lightweight, a red dot sight can be easier to mount to your AK without adding extra weight or bulk. These optics typically use a simple reticle (such as a red dot) to allow for quick and easy target acquisition. For this reason they’re often great for self-defense and close-range shooting. However, if you are looking for more magnification to make longer-range shots, a red dot isn’t the answer.
  • Scopes: A scope has the added benefit of increased magnification. Rifle scopes are designed for longer range shots and often include more complex reticles with crosshairs and bullet drop compensation marks. Some even come with windage and elevation knobs. However, all of this comes at the cost of extra weight and bulk, which can imbalance your rifle. In any case, AKs don’t shoot that far anyway, so a high-powered, heavy scope usually isn’t necessary.
  • Prism Optics: Prisms are a great in-between option for AKs. These optics use a glass prism to refract light to create a visible, slightly magnified image on the glass. This design is perfect for mid-range and close-range shooting. Often, these optics use a fixed reticle, which is etched directly into the glass itself, making them less vulnerable to recoil and impact damage. This durability also makes the prism optic an ideal accessory for the notoriously durable AK-47.

Durability

Good optics aren’t cheap. You’re going to be spending a few hundred dollars on any AK optic that’s worth using. If that’s the case, you want to make sure it’s built with quality materials and that it’s durable enough to last for a long time.

Plus, if you’re using your AK for self defense or hunting, you have no idea what situation you might find yourself in. The good thing about AKs is that they can basically be dragged through mud, dirt, sand, and the rest of creation — and they still fire. You want an optic that can keep up with that kind of toughness.

Weight

This mostly applies to optics with more magnification features (e.g. high magnification scopes, LPVOs, etc.). The added weight of the large objective lenses as well as any internal components or mechanisms create extra weight that rests directly on the mounting system and receiver. This puts more stress on your rifle, and over time, this can wear down the key components of your rifle.

More importantly, that extra weight can also put your rifle off balance, making it much harder to acquire your target and maintain a steady sight picture. If you can’t keep your eye on the target, what’s the point of having an optic? In a self-defense situation, this imbalance can make your AK harder to maneuver as well — bad news when you’re trying to stop an attacker in your underwear.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t put a nice scope on your AK. With the right mounting system, you can compensate for this reasonably well. But it’s worth considering the weight of the mounting system and the optic you’re choosing as well as your shooting goals to balance magnification power, stability, and maneuverability with your AK.

Read the Reviews

Lastly, there are some qualities that simply can’t be determined from the specs alone. No optic manufacturer is going to say, “This optic has a pretty durable construction, but our glass kind of sucks.” They’re just going to tell you the good stuff and avoid mentioning the bad.

Short of buying every optic and testing it for yourself, the only way to get the dirt on each product is to read the reviews. Look at what real buyers are saying about each topic, especially from people who use their AK for the same reasons you do. Their reviews might reveal problems or advantages that you didn’t realize regarding things like attachment style, heat resistance, glass quality, stability, durability, etc.

The Best AK Optics of 2024

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite optics for the AK platform. Remember that we’re dealing with AKs here. They’re not the most effective rifle past a few hundred yards. So, we’re not looking for precision optics that let you reach out and touch a target at 1000 yards. For the most part, the maximum magnification we need to worry about with an AK is about 3x, so we’re going to talk mainly about red dots and prisms here.

Aimpoint Micro T-2

If you’re looking for one of the best choices for an AK-47 optic, the Aimpoint Micro T-2 is a safe bet. Aimpoint basically invented the red dot optic in 1975, and they’ve only been improving on their designs ever since. The Aimpoint’s closed-emitter design means that you don’t need to worry about dust or debris mucking up your dot and making your optic useless.

The Aimpoint T-2 is also super rugged, and it’s one of the only optics on this list that can stand up to the heat of an Ultimak Scout Rail. If that’s not your jam, RS Regulate also makes an upper mount designed specifically for the Micro T-2’s footprint.

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: Red Dot, 2 MOA
  • Size: 3.1” L x 1.8” W x 1.9” H
  • Weight: 4.6 oz
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Night Vision Compatible: Yes
  • Material Housing: High Strength Aluminum
  • Battery Life: 50,000 h at daylight setting 8 (15,000 Lux, room temperature)
  • Submersible to 80 feet

What Real Users Say

The Aimpoint Micro T-2 is praised for many reasons, most notable of which are its accuracy, clear glass, battery life, and durability. Some users also like its compact size which makes it lighter and less noticeable when mounted to an AK.

However, while the battery life is quite impressive, the battery type (CR2032, 3V, Lithium) can be somewhat difficult to find. Others may not like the simplicity of this optic, specifically the lack of an automatic shutoff feature (often found in other aimpoint products). At the same time, this simplicity also contributes to its durability — with less moving parts, there’s less to break.

Here are some reviews:

“Great optic. Does everything I need it too. The battery life is second to none and the crystal clear dot makes shooting easy as can be. Use it on my duty rifle and have had no issues yet. I recommend this dot to friends a lot.” - Nicholas D.
“There are two things that I wish were different. First, I really wish that there were more intensity adjustment choices between 7 and 8. Under sunny conditions, 7 can be challenging to readily see, while 8 is prominent to the point of being almost distracting. Second, I would enjoy a larger ocular lens in order to accelerate initial alignment.” - Kirk A.

Pricing

This optic is a bit pricey, but you certainly get what you pay for in terms of reliability. Most outlets sell the Micro T-2 for north of $800 USD, depending on the specific mount type you choose.

EoTech HWS EXPS2

There’s plenty to like about the iconic EoTech EXPS2. It’s got big windows, clear glass, and it’s basically bomb-proof. The HWS EXPS2 minimizes the amount of rail space you need to mount it by utilizing a tiny footprint. It features a 1,000 hour battery life, so you won’t need to worry about the dot going out anytime soon. Plus, if you really want to reach out and touch a target that’s far away, you can add a G43 magnifier to get either 3x or 5x zoom.

The only downside to adding an EXPS2 to your AK is that RS Regulate doesn’t make a specific upper mount for its footprint. You’ll need to use a 1913 Picatinny rail upper, which leads to quite a bit of height over bore. You’ll also need to add a cheek riser to the buttstock of your AK to get a proper cheek weld.

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: 68 MOA ring with (1 or 2) MOA red dot (center)
  • Size: 3.8" L x 2.3" W x 2.9" H
  • Weight: 11.2 oz
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Night Vision Compatible: No
  • Material Housing: Hardcoat anodized aluminum
  • Battery Life: 1,000 continuous hours (at nominal setting 12 at room temperature)
  • Water resistant at 10ft. Depth
  • Shatter-resistant, anti-glare viewing window

What Real Users Say

Regardless of what you buy from EoTech, you know you’re getting a high quality product. Users praise the EXPS2 for its ease of installation as well as its incredibly clear glass and reticle illumination. Reviews also attest to its extreme durability across the board. In some cases, users report that this optic is perfect for people who typically have visual issues with red dots.

One reviewer says, “I’ve tried nearly every optic on the market and this is the best one! Its dot and circle combination makes for extremely fast target acquisition and accuracy. It allows one to also acquire shots when at [angles], not totally lined up, which is needed in real life scenarios.” (Konata)

At the same time, some people have reported instances of sloppy manufacturing (something quite uncharacteristic of EoTech). Others have said the optic might be slightly out of spec with iron sights on some sporting rifles, but these reports vary. Overall, the EoTech has very high ratings from just about everyone.

Pricing

This EoTech is somewhat expensive, but not as expensive as some other optics on this list. You can probably get this optic for somewhere between $600 and $700 USD. For the quality it boasts, that’s not a bad deal.

Vortex Optics StrikeFire II Red Dot

When searching for optics, sometimes you find those real gems that offer a bit more than you pay for. That’s the case with the Vortex StrikeFire II: a decently priced, high-quality red-dot optic well-suited for the AK platform.

Perhaps the first noticeable trait is the large objective lens, which provides a broad field of view to better situational awareness and target acquisition. Likewise, multi-coated lenses improve visibility by reducing lens flare. All this works to provide a crisp,clear picture in various lighting conditions.

The Vortex StrikeFire II features green/red-dot or red-dot-only configurations and includes an auto shut-off function to conserve battery life. Known for its durability, this shockproof optic withstands harsh environments and heavy recoil. Plus, it's backed by a lifetime warranty, which is hard to beat.

A standout feature for AK users is the included cantilever mount, allowing for a lower 1/3 co-witness with iron sights, making efficient use of the AK’s limited rail space. This also allows for quick switching between optic and iron sights when needed.

Specs & Features

  • Magnification: 1x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Color: Red/Green
  • Dot Size: 4 MOA
  • Mount Type: Lower 1/3 Co-Witness Cantilever
  • Length: 5.6 inches
  • Height: 1.45 inches
  • Weight: 7.2 oz
  • Multi-coated lenses
  • Shockproof

What Real Users Say

Users universally praise the ease of use, durability, and mounting options for this optic. However, the price is what makes all of these high-quality features that much more valuable. It’s hard to find an optic like this at such a decent price.

“For a red dot, at this price you can't beat it. Plain and simple. You don’t need a $700 eotech on your civilian rifle that you just take out the range here and there but for the money this a great optic. Glass is clear and it holds a zero like any other. Dot brightness is adjustable and can be clearly seen in even a blazing hot, bright sunny day.” - Ronaldo Lopez
“The true merit of this sight lies in its performance. The clarity provided by the StrikeFire II is unparalleled, allowing for a crystal clear view of my target. Whether at the range or in the field, every detail is distinctly visible, enhancing my accuracy and confidence with every shot.” - David Dock

Pricing

If you haven’t heard it enough, this optic is excellently priced. It’s much more affordable than you would ever expect from an optic of this quality. You should be able to find a Vortex StrikeFire II for around $200.

Axion Kobra EKP-1S-03

If you’re trying to create an AK that actual Combloc commandos would use, you can’t go wrong with a Kobra optic. The Kobra is an actual honest-to-goodness Russian red dot optic/mount combo that you can attach to your AK’s side mount. In the states, they’re made by defense contractor Axion.

Besides the Russian-ness, there’s plenty to like about the Kobra. For one, they’re designed specifically to be used with AKs, which isn’t necessarily the case for other entries on this list. They’re battle-tested, too, and Russian troops have fielded them in conflicts since they started fighting Chechens in the ‘90s. It features four different reticles that an operator can scroll through at the touch of a button. On the downside, the window is only as big as a pistol red dot. Its design also features an open emitter, so dust or mud can sometimes obscure the dot. Some users also complain about the quality overall.

On another note, there’s a decent chance that when you order this, the instructions may be entirely in Russian. Желаю тебе удачи!

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: 1.8 MOA, Red Dot, (4 reticle options)
  • Size: 5.66” L x 2.6” W x 5.66” H
  • Weight: 14.46 oz
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Night Vision Compatible: Yes
  • Material Housing: Impact resistant aluminum alloy and steel
  • Battery Life: 70 hours at medium brightness
  • 16-level digital brightness adjustment

What Real Users Say

For the most part, users report that the Kobra works just fine, even when exposed to cold weather for long periods. Expect nothing less from a Russian optic. Otherwise, people agree that it’s durable as hell and remarkably steady. Once zeroed, users say this optic should hold its position for years.

The authenticity is the main point of praise here. One user says: “I purchased this holographic because I wanted to get an Eastern optic for my first AKM. It fits the rifle like a glove. It’s very nice and light as well. The glass is good quality and although this optic costs a little more than what one might want to pay for it, you are getting a very unique Russian AK optic that is not commonly found.” (Tbone)

However, the real complaint with the Kobra isn’t the design — most say it’s a great optic. The fact is, there are simply better options you can get for the same amount of money (and with more battery life). The real reason many buy this optic is because it’s somewhat of a novelty and it achieves a certain style for your AK.

Pricing

Prices for the Kobra EKP-1S-03 vary widely, and at times, it may be difficult to find. If you do find an authentic listing for a factory-new Kobra, you’ll likely pay upwards of $550 USD for it. While not the cheapest on the market, it isn’t the most expensive either.

Trijicon ACOG TA50

Thanks to Call of Duty, the Trijicon ACOG is one of the most iconic weapon sights on the market today. Anyone who served in an infantry unit during the GWOT will also instantly be familiar with the design. In fact, Trijicon ACOGs are still used by the Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Forces today.

The ACOG (short for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) has some huge advantages over other scopes. For one, it’s a prism optic that uses a tritium/fiber optic combo to illuminate its reticle. That means it does not require a battery to run, eliminating one huge point of failure for many gunsights. Instead, the fiber optic reticle adjusts brightness automatically based on light conditions. In extremely low-light, the tritium insert takes over to still illuminate the reticle.

Its glass clarity is great, and its lenses work to maximize the amount of ambient light to give you a crystal clear picture. RS Regulate even makes an ACOG-specific upper mount, which will give you the lowest possible mounting option for your AK.

Specifically, we recommend the Trijicon Acog TA50 3x24 with a 7.62x39 reticle because of its housing height and reticle style which are ideal for AKs.

rifle optics
TRIJICON ACOG 3X24 LOW HS/DOT AK

Trijicon Acog 3X24 Low Hs/Dot Ak

$1,430.00
Trijicon

view product

Prices accurate at time of writing

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: Horseshoe with 2 MOA red dot (center)
  • Size: 5.0” L x 1.8” H x 2.1” W
  • Weight: 6.1 oz
  • Eye Relief: 1.4 inches
  • Night Vision Compatible: Yes
  • Material Housing: Rugged aluminum-alloy
  • Battery Life: No Battery Required
  • Magnification: 3x
  • Waterproof/Anti-fog design
  • Shock resistant against recoil (everything from .22 LR to .50 BMG)

What Real Users Say

In addition to the crystal clear glass, users also enjoy the reticle design, bright illumination, and balanced magnification of this Trijicon ACOG. This combo makes it great for quick target acquisition and medium-range shots. Reviews confirm that the low profile design does in fact work well with AKs. Some even report it’s great for people with astigmatism.

While many say the price is a bit hard to swallow, one user reports, “the joy of good quality far outlasts the joy of saved money.” That person isn’t alone, either. Lots of people agree that Trijicon ACOGs are totally worth the money.

Another user reports: “This model has very good eye relief and a wide field of view, critical for self defense use or hunting. The magnification provides just enough power to clearly identify a target at normal engagement distances within 3-400 meters without sacrificing field of view. Lightweight enough to mount on an AK pattern rifle with a low profile mount, or a 762x39 AR pistol for hunting hogs. The etched glass reticle is also the best choice for anyone with astigmatism…” (Uncle Buck)

Pricing

As we’ve discussed, this optic is pretty darn expensive. Of course, there are pricier models out there, but the Trijicon ACOG certainly isn’t a budget option. Most places sell this sweet optic for right around $1000 USD — and for good reason. If you decide to bite the bullet on buying this optic, you won’t be disappointed with its performance, and you’ll probably have it forever.

Trijicon RMR

The Trijicon RMR is a tough little reflex sight that happens to pair perfectly with the AK (given you’re using the RS Regulate RMR Upper Mount). The name RMR stands for Ruggedized Miniature Reflex, and just like the AK, it's built to withstand harsh conditions. Trijicon even designed the housing to deflect impact away from the lens, ensuring longevity and consistent performance even in the roughest situations. If that’s not enough, it’s also waterproof up to 20 meters (66 feet).

One of the standout features of the RMR is its clear, crisp red dot, which makes for quick target acquisition. Plus, the highly adjustable brightness and illumination settings allow for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. It even has an auto-brightness feature that changes a reticle’s brightness depending on ambient light conditions.

While the viewing window is a bit smaller than the Trijicon SRO, it’s just as durable with a longer battery life. In fact, the RMR boasts enhanced electronics and battery conservation features as part of Trijicon’s commitment to durable design.

If you're planning on taking your AK on some serious adventures, the RMR is a stellar choice for a dedicated optic.

Specs & Features

  • Dimensions: 1.8 in x 1.1 in x 1 in (45.72mm x 27.94mm x 25.4mm)
  • Weight: 1.2 oz. (34.02g)
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 16mm
  • Reticle Pattern: 3.25 MOA Dot
  • Reticle Color: Red
  • Illumination Source: LED
  • Power Source: 1 CR2032 Lithium Battery
  • Battery Life: 4+ years of continuous use (with some exceptions).
  • Housing Material: Forged Aluminum
  • Finish: Matte Black

What Real Users Say

The Trijicon RMR is consistently praised in reviews for its distinct ruggedness, clarity, and long battery life, which we’ve covered. Users also attest to the fact that the RMR is compatible with certain night vision modes, and can easily mount on multiple platforms. Its proven performance has made it very popular among military, law enforcement and civilian shooters.

Here are a couple of reviews:

“I’ve had a couple Holosun RDS and I have to say they are great sights especially for the money. But this RMR is a different beast. Right out of the box you can feel the quality when you remove it from its oversized plastic case. The window is plenty big enough and the glass is wonderful quality.” (KRP132)
“On a rifle that generates a lot of heat (especially where this is [mounted]), it’s excellent at resisting that and just dealing with what comes in the package of an AK…” ( Regular Guy Training)

Pricing

Like most Trijicon optics, you’re looking at a premium product. While this is a great optic all around, some might find it hard to justify the $500 to $700 price tag for a tiny red dot that easily fits in the palm of your hand. But as with most excellent optics you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a solid investment in an accessory that won’t let you down, this is still a great pick.

In other words, there are cheaper options — but there are also cheaper hobbies.

Holosun HS507C X2

Although it’s not the kind of thing you’d usually see mounted on an AR-pattern gun, pistol red dots are actually fairly common in the AK world. AKs are already fairly heavy guns, since they rely mainly on metal in their fabrication (in contrast to the “tupperware” AR). Using a pistol red dot helps cut back on weight while still giving an AK shooter something to use other than iron sights.

The Holosun HS507C X2 has the same footprint as Trijicon’s RMR, making it a more affordable option for those who aren’t trying to sell a kidney for a pistol optic. It’s also lightweight with an incredible battery life, making it valuable for several reasons.

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle (red dot)
  • Size: 1.78” L x 1.15” W x 1.15” H
  • Weight: 1.5 oz
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Night Vision Compatible: Yes
  • Material Housing: 7075 T6 Aluminum
  • Battery Life: 50,000 hours on setting 6
  • Auto-dimming/Shake Awake (motion activated) technology
  • Backup solar power source

What Real Users Say

Above all, most users enjoy getting this high-quality optic for a pretty low price. Considering how well this optic performs, it’s a fantastic value. On top of that, plenty of users appreciate the long lasting battery and backup solar power source as well, which isn’t common for optics at this price.

One common complaint with this Holosun optic concerns its size. It’s certainly the smallest optic on this list, which is to be expected from a pistol optic. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t work just fine on an AK (it may even be preferable, depending on your shooting goals).

One reviewer states, “Holosun HS507C-X2 1x 2 MOA Dot Reflex Red Dot Sight in my opinion is the best sight on the market. The green circle makes target accusation fast.” (WM Price)

Pricing

The Holosun HS507C is certainly a great optic for budget-conscious AK shooters. Most places have this optic for around $300 USD, making it one of the cheapest optics on this list.

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm

While we don’t normally recommend magnified scopes for AKs, this LPVO from Primary Arms is the exception. If you’re going to mount a scope to your AK, the SLx 1-6x24mm is one of your best options for hunting and target practice.

This lightweight, durable LPVO scope features Primary Arms’ patented Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) reticle. The ACSS reticle design brings bullet drop compensation, wind holds, moving target leads, and range estimation all together into a sighting system that’s easy for new users to pick up on. With this LPVO, you get the best of both worlds — that means fast and accurate target acquisition from 0-800 yards. What’s more, the SFP ensures the reticle maintains its size at all magnification levels.

Specs & Features

  • Reticle Type: ACSS reticle, SFP, Illuminated
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Length: 10 inches (254mm)
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
  • Weight: 16.9 Oz
  • Eye Relief: Low: 3.50 in / High: 3.30 in
  • Night Vision Compatible: No
  • Material Housing: Hardcoat anodized aluminum
  • Zoom: 1-6x

What Real Users Say

Reviews for the SLx1-6x24mm are almost unanimously positive. Across the board, users love the level of quality and versatility they get from this LPVO for the cost. Specifically, users say the ACSS reticle design allows for more accurate shots at a distance. Here are a few reviews:

“Took it to a 4-night rifle class. Amazing results! Hitting steel at 400 yards, head shots at 50. Good eye relief for fast target acquisition. I'm near-sighted and keep the power at 3x most of the time. Scope is awesome.” - John
“This optic was money well spent. The glass clarity is on par or better than optics with much higher price points. The lighting is definitely daylight bright as advertised. The ACSS Aurora reticle is amazing and extremely accurate. Didn't take much to get it sighted in at 100yds as recommended. and it has held zero spot on through several hundred rounds. Would definitely recommend this optic to anyone looking for an LPVO that won't break the bank. My only complaint which isn't really a big deal to me is the flip caps could fit a bit more snug. They rotated on me while doing drills and ended up blocking my backup irons.” - Justin

However, some also report that it isn’t as durable as you might expect. Others say the brightness of the optic starts to decrease dramatically at 6x, muddling colors as well.

Pricing

This LPVO from Primary Arms is a total steal for the quality it offers. Some might even call it the best budget LPVO — and they may not be wrong. Most outlets offer this optic for $350 or less, depending on where you look.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, you have no shortage of options when it comes to mounting an optic on your AK-47 or other AK-variant rifle. Optics are a great way to vastly improve your rifle’s accuracy and make nailing follow-up shots a breeze.

To choose the right optic for your AK, be sure to pay attention to both the mounting system and the optic itself. Double-check that they’re truly compatible and make sure to pick a combo that allows you great balance for an affordable price.

If you’re in the market for ammo or accessories for your AK, you’ve come to the right place. Pro Armory offers a great selection of both to get you ready for any situation. Be sure to pick up 7.62x39 ammo (and grab some Russian-made Wolf before it’s gone forever)!

Regardless of your skill level, our team of veterans and firearms enthusiasts are available to help you find the best equipment for your shooting goals. Browse Pro Armory’s selection of ammo, accessories, and optics for your AK today.