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Scopes are a great addition to any gun, seeing they improve range and versatility. Here we will discuss the 10 best AK-47 scopes optics because the AK rifle is not the most precise gun for situational awareness. Although it has become one of the most powerful and deadly weapons today because of its ruggedness, simplistic design, power, and low-cost point, the AK rifle is characterized by poor accuracy. That is, shooters will find it difficult to make repeated, dependably precise shots. They are more dependable in close-range combat than long-rage usage.
Therefore, the AK rifle scope’s optics are necessary because of this shortcoming. If you pair the right scope rail mount with– and the best optics for your AK, the issue of poor accuracy would be alleviated to a minimum degree; this way, you will make a significant difference from using a bare rifle. Consequently, you will get a better result with your AK.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best AK-47 scopes optics, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best AK-47 Scopes Optics
There are several AK-47 scopes optics available, listed below are our top ten choices. The aim is that by the time you have read through, you will be able to make an informed decision that will give you the experience you have long desired for your outfield engagements with your rifle.
10 Best AK-47 Scopes Optics (Ranked And Reviewed)
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
3.8 x 2.1 x 2.5 Inches
-
Weight:
226.79 g
The EOTech XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight is one of the most convenient from EoTech for shooters. It is designed to keep optimum function even in rugged and hostile light conditions or environments. Also comes with its water-resistant ability which supports deep as 10 feet. It makes use of a CR123 battery which gives 1000 continuous hours. Although no peripheral vision is compatible, its multiple brightness settings are top-notch. Among the holographic sights, this is one that makes it possible to keep both eyes open while shooting.
It also offers you quick adjustability with 100 percent precision. The Eotech XPS-2 gives you a clear view irrespective of your position. Its outer ring also makes it very fast to hit targets at close ranges and offers you the required precision necessary for distant shots. The 1 MOA dot covers 1 inch of your target when aiming at 100 yards. The EoTech XPS-2 provides you with unlimited eye relief.
Positive
- The outer ring makes it easy to pick out close-range targets
- Ability to use with both eyes open
- Wide field of view
- Parallax free
- Unlimited eye relief
- Crystal clear optics
- Seems to be fairly rugged
- Advanced objective lens system for better light transmission and unmatched optical clarity
- 2 MOA dot with 12 brightness settings
Negatives
- The newly introduced CR123 battery is considered expensive and difficult to find
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
5 x 5 x 3 Inches
-
Weight:
0.45 Pounds
The Aimpoint Micro T-2 is commonly sought for its excellent battery life and accuracy. It is ideal for use on rifles, shotguns, and carbines. Its features include an advanced objective lens that reduces parallax error, providing better light transmission and unmatched quality optic clarity with its 2 MOA dot, 4-night vision compatible settings, and 8 Daylight brightness settings. Its CR-2032 battery provides up to 50,000 hours of continuous use which is equal to 5 years.
The Aimpoint Micro T-2 has much more to offer than durability. Its sturdy design makes it possible for you to use it in any lighting condition. Hard-anodized aluminum alloy casing, recessed lenses, and flip-up lens covers help protect both electronic and excellent optic components from rough handling and harsh conditions. With the additional water-resistant ability, it is submersible up to 82 fêtes deep. Lastly, it comes with a standard mount which makes it easier to set up and use.
Positive
- Excellent battery life
- Flip lens cover
- Little or no parallax error
Negatives
- Complaints about some counterfeit products
3. UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scopes
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
9.85 x 3.35 x 3.94 Inches
-
Weight:
0.87 Pounds
With the UTG 3-9×32 Bug Buster, You can always get the perfect aim with its lock feature. This gives an edge over other red dot sights. Its dual red and green dot illumination provides a versatile shooter with more efficient use of sight in different environments and conditions of light. The UTG 3-9×32 Bug Buster scope is sealed and nitrogen-filled, built with sturdy materials, and has a solid design that can withstand shock, water, and other elements that helps it maintain a good performance in very unfitting conditions. This of course is responsible for its durability and reliability. It features a 2″ Sunshade, High-Quality Flip-open Lens Caps, and Quick-detachable Rings.
Well-designed and installed target turrets enable smooth, consistent, and precise changes in windage knobs and elevation. Its locking and re-setting functions secure and support the type of optic most important parts for proper zeroing. It gives a free view of the Parallax from 3 yards and above. Lastly, the low price of the UTG scope makes it a very attractive and accurate scope for people on a budget or as a second replacement scope.
Positive
- Well built and durable hunting scope
- Clear optics
- User-friendly adjustable objective and magnification sorting
- Fair price
Negatives
- Complaints of a misaligned reticle
- Limited eye relief
- Crosshairs get fuzzy at high-intensity brightness settings
4. Meprolight ML62631 Mepro M21 5.5 MOA
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
4.5 x 2 x 2.75 Inches
-
Weight:
0.85 Pounds
Like any other Meprolight product, the Meprolight M21 is designed to provide fast and quick target acquisition with both eyes. This is enabled by its 30 mm diameter lens which also offers a wide field of view. Its zeroing method allows you to also aim and shoot wide range accurately. The Mepro M21 provides Self-illuminated Night optical sight, making use of a tritium light source, hence eliminating the need for batteries and a fiber optic collector system during the day. With the instant and automatic switch between the two illumination systems, it is easier to use in different lighting conditions. The Mepro M21 is a reliable choice that is designed for years of operation under different environmental conditions. It is water, fog, and shockproof, suitable for all kinds of military use in hostile regions.
Positive
- Quick aim and shoot
- Large field of view
- Easy to mount
- Environmental conditions durable
- Environmental No batteries needed for activity conditions durable
Negatives
- Low-quality brightness
- Poor clarity for some shooters
5. Crimson Trace CMR-204 Rail Master Pro Universal Green Laser & Tactical Light, Green Laser Sight
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
2 x 1.25 x 1.25 Inches
-
Weight:
0.01 Pounds
The Crimson CMR-204 features a 5mW peak, 515-532nm, Class 3R visible green laser that ensures accuracy in the most crucial periods. It also features a bright flashlight of 100 Lumen white light to provide easy target identification and is also helpful in dark situations. It uses a single CR2 Lithium battery which provides up to 2 hours if used continuously. It is designed to conserve the battery life after five minutes with Tap On, Tap Off controls, and a programmed Auto Shut. It is easy to install and also adjust, however, requires to be fixed with care. The CMR-204 works well with both long guns and handguns. It is a versatile purchase that can be used with multiple guns. If you are a shooter looking for a light/laser combo that can be attached to varieties, then the Crimson CMR-204 is perfect for you.
Positive
- Easy to install
- Easy adjustment for accuracy
- Little or no additional weight
- Instant laser activation
- Free batteries for life
Negatives
- Poor design
- Weak adjustment screw
- Laser only
6. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-Inch Tube Riflescopes
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
14 x 3 x 3 Inches
-
Weight:
0.85 Pounds
The Vortex Crossfire is an extremely versatile scope with awesome features. Designed for convenience with good features like elevation adjustment knob, objective lens, windage knobs, magnification adjustment ring, and fast focus eyepiece reticle focus. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing. The Vortex Crossfire II riflescope is one of many variables in the Crossfire II line. The illuminated crosshair reticle works well and is good for hunting/shooting at the effective range where estimating holdover is a concern. The Vortex Crossfire II has an eye relief of only 3.9, which is a good one but might experience some difficulties with higher magnification.
So if you’re looking for a scout style, you might want to purchase one with better eye relief. However, for its price, it offers a standard eye relief. It doesn’t come with flip-up covers but comes with the two-piece removable covers attached. However, flip covers could be purchased separately to protect the Optics as it would increase its longevity. With the single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade Aluminum, it assures strength and good shockproof performance. The Crossfire II delivers waterproof and fog-proof performance meaning you wouldn’t have to worry about uncertain weather conditions when hunting.
Positive
- Easy to mount
- Budget-friendly
- Zero resettable turrets
- Tough and durable
Negatives
- No flip covers
- Low image quality at higher magnification
- Few complaints about the crosshair reticle
7. Leupold VX Freedom 3-9x40mm With Duplex Reticle and Matte Finish
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
14 x 3.4 x 3 Inches
-
Weight:
1.2 Pounds
The VX-Freedom uses new and improved features, offers the iconic Leupold efficiency and dependability that hunters and shooters have demanded for decades. With good optics, it gives excellent precision. It features a twilight light management system that delivers you brightness and clarity by balancing light transmission, glare reductions, image contrast, and resolution. This mechanism also helps conserve battery when you are out long in the field. It provides a degree of durability and toughness from its outer lens surface which is scratch-resistant to its rough nature, being waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof, which gives it an advantage over others.
The VX freedom 3-9×40 has an amazing ability to work in low-light situations and uses a zoom feature that is easy to operate. It is recommended for anyone looking for an excellent glass at a budget price. The scope mount offers a good optic for the price compared to other products and it also offers a good warranty.
Positive
- Durability
- Affordable
- Good eye relief
- Easy-adjust features
- Clear optics
- Lightweight
Negatives
- No firedot version
- Not suitable for long-distance
- Few complaints about the reticle
8. Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP-ARC-2-MOA
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
13 x 3.6 x 3.1 Inches
-
Weight:
690 g
The primary arms 4-14×44 is a first focal plane long-range riflescope that is designed to provide you with all features you need for an effective and exciting hunt. The Primary Arms 4-14×44 riflescope features an optimized MOA reticle that stays true through the scope’s entire magnification range of 4x through 14x. 0.25 MOA click adjustments match the reticle to make sighting in and adjusting for range easily. This scope offers you unlimited eye relief that protects you from recoil. It also features side-mounted parallax adjustment windage knobs that keep the reticle parallax free and the target image sharp.
The scope illuminates the reticle in broad daylight and gives bright images. This function has different settings, and with each turn, there are noticeable clicks, and you can switch in low light or bright sunshine for optimum visibility. The Primary arms SLX Riflescope is quite tough and durable. It is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant meaning it can withstand harsh environmental conditions. The scope is powered by a CR2032 battery.
Positive
- Excellent budget
- Magnification is easy to manipulate
- Eye relief
- Clear glass
Negatives
- A bit heavy for some shooters
- No flip covers
9. Hi-Lux Optics CMR Series 1-4x24mm Close-Medium Range Tactical Riflescope with Green Illuminated Special CMR-AK Ranging Glass Reticle, Matte Black
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
11.2 x 3 x 3 Inches
-
Weight:
1.03 Pounds
The Hi-Lux Optics CMR-AK scope mount has a reticle that combines the illuminated center circle and mark, plus a set of brackets to easily get on target and know the range when a shot or shots have to be taken immediately. It is the rifle dynamics that you need when the shooting situation gets close and personal. It gives you a good bright reticle, an extremely clear picture, robust construction, and very simple zero adjustments. Another great feature of this scope is the “Zero Locking Device” Hi-Lux Optics, which enables winding and elevation alignments to be locked in place, with just as little change to adjust the setting to long-range shooting conditions or range-then being able to precisely stick to the previous setting.
It is designed to shoot tactically and recreationally. It also comes with completely multi-coated, water-proof, shock-proof, and fog-proof lenses. The optical output is the highest in its price range, easily. The distortion of the lens is not apparent, so there is no problem with chromatic aberration or fringing of color. It is generally acknowledged that the CMR illuminated has greater resolution and consistency than some of the 1-4x scopes which are double the price. The CMR is quite light and doesn’t add any extra weight to the rifle. It also comes with a front and rear sight block flip cover, this helps to protect your AK-47 Scope optics extending your time of use.
Positive
- Illuminated reptile
- Multi-coated lenses
- Clear optics
- Reasonable price
- Durability
- Generous eye relief
Negatives
- Considered to be a little heavy
- Limited field of view
10. Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Matte Bullet Drop Compensator 600
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
12.4 x 3 x 3 Inches
-
Weight:
1.06 Pounds
The Nikon P-Tactical provides you with the features you need to improve your long-range shooting. It comes with an integrated Ballistic Match Technology that claims incomparable long-range precision. The Nikon P-Tactical scope is an efficient, variable Rifle scope zoom that delivers the best long-range shooting accuracy. This particular riflescope has a thick lens that can provide amazing viewing speeds, and with efficient light transmitting capabilities, this product is ideal for anything close to the shooting range and hunting tree stands.
For complete durability against thermal shock, it is O-ring sealed and also nitrogen-purged which prevents moisture from entering the body. It is also shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof. The lack of protection, however, raises concerns from some users.
After sighting in, the Nikon P-Tactical allows you to reset the Spring-loaded winding and brightness knob to “zero” for quick reference while making field changes.
Positive
- Easy to install and use
- Multi-coated optics
- Crystal clear optics
- Eye relief
- Good money value
Negatives
- Not too suitable for long-range
- Complaints about misaligned turrets
What To Consider While Buying The Best AK-47 Scopes Optics?
Choosing a scope can be intimidating because, amongst other reasons, it is essential to choose one that is best for your rifle. Also, the expensive price generally is a factor that may put you under the pressure of making the right decision on the first go. Especially if you are new to this terrain, you may get confused with all the jargons used to describe the various models out there. I will simplify things for you. The four major things you should consider when choosing your AK-47 scope’s optics are thus concisely discussed.
Reason for Use
The common reasons for using an AK-47 are combat, long-range, short-range, and competition. Hence, the reason for use plays a huge role in your choice because some serve a purpose better than others. For instance, if the reason is for long-range usage, you would want to consider the magnification capabilities. A scope with more ruggedness will be more appropriate for combat purposes than for long-range shooting pleasure.
Accuracy
The whole reason you’re getting a scope in the first place is because of precision and accuracy. The primary purpose of an optical is its ability to magnify long distant targets so that you can make your shot with improved accuracy and confidence.
Magnification
This is a factor that allows you to see your target even in long distant situations. Magnification capability is, perhaps, the top of the list of considerations for choosing a scope for long-range engagements. This is so because the farther you see, the better shot you can make on your faraway target. You should also know though that the higher the magnification, so also is the price. They are directly proportional.
Weight and Size
AK-47 may boast of low price points but that is because they are made from inexpensive and heavy materials. Therefore, attaching a scope to your firearm adds more weight to an already incredibly heavy rifle. Hence, considering the weight and size of the scope is not a bad idea at all because those factors will play a role in your handling of the gun. Be that as it may, the weight and size factor should not be considered in and of itself. It is better to juxtapose your decision here with other factors. For example, scopes with larger tubes and objective lenses are better even though they also add weight to your scope.
FAQs
Who should buy these scopes?
Anyone who requires improved efficiency for his rifle should buy these scopes. There is no age or “person” restriction labelled for them. Although that implies the shooter must have come off age to handle or own a rifle. Yes, they differ in their technicalities, but it is nothing to worry about. You can simply learn and practice with them to sharpen your know-how.
Although a few are suggested for unisex youths and some mainly for males, many of the scopes are unisex for adults; fitting for both male and female use.
From personal experience, I have witnessed questions on “hands.” That is, some have asked if there were specific details that accords privileges to right-handed users than left-handed users and vice versa. Seeing that I am a right-handed person myself, I could not personally review. So, at this point, I’m going to take the words of left-handed reviewers to the bank. Judging from their reviews, both right-handed and left-handed folks can use these scopes.
Can an AK-47 be used as a sniper rifle with a scope?
In my opinion, why not? Although this choice is more like a makeshift sniper rifle should there be no other option. You could put a scope on an AK-47 and it would serve as a stopgap measure. However, there are cautions to be mindful of.
Ensure your rifle is in good condition with an excellent barrel, and firing in slow bursts of 1 or 2 rounds, then you are doing it right. The average AK-47 is a 200m – 300m weapon with a significant rate of fire, 7.62×39 rounds, and moderate recoil, which makes it powerful enough in its class.
Nevertheless, you do not want to use it as intended when you mount it. I found out that firing the AK 47 rifles in shots and bursts in semi-auto prevents the scope from zeroing in on its target; it would often suffer glass breakage and could melt as well.
Conclusion
The addition of scopes optics will breathe new life into your rifle. It will bring a new, exciting experience to using your AK. You get to enjoy improved accuracy as the best choice affects your magnification optics, accuracy, and versatility; thereby transforming your game to a whole new level. Ultimately, the best choice of AK-47 scopes optics is largely dependent on the shooter’s need. For instance, the Primary Arms is best for magnification. The desired effectiveness depends on your long-range shooting experience and the quality of your rifle dynamics.
Our Research Process
Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.
Author Profile
- Gabriel TackettGabriel Tackett
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
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