Not sure what scope to get for your AK47?
Look no further.
I’ve tested ALL the best AK47 scope (plus AK 47 red dot sights and scope mounts.)
By the end of this guide, you’ll find the perfect optic for your AK 47.
Let’s get started!
| Best AK-47 Scopes & Red Dot Sights | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Aimpoint PRO | Overall | $445 |
| Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 | LPVO | $290 |
| Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 | Budget | $70 |
| Vortex Venom | Red Dot | $250 |
Red Dot vs. Scope for AK-47
So many optics, so little time to choose the right one.
Between the red dot and riflescope, there’s several things to consider if you’re trying to choose the best optic for you.
So keep reading to find the one…
Technology
First off, let’s quickly go over what a red dot and riflescope are.
A red dot is an optic with a LED in the center.
They’re lightweight and simple to use. Plus, you can keep both eyes open while firing.
A riflescope is a magnified optic.
So you can zoom in on targets at a distance. Plus, you can switch it up and shoot short-range targets because these optics can easily do both.
Speed Test
Now comes the fun part: speed and distance comparison!
I tested both optics in my very own backyard test. The optics were each tested from 7 yards to 300 yards.
Overall, I wanted to see which optic was faster for each distance range.
And the results are in:
In the 7 to 50 yard range, the red dot outperformed the riflescope by just tenths of a second.
Which blew me away. I wasn’t expecting such a close finish.
But the riflescope had its day in the 100 yards and up range. It won by about 30 seconds against the red dot.
This doesn’t mean that one is much better than the other indefinitely.
In fact, riflescopes are designed to hit those long-range targets. Just as red dots perform better for short-range targets.
Reliability
So how reliable are red dots and riflescopes?
When it comes to a red dot, a big issue can be shooting with astigmatism or other problematic eye conditions.
For example, with astigmatism, your eyes will see the red dot as a blurry shape.
Obviously, this is a major problem and would make the red dot useless.
But what about riflescopes?
A big issue with scopes is the short-range target acquisition speed.
For example, magnified optics such as riflescopes take longer to aim for short-range targets.
Plus, a riflescope is heavier than a red dot.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve gone over the main points, here’s the best usage of each optic.
But do you want to know the truth? It all depends on your individual specifications.
So if you prefer shooting short-range from 0-50 yards, go for a red dot. If you ever want more magnification, add a magnifier and you’ll be all set.
Also, if you’re looking for an optic for home defense, the red dot is the best option. It’s lightweight and simple to use, so you’ll be much quicker on your feet.
But if you’d rather shoot close to long range from 100 yards and over, go for the riflescope.
It’s made for longer range distances, so the magnification already has you covered.
But the best optic is the one that works best for you, your lifestyle, and most importantly: your eyes.
With that said, let’s dive into the best AK-47 optics…
The Best AK 47 Scopes & Red Dot Sights
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best scope for AK-47:
- Aimpoint PRO: Best Optic for the AK-47
- Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24: Best Scope for under $500
- Bushnell Trophy TRS-25: Best for the Budget
- Vortex Venom: Best Red Dot Scope for AK-47
1. Aimpoint PRO: Best Optic for the AK-47
The Aimpoint PRO is the best red dot optic for the AK-47.
In fact, I have put 2,000 rounds through my Arsenal SAM7R with this optic and encountered no issues with quality and performance.
The Aimpoint PRO is a household name among recreational shooters, hunters, and police and military tactical personnel.
Interested to know why? Keep on reading…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass quality is fantastic: crystal clear with a slight blue tint.
The Aimpoint Pro uses reflex collimator technology with a 2 MOA LED dot for quick target acquisition.
It’s also compatible with a wide range of night vision devices.
The PRO comes with ten brightness settings. The first 4-7 settings are used for night vision. After that, the dot becomes visible to the naked eye allowing the optic to be used in broad daylight.
With this dot, I’ve found that it’s best to keep the brightness on the lowest setting you can tolerate for your shooting scenario because the brighter the dot, the more it bleeds in the dark.
Take note:
As awesome as the Aimpoint PRO is, red dots are known to be less favorable options for individuals with astigmatism. Holographic sights and perhaps even thermal scopes may work better.
This PRO comes with an impressive 30,000-hour battery life. With its “always-on” feature, you can leave the sight running for 3+ years.
I’ve had it for more than a year now and still haven’t swapped out batteries. I’ll always be ready to go even when something unexpected comes along.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Aimpoint PRO has unlimited eye relief, which is very handy when it comes to shooting rifles with heavy recoil.
This sight also has a wide field of view.
One minor setback: the eye box is narrow compared to its competitors.
Durability and Weight
The Aimpoint PRO is incredibly sturdy.
It measures 4.5” long and weighs 11.6 oz. with the mount, battery, lens cover, and spacer.
The PRO is one of the heavier options on the market but thanks to its compact dimensions, this sight is compatible with a wide range of rifles and firearms.
In fact: it mounts beautifully on my Ruger AR-556.
But don’t let the sophisticated matte black finish fool you. This optic is designed to withstand the harshest conditions and is completely waterproof up to 150 feet.
Nothing I did seemed to damage the Aimpoint PRO, including multiple range trips, bouncing around the seat of my truck, and the torture drop tests.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage turrets are reliable.
The clicks were a little weak, but when I switched from a screwdriver to a coin, I was able to feel them a lot better.
I tested the PRO on an indoor range at 50 yards and I was able to zero in within five rounds.
Even at 300 yards, I was shooting dead center no problem and I had no issues holding zero.
Parallax & Magnification
As with all Aimpoint products, the PRO comes with a 1x magnification.
Not to mention, it was easy to shoot with both eyes open, and the sight was parallax free.
The best part?
You can use the Aimpoint Pro with any magnifier of your choice. I used the Vortex Optics VMX-3T Magnifier with Built-in Flip Mount and it improved my long-range accuracy tremendously.
- The VMX-3T Magnifier and Flip Mount combo adds a 3x magnification to your rifle's red dot sight. Simple, fast, and effective, the push button design engages and disengages the flip mount allowing the...
- The lens are fully multi-coated maximizing resolution, light gathering capability, and color fidelity. Eye Relief-2.2 inches. Field of View-38.2 feet/100 yards
- The VMX-3T does not require any special sight-in. The dot centering screws can be used to help center your red dot image in the VMX-3T's field of view.
Mounting & Rings
The Aimpoint PRO is designed with a QRP2 adaptable mounting system. The installed riser is perfect for AR15, M4, and M16 rifles. It can also be easily lowered for a shotgun.
Personally, it’s one of the best scope mounts for AK-47 platforms. With the removal of a couple screws, I was able to set it up in less than 10 minutes.
This optic is also equipped with a torque-limiting knob. After you determine where the mount should be placed, just turn the knob three times and it will lock the optic to the rifle.
The PRO comes with battery and adjustment cap retainer straps, so you won’t have to worry about losing the caps, plus a transparent rear lens cover that protects from scratches.
Is the Aimpoint PRO worth it?
If you’re looking for a rugged and fast-action optic that’s worth every penny, get the Aimpoint PRO.
Why? It’s got:
- 1x magnification
- Unlimited eye relief
- Distortion-free lenses
- Accuracy and reliability
- 30,000-hour battery life
- Waterproof and shock-resistant build
- Co-witness ready right out of the box
To top it all off, Aimpoint PRO comes with a 10-year warranty. In case you pull the trigger on this optic, Aimpoint will repair or replace it for free.
Trust me when I tell you this: I’ve tried many red dots on the hunt for perfection. Without a doubt, the Aimpoint PRO is the complete package.
- Absolute co-witness with iron sights (with the supplied spacer installed)
- Features 2 MOA red dot for accurate target engagement
- Includes front and rear plastic flip cap lens covers
2. Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24: Best Scope for under $500
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is an inexpensive low power variable optic (LPVO) that outperforms all other competitors in its price grouping.
This scope has continued to impress me since the day I got it.
Here’s why the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is one of the best scopes you can purchase for under $500…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The clarity on the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is far better than I was expecting when I first purchased the scope.
Upon first inspection, I could tell I didn’t waste a cent on this purchase.
With clarity like this I was getting some of my best groupings to date with my Ruger 10/22.
In fact, I liked the SLX so much I even ended up buying another one for my AK setup, and even took it out hog hunting.
Primary Arms refers to the reticle as their ACSS 22LR reticle. I have found this scope to work exceptionally well on any firearm, not just my 10/22.
The reticle comes with bullet drop and wind markings. This has been very helpful while out at the range.
This scope never lets the weather get the best of it.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief on the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is roughly 3.5 inches. This has been perfectly comfortable so far with both my 22LR and AK setup.
Even with the more pronounced kick on the 7.62, the scope stays comfortably far from my face.
Durability
The durability on the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is top notch.
The scope is waterproof, fog resistant, and nitrogen filled. In addition, the scope has an impressive aluminum body with a great looking matte black finish.
The first time I picked up the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24, I felt very confident in it. I know this scope will last me for years with no issues.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The scope comes with a windage, elevation, and illumination knob.
I have found these turrets to work as well as scopes two times the price. The action is perfect and the sound gives me the reassurance that I am sighting the scope in properly.
The level of adjustment is just as I had hoped as well. The right amount of movement for each click, in my opinion.
Zeroing the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 was extremely easy. This is because of the great movement in the windage and elevation turrets.
To date I have had no issues losing a zero with the scope. I set the zero the first day I got my package in the mail and haven’t had to touch it since.
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is a scope that I never have to worry about. Always zeroed, always ready.
Parallax & Magnification
This scope starts at a magnification of 1X and goes up to 6X.
Primarily, I keep the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 at 6X. However, it is flawless anywhere along the spectrum.
This magnification is perfect for both my Ruger 10/22 and my AK setup.
At 6X I am able to see as far as I am comfortable shooting and at 1X the scope acts perfectly as a close quarters red dot style sight.
The compromise between close range and long range is very well done with the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24.
In addition, I have not noticed any parallax from 1-6X. At this price point, I have had many scopes with some pretty severe parallax.
Mounting & Rings
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 does not come with any mounting rings. When I purchased the scope, I also got a 1 inch diameter Monstrum Offset Ring Scope Mount.
- Dual ring scope mount for mounting standard 1 inch tube rifle scopes
- Mounts to any flat top Picatinny rail equipped rifle
- 2 inches of forward extension allows extra flexibility for optimum eye relief and shooting position
I chose this to give me a little bit more wiggle room with my eye relief. Especially with my Ruger being on the smaller side.
This has also been the best AK 47 scope mount.
I also added a Primary Arms throw lever to my scope:
- DOES NOT FIT RAPTOR/PLATINUM
- Fits Primary Arms 1-6x24
- Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum
Another great addition to the scope was that they added flip up covers to the scope.
I usually buy my own with every scope I purchase, however, this was a fantastic added feature.
Is the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 worth it?
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 has been one of my all time favorite scope purchases. For the money, this scope is unmatched.
Here’s why:
- Clarity
- Durability
- Creative reticle
- Lifetime warranty
In short: The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is an absolute workhorse of a scope.
From the second I opened the packaging I have not had a single issue with the scope. I need a scope that doesn’t break the bank and works flawlessly whenever I need it to. The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is that scope.
If you’re still wondering whether the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is right for you, I would give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
- Variable 1-6x magnification second focal plane scope features the ACSS Standard reticle for 300BLK .62
- ACSS reticle combines BDC, wind holds, moving target leads, and range estimation in an easy to use system
- Partial red illumination with 11 brightness settings powered by a common CR2032 battery
3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25: Best for the Budget
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is a high-quality red dot optic at a low-budget price.
For the cost, there’s no better way to run an AR 15 or an AK 47 than with this scope.
In fact, I think it’s the best red dot on the market for less than $150.
Still not convinced? Read on to learn more.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass on the TRS-25 is surprisingly clear for a budget optic.
I get a good clean sight image every time.
This is because the optic is multi-coated by Bushnell’s special Amber-Bright lens coating.
This coating is specially designed to improve color contrast in all lighting conditions, and even makes shades of brown stand out. The extra contrast on brown tones is great for hunting because it makes a deer really pop against the background.
Now on to the reticle.
The TRS-25 uses a 3 MOA red dot reticle. Nothing fancy, nice and simple, and it doesn’t obscure my target.
There are 11 different brightness settings to choose from. I find that 8 works great for me during the day, and I like using 3 at night.
Now, I have noticed a little bit of distortion on the red dot. Sometimes it looks like a fuzzy comma rather than a dot. However, this has nothing to do with the scope and everything to do with my bad eyes. I get that fuzziness with every red dot I’ve ever used and it’s never really been an issue.
Even with the slight blurriness to the dot, I can clearly pick out and identify my targets using this optic.
Battery
This optic uses a CR2032 battery to power the red dot. The battery is housed in the brightness knob for easy access.
Here’s my one big gripe with the TRS-25: it doesn’t have an auto-shutoff feature. So if you don’t remember to turn the illumination off using the brightness knob, your battery will die.
Fortunately, I only had to learn this lesson once. I always keep a spare battery in my bag, so it wasn’t a huge issue, and since changing it and remembering to turn it off, I’ve gone months without needing to change the battery again.
So as long as you can remember to turn the optic off when you’re done shooting, you should be fine.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Here’s my favorite thing about red dots: unlimited eye relief.
You can mount this thing on any weapon platform at any distance, and as long as you can see the dot, you are good to go.
In fact, I’ve tested this on my AR, my 10-22, a few handguns, two shotguns, and even my buddy’s muzzle-loader. With every one, I was able to zero in and put rounds on target.
So, like with any red dot, eye relief and eye box are not a concern at all.
Durability
I was worried that Bushnell would skimp on durability to shave down the costs for the TRS-25.
I was wrong.
This optic is shockproof and recoil proof.
It’s o-ring sealed, so it’s completely waterproof.
And it’s nitrogen purged, so it’s completely fogproof.
I’ve taken mine out plinking in hard rain and had zero issues whatsoever. The TRS-25 proved durable in all weather conditions.
And the whole thing weighs a little under 4 ounces. A low weight optic is more comfortable to use than a heavy one and comfort is important for an aging shooter like me!
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage knobs produce nice solid clicks and adjust at a rate of 1 MOA per click.
Not the most precise adjustments in the world, but they make for quick and easy zeroing.
As a matter of fact, I was zeroed within five shots on my AR home defense platform and after 500 rounds of testing, the zero held true.
I do wish the turrets were hand adjustable, but I haven’t had to make any field adjustments, so it hasn’t been a problem.
Mounting & Accessories
The optic includes a cross-bolt mount that works with any weaver or picatinny rail.
The cross-bolt mount is extremely easy to use. I had the optic mounted in a matter of seconds and was off to the range to zero it.
The TRS-25 also ships with a slipcover to protect the lenses and includes a CR2032 battery, so that you are ready to shoot right out of the box.
If you want to add some magnification to your setup, I recommend grabbing the Bushnell AR Optics 3x Magnifier. It pairs perfectly with the TRS-25.
- Nothing compares to a red dot scope when it comes to rapid, easy target acquisition. The only thing missing was magnification - but not anymore. Introducing the Bushnell AR Optics Transition 3X...
- It perfectly pairs with AR Optics TRS-25 by Bushnell, but works with any Red Dot. The AR Optics 3X Magnifier mounts behind your optic and it comes with an ambidextrous flip mount
- Engage the Transition when you need it; flip it out of the way when you don't. It's made with the quality you've come to expect from Bushnell. The fully multi-coated optics provide optimal light...
Is the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 worth it?
All in all, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is a quality red dot at a budget friendly price.
It’s got:
- Clear glass
- Solid click turrets
- Unlimited eye relief
- 11 brightness settings
- O-ring sealed construction
- Easy mounting with included hardware
Plus, the whole thing is covered by Bushnell’s 2 year warranty.
So if you need a good red dot scope for home defense or plinking, but don’t want to break the bank, look no further than the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot.
- Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.Adjustment Range : 70+...
- Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics stay dry inside, even when totally immersed in water. Parallax - 50
- Shockproof construction: Built to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the rough and tumble environment of the field
4. Vortex Venom: Best AK47 Red Dot Sight
Are you looking for the best red dot scope for your AK-47? Check out the Vortex Venom.
Not only is it compact and lightweight, it’s also extremely accurate.
It has quickly become my new favorite red dot sight.
Want to know why? Keep reading…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The lenses are fully multi-coated, high quality and the glass is crystal clear.
The 6 MOA red dot reticle has a nice, bright dot that’s big enough to help you get on target fast.
The best part is that it has 10 brightness settings for varying light conditions. The daylight red dot is bright enough to see even when the sun is at its peak.
While battery life is normally the biggest issue with a red dot, the Vortex Venom can last up to 150 hours at its brightest setting! At the lowest setting, you get up to 30,000 hours.
I mostly use mine somewhere in the middle and imagine I won’t be worrying about changing out the battery for a long, long time.
Of course, when you do need to change out the battery, the Vortex Venom makes it easy for you. It has a top load system, which means you don’t have to take the sight off the weapon to change it out.
The only downside to this reticle is that if you have untreated astigmatism, the dot might look more like a starburst. It’s easy to fix by wearing glasses or contacts, but if you don’t want to do that, you might think about getting a holographic sight instead.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
One of my favorite things about red dot scopes, including the Vortex Venom, is the unlimited eye relief.
You never have to worry about eye or head positioning, which makes getting on target much easier.
Plus, with a red dot, you’ll be shooting with both eyes open, so you’ll be able acquire your target much faster than usual.
The Venom gives you a wide field of view, so you’ve got full use of your peripheral vision. This is amazing for situational awareness and self defense or combat situations.
Durability
Like most scopes, the Vortex Venom is made from solid aluminum and can stand up to a lot of abuse, making it exceptionally durable.
I’ve banged mine into a few trees and my truck and there’s not a mark on it.
Vortex makes top quality products and the Venom is no different. They also offer a lifetime warranty, so if you ever have a problem, they’ll fix it.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage dials are 1 MOA clicks and very easy to use.
The dials are marked and easy to read. Plus, they provide smooth and accurate adjustments.
I found the Vortex Venom to be really easy to get zeroed in, taking very little time and energy.
At this point, I’ve shot about 3000 rounds with it and the zero is still holding perfectly.
Parallax & Magnification
With the Vortex Venom, you get 1x magnification. This is great for short to medium distances, like you’d be using for self defense or hunting.
If you want some with a little more magnification options, check out my article about the best 1-6x scopes.
Another option, if you want to be able to shoot a little further out, is to get the Vortex Venom with a 3 MOA red dot reticle.
I like the 6 MOA because the dot is bigger and brighter, making it easy to get on target quickly, but the 3 MOA will allow you to make long range shots even though the magnification is still 1x.
As with most red dots, the Vortex Venom is parallax free, so you don’t need to worry about any kind of distortion interrupting your view.
Mounting & Rings
Not only does the Vortex Venom come with a picatinny mount, it also comes with a riser, making it quick and easy to attach to your AK-47 rifle.
Even with the ak scope mount included, the Venom only weighs 1.6 ounces, which means you won’t have to worry about making your rifle top heavy.
The AK-47 is pretty hefty on its own, so having a compact, lightweight scope is essential.
The Venom also comes with a pretty nice cover, so the only accessory you’ll eventually need to buy is extra CR1632 batteries.
- IN THE BOX: 2-pack of CR1632 3-volt lithium coin cell replacement batteries for small electronic devices
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Ideal for watches, calculators, games, medical devices, and more
- LONG LASTING: Long-lasting, reliable battery life; performs in extreme temperatures
Is the Vortex Venom worth it?
If you’re looking for the perfect red dot scope to complement your AK-47, the Vortex Venom is the answer.
It has:
- Clear glass
- Lifetime warranty
- Unlimited eye relief
- Precision accuracy
- Compact, lightweight
- 10 brightness settings
- Quick target acquisition
To put it simply:
You’ll get a high quality red dot scope in a compact, lightweight package.
At 1.6 ounces, you’ll barely feel the added weight on your AK-47, and you can even use it on a pistol if you wanted to.
The ability to get on target fast and trust that your shots will be accurate is something that every firearm owner strives to achieve. The Venom accomplishes this for you.
If this is something you’ve been hoping to find for yourself, try the Vortex Venom. You’ll be happy you did.
- The Venom Red Dot Sight 6 MOA promotes rapid transitions while providing a precise point of aim. The Venom's aluminum housing ensures this unit will stand up to whatever you throw at it.
- High quality, fully multi-coated lens offers a clean, wide field of view. Power and dot intensity controls are conveniently located on the left side of the sight to choose between 10 brightness...
- The Venom also has an auto-brightness mode that uses an ambient light sensor to control dot intensity if the user prefers.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my best scope for AK 47 guide.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which rifle scope will you pick for your AK 47?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.
Thank you Richard. Very informative and objective. I see two here I will explore further. Perhaps the PRO for my O-PAP and the Vortex for my M92. Cheers, Dan
I ordered the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 . It’s a 30mm scope. The ring and mount system that you recommend/ Monstrum Offset Cantilever Dual Ring Scope Mount is a 1 inch scope rings and probably Will not work unless you have 30mm rings. Thanks RJ