Best Scopes for AK-47 (2021 Review)

Looking for a scope for your AK-47 rifle? 

With so many options available, shopping for an AK-47 scope can be a real pain. How do you know which scopes are good and which are a waste of money?

But buying an AK-47 scope doesn’t have to be hard, because we’re here to help.

Our Best Scopes For The AK-47

1. Hi-Lux Optics CMR-AK762 Riflescope (Our Top Pick)
2. UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope (Best Budget)
3. Trijicon ACOG 3x24mm BAC Riflescope – 7.62 x 39mm / 139 Grain (Best High End)
4. Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen III – Illuminated ACSS-300BO/7.62×39
5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7X32 Scout Scope

 

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to buy the right AK-47 scope for you. We’ll start by going over some basics.

That includes what makes a scope good for an AK-47 rifle, what the different types of AK-47 scopes are, and how to choose the right AK-47 scope for you. Then we’ll finish up with a rundown of a few of our favorite AK-47 scopes. 

By the time we’re finished, choosing a scope for your AK should be a breeze! Ready to get started?

What Are Scopes For The AK-47?

The venerable AK-47 is the father of the Kalashnikov family, but it’s not just famous for what came after. Even after seven decades, the AK-47 is wildly popular. In fact, according to a report by the World Bank, in 2004 there were approximately 500 million firearms around the world. 100 million of those were Kalashnikovs. 750 thousand of those Kalashnikovs were AK-47s.

Stock AK-47s come with iron sights, but many shooters want to be able to use a scope. Scopes don’t just provide magnification, they also provide a higher quality picture, don’t obstruct your view of your target, and help with low light visibility.

The AK-47’s effective range caps out at 380 yards (350 meters), so suitable for close range to medium-range shooting. This makes the AK-47 a popular choice for close-quarter combat and home defense, but not great for long-range shooting.

Because of these uses, AK-47 scopes tend to be tactical riflescopes, but they may also be target scopes. Hunting scopes for the AK-47 do exist, but they’re rare relative to the other types because AK-47s typically aren’t thought of as hunting rifles.

Many shooters like to be able to pair their AK-47 scope with night vision, but not all scopes are night-vision compatible. If that’s important to you, make sure you’re selecting a scope that allows for it.

Mounting a scope can be tricky though. Current AKs (and some older models) have side mount rails that can be used for mounting AK47 optics. Most older AKs, however, don’t have a rail.

You still have few different mounting options, though. A mountable side rail is probably the easiest way to add a Picatinny rail to your AK-47. However, you can also swap out the factory parts for a railed handguard, railed gas tube, or railed dust cover. A dog-leg rail mount is another option.

What Are The Different Types Of Scopes For The AK-47?

When it comes to AK-47 scopes, you can choose between fixed magnification and variable magnification options. 

Fixed magnification scopes have a single magnification power that you can’t change. They tend to be more compact and lightweight. They’re also generally cheaper and more durable than variable magnification scopes. Because they have fewer lenses, they also tend to have better light transmission.

Variable magnification scopes allow you to select the magnification setting from a range of magnification strengths. Their primary advantage is versatility, but that’s a pretty significant advantage. They can be used for a variety of ranges and zoomed in for small targets and out for larger targets.

We tend to recommend a variable scope because of the versatility they offer. That said, a fixed magnification scope can still be a great option, particularly if you’ll primarily be using your scope for shooting consistently sized targets at a similar range.

What Do You Look For In The Best Scopes For The AK-47?

Now that you know a bit more about AK-47 scopes, let’s talk about how to choose the right scope for you. There are a few things that you need to consider:

Bright, Clear Sight Picture

A good sight picture is the single most important quality for a scope to have. While the next couple considerations are decisions you need to make for yourself, this one is non-negotiable. After all, if you can’t really see what you’re aiming for, what’s the point?

A scope should provide a high definition image with good color fidelity. It needs good light transmission to make sure that the image is bright enough, especially in low light conditions.

Look for scopes with fully multicoated lenses made from high-quality glass.

Reticle

Because of the AK-47’s relatively limited range, you’re best off with a fairly simple reticle pattern. 

A duplex reticle or similar crosshair-style reticle is a good option for close range. This reticle style isn’t distracting, doesn’t obscure your target, and allows for precise shooting.

If you want greater accuracy at medium range, you could also opt for a BDC (bullet drop compensation) reticle. These reticles have hash marks below the center of the reticle to make holdover corrections easier. Some also have marks on either side of the center to assist with windage correction as well.

Magnification Range

The right scope magnification depends on the range you’ll be shooting at. 

For a variable magnification scope for close range, you want a minimum magnification of 1x or 2x and a maximum magnification of at least 4x. For mid-range, look for a minimum magnification of 2x or 3x and a max magnification of around 7x.

If you want a scope that works with both, choose a scope with a minimum magnification suited for close range and a maximum magnification suited for medium range.

And for fixed scopes, look for a magnification strength of 2x to 4x. These medium magnification levels will help your scope be more versatile, but it’s important to not go with too high power magnification, especially for a fixed magnification scope. It’s easier to shoot further on a low magnification than to try to shoot up close at a high magnification.

Best Scopes For The AK-47 Reviewed

Now that you know how to choose an AK-47 scope, let’s talk about a few of our favorites.

1. Hi-Lux Optics CMR-AK762 Riflescope (Our Top Pick)

Our first pick is the Hi-Lux Optics CMR-AK762 scope, a great low power variable optic (LPVO) for the AK-47 with a 1-4x magnification range and 24mm objective lens. It’s well suited for both tactical and hunting situations. 

This scope features a second focal plane BDC reticle specifically designed for use with an AK47 rifle and a 123 grain 7.62×39 round. It’s an illuminated reticle that’s available with either red or green illumination. Whichever you pick, the scope has 11 brightness settings and 300-hour battery life.

In addition, the scope has a fast focus ocular lens and allows for both eyes to open shooting.

Pros

• Fully multicoated lenses
• Waterproof, fog-proof, and dustproof
• Large field of view

Cons

• Eye relief is a little short
• A bit bulky

Buy The Hi-Lux Optics Riflescope On Amazon

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2. UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope (Best Budget)

Our next option is an excellent choice for those on a limited budget. 

The UTG BugBuster Scope’s higher magnification makes it better for the higher end of the AK-47’s range. At the same time, the mil-dot reticle allows for ranging and ballistic correction, helping with accuracy at those ranges. The reticle illuminates in both red and green for visibility in low light conditions.

The scope also has zero lockable and zero resettable target turrets for simple zeroing. The turrets have precise ¼ MOA click values. 

The adjustable objective allows you to set parallax correction from 3 yards to infinity.

Pros

• Emerald coated lenses for light transmission
• Shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof
• Comes with a 2” sunshade, flip-open lens covers, and quick-detachable Picatinny scope mounts

Cons

• Not as durably constructed as others
• Magnification is a little high for close-quarters combat
• The reticle is not AK-47 specific

Buy The UTG BugBuster Scope On Amazon

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3. Trijicon ACOG 3x24mm BAC Riflescope – 7.62 x 39mm / 139 Grain (Best High End)

Trijicon’s ACOG scopes are well known for their quality, so I had to include an ACOG on this list. After all, ACOGs have been combat-tested, just like the AK-47.

This fixed magnification scope is available in crosshair and horseshoe dot reticle patterns. Both are BDC style reticles precisely tuned for 123 grain 7.62x39mm rounds. 

Both reticle patterns are available in your choice of amber, green, or red illumination. The tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle automatically adjusts to light conditions and doesn’t require a battery.

This scope has multi-coated lenses made from incredibly high-quality glass for some of the best optics in the industry.

Pros

• Just 5.8 ounces, so very lightweight
• Shock-resistant and waterproof with a well-constructed aluminum alloy scope housing
• Allows for both eyes open shooting using Trijicon’s Bindon Aiming Concept

Cons

• Price
• Short eye relief

Buy The Trijicon ACOG BAC Riflescope On Amazon

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4. Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen III – Illuminated ACSS-300BO/7.62×39

Primary Arm’s whole SLx lineup is high-quality and I often find myself recommending it. This particular model was designed for CQB to medium-range shooting with an AK-47. 

The ACSS BDC reticle is calibrated for 7.62×30 and .300 Blackout. It features red LED illumination and is in the second focal plane for quick target acquisition. It has 12 brightness settings, which can be adjusted with a knob on the left side of the scope.

The scope is waterproof, fog resistant, and shockproof, but also comes with the Primary Arms Lifetime Warranty.

Pros

• Low profile, finger adjustable capped turrets
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Fast focus eyepiece

Cons

• A bit bulky

Buy The Primary Arms SFP Rifle Scope Gen III On Amazon

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5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7X32 Scout Scope

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II line is another line made up of high-quality scopes that I frequently find myself recommending. This scout scope model in particular has a few qualities that make it great for the AK-47.

For one, the highly generous 9.45-inch eye relief is great for forward mounting the scope. The simple V-Plex reticle is great for precise shooting for a variety of purposes. In addition, the 2-7x magnification range is well suited for the entire breadth of the AK-47’s range.

Other great features include the large field of view, fast-focus eyepiece, and capped reset turrets.

Pros

• Fully multicoated lenses
• Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• The reticle is not AK-47 specific

Buy The Vortex Optics Crossfire Scout Scope On Amazon

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Final Thoughts On The Best Scopes For The AK-47

By now you should know everything you need to so you can pick out the right AK-47 for you. These are all excellent scopes that perform well in their particular niche.

However, scopes aren’t your only optic option for an AK-47. You can also look at a reflex sight or a red dot sight like the Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic or the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight. Check out our red dot recommendations for more info on both of those red dots and a few of our other favorites.