Sights

Best AK Red Dot Sights [AK47 Optics]

If you know anything about guns, chances are you have heard of the AK-47. In fact, it is probably one of the most popular weapons in the world. Adding a red dot sight to your AK can take your shooting performance to the next level. But it can be tough picking the best sight for your specific needs. After hours of testing, I determined that the Aimpoint T2 was the best choice! In this post, we’ll break down the best AK red dot sights that money can buy!

 


Top 5 Best AK Red Dot Sights

HuntersHalt: #1 Choice
Most Durable
Budget Friendly
Pros:
  • Crystal Clear Lens Quality
  • Top-Notch Battery Life
  • Compact & Lightweight Optic
Pros:
  • Great Durability - Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • Water Resistant
  • Comes With EOTech Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
  • Best Bang for Buck
  • 11 Brightness Settings
  • Great Starter Sight
HuntersHalt: #1 Choice
Pros:
  • Crystal Clear Lens Quality
  • Top-Notch Battery Life
  • Compact & Lightweight Optic
Most Durable
Pros:
  • Great Durability - Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • Water Resistant
  • Comes With EOTech Lifetime Warranty
Budget Friendly
Pros:
  • Best Bang for Buck
  • 11 Brightness Settings
  • Great Starter Sight
Lasso Brag

After testing dozens of optics and firing hundreds of rounds, here are the 5 best AK red dot sights you should consider.

  1. Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight
  2. EOTech 510 Series 512-A65 Holographic
  3. Bushnell TRS-25 Trophy Series Red Dot Sight
  4. Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
  5. Primary Arms Advanced 2 MOA Dot Micro Red Dot

1) Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight

HuntersHalt: #1 Choice
Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA Red Dot - Reflex Sight
5.0
Pros:
  • Crystal Clear Lens Quality
  • Top-Notch Battery Life
  • Compact & Lightweight Optic
Cons:
  • Limited Mounting Options
  • Exterior Finish Shows Scratches
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

After testing all the best red dot sights it became clear to me that the Aimpoint T2 was the best option for an AK.

Ever since Aimpoint first introduced the micro T-2 red dot sight, it has quickly become one of the most popular tactical optics on the market. Originally designed for military and law enforcement use, the micro T-2 is now a favorite among hunters, competitive shooters, and recreational shooters alike. And I can certainly see why.

  • Great battery life – Up to 50,000 hours on low settings
  • Unlimited eye relief – Provides a better field of view
  • Amazing Durability – Waterproof (O-ring sealed) & made from high-strength aluminum
  • Easily Mounted – Fits perfectly on AK rail or just about any weapon

With the right mounting system you can easily set up a lower 1/3 co-witness with your rear sight. I personally prefer a 1/3 co-witness over an absolute co-witness when using reflex or holographic sights.

picture of aimpoint t2 with green background

Its small size and light weight make it perfect for mounting on pistols, shotguns, and even carbines. I also found that the rugged design was built to withstand the harshest conditions. And even though they have a high battery life I still recommend changing your battery at least every 12 months.

The only real downside for me is the price tag. It is a bit expensive compared to many of the other best assault rifle red dot sights on the market. But if there is one thing I’ve learned, you get what you pay for with optics.

 


2) EOTech 510 Series 512-A65 Holographic

EOTech 510 Series 512-A65 Holographic CQB Weapon Sight
4.5
Pros:
  • Great Durability - Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • Water Resistant
  • Comes With EOTech Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
  • Not Night Vision Compatible
  • Bigger Optic
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

I have reviewed many different EOTech sights, like the XPS and the EXPS. At this point, I immediately associated EOTech with quality. I can see why they are used in so many military applications.

  • Unlimited eye relief –  Unlimted eye relief provides high situational awareness
  • Versatile Reticle – 65 MOA Ring and 1 MOA Dot. You can use the circle or just the dot.
  • Durable – Thick high-strength housing, water resistant, fog proof

These sights are designed for shooters that value target acquisition speed, with great results. With easy-to-use buttons and a clear display, the Eotech 510 series is great for shooters that want to get on target fast.

The great thing about these sights is that they provide a clear image of the target, making it easier to hit your mark. I zeroed my EOTech from 25 yards and haven’t had any issues. If you are looking for a great close-range sight, the EOTech 510 series is the way to go.

One of the major downsides to this EOTech optic is that it is not compatible with night vision optics. I am not a Navy seal, so this really wasn’t a huge deal for me. But I can see why it would matter to some people.

 


3) Bushnell TRS-25 Trophy Series Red Dot Sight

Budget Friendly
Bushnell TRS-25 Trophy Series Red Dot Sight - 1x25
4.5
Pros:
  • Best Bang for Buck
  • 11 Brightness Settings
  • Great Starter Sight
Cons:
  • Lower Durability
  • Battery Life Could Be Better
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

Whenever I review a series of optics, I always make sure to test sights in the high a low end of the price spectrum. After all, I can certainly understand that many of us are not interested in spending hundreds of dollars on an optic.

If you’re shopping on a tight budget, the Bushnell trophy TRS 25 red dot scope is probably your best bet. The Bushnell TRS-25 Trophy Series red dot sight is very effective for close-range accuracy, even in low-light conditions. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to use.

  • Durable – Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
  • Adjustable – User-friendly windage and elevation turrets
  • Affordable Price – Reliable compared to other optics in a similar price range

For me, I also found the 3 MOA red dot to be the perfect size for a close to medium-range rifle scope. However, if you want accuracy shooting from longer distances, I would check out the Aimpoint T2. I also had some issues with getting a proper battery connection on my TRS 25 red dot. For some reason, the battery would frequently not sit flush & I could not power on the reticle.

 


4) Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

Holosun is known to make premium-quality optics. In fact, I have reviewed several of their pistol optics like the 507k and 407k red dot sights. After testing the HS510c, I definitely think it is worth checking out for your ak47 red dot.

The Holosun HS510C 2 MOA red dot sight is a popular choice for shooters looking for a high-quality sight picture. The sight features a large objective lens and an illuminated reticle that makes it easy to acquire targets. The sight also has a wide field of view, making it ideal for use with high-recoil rifles. Just make sure you know how to turn off a holosun red dot sight!

  • Great Battery Life – Solar-powered optic with battery backup
  • Very Durable – Comes with a titanium alloy protective hood
  • Amazing Adjustability – 12 different brightness settings

The only major con I found is the optic size. It is certainly manageable, but I found that it took up a bit more rail space than I would like. In the end, the Holosun HS510c is a very rugged and reliable optic that would make a great addition to an AK. In fact, I also rated the HS510C to be the best 300 blackout red dot as well.

 


5) Primary Arms Advanced 2 MOA Dot Micro Red Dot

Primary Arms Advanced 2 MOA Dot Micro Red Dot Sight
4.0
Pros:
  • High Adjustability - 12 Brightness Settings
  • Great Battery Life
  • Comes With Primary Arms Warranty
Cons:
  • Only Comes in 2 MOA
  • Other Optics Are More Durable
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

This was one of the first times I have ever tested a Primary Arms red dot in my reviews. After spending some time on the range, I can certainly see why so many people have chosen to use this as their Ak red dot.

  • Above Average Battery Life – Can last for 3-5 years
  • Great for tactical use – Night vision compatible
  • Compatibility – Easily mounted on most firearms.

If you’re looking for a reflex sight that can handle high-recoil weapons, then the Primary Arms Advanced Micro reflex sight is a great you. This is why many people opt for a reflex sight over a traditional red dot sight. Primary Arms is designed specifically for AK rifles, making it perfect for those who want to be able to shoot their gun without worrying about damage to the sight.

picture of black and tan colored primary arms red dot sights

I with there were some more options when it comes to the dot size. Many of the other optics come with different size choices like a 6 or 3 MOA red dot. Primary Arms only offers the 2 MOA. I also wish they offered a better warranty. Their limited warranty does not compare to what you get with other brands like Vortex optics.

 


Top 3 AK Red Dot Mount Options

Now that you have picked your favorite AK red dot to replace your stock iron sights, it is time to pick a mount. Iron sights can be tough. It is especially tricky to learn how to adjust ak front sight without tool. Here are some of the best mounting systems I have tested. I’m sure there are others that will get the job done, but I know from experience these work great with the AK.

Huntershalt: #1 Pick
 
 
Pros:
  • Rugged Hard Anodized Material
  • Stable Mount For High Accuracy
  • Compatible With Larger Scopes
Pros:
  • Budget Friendly
  • Stable - Easy To Zero Optic
  • Easy To Install
Pros:
  • Fair Pricing
  • Easy To Install On Your AK
  • American Made
Huntershalt: #1 Pick
Pros:
  • Rugged Hard Anodized Material
  • Stable Mount For High Accuracy
  • Compatible With Larger Scopes
Pros:
  • Budget Friendly
  • Stable - Easy To Zero Optic
  • Easy To Install
Pros:
  • Fair Pricing
  • Easy To Install On Your AK
  • American Made
Lasso Brag

1) Texas Weapon Systems Gen-3 Dog Leg Scope Rail Top Cover

Texas Weapon Systems AKM/AK-47/AK-74 Gen-3 Dog Leg Scope Rail Top Cover
5.0
Pros:
  • Rugged Hard Anodized Material
  • Stable Mount For High Accuracy
  • Compatible With Larger Scopes
Cons:
  • Premium Pricing
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

The Texas Weapon Systems (TWS) is the most popular rail top cover shooters use to mount a red dot sight on their AK. I personally love this rail as it provides a huge amount of space to mount my red dot of choice & any other accessories I want. I found this to be easy to install and did not move around so I didn’t lose zero.


2) Midwest Industries AKG2 Yugo Pattern

Midwest Industries AKG2 Yugo Pattern AK-47/ 74 Scope Mount
4.5
Pros:
  • Budget Friendly
  • Stable - Easy To Zero Optic
  • Easy To Install
Cons:
  • Don't Overtighten - Hard To Remove
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

If you’re looking for a stable, durable AK scope mount, the Midwest Industries AKG2 Yugo Pattern is a great option. Built from tough, aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s designed to withstand the recoil of even the most powerful AK rifles. The AKG2 Yugo Pattern is also easy to install and use, thanks to its modular design.


3) Troy BattleRail AK47 Top Black

Troy BattleRail AK47 Top Black SRAIAK1T0BT00 SRAI-AK1-T0BT-00
4.0
Pros:
  • Fair Pricing
  • Easy To Install On Your AK
  • American Made
Cons:
  • Securing Ring Can Come Loose
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

Troy BattleRail is another great mounting system option for AK red dot sights. If you’re shopping on a tight budget, this is probably the best choice for you. Personally, I would recommend the Midwest or Texas Weapon System over this rail, but all options will get the job done.


What We Look For In Red Dot Sights

Each product we review goes through extensive testing & examinations. Here are the criteria we use when reviewing any red dot sight. There are many factors that go into making a quality optic, these are some of the most important when choosing a red dot sight.

 

Durability

Durability is very important on an optic. They have to endure intense vibrations, water, mud, and the occasional drop. A red dot that cracks easily or is not water-resistant will soon turn into a problem.

Adjustability

Adjustability is important for red dots. I want a sight that gives you the flexibility to adjust the dot size and brightness. Some sights even let you choose between red or green dots, depending on your specific needs. Adjustability is the key to having an optic that can work in just about any situation.

Price

Shopping is always a factor no what I am shopping for. There are great red dot optics at just about all price ranges. I always compare the pricing of each optic to its completion to ensure that customers get value for their money.

Difficulty To Zero

After buying a new red dot sight, the first thing you need to do is sight in your optic. Some red dots are easier than others to zero. I always check the windage and elevation turrets on optics to make adjustments can be made.


FAQs – AK47 Red Dot

Does an AK need a red dot?

No, an AK doesn't need a red dot, but it can really help. The red dot allows for faster target acquisition and a more accurate shooting experience. Modern red dot sights are superior to iron sights in just about all situations. That is why I run red dots on most of my firearms.

Which Holosun for AK47?

Holosun is known to make very high-quality optics. If you're looking for a Holosun that would be best suited for mounting on an AK47, then the 509T would be your best option. It has a very durable housing that can withstand the recoil of a firearm, and it's also parallax-free so you can acquire your target quickly and easily.

What optics do Spetsnaz use?

Most Spetsnaz units use the Ironiya Optical-Electronic Complex for reconnaissance and surveillance. This system is great for discreetly observing an area without being detected.

Does Russian army still use AK-47?

Yes, the Russian army still uses the AK-47. In fact, Russian soldiers are known to carry the AK-74M assault rifle. This rifle is an updated version of the original AK-47 that features a more powerful cartridge and a muzzle brake to reduce recoil.

What is the most modern AK?

The AK-19 is the most modern and advanced AK on the market. It features a number of improvements over earlier models, including a redesigned receiver, bolt carrier group, muzzle brake, and rail system.

Which country made the best AK?

If you ask AK enthusiasts, most of them will tell you the best AK weapon comes from Bulgaria. The Arsenal SAM7 is often considered the best AK on the market because it is made with high-quality materials and great craftsmanship.

The Bottom Line

The AK47 is one of the most popular rifles in the entire world. And for good reason. However, it can be tough to find the best red dot sights for an AK. I hope you now have a better idea of which red dot sight will work best for your needs. After reviewing & testing all these optics, I determined the Aimpoint Micro T2 red dot is the best option to mount on an AK. Let us know which sight you choose!

HuntersHalt: #1 Choice
Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA Red Dot - Reflex Sight
5.0
Pros:
  • Crystal Clear Lens Quality
  • Top-Notch Battery Life
  • Compact & Lightweight Optic
Cons:
  • Limited Mounting Options
  • Exterior Finish Shows Scratches
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

About the author

Patrick Howard

I have been working as a gunsmith for 20 years. Rain, fog, moisture, high temperature, or even snow are all the things a product must withstand in order to be recommended by me.

Leave a Comment