Best Scope for the AK47
The AK-47 is known for a lot of things: ease of operation, reliability, and overall simplicity. It’s not exactly known for its precision. But with the right scope, you can increase your accuracy with your AK-47.
Finding the right scope for an AK can be a little tricky, as they were developed before optics surged in popularity and consumer use. Now, there are plenty of after-market options that work will for the AK. As long as you know how to mount it well and what you’re looking to get out of it, you’ll be able to increase your effective range and accuracy with your AK-47.
Mounting
You have several options when considering how to mount a scope on your AK-47. Mounting with a side rail makes for an easy installation, and the extra weight sits above the shooting hand, so you will not be completely off balance. However, this does create some zeroing issues because it is an off-center mount, and you won’t be able to mount this way if you have side-folding stocks.
Another option is to mount it on the rear sight rail, which won’t interfere with your folding stock. There isn’t a ton of space, so you’ll need to choose a smaller scope that can fit back here.
If you want to use a larger scope for higher magnification, you will have more room mounting on the railed dust cover. However, your scope will lose its zero due to its proximity to the dust cover, and therefore the recoil spring of your AK-47.
You can mount the scope on the railed gas tube, which gives a great field of vision. You’ll want to invest in a durable scope that won’t be damaged by the heat from the gas tube.
If you need to find your targets quickly, the best option is the railed handguard. However, this will make your rifle nose heavy, and hard to move quickly at short distances.
Finally, for the sturdiest mounting option, you can drill your scope directly to the receiver. Holes in the receiver may depreciate the resale value of your weapon, so make sure you intend to keep it for the long haul, or sell it together with the scope.
Eye Relief
Your scope needs to be far enough away from your eye that it won’t smack you in the face. The eye relief will change based on where you choose to mount the scope on your AK. Based on the hefty recoil of an AK-47, you need at least 3.5 inches of eye relief, but ideally more like 4 inches. Keep this in mind when choosing where to mount.
The scopes themselves will also list their eye relief. This refers to the maximum distance your eye can be from the scope and still see the complete image. Make sure your scope allows for 3.5-4” of eye relief.
Magnification
The magnification you need depends on the distances you intend to shoot. Long range for a standard AK with a 35” barrel is considered anything over 630 yards. Medium range is 380-630 yards, and close range is anything under 380 yards. The AK-47 is most effective at close ranges, and was developed for this type of combat. However, adding a scope can increase your accuracy even past that range.
If you are shooting past 630 yards, you will need 10x magnification or greater, and medium ranges will require 6-9x power. These ranges allow you to shoot your target while still being concealed. At close ranges, you can increase your AK’s efficiency by adding a scope with 1-5x magnification.
Because you will generally be using your AK at the close distances it was meant for, it’s important not to get a scope with too much magnification. If you get a fixed scope at 10x, your targets will be difficult to find or even to see under 380 yards. Opt for the magnification level that makes sense for your needs.
If you’d like to use your AK-47 for a variety of distances, and especially if you are drilling your scope to your rifle and don’t intend to swap it out for different hunting trips, invest in a variable scope. This will provide a range of magnifications that allow you to see targets at many distances.
Durability
The AK-47 has a serious recoil and packs a real punch. You need a scope that will not break after you put a few rounds through your firearm. Make sure to purchase a high-quality scope from a reliable manufacturer that will last as long as your AK.
In Conclusion…
Whenever you’re buying a scope, get one that is fully multicoated to make your scope weatherproof and anti-reflective, and make sure it is from a manufacturer you trust. For the AK-47, find a durable scope and choose where you will mount it to make the most of your firearm.