Best AK47 red dot
The AK47 is renowned for its exceptional dependability and simplicity; it is also less expensive than others, making it one of the most widely used rifles in the world, preferred by both military and civilians.
Conversely, the red dot sight has grown in popularity because it is easy to use and allows a shooter to acquire targets more quickly. The red dot sight can be used on a variety of rifles, including the AK47.
Installing the red dot on an AK47 may necessitate the addition of a scope mount on the rifle, which can be fitted in a variety of locations, such as on the dust cover.
This article discusses the best red dot for an AK47.
Let us get started…
Best Red Dot Sight for AK47-Top 8 Picks
- EOTech HWS EXPS 3
- Trijicon RM06 RMR Type 2
- Aimpoint Pro Patrol
- Meprolight M21
- EOTech 510 Series 512-A65
- SIG SAUER ROMEO5
- Vortex SPARC AR II
- Holosun HS510C
1. EOTech HWS EXPS 3 Circle Red Dot Sight
This is a red dot designed for professionals who want to shoot the AK47 with no compromises. Everything has been optimized to ensure that the shooter performs well in all conditions.
It is built using high-quality materials to make sure it’s rugged for the harshest type of use. This however comes with a drawback in that it’s one of the heaviest options weighing 11.2 oz.
Lastly, the red dot stands out for the multiple reticle patterns that give a precise and fast target acquisition. The first option carries the design of a 68 MOA ring surrounding a 1 MOA center dot.
The other options are the two-dot and four-dot patterns the latter used to compensate for holdover up to 500 yards.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.85 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Field of View: 30 yds at 4 in
- Water Resistant Mark: 10 m, 33 ft
- Weight: 11.2 oz
Pros
- Rugged
- Variety of reticle options
- Optimized for ultimate performance
Cons
- slightly heavy
2. Trijicon RM06 RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight
This is probably the most versatile option on the list. It’s available with three reticle options each with a differently sized red dot, a 1MOA a 3.25 MOA, and a 6.5 MOA.
The first option works perfectly over longer distances while the others provide easy visibility which also enhances the speed of target acquisition over short distances.
Furthermore, the red dot has one of the best lenses with true color, which is made possible by the use of high-quality coatings applied to the lens surface to optimize the amount of light entering the lens.
The red dot is easy to use, with buttons strategically placed for the shooter’s comfort. The shooter can adjust the brightness manually or automatically by using the controls.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 16 mm
- Objective Window Size: 83 x 0.63 in
- Reticle: 25 MOA Red Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Battery Life: 4 Years at setting 4
- Water Resistant Mark: 66 ft
- Weight: 1.2 oz
Pros
- Lightweight
- High quality lens
- Different reticles available
- designed and built in the USA
3. Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope
This red dot stands out for its distinct appearance because it has the design of a rifle scope, which has the added benefit of protecting the lens from impact.
Another distinct feature is that even though the sight comes with a lens cap, the shooter can shoot using both eyes with the lens cap closed in emergency situations.
It’s also fully compatible with all night vision devices which adds great versatility to your AK47
The red dot is a 2MOA which gives the perfect balance between short-range and long-range targets. It’s highly effective and the battery can last up to 30,000 hours equivalent to 3 years.
Overall, this is an option for a shooter who demands a dependable performance and a sight that’s durable and can accommodate night vision. The distinct look also sets it apart from the other red dot sights.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 38 mm
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.6 in at 100 yds
- Battery Life: 30,000 hours
- Weight: 11.6 oz
Pros
- long battery life
- Rugged
- Compatible with night vision devices
4. Meprolight M21 Self-Powered Day & Night Reflex Sight
This one makes it on the list because it’s the most reliable. This is because the red dot doesn’t rely on batteries and uses self-powered fiber optics to guarantee round-the-clock illumination.
Another factor that ensures it is an excellent choice is that it was originally designed for, and is still actively used by Israel’s defense forces.
The construction uses the highest standards and the best materials making sure it’s able to thrive in the harshest conditions.
The red dot has 5 reticle options to choose from. All these options are unique and give precise and fast target acquisition at various distances
Overall, this is a battle-proven red dot that has withstood all the rigors of war. It’s stripped down with no buttons or batteries. It’s also simple to attach to the AK47, and its use guarantees the shooter’s military-grade performance.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
- Objective Window Size: 30 mm
- Eye Relief: 10 – 600 mm
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Objective Aperture: 27 mm
- Weight: 13.12 oz.
Pros
- Self powered fiber optic dot
- High quality construction
- Different reticle options
- Battle tested
5. EOTech 510 Series 512-A65 Holographic CQB Weapon Sight
If you want a simple yet high-quality option that is focused on dependability, look no further than EOTech HWS 512.
This red dot sight achieves this through the use of AA batteries. The AA batteries are easily available and can be alkaline lithium or rechargeable. They are also simple to install.
This red dot does not support night vision, which is a slight disappointment, but it compensates by using a clearly visible reticle with a 68 MOA ring and a 1 MOA dot.
Furthermore, easily accessible buttons can be used to quickly adjust the brightness to favor use in various lighting conditions.
Finally, this product is well-made, and the excellent customer service is the icing on the cake.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.85 in
- Reticle: 65 MOA Ring and 1 MOA Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Field of View: 30 yds at 4 in
- Weight: 10.9 oz
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Uses easily available AA batteries
- Easy to install on an AK
- Great customer service from the manufacturer
6. SIG SAUER ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
This is the best budget option, and it will perform admirably in most situations.
The red dot can also be paired with night vision but only in its 2 lowest settings for brightness. Moreover, it uses a motion-activated illumination, that powers the dot only when it senses motion.
This feature contributes to a great battery life because this dot can manage to run for 40,000+ hours
Another great feature is that it is resistant to fog and has an IPX7 rating. The lens produces a good image of the target that outperforms most red dots at a comparable price.
Overall, this is an option for someone who doesn’t have a big budget but still needs something dependable with good performance.
It doesn’t match up to the advanced models but outdoes everything else at a similar price point.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Battery Life: 40000 hours
- Water Resistance Level: IPX-7
- Weight: 5.1 oz
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Great battery life
- Excellent value
7. Vortex SPARC AR II 1x22mm 2 MOA Reflex Red Dot Sight
The list cannot be complete without the popular Sparc AR II red dot sight. This red dot has received very good reviews because it gives very good performance and is very dependable.
One of its distinguishing features is a modular three-piece base, which provides the shooter with four distinct mounting heights. As a result, it can accommodate different shooters’ shooting preferences.
The red dot is lightweight and compact, and it easily mounts on the AK47, most AR platform rifles, and the shotgun.
It uses a 2 MOA dot that can be adjusted for brightness in ten levels with the lowest two settings compatible with night vision.
Overall, this is for a shooter who values the stellar reputation of Vortex Optics. It’s also worth mentioning that whoever purchases this will have complete peace of mind because it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm
- Objective Window Size: 22 mm
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
- Brightness Settings: 10
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Weight: 7.5 oz
Pros
- Compact dimensions
- Easy to mount on an AK
- lifetime warrant
- High quality lens
8. Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot 65 MOA Circle Reflex Red Dot Sight
This is an open reflex designed purposefully for the long gun. Not only does it handle well the recoil but has a reticle that is optimized to be easy to mount.
The open reflex gives the shooter a wide vision and minimum obstruction which can be crucial in fast-paced situations.
Another great feature is that it is solar-powered with only the battery as a backup, and it can run continuously for up to 50, 000 hours.
The reticle is a 2 MOA with a 65 MOA circle. This design draws the shooter’s attention and allows them to make a precise shot repeatedly.
lastly, the red dot has a lower 1/3 co-witness spacer that can be purchased separately and used to adjust the mounting height to suit different shooters.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.91 – 1.2 in
- Objective Window Size: 91×1.2 in
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot 65 MOA Circle
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Battery Life: 20,000 – 50,000 hours
- Weight: 4.94 oz
Pros
- Great for recoil
- solar powered red dot
- wide field of view
- fairly lightweight
Buying the best red dot for an AK47
After going through all of the red dots on our list, it’s clear that there are numerous differences, but each one is guaranteed to provide the best performance.
We will go over additional features to consider when shopping for a red dot for an AK47 to help you decide between the various options we have listed.
Weight
The weight of a red dot can affect the agility of your firearm. Weight however is relative because what can be heavy for one may not be heavy for another person.
Choose a weight that feels comfortable however, smaller lighter red dots typically have a shorter battery life and a small field of view.
Battery life
This is probably the most obvious characteristic to look for on a red dot. A red dot with longer battery life is more dependable because it can be used for a long period. We also have options that have a solar fail-safe and will still be powered even without the battery.
Type of reticle
The type of reticle comes in the size of the red dot as well as the overall design. Some red dots include a circle surrounding the dot to further draw the shooter’s attention and improve on response time.
The Size of the red dot on the other hand is denoted using MOA, which stands for a minute of angle. 1 MOA is equivalent to 1/60th of one degree, which translates to approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards.
A bigger MOA, therefore, denotes a bigger dot which provides better visibility and is the best option for short-range targets.
A smaller dot is more accurate and works best with long-range targets.
Night vision compatible
Not all red dots are compatible with night vision. A red dot compatible with night vision may be important if you are planning to use it at night, paired with a night vision device.
Price
This is an obvious consideration for anyone buying a red dot sight. Highly-priced red dots are typically more advanced and better built but this doesn’t mean that the cheaper options aren’t worth it.
We have excellent options that come with a favorable budget one of them is the SIG SAUER ROMEO5 1x20mm. It’s easy to find a great option for every budget
CONCLUSION
After reviewing the best red dot sights for an AK47 rifle, you should be able to make a decision on the type of sight you want. We guarantee that the red dots on this list will provide the best performance as well as the best bang for your buck.
Remember that you need more than just a good red dot on your AK47 to be effective; you also need the right skills.
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