Top 7 Best Red Dots for AK-47: Comprehensive Review + Buying TIPS

Optics

Size of Reticle

Size matters! When we talk about the size of the reticle in an AK 47 red dot sight, we’re referring to the dot’s diameter, measured in minutes of angle (MOA). A larger reticle (like a 4 MOA dot) can be picked up quickly by the eye, making it great for close-quarter situations. 

On the flip side, a smaller dot (like a 1 MOA) offers a finer point of aim and is typically better for long-range shooting. Ultimately, the best size depends on your specific needs and shooting style.

Reticle Design

Speaking of reticles, the design itself can make a world of difference in your shooting experience. The standard design is a simple dot, but there are other options like crosshairs, donut-shaped, or even combination designs. 

Some shooters prefer a single dot for its simplicity, while others prefer a more complex design that can offer additional information like bullet drop compensation. 

The best design is subjective and really depends on personal preference and your specific use case.

How do we rate it?

We rate the clarity, brightness, dot crispness, and field of view on a scale from 1 to 5. A higher score means the optics provide crystal-clear images under various lighting conditions, have minimal distortion, and offer a wide field of view.

Build Quality

Rain, sand, wind, snow – the AK-47 can withstand all these, so your optic should too! Get an optic that’s been impact-tested so it’s sure to survive daily use and abuse for a long time. 

Be sure to review any ingress protection (IP) ratings too. At least an IP-67 rating will make sure your optic is protected against dust ingress and submersion in water up to 3 feet. 

A reliable optic holds zero even after a thousand rounds. Make sure it’s constructed from durable aluminum but, at the same time, weighs just right (not too light and not too heavy). You’ll want an optic that can handle the 7.62×39mm’s recoil (is built well) but won’t slow you down.

Also, your optic’s windage and elevation knobs should have crisp clicks for easier calibration.

How do we rate it?

We assess the durability, material quality, and weather resistance. A higher score indicates a solid optic, is made from high-grade materials, and can confidently withstand harsh conditions and rough handling.

Ergonomics

A well-designed red dot should allow for quick, intuitive adjustments and a comfortable, secure grip. This allows you to maintain concentration and accuracy.

How do we rate it?

Ergonomics involves the design’s comfort, ease of use, and adjustability. We give higher scores to models that are comfortable to use for extended periods, controls are intuitively placed, and adjustments can be made easily and accurately.

Illumination

The amount of illumination needed depends on the environment: lower settings for dim conditions to avoid overpowering glare and higher settings for bright daylight to ensure the reticle is visible against the light. Ideally, an optic should offer a range of settings to accommodate everything from the darkest nights to the brightest days.

Night Vision Capability

No matter if you’re a dedicated night hunter or simply want to be prepared for any lighting situation, having an AK47 red dot with night vision compatibility is a huge plus. 

This feature allows you to use your sight in tandem with night vision devices, ensuring you can accurately aim regardless of low-light conditions. Just remember, not all AKs with red dot have this feature, so if it’s a must-have for you, make sure to check the specifications before you purchase.

How do we rate it?

We evaluate the brightness levels, daylight visibility, and reticle clarity. A score of 5 means excellent visibility in both bright sunlight and low light conditions and a reticle that remains sharp and defined.

Battery

Battery life is often overlooked, but it’s a crucial factor when choosing a red dot sight. A sight with a poor battery life can leave you high and dry at the most inconvenient times. 

A top-tier red dot sight for AK 47 boasts battery life that lasts thousands of hours, sometimes even up to 50,000 hours. Aim for a model that has a solid battery life to ensure you’re not left changing batteries in the middle of a critical moment.

How do we rate it?

We consider how long the battery lasts under typical use. A score of 5 means that the optic offers an exceptionally long battery life. We also consider if the compartment offers convenient battery changes and if the battery is easily available on the market.

Value

AK47 red dot sights can vary widely in cost, from budget-friendly to quite pricey. Remember, a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality. It’s more important to find a sight that suits your needs and budget. 

You’ll find great options at various price points, but just be aware of what features you may be sacrificing with a less expensive model.

How do we rate it?

We assess the overall worth, taking into account the price compared to the features and performance offered. We give better ratings to optics that offer an excellent balance of quality features at a price that represents good value for money.

Best Under $200: Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 Red Dot Sight

The Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 Red Dot Sight is a high-quality optical device produced by Sig Sauer, a globally recognized firearms manufacturer known for their emphasis on performance and reliability.

Check out this full review for all of the details.

Here’s why it’s hands down the best option under $200.

The Romeo5 is all about giving you more bang for your buck. It comes packed with features that you’d usually find in pricier models. This sight features a 2 MOA red dot reticle, which hits that sweet spot between precision and speed – ideal for both close-quarters and mid-range shots.

One of the standout features of this red dot sight is its Motion Activated Illumination (MOTAC). You move, it wakes up; you stop, it sleeps. This cool function extends battery life, saving you cash in the long run. It’s always ready to go when you are, and there’s something pretty cool about that!

Moreover, the Romeo5 comes with an integrated M1913 Picatinny interface that provides industry-standard mounting options for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re in the field hunting, at the range, or in a tactical situation, this red dot sight will not let you down.

Score

Size of Reticle Score – 4/5

Just a 2 MOA dot

Reticle Design Score – 4/5

Again, it’s a dot…

Night Vision Capability Score – 5/5

Yep!

Battery Life Score – 4/5

Motion-activated and 40,000 hours at a nominal setting . . . pretty legit

Price – 5/5

Priced to sell

Overall Score – 4.4/5

What Customers Say

I recently purchased the Sig Sauer Romeo5 red dot optic from Amazon and I am extremely satisfied with my purchase! The Romeo5 arrived quickly and was well-packaged. The optic itself is high-quality and well-made, with clear and bright optics that make it easy to acquire targets quickly. The sight is easy to adjust and holds zero well, even after extended use. The build quality is solid and the construction feels durable, with a sturdy and lightweight design that feels comfortable to use. The Sig Sauer Romeo5 red dot optic has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and effective sight for their firearm. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would definitely purchase from this seller again.

Daniel Turtoi

Best for Quick Target Acquisition: EOTech XPS2-0 Holographic Red Dot Sight

The EOTech XPS2-0 is a high-end holographic red dot sight that uses a holographic image of a reticle embedded into the viewing window and illuminated by a laser diode. This holographic system enables the shooter to view the reticle with two eyes open, facilitating rapid target acquisition and situational awareness.

With a large, open viewing window and a 68 MOA ring surrounding a 1 MOA dot reticle, this red dot sight is designed for rapid target engagement. The reticle layout provides a quick reference point, allowing your eyes to easily find the target without blocking your view. Basically, it’s like having a hawk’s sharp, rapid focus condensed into a neat little sight.

On top of its speediness, the XPS2-0 doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s built like a rugged fortress that can handle recoil and resist water, so you know it’s made to last.

It’s incredibly compact, too. The XPS2-0 has a shortened base that only requires 2.75″ of rail space, leaving you plenty of room for rear iron sights or magnifiers.

One more notable aspect is its efficient power use. The EOTech XPS2-0 operates on a single CR123 battery, offering a good battery life.

Score

Size of Reticle Score – 4/5

Mostly 1 MOA but interesting design options

Reticle Design Score – 5/5

Multiple options is cool! 1 dot, 2 dot w/ range estimation ring

Night Vision Capability Score – 5/5

Yep!

Battery Life Score – 3/5

1,000 hours at a nominal setting . . . meh!

Price – 4/5

Priced to sell

Overall Score – 4.2/5

What Customers Say

I have a ton of 44 mag through this EOTech on a S&W 629 now and have just moved the sight to an AR15. I picked up a Leupold FXII handgun scope for the 44 mag from Jose Rodriguez at The Scopesmith. All in all a better setup for both platforms. I’ve bumped my rating on the EOTech from 4 to a very solid 5 on the AR15. This is not to say that the EOTech is bad on the 44 mag. It is, in fact, quite nice and, importantly, survived more that 250 rounds of very hot, very nasty 320 grain hard cast 44 magnum without a hitch. The same can’t be said for my right hand. The EOTech is incredibly durable. I hope the same can be said of the Leupold after the same abuse. In just 20 rounds, the locktite on the Warn mount screws rattled loose, so time will tell.

W. E. Thackrey

Best for Durability: Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight

The Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight is a high-quality, durable, and reliable sight specially designed for law enforcement and military use. But due to its excellent features, it also became a popular choice among civilian gun owners.

Check out our full Aimpoint PRO review if you have time.

The Aimpoint PRO has tough-as-nails housing. It’s made from high-strength aluminum that can take a beating and keep on ticking. Whether it’s a slip, a drop, or harsh weather conditions, this red dot sight can survive almost anything.

And it’s not just tough on the outside; it’s robust on the inside too. The sight’s internals are sealed within the sight body to protect them from shock, vibration, and harsh elements. 

The red dot sight is also waterproof up to 150 feet, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.

For mounting, the Aimpoint PRO includes a QRP2 rail grabber mount. This mount has a torque-limiting twist knob that provides pressure enough for the sight to withstand severe recoil while also allowing for quick attachment and detachment.

Score

Size of Reticle Score – 4/5

Just 2 MOA

Reticle Design Score – 4/5

Just a dot again

Night Vision Capability Score – 5/5

4 NV Settings

Battery Life Score – 4/5

30,000 settings

Price – 4/5

Mid- to Premium-Level pricing

Overall Score – 4.2/5

What Customers Say

Decided to buy 3 of these lights back in September of 2021 and have had them on a timer ever since and they’re still going strong! Installation was simple if you have proper knowledge of electrical and have proper mounting equipment.

Lights came with a built in level which was nice if you dont have one on hand! They haven’t had any issues since ive installed them and they’re still very bright! Just purchased another one to add to the side of the warehouse.

Overall i would highly recommend this light to anyone who needs an area to be washed out nicely.

I have them on a timer which turns on at 12am and turns off at 6am everyday 24/7.

Alejandro Salazar

Burris FastFire II Reflex Red Dot Sight

The Burris FastFire II Reflex Red Dot Sight boasts a shockproof design which means it’s built to handle any amount of recoil you throw at it. From the soft push of a .22 to the hard kick of a .50 BMG, this sight is your sturdy, unshakeable sidekick.

What makes the Burris  FastFire II stand out from the rest is its durability and stability. Thanks to its solid construction and advanced tech, it maintains its reticle position even under heavy recoil. The last thing you want is a sight that gets thrown off by every shot, and the FastFire II makes sure that’s a non-issue.

The FastFire II doesn’t just handle recoil like a boss; it’s also user-friendly. It comes with a 4 MOA dot that’s easy to spot and align with your target, even in a hurry. So no matter how quick you’re shooting or how heavy the recoil, you can count on your aim being on point.

Score

Size of Reticle Score – 3/5

Just 4 MOA

Reticle Design Score – 4/5

Just a dot again

Night Vision Capability Score – 1/5

Nope!

Battery Life Score – 2/5

Unstated

Price – 5/5

Value pricing

Overall Score – 3.4/5

What Customers Say

IT’s a great sight. Easy to install, except the battery cap. Not sure why they make the cap such a pain to use. My advice is to push down on the cap and turn ccw about a half turn, then continue to push down and slowly turn clockwise to tighten. I put some electrical tape on the tip of my screwdriver to make a snug fit in the slot on the cap. The glass is clear and the 3 moa dot is easy to see. I mounted it on my shotgun for turkey hunting, so the smaller dot is the better choice for me.

BigDawgFan

Best Under $100: Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope is a compact, budget-friendly sighting solution designed to provide fast target acquisition and precision aiming. Despite its low price, it doesn’t skimp on performance or quality, which makes it a popular choice among hunters, sport shooters, and other firearms enthusiasts.

We did a full review of the TRS-25 here.

The TRS-25 also offers a clear, bright view. With a 3 MOA red dot reticle and multi-coated optics, you’ll get a crisp, bright sight picture, ensuring that you can acquire your target quickly, no matter the lighting conditions.

Let’s not forget about the TRS-25’s durability. It’s waterproof and fog proof, so whether you’re dealing with a sudden downpour or an early morning fog, this sight will keep on delivering. But let’s be honest, this is not an RMR. It’s affordable for plinking, but you may want to pay up if your life will rely on it!

Overall, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope offers high-quality performance at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent option for those looking for a cost-effective sighting solution.

Score

Size of Reticle Score – 3/5

Just 3 MOA

Reticle Design Score – 4/5

Just a dot again

Night Vision Capability Score – 3/5

11 settings

Battery Life Score – 2/5

Not great based on experience

Price – 5/5

Value pricing

Overall Score – 3.4/5

What Customers Say

I don’t write reviews much anymore. I figured I’d chime in with a contemporary 2022 opinion.

I always put off buying a TRS-25. I figured it’s a pricier “cheap” red dot. I always opted for the red dots in the $25-50 price range (Field Sport, Feyachi, Midten), figuring they’re just range red dots. I’ve owned half a dozen of these red dots in that price range, and even the ones that are “TRS-25 Clones”. I always assumed the ones that look just like the TRS-25 are pretty much the exact same thing with different markings on them. 6 years after buying my first cheap red dot for range time, I’ve finally bought the TRS-25 that I saw then. I just always figured it wasn’t worth double or triple the cost of those.

C. Kiehl

Our Key Takeaways

In this article, we’ve taken a thorough look at the top 7 best red dots for your AK-47, from Trijicon’s high-performing sights to Bushnell’s affordable options. Each product offers distinct features and advantages.

You might gravitate towards the robust Aimpoint PRO, favor the quick target acquisition of the EOTech XPS2-0, or appreciate the recoil readiness of the Burris FastFire II. Don’t worry if you’re budget-conscious – the Sig Sauer Romeo5 and Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 offer great value.

Finding the perfect red dot for your AK-47 comes down to your specific needs and shooting style. All the red dots we’ve explored are excellent, but the right choice will depend on your intended use.

Consider your options carefully, assess the pros and cons, and don’t rush the decision. Once you’ve selected your sight, you can look forward to a more accurate and efficient shooting experience.