Best Russian AK Red Dot Sights, Prism Optics, and Scopes

In light of current events, many of the more desirable Russian red dot optics that were available before disaster struck are long gone.

The good news is that we have found the 7 remaining options (most of which are SVD variants with AK mounts) that you can still get your hands on before it’s too late!

Russian-made AK red dot sights are nearly indestructible tanks of an optic that usually come equipped with a side-mounted universal bracket or the SVD bracket type.

Best Russian Scopes, Red Dots, & Prism Optics Still Available in 2024


The heyday for finding the rarer and more sought-after Russian AK red dot optics on Amazon is pretty much over, as far as we can tell.

For those interested in snatching up what few remaining “rebranded” Russian/Belarus optics we found in stock on Amazon- had better act fast!

*Note: The SVD models below have universal mounts to fit on Dragunovs and AK-47s with side rails shown in the pictures below.

#1 SD Dragunov 3-9×24 FFP Rifle Scope w/ Red Illuminated Rangefinder Reticle


This large Dragunov illuminated rangefinder scope with adjustable magnification would look sweet mounted on a classic WASR-10 with Romanian surplus wood furniture!

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  • Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.
  • Fits Dragunov and AK Series guns by Side Mount Rail.
  • The reticle is red-illuminated along the first focal plane.
  • Completely sealed and nitrogen-filled for waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance.
  • Build-in sunshade and objective lens cover, packed with free eyeshade.
Here, you can see what a modern, universal mount looks like mounted to the original scope.

These are likely made in Belarus and some importer put their brand on the universal scope mount that replaced the original SVD mount.

#2 SVD Dragunov 1x14mm Prism Scope w/ Side Rail Mount


These are currently the only Russian prism scopes we could find that are nice a compact, as opposed to longer scope types. How cool is it to use a Russian prism optic in 2024?

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  • Crystal clear optics, and nitrogen filling to prevent lens fogging.
  • SVD Dragunov 1x14mm prism scope with side rail mount.
  • Mount Can be Adjusted by Supplied Tools
  • 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
  • Please note the reticle is non-illuminated.

#3 GII SD 4×24 SVD Dragunov Rifle Scope w/ Side Rail Mount


This tank of a rifle scope with fixed magnification has a rugged finish that will last you through the apocalypse and back!

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“Mounted on WBP Jack 556 for a few months while I waited for other parts. For the price the glass is great and it holds zero, zeroing it is odd because the reticle moves in the glass so it takes a little getting used to, eye box is pretty small, and mounting takes a little figuring out since there’s no instructions (hence the 4/5).

Payce
  • Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.
  • Fits Dragunov guns by Side Mount Rail.
  • The reticle is red-illuminated.
  • Completely sealed and nitrogen-filled for waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance. Shock tested to 2000g.
  • 100% Fogproof, waterproof and shockproof

Here’s a picture of the available area to lock down on your AK side rail (*I write more about the side rail types in this article):

#4 SD SVD Dragunov SVD 6X42 POSP Rifle Scope w/ Side Rail Mount


This scope is similar to others on this list but with a more extreme magnification to suit your longer-distance shooting purposes.

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“I was hesitant when ordering tge scope but I am impressed. It is Russian made and branded under Sniper. The glass is very clear and bright and the reticle is very easy to read. It looks great on a PSL as black and has a 42 mm objective compared to the 24 mm of the orginal military scope. The price can’t be beat as now the used scopes that come with it are 300 plus and of course the tritium has burned out a long time ago. It comes with the rubber eye piece and has a flip up cap on the frontand comes with the batteries which are just waffer batteries and easy to get. Shipping was also fast. Order it and you won’t be disappointed.

Bryan
  • Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.
  • Fits Dragunov guns by Side Mount Rail.
  • The reticle is red-illuminated.
  • Completely sealed and nitrogen-filled for waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance. Shock tested to 2000g.
  • 100% Fogproof, waterproof and shockproof

These scopes have very clicky adjustment knobs that hold their position once set.

#5 SVD Dragunov POSP 1×30 Rifle Scope w/Side Rail Mount


This is the last Russian red dot scope we could find. It’s great for those wanting an authentic Russian red dot with a shorter overall length compared to a scope.

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“Install on my wasr 10 was nice and easy, a good red dot sight for the ak platform!

Devon

It may be trickier to mount on an AK since it doesn’t look like a universal mount (but hey, it worked on Devon’s WASR-10 ) so just keep that in mind!

#6 SVD Dragunov POSP 3-9×24 FFP Rifle Scope w/Side Rail Mount


This Dragunov has respectable adjustability magnification-wise, making it better for shooting longer distances.

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“Not only are these better than the older soviet posp scopes, the company includes extra accessories that aren’t even advertised. I recieved spare mounts, camo case, batteries, and everything. 10/10 recommend.

Charlotte

This guy gave his scope a custom paint job and received extra accessories he didn’t expect… nice!

The illuminated reticle is bright and will look crisper than what’s shown here.

“The scope fits just like it is supposed to, the finish on the scope itself is fantastic, very clear glass, easy to read reticule, the illuminated reticule (taking a single AA battery) and first focal plane crosshair are features that aren’t available at similar price points elsewhere. The adjustment knobs are tactile and easy to use, after a quick zero things stay where you left it; definitely seems like a great buy for the money. The true test of value is how it holds up over time, but the quality is there so I’m confident it will hold up.”

Ashlee
These larger scopes may be better suited for the Dragunov but I’ve seen people have success using them on their AK-47 rifles too.

#7 SVD Dragunov POSP 4×24 Rifle Scope w/Side Rail Mount


This option has a fixed 4×24 magnification that makes it ideal for quickly finding targets downrange.

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“So this is actually a really decent optic, holds up well, looks nice, has very clear optics. Other than the “Sniper” branding/text its identical to a scope that comes with the PSL.

Nicholas

This is a pretty sweet scope with a rugged fit and finish that’s ready to rock on your AK.

#7 SVD Dragunov Reproduction POSP 4×26 Rifle Scope w/Side Rail Mount


This may be the most modern-looking scope of the bunch with a beautiful black finish and a fixed magnification with the ability to adjust focus. This reproduction scope is made by Texas Precision Optics using good-quality components.

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“First off this is a decent scope for the money, for what it’s for. All the reviews that say it’s no good or not suitable for any hunting rifle, bla blah. Ok this sight is designed to work with 2 rifles, it says so in the title, and that would be the Russian AK and the Dragunov SVD. If you do not have either one of these then this is going to be useless to you. I’m not going to copy and paste the pamphlet or quote the specifications, but here’s my hands on experience. This scope is made by Texas Precision Optics, anyone familiar will tell you they make better than average optics. Not high end but definitely a quality level that exceeds the price. They use quality components that are assembled in what must be a quality manufacturing facility with employees that know and care about what they are building. Are there better optics for this platform, yes but be prepared to drop considerably more $$$ if you plan to acquire one.

STEIN

Russian Optics In My Collection


My 1st Russian Red Dot: The “BelOMO PK-A” Made in Belarus

The PK-A (pictured below) is a great laser collimator red dot scope without magnification.

You used to be able to pick one up for roughly $268-$300 on Amazon but due to this company operating out of Belarus, they’re no longer in stock at the BelOMO store but the Kalinka Optics store still has a few available.

They take 2 small button-cell lithium batteries that unfortunately only give you 96 hrs of runtime on the brightest setting but these button-cell batteries are pretty cheap to stock up on.

Russian red dot sight
This is the original Russian Red Dot made in Belarus- the PK-A from the PK series of Red Dot Laser Collimator Scopes mounted on my Battlefield pickup WASR from Atlantic Firearms.

You can pick up a pack of 20 cells for under $6 on Amazon that will keep you going for quite a while… pick some up cause you most likely will want to stockpile some of these!

If you’re in the market for a Russian Red Dot and you love that old-school look with built-like-a-tank reliability… this red dot fits the bill nicely!

Also, I’m able to co-witness with my front sight but can’t effectively use the rear sight unless it is notched up to 200-300 meters.

This PK-A optic with an SVD mount fits perfectly tight on my Romanian WASR-10 which has an SVD center groove on its side rail. This is a battlefield pickup that was expertly assembled from a 1965 Romanian parts kit by Atlantic Firearms’ manufacturing branch.

FYI: I can’t overstate the red dots lasers on these optics are so crisp compared to LEDs, and it even works with night vision… if that’s important to you (I can’t confirm this myself).

The mount skews slightly left of center, which might bother some people, but it doesn’t appear to affect functionality at all unless you shoot left-handed!

My 2nd Russian Red Dot: The “BelOMO RK-01V” Made in Belarus

When this RK-01V Russian red dot was available (pictured below), it would typically sell for $280 and was another great Russian Collimator Red Dot.

This optic has a low-profile mount that is perfectly centered to the bore of my PSA AK-103 rifle allowing me to co-witness with the front sight. It takes a really low mount to achieve a lower 1/3 co-witness with AK sights!

My PSAK-103 with the sexy beast mounted aka the PK-01V… This 1X optic runs on 2 AAA batteries that give it a 500-hour runtime on full power.

This optic is also built to last and will withstand any abuse you can throw at it! These scopes are still used by AK-toting militaries throughout Eastern Europe which is a testament to their ruggedness and design.

PK-01V optic with universal mount fits my PSA AK-103 with an AKM side rail nicely and the fitment is tight!

This popular model uses 2 AAA batteries for a maximum runtime (on full power) of 500 hrs, which is respectable for a laser collimator design.

If you don’t like the slightly off-axis mount of the PK-A, then this would be the scope to get (unfortunately, these have gone the way of the Dodo).

Collimators have some of the crispest dots I’ve seen on an optic. There is a slightly green tint through the glass which might bother some people.

It’s also night vision capable if you’ve got the Nods for it. It also has a universal side mount that should fit most AK rails.

Which AK Mount Do You Have?


Make sure you know what type of rail your AK has installed so you know whether or not you need a universal AK mount or if your AK will accept an SVD mount. The easiest way to tell is pictured below.

AKM / AK-47 Mount

The standard AKM / AK-47 mount will look similar to the mount pictured above. This is a flat-side mount rail that will not accept the locking pin found on SVD mounting brackets.

If you have this type of side rail mount, make sure you purchase a “universal” mounting bracket. Most AKs will have this type of mount.

SVD Mount

The SVD mount shown above has a groove down the center that will allow you to mount an SVD mount that has a front locking pin.

This type of mount can accept universal mounts as well but AKM/ AK-47 specific mounts will be too tight as the edges of the rail tend to be slightly wider.

AKs that have this type of mount are the Russian Vepr’s older Romanian WASR 10s (*this is not a complete list).

Russian Optics No Longer Available


The prices of these optics are only going to get higher and higher as they become more and more scarce due to the current conflict in you know where… so don’t put off buying one before it’s too late.

UPDATE: It’s currently too late to pick up any of the optics shown below but they still make for some interesting pictures of what used to be available a year ago

They will not doubt become a valuable asset that will appreciate over time so add one or more to your collection soon!

Below is a list of the best Russian red dot sights still available that used to sell on Amazon. The Belarus BelOMO red dots are no longer available, nor are any Kalinka optics.

#1 Russian Red Dot: Kalinka Optics PK-A Red Dot For AK-47 Universal Mount


This Belarus-made red dot is pretty much the same as the one pictured on my WASR-10 but with a universal mount instead of an SVD mount like mine.

I do love these red dot sights as they add to the aesthetic appeal of the AK platform and are built just as tough!

The PK-A Military Fast Acquisition Red Dot Rifle Scope, AK Version is an outstanding red dot scope. It is a currently issued, tactical, military scope. It is great for high-density urban suppression and for picking up fast-moving targets. Designed to stand up to the toughest battlefield conditions, you can take it anywhere.

PK-A optic

It has a super-wide 40-degree field of view that lets you survey and track the complete field of activity. This red dot will significantly improve your aim in dusk conditions. It boasts a bright 1 MOA Red Dot to give you very precise and accurate aiming. It has a special 5 setting, and discreet built-in variable brightness control allowing you to regulate the brightness of the dot manually.

PK-A optic

It is overbuilt to handle the strongest of recoils and can be attached to any weapon regardless of caliber. It is compact, lightweight, waterproof, and dry nitrogen purged to prevent fogging. Perfectly suited to use with night vision optics such as goggles, it is a scope for all events. The open windage and elevation knobs are easily accessible for adjustment and have clearly-pronounced clicks. Russian sights are particularly popular for having open uncovered knobs that are finger adjustable.

PK-A optic shown on a Russian SAIGA-12

It comes with a full set of accessories including a lens cap and a soft carrying case. The AK V clamp can easily be mounted to any of these rifles with the standard side rail: AK, AKM, Vepr, Saiga, K-var, KBI, Hesse, Century, and Arsenal USA copies, Romak1/2, SLR-93, SLR-95, SLR-101, MK-11, SAR, WUM, SA85M, WASR (check for installed rail), Maddi, Norinco, and Poly-Tech copies and many more models.

  • It is great for picking up fast-moving targets.
  • Designed to stand up to the toughest battlefield conditions, you can take it anywhere.
  • It has a super-wide 40-degree field of view that lets you survey and track the complete field of activity.
  • It has a special 5 setting, and discreet built-in variable brightness control allowing you to regulate the brightness of the dot manually.
  • It is compact, lightweight, waterproof, and dry nitrogen purged to prevent fogging. Perfectly suited to use with night vision optics such as goggles, it is a scope for all events

This is the PK-A version made in Venezuela and is currently in use by their military. It is also a universal mounting system:

#2 Russian Red Dot: Kalinka Optics PK-01 VM Red Dot Low Profile Weaver


This Russian Red Dot is pretty much the same as the PK-01V except it has a weaver mount instead of a side mount.

This is great if you already have a scope mount like an RS Regulate or any other AK side rail scope mount that uses Weaver rails. It can also be mounted on a railed gas tube like the Ultimak.

PK-01 VM optic with weaver mount is great for mounting on any side rail scope mount you may already own, or a railed gas tube, railed dust cover, and railed sight leaf.

PK-01 VM Military Red Dot Rifle Weapon Scope with Brightness Adjustment and Weaver / Picatinny Mount. This genuine PK-01VM is the newest device in PK-01V family, light scope simple in design and construction. It is particularly reliable and sturdy. It is designed for accurate firing by hunting rifles in daylight and dusk conditions and is guaranteed to significantly increase your accuracy.

PK-01 VM comes with a nice storage bag with some accessories included.

It has a Low Profile Weaver/Picatinny Mount so it can be attached to virtually any weapon. It has a traditional bright red dot with a minimum MOA of 2.5. The PK-01VM has a special 8 setting, discreet built-in variable brightness control allowing you to regulate the brightness of the dot manually. 3 of these 8 settings are designed especially to work together with Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 Night Vision Equipment.

PK-01 VM has a mount that attaches directly to any weaver rail on your AK.

It is overbuilt to handle the strongest of recoils and can be attached to any weapon regardless of caliber. The sight is waterproof and dry nitrogen is purged to prevent fogging. The windage and elevation knobs have clear, pronounced .2 Mil (2 cm at 100 m) clicks. It comes with a full set of accessories including lens caps, tools, batteries, a fire card, and a soft carrying case.

  • Designed especially to work together with Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 Night Vision Equipment
  • Overbuilt to handle the strongest of recoils and can be attached to any weapon regardless of caliber
  • The sight is waterproof and dry nitrogen is purged to prevent fogging
  • Designed for accurate firing by hunting rifles in daylight and dusk conditions and is guaranteed to significantly increase your accuracy
  • Comes with a full set of accessories including lens caps, tools, batteries, fire cards, and a soft carrying case.

There’s another version of the PK-01 with a mount already attached that you can check out below:

#3 Russian Red Dot: SVD Dragunov 1x30mm Red Dot Sight For SVD Mount Side Rail


If your AK has the SVD mount with the channel down the center, then the most budget-friendly Russian optic on our list comes in at just $99 (*there was only one left last I checked).

This is a solid, robust red dot that will last as long as your AK!

Make sure your rail looks like this or else this SVD mount red dot won’t fit your AK!

This is a very nice and compact Russian red dot that won’t add a lot of weight to your AK but its all-metal construction is still very solid and has some heft to it. The finish is very well done too and it’s easy to adjust for zero.

SVD Dragunov optic will mount on any SVD center groove scope mount. Make sure your AK is compatible with this mount and don’t try to force this to fit on an AKM flat-faced mount!

SVD Dragunov 1×30 Red Dot Scope Sight

The package includes 1×30 Scope with mount, 1xBattery (CR2032), Cleaning Cloth, and Allen Keys.

SVD Dragunov optic side view.

Specific parameters:

  • MODEL: SVD1x30 Battery size: CR2032
  • WEIGHT/OZ:14.19
  • LENGTH:5.6
  • CLICK IN@100YARDS:1/2′
  • ADJUSTMENT RANGE:±40
  • Fog PROOF: YES
  • Shock PROOF: YES
  • Water PROOF: YES
  • Crystal clear optics, nitrogen filling to prevent lens fogging
  • Red Dot Scope Sight with Side Mount Rail
  • Mount Can be Adjusted by Supplied Tools
  • 100% waterproof and shockproof

#4 Russian Red Dot: Compact Lightweight PRC Red-Dot Collimator Sight Base Weaver 


Ok, this is the last Russian red dot on our list but we saved the coolest for last. This red dot sight would look awesome on any AK!

I can’t wait to pick one up myself and put it on my WBP FOX using its proprietary rail which would work perfectly with the mount on this optic.

PRC red dot sight with weaver mount will fit nicely on most rails.

This thing just looks so badass and Russian! Perfect fit for the AK styling with its slightly bulky appearance typical of Russian-made optics.

It’s not something you’ll ever come across with US-made optics design yet it’s still a very well-made, high-quality red dot.

PRC red dot sight with side adjustment turret with locking screw to hold the position.

The PRC scope is an excellent modern small-sized scope. Designed for accurate targeting when shooting in various lighting conditions – in the daytime at dusk, in conditions of poor visibility, and rapidly changing illumination.

PRC red dot sight side view with protective lens covers that are secured to the tube with rubber rings.

The sight was developed by order of the Armed Forces of one of the countries of the former socialist camp and has passed all stages of testing in harsh conditions. The sight has an aiming mark of the “Point” type.

PRC red dot sight comes with this heavy-duty storage bag with accessories included.

The brightness of the reticle is manually changed using an 11-position switch. At minimum brightness levels, the sight can be used in conjunction with night devices.

PRC red dot sight rear view showing the emitter inside the glass.

The price per click of the vertical and horizontal adjustment drums is 4 cm per 100 m. Supplied with a bag, key, battery, and instructions.

  • 2 MOA Parallax Free
  • Shockproof, Waterproof, Nitrogen Purged
  • One-piece sealed body
  • Easy access to control turrets
  • Compact overall dimensions and weight
  • Picatinny rail MIL-STD1913 mounted
  • 11 brightness levels

Final Thoughts

It’s sad to see the availability of the most desirable Russian red dot sights take such a dive thanks to import bans and suppliers finally running out of older import inventory.

The only good news is those of us who were lucky enough to get our hands on one will see its value continue to rise due to scarcity.

But, those who didn’t get a chance to own one yet will have to search long and hard on auction sites while paying a premium for one of these relics of AK’s past.

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