Getting an LPVO for your AK is a great idea that works, and there is nothing wrong with it. Not only do LPVOs pair surprisingly well with AKs (especially 5.6 AKs), but an LPVO is a very practical solution if you want to do accurate shooting at long range (maybe over 500 yards) with your AK.

    However, an LPVO for an AK only works if you can find a practical mounting solution: one that lets you position your face correctly, with the proper eye relief, and is easy to remove for maintenance and care. 

    But, even before you get to mounting, you first have to decide (based on your shooting needs) which LPVO would make the most sense on your AK. 

    So, how do you choose an LPVO for your AK? And what solutions should you be looking at to make sure it mounts properly in a setup that is appropriate for the kind of shooting you want to do?

    Let's start with choosing the right LPVO first, then discuss mounting.

Part 1: Choosing the Right LPVO for an AK

    Most AKs go up to about 300 yards, and so, a 1-4x LPVO seems to be the natural choice. However, many shooters will argue that the whole point of getting an LPVO is to get as much range from your rifle as you can.  A 1-6x LPVO or even a 1-8x LPVO is also practical for an AK: it comes down to how much you are willing to stretch the capacity of your AK.

• A 1-4x LPVO is the Classic choice for AK. It keeps the weight low and is great for general AK ranges (up to ~300 yards).
• A 1–6x LPVO is a more balanced choice for an AK. It gives you both close-range speed and enough zoom for longer precision (~500 yards with 5.45x39 or 7.62x39).

    A 1–8x or 1–10x LPVO gives you more capacity, but it's not very practical. Most AK users don’t need this much range, except if you are really bent on stretching the rifle’s limits. Besides,  with a 1-8x LPVO for an AK, your setup may be heavier, bulkier, and more expensive.

1. 1-4x LPVO or 1-6x LPVO? Which is Better for an AK?

     Again, 1-4x LPVO is the more common choice for an AK: it is great if you simply want a setup that works. However, if you are going to stretch the capacity of your AK (which is probably why you want an LPVO in the first place), you are probably better off going for a 1-6x LPVO, or higher.

Here’s why:

• First, it is a better investment for the money. Should you really invest in an LPVO if your max is only going to be 4x? 6x or 8x is arguably better if you are going to spend the money.
• Also, there are more affordable options if your top range is going to be 4x. Might as well consider a fixed-power prism. 6x gives you more range and is a better investment, logically speaking.

    If you just want to use an LPVO on your AK to see how it works, to get a feel of it, then a 1-4x LPVO is fine. 

    If you want to enhance your AK, stretch it from low to mid range for hunting, pest control, target shooting, or just upgrade it for better accuracy, reach, and adaptability, then a 1-6x LPVO is the way to go.

    If you want to completely max out the AK, get as much out of it as possible, then consider a 1-8x LPVO. Keep in mind, though, that 1-8x may be a bit of an overkill. But it is doable.

The reasonable choice is a 1-6x LPVO.

2. FFP vs SFP LPVO: Which Should You Go For?

    For the 300-yard range of your average AK, an SFP reticle is generally the better option: it is faster and simpler, and more practical for engagements within that distance.  

    However, the further out you intend to shoot, the more sensible it becomes to use an FFP reticle. If your goal is to be able to hit a small target at over 500 yards with your AK, an FFP reticle gives you better range estimation and precision.

• If you are to operate within the confines of the shooting distance of your AK (under 300 yards), then a 1-4x  LPVO with an SFP reticle.

• If you want to stretch the shooting capability of our AK, then you have probably already gone for 1-6x LPVO, and in that case, an FFP reticle will serve you better.

3. Reticle Considerations: BDC or No BDC?

    For an LPVO for AK, you mainly have to decide whether you want an LPVO with a BDC reticle or not. 

• If you are shooting below 300 yards, you don't need a BDC reticle. Any intermediate cartridge rifle can hit those distances with no problems. A simple reticle with hash marks will do.
• However, if you are stretching your AK to 500 yards and over, a BDC reticle will help you with accuracy. 

    Take note, however, that some LPVOs have reticles calibrated for 5.56 NATO. They won’t perfectly match 7.62×39 or 5.45×39, but you can still learn your holds.

    Also, an illuminated reticle is essential if you want red-dot-like performance at 1x.

4. Other Factors to Consider

• Weight: AKs are already front-heavy; don’t add a massive LPVO if you want maneuverability. Keep this in mind, especially if you are considering a 1-8x or 1-10x LPVO.
• Eye Relief: AK stocks are shorter than AR stocks. Make sure your LPVO has forgiving eye relief.
• Budget vs. use Case: A $1,500 LPVO on a $900 AK might not make sense, except if it is going to be your primary rifle.

5. Conclusion

    So, you have an image of the LPVO you want: if you are going for a 1-4x LPVO, you are looking at an SFP reticle, no BDC. 

    If you decide to go for a 1-6x LPVO, you are looking at a 1-6x below $400, FFP reticle (SFP is also fine), BDC, eye relief of about 3.5-4.0 mm, and a weight of no more than 70g.

    If you are going for more zoom, a 1-8x will do. You definitely need an SFP reticle, BDC, about the same eye relief, and you want it to be as lightweight as you can get. 

Part 2: Find a Mounting Solution that works

    AKs weren’t originally designed for optics, so mounting is the trickiest part. To set up your LPVO on an AK, you need a mount that fits, ensures proper eye relief, and is easy to handle. There are three options when it comes to mounting an LPVO on an AK: 

• Aside mount
• A top cover mount
• Gas Tube/Handguard Mounts

1. Best Mounting Option for LPVO on AK: An RS Regulate Mount

    The best mounting solution for an LPVO for an AK is to use a side rail mount. An RS Regulate side mount is stable, centers the optic perfectly, and is best for repeatable zero. 

    The challenge using an RS Regulate mount, however, is eye relief. An RS Regulate side mount works when it comes to mounting the LPVO on your AK, but you need to take extra measures to avoid cheek weld. 

To deal with this, you have two options: 

• Pair your RS Side mount with the lowest-profile scope rings you can find.  
• Or pair your RS Regulate Side mount with a cantilever mount, but use a cheek riser

Pairing an RS Regulate mount with Scope Rings for AK

    Low scope rings are usually high enough to use in this system. For an AK-303, pair it with AKM-2 rings. The low profile of the scope rings helps manage the cheek weld.

Pairing an RS Regulate mount with a Cantilever Mount for AK

    A cantilever mount will work on top of the RS regulate rail. In fact, many shooters stick to using cantilever mounts

• It pushes the optic forward, giving proper eye relief (important since AK stocks are shorter).
• It keeps the scope positioned more naturally over the receiver instead of being cramped back toward your face.
• Besides, cantilever mounts are always a more “natural” match for LPVOs. 

Dealing with Chin Weld

    The biggest challenge when using an RS Regulate mount and cantilever mount combo to mount your LPVO on an AK will be dealing with the cheek weld.  A cantilever mount on an RS Regulate side mount won't give you a cheek weld as low as scope rings would, so you’ll be using more of a chin weld or slightly raised cheek weld. 

    Normally, this is common for optics on AKs, but it may be uncomfortable for some shooters. 

    The good news is, you can find a DIY solution to handle this problem. Some shooters use packing foam and duct tape the make a cheek riser. That works too. Or you can find a chin riser that works for AK. 

    The point is, if you are using a cantilever mount, you need to find a way to deal with the cheek weld. Using low scope rings is simply more practical. 

2. Top Cover Mount

    Some of the more modern AKs, like the Zentico, TWS Dog Leg, etc., have railed dust covers. For these, you will need a top cover mount.

    However, the risk with a top cover mount for AK is that your zero may drift. The mounting must be rock solid.

3. Gas Tube/Handguard Mounts

    Another option is to replace the upper handguard with a railed one (consider Ultimark). However, this is a mounting solution that works best with red dots. If your LPVO is too heavy, the system might be stressed.

4. Conclusion

    All in all, the best and most practical solution for an LPVO on an AK is an RS Regulate mount. You can choose between scope rings and a cantilever mount depending on your preferences, but an RS Regulate mount is almost indispensable in this system.

Part 3: Recommended LPVOs For Your AK

1. The Odin 1-6x LPVO

Gunnr’s Odin 1-6x FFP fulfills all the conditions you need when looking for an LPVO to get more out of your AK. 

The true 1x magnification and 6x zoom is what you need to be efficient both at low and mid-range. You get sufficient eye relief of (3.75 mm), a relatively light weight of 685g, and you don't miss out on the following features you’d typically only find on the top LPVOs:

• German Schott extra-low dispersion glass, for minimized chromatic aberration. You can confidently engage your target without worrying about distortion or blurriness.
• Made of robust 7075 aluminum alloy. It has passed rigorous salt spray tests to offer outstanding corrosion-resistant performance in harsh conditions.
• High shock resistance. It's tested to withstand 1,000 impacts at 1,000G and 2,000 live fire rounds.
• A reliable zero stop function, tactile, locking turrets.

You can now get all these features at a price point of $369.99, a perfectly reasonable price for an LPVO that will go on your AR. In terms of value for money and suitability to purpose, the 1-6x LPVO from Odin is as good as it gets.

2. The Odin 1-8x and 1-10x LPVOs

You might also want to consider the 1-8x FFP LPVO and the 1-10x LPVO. With many of the features of the 1-6x, and an equally favorable price. Both are definitely worth taking a look at.

Final Words

Again, it all depends on how much you want to get out of our AK. Each of these LPVOs will give you a steady, reliable performance, and you will always have the support of Gunnr’s team.  If still in doubt, you might want to explore this LPVO buying guide for more details.