The AK series of rifles are the second most popular series of rifles in the United States. Even with that being said dedicated AK optics are hard to come by. The AK is meant to be used at ranges of 300 yards, so the optics market has never been large. The Bushnell AK Optic is one of the most modern and affordable option for scoping any rifle in 7.62×39. For example, I tested and utilized this scope on my SIG 556R, a 7.62 x 39mm SIG 556. The R standing for Russian of course. The Bushnell AK optic isn’t just for AKs, ARs, the M+M M10, and the PTR 32 are all 7.62 x 39mm rifles that can benefit from this scope. Bushnell was more than happy to provide me with a production model for review over the last few weeks.
The Rundown of the Bushnell AK optic
During my Bushnell AK optic review, I was impressed more than once. I’m not a rich man and the best optic I’ve ever used was a Trijicon ACOG. I’m not the type of guy who can afford a Schmidt and Bender, or Nightforce optics. What I can afford is the Bushnell AK optic. That’s what drew me to it. With an MSRP of 250 bucks, I only expected a working optic, not much more. I was wrong.
This is a 1-4 x 24 power optic with a 30mm tube. I mounted it with low pro Vortex rings. The rings are a bit low, but I already had them on hand. I did have to remove my rear iron sight. Anyway, the optic features an illuminated reticle with four drop points. It’s a BDC reticle that allows you to reach out to 400 yards. The adjustment turrets are fingertip adjustable and can be reset to zero for making easy calls for wind and distance in the field, and then put the weapon back to its normal zero.
Through the Bushnell AK Scope
The Bushnell AK optic is surprisingly clear and easy to use. The smaller 24mm objective lens matches the 4x power magnification and keeps it comfortable when it’s bright outside. Zeroing the optic is very easy to do. Since it’s a second focal plane optic I set the magnification to 4x and zeroed it at 50 yards. It took twelve rounds to zero, firing in three-round strings. The reticle is easy to see during the day without illumination. There are 11 illumination settings, and an extra battery is stored in the turret caps. Everything is intuitive and self-explanatory.
Close Range
A 1-4 optic can be used as what is basically a red dot. It’s simple to do. Open both eyes, set the magnification to 1x and turn the illumination on. With both eyes open it gives the appearance of a red dot optic. and makes close range encounters pretty easy to deal with. The biggest issue is the illumination is kind of weak. Regardless of the ambient light I always had to use it at 11 to effectively see the reticle.
Even so utilizing the Bindon aiming concept makes hitting close range target simple, it’s mostly instinct at contact distances. Out to 25 yards, it’s still simple to place effective shots on a target. Effective shots being chest and head shots.
Long Range
Long Range with an AK is subjective. I say 400 yards is long range. The BDC was accurate out to three hundred yards and this is the furthest I could test it. I found I need to hold just a hair high, with the bottom of the third chevron on top of the target. In the prone position, it was almost boring hitting the target at the 300-yard line. My SIG 556R is a little more accurate than the average AK, but it’s still limited by the round itself. Especially because I wasn’t spending real money on AK ammo. I used the classic Wolf Steel cased 123-grain ammunition.
At 4 power I could easily see the target at 300 yards and engage it pretty effectively. What sucked was that 30 round AK mag in the prone position, but I made it work
Medium Range
The AK and the 7.62×39 excels in that 100 to 200-yard range and this optic is the same. Transitioning between these ranges with the Bushnell Ak Optic was simple. Transitioning magnification ranges between these ranges is simple due to the textured magnification ring. The ring itself is marked for a wide variety of different ranges. Close range is really where the AK, the 7.82 x 39, and the Bushnell AK optic rules. During my Bushnell Ak optic review I had the most fun transitioning to the standing-prone, and kneeling at 100 to 200 yards.
Purpose
If you want to hunt, or plink with your AK style rifle this scope is absolutely perfect for you. The same goes for rocking action shooting sports. If you wanna break away from the AR 15 fan club this is the scope to do it. Although, for action sports, I would prefer to see a throw lever and maybe brighter magnification. I like to hunt hogs with the 7.62 x 39 and the addition of this scope over crappy AK sights is a blessing. AK iron sights suck in 99% of cases, so a good optic can make a big difference.
Wit my 556R I noticed an impressive difference, and for the cost, the Bushnell AK optic, 1 to 4 power, is an excellent optic. It’s affordable and is a good choice for America’s second most popular rifle. The Bushnell AK optic is a good scope for the AK wielder, like our own Rick D. Like the A 47 its cheap, affordable, and easy to use. Unlike the AK it wasn’t designed in 1947. Want one for your rifle, check out one here.
